25 Best Romantic Things to Do in Washington, D.C.    

Photo: SeanPavonePhoto/Fotolia

Washington, D.C. is a great destination for couples, home to stunning parks, monuments and exciting attractions. Visit the National Gallery of Art which houses some of the most important art pieces in the world, stroll along the National Mall and explore the manicured Smithsonian Gardens along the way. In the evening, have a romantic dinner, followed by a performance at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Here are the best romantic things to do in Washington, D.C.

The National Gallery of Art is located in the National Mall on Constitution Avenue and is one of the country’s top art galleries. Privately established in 1937 for the public by the United States Congress, the National Gallery of Art spans across a vast campus made up of the original neoclassical West Building, which was designed by John Russell Pope, and the newer East Building, designed by I.M. Pei, as well as a beautiful Sculpture Garden.

The Gallery’s main collection includes major works of art from the Italian Renaissance period to the Middle Ages, a vast selection of European paintings, including the only painting by Leonardo da Vinci in the United States, and over 75,000 prints. The National Gallery of Art is one of the best things to do in Washington, D.C. for couples. The museum also presents a number of educational programs and community outreach programs, and it is also home to an important art research facility. Read more

6th & Constitution Ave NW, Washington, D.C., Phone: 202-737-4215

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The National Mall in Washington is a large green urban space in the heart of the city that stands as a symbol of the nation and its democratic values. Stretching from the foot of the United States Capitol to the Potomac River, the Mall is the premier civic and symbolic space of the country.

The National Mall and Memorial Parks (NAMA) takes care of this vital space as well as all of the structures and monuments that can be found within it, including the White House, the State Capitol, Constitution Gardens, East and West Potomac Parks, and monuments such as the Washington Monument, Thomas Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, and D.C. War Memorial, among others.

National Mall and Memorial Parks is open 24 hours a day, but the best times to visit are the early evening and during the morning, when the area is tranquil, romantic and less crowded. Read more

900 Ohio Drive, SW, Washington, D.C., Phone: 877-444-6777

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The National Portrait Gallery is dedicated to sharing the rich heritage of America by portraying the people who shaped and developed the culture and history of the nation. The Gallery is based in one of Washington's oldest public buildings, a National Historic Landmark and one of the finest examples of Greek Revival architecture. It shares its space with the Smithsonian American Art Museum and is one of the best things to do in DC.

The Gallery’s collection showcases the people who made their mark on the country and its culture, including leaders such as George Washington and Martin Luther King Jr., activists such as Rosa Parks and Sequoyah, and icons of pop culture such as Marilyn Monroe and Babe Ruth. The Lunder Conservation Center boasts an innovative new space that allows visitors to look through floor-to-ceiling windows and watch conservators at work. Read more

8th St NW & F St NW, Washington, D.C., Phone: 202-633-8300

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The Smithsonian Gardens are located around museums and monuments throughout the National Mall and aim to extend the surrounding museums’ exhibits and learning environment in an eco-friendly garden setting. Open year-round, seven days a week, the Gardens offer visitors something new every season. Some of the possible attractions include horticultural exhibits, floral collections, specialty gardens, and educational programs.

The Smithsonian Gardens feature a few outdoor museums, including the Butterfly Habitat Garden, the Enid. A. Haupt Garden, the Heirloom Garden, and the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, all of which can be enjoyed throughout the year. The Gardens are also home to a variety of living plant, artifact, and archival collections for research and exhibition purposes. Read more

Capital Gallery, Suite 3300, 600 Maryland Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C., Phone: 202-633-2220 Photo: helgidinson/Fotolia

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DC Insider Tours is a luxury tour company that offers visitors the opportunity to explore, uncover, and enjoy the rich history and heritage of Washington D.C. A choice of different types of tours are available to suit every need, from private chauffeured tours to walking and specialty tours. Professional and knowledgeable guides lead all tours, and they share the history of and interesting information about the city.

Visit areas of the city such as Dupont Circle and Georgetown, experience the city’s famous monuments by night, explore the many museums the city has to offer, or enjoy a specialty tour such as Ghosts, Scandals and Murder or Hail to the Cocktail. Tour groups are kept relatively small in order to ensure a personal experience, and all ages are welcome to participate. 202-810-4627 Photo: SeanPavonePhoto/Fotolia

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The Cork Market & Tasting Room is located just south of the U Street Corridor in Washington and has a market-style menu accompanied by a vast selection of wines. The menu features an array of charcuterie and cheese boards, breads and crackers, homemade pasta and prepared foods, and a selection of gourmet delights such as truffle butter.

If you are looking for fun date ideas in DC, this is a great place to try. The impressive wine list boasts both local boutique wines and international vintages from around the world that can be ordered by the glass or bottle, as well as a range of spirits and beers. The Cork Market & Tasting Room is open for dinner and serves weekend brunch.

1805 14th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C., Phone: 202-265-2674 Photo: Cork Market & Tasting Room

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Established by long-time friends Michael Friedman, Michael O'Malley, and Sebastian Zutant, The Red Hen is an Italian-influenced restaurant located in the beautiful neighborhood of Bloomingdale. Wooden floors and tables and a roughly-hewn exposed brick wall create an inviting and informal atmosphere, while the menu features authentic Italian fare such as whipped ricotta crostini, mezze rigatoni, and caramelized scallops, as well as indulging desserts. The cuisine can be paired with a refreshing beverage from their selection of signature cocktails and boutique wines from Italy.

1822 First Street NW DC 20001, Washington, D.C., Phone: 202-525-3021 Photo: The Red Hen

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The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is a world-renowned performing arts center located on the Potomac River next to the Watergate Complex. Established in 1971, the Center presents an array of performances and shows, including ballet, theater, dance, jazz, chamber, and folk music, as well as a range of multi-media presentations for both adults and children.

Working in conjunction with the National Symphony Orchestra, the Washington Symphony Orchestra, and the Suzanne Farrell Ballet, the Center hosts approximately 2,000 performances each year, as well as Center-related touring productions and television and radio broadcasts.

Visitors to the Kennedy Center can take advantage of a variety of guided tours, which cover the magnificent Hall of States Hall of Nations and five of the Center's main theaters, including its three grand performance halls - the Concert Hall, Opera House, and Eisenhower Theater.

2700 F St NW, Washington, D.C., Phone: 202-416-8000 Photo: avmedved/Fotolia

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Inspired by his travels in Greece, Mike Isabella opened his restaurant Kapnos to share his passion for Greek culture and cuisine, creating an authentic Greek menu of meze and small plates, including his renowned wood-grilled octopus. The 160-seat restaurant boasts a comfortable, laid-back ambiance, and it features a couple of wood-fire grills with turning spits, which slow-grill animals such as lamb, goat, duck, and chicken all day.

Fresh stone-baked bread is baked in a large oven on-site and served with every dish. Kapnos is open for dinner seven nights a week, as well as for brunch on Saturdays and Sundays.

2201 14TH Street NW, Washington, D.C., Phone: 202-234-5000 Photo: Kapnos

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Museum Hack offers a unique alternative to regular, run-of-the-mill museum tours. Aimed at visitors who aren’t particularly fond of museums, Museum Hack has created tours that focus on the unusual highlights of the museum. Vibrant, fun-loving guides lead the tours, and they share their passion and knowledge with each guest, creating a fun way to take in the museum’s best aspects.

The guides customize each tour to ensure an active, fun, and engaging session for everyone. If you are looking for fun things to do in DC, this is a great tour company to try. Museum Hack offers private tours for groups or families, tours for special occasions such as birthdays or bachelorette parties, and corporate team-building tours. 800-778-5531 Photo: doganmesut/Fotolia

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Compass Rose is a friendly, neighborhood tavern that offers international street food in a warm and welcoming environment. Opened by owner Rose Previte, who found inspiration throughout her travels, Compass Rose serves a menu of food from around the world, including chili crab from Singapore, grilled calamari from Greece, and chicken skewers from Tunisia.

Vegetarian options include Bhel Puri Chaat from India and Khachapuri from Georgia while the drinks menu features a range of signature cocktails from across the globe. Compass Rose is open for lunch and dinner and weekend brunch. They do not take reservations.

1346 T Street, NW, Washington, D.C., Phone: 202-506-4765

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Located in the neighborhood of Dupont Circle, the Phillips Collection features an outstanding collection of Impressionist and modern art in an intimate and stylish setting. The private institution is based on the original 1897 Phillips house and boasts extensive new galleries that feature works by Rothko, van Gogh, Renoir, O'Keeffe, and Diebenkorn.

The Phillips Collection hosts a variety of special exhibitions and programs throughout the year, as well as symposia, lectures, workshops, and other art-focused events.

The museum also offers an award-winning educational outreach program for students and teachers. Visitors can enjoy guided group tours of the facility’s special exhibitions and permanent collection given by well-trained and knowledgeable staff. Read more

1600 21st Street, NW, Washington, D.C., Phone: 202-387-2151 Photo: bluraz/Fotolia

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Osteria Morini brings a taste of the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy to the Yards in Washington, D.C. Known as “the Italian Breadbasket,” Emilia-Romagna is famous for being the birthplace of the flavors and ingredients typically used in Italian cuisine, including parmigiana, balsamic vinegar, prosciutto, and mortadella.

The restaurant’s high ceilings and exposed kitchen creates a rustic and convivial ambience that is reflected in the creative menu, which features an array of small plates, pasta, entrées, and desserts presented by Executive Chef, Matt Adler.

The wine list includes affordable wine selections from various regions throghout Italy, as well as sparkling wines like Prosecco and Lambrusco and a choice of aperitifs, digestifs, and a signature Italian-inspired cocktail list.

301 Water Street Southeast, Suite 109, Washington, D.C., Phone: 202-484-0660 Photo: Osteria Morini

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Maple is an Italian-influenced, wine-focused eatery and wine bar that features a menu of authentic small plates, entrées, pasta, and desserts, as well as an impressive wine list.

The restaurant boasts a stylish, laid-back ambiance with chic décor and a large maple bar, and their menu features favorites such as short fig jam topped with prosciutto, Rib Panini, lamb ragu, and Nutella panini with smashed banana and toasted hazelnuts.

Enjoy an Italian-influenced cocktail or one of the many wines from the impressive wine list, which features wines from around the world. Maple is open for dinner and for weekend brunch.

3418 11th Street NW, Washington, D.C., Phone: 202-588-7442 Photo: Maple

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Tucked away in the hills of northwest Washington, D.C., Hillwood is a beautifully preserved Georgian mansion and museum open to the public. The estate was owned by Marjorie Merriweather Post, who donated the spectacular property and all of her art to the public, some of which include the largest collection of Russian Imperial art outside of Russia and an unrivaled collection of 18th-century decorative art and Fabergé Eggs.

Visitors are welcome to explore and enjoy the magnificent landscaped gardens and natural woodlands that surround Hillwood, as well as a special collections research library and an informal café. Hillwood is open six days of the week and welcomes visitors from around the globe. Read more

4155 Linnean Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C., Phone: 202-686-580

More ideas: 23 Must-Try Lunch & Dinner Spots in the Washington, D.C. Area. Photo: Hillwood

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You can easily find tiny Astro Doughnuts and Fried Chicken shop by the long line of people waiting to be served. There are no tables, so it is grab-&-go, but once you taste their interesting concoctions, sitting down will be the last thing on your mind. It will make you wonder why you did not think of putting a piece of crispy chicken on or in your favorite doughnuts - it just goes together.

Their doughnuts are large and light and the chicken is crispy and crunchy, and together they will make you smile. Doughnuts come with such sinful fillings as crème brûlée or spiced pear almond, and chicken choices include chicken fingers, chicken wings and all sorts of other combinations.

1308 G St NW, Washington, DC 20004, Phone: 202-809-5565 Photo: Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken

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Coffee shop by day and social gathering place by night, Station Kitchen & Cocktails utilizes an innovative culinary concept where diners can come together to enjoy good food and wine in a contemporary and stylish environment. Overlooking Embassy Row on Massachusetts Avenue, visitors can enjoy gourmet Compass Coffee and freshly baked pastries in the morning, while the evenings give over to cocktails, craft beer, wine, and small plates of delicious international cuisine.

Diners can feast on delights such as Korean Caveman pops, New Zealand meatballs, and Mexican street corn salad. Station Kitchen & Cocktails is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

2015 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C., Phone: 202-265-1600 Photo: Station Kitchen & Cocktails

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Located in the heart of the historic Capitol Hill neighborhood, the Eastern Market is a vibrant farmer’s and artisan's market that has become the go-to place for delicious, local farm-fresh products and prepared foods, handmade arts and crafts, and community events. The market is divided into two sections: the South Hall Market features an array of fresh produce, meat, poultry, cheese and dairy products, bakery and deli delights, herbs and flowers while the North Hall Events Space plays host to a variety of community events throughout the year.

On weekends, the market comes alive with the addition of the Weekend Farmers’ Line, where local farmers sell their fresh local produce, and the Weekend Outdoor Market, where local artists sell handmade arts, crafts, and antiques.

225 7th Street SE, Washington, D.C., Phone: 202-698-5253 Photo: Jane/Fotolia

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Located in Star and Shamrock Bar on H Street in downtown Washington DC, Bullfrog Bagels entered the eternal competition for the best bagels in the country. Though, instead of competing with Montreal or New York City, the baker and owner Jeremiah Cohen came up with something new: a Washington DC bagel.

He claims that Washington water and air make the yeast for his bagels unique, but his baking skills probably have something to do with the success of his delicious, chewy bagels. Whatever the reason, people are waiting in line in this no-frills, no seating place to get their share of classics like bagels with smoked salmon and cream cheese, or the out of the ordinary bagel with poached eggs, corned beef hash, pastrami and more.

1341 H St NE, Washington, DC 20002, Phone: 202-494-2609

More places to visit in DC: The Library of Congress, The National Zoological Park, The Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum, The Thomas Jefferson Memorial, Bike and Roll DC, The National Museum of Natural History, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, The Washington Monument and The United States National Arboretum. Photo: Bullfrog Bagels

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