Washington, D.C./Georgetown

Georgetown is a neighborhood in Washington, D.C., south of Upper Northwest and west of Dupont Circle. It is the oldest part of the city, with buildings dating back to 1751. The neighborhood is known for high-end shopping and dining, French-style cafes and cupcakeries, quaint 18th and 19th century rowhouses lining cobblestone streets reminiscent of Old Europe, sprawling estates, exclusive cocktail parties for the social and political elite, a glistening waterfront harbor, as well as Georgetown University and the associated rowdy collegiate nightlife. Several countries have embassies in Georgetown. Georgetown is physically separated from the rest of Washington by a ravine and the lack of a Metrorail station, and the feeling of separation persists in many ways to this day.

Understand
Georgetown is situated on bluffs overlooking the Potomac River. As a result, there are some rather steep grades on streets running north-south, as well as some great views over the Potomac. The famous "Exorcist Steps", which connect M St to Prospect St, were necessitated by the hilly topography. Several of these sloping streets remain unpaved and cobblestoned. Most of Georgetown's streets are lined with tall, old trees and quaint 18th-19th century architecture. Georgetown used to be an industrial area and many of the former warehouses and factories have been beautifully repurposed into apartments, hotels, and office buildings. In 2003, the former refuse incinerator was re-developed into the luxury Ritz-Carlton hotel. Georgetown is best explored by foot.

History
Georgetown used to be inhabited by the Nacotchanke Indians, who called it Tahoga. The first written European record of its existence was by English fur trader Henry Fleet, who wrote about the settlement in 1632. It was settled by the British in 1696, who quickly expunged the local population. Incorporated in 1751, Georgetown predates Washington and it remained a separate city from Washington until 1871. The name was either a tribute to King George II of Britain, or to George Gordon and George Beall, who owned most of the land at the time the city was founded.

In colonial times, Georgetown was at the northernmost navigable point on the Potomac River. As a port city it was an important center of Mid-Atlantic trade, particularly for locally-grown tobacco and slaves. In 1789, Georgetown University was founded as the first Jesuit university in the nation. Thomas Jefferson and Francis Scott Key both lived in Georgetown, and George Washington came over often to visit the popular taverns.

The $77 million Chesapeake and Ohio Canal was constructed in the 1820s along the west bank of the Potomac River, linking Georgetown to Ohio via Western Maryland. Due to the construction of the more efficient B&O Railroad and problems with flooding and silting, the project was a dramatic commercial failure, and operated at a loss, but its legacy exists in Georgetown today as a beautiful place to take a walk or bike ride. In the late 19th century, Georgetown's fortunes declined precipitously as both the Potomac and the canal became unnavigable due to increased sedimentation. The factories around the canal shut down, and Georgetown became a slum. As the city of Washington grew, the Anglo-elite moved to newer homes in the burgeoning city, while newly freed slaves fled the south and came to Georgetown. The black population of Georgetown almost doubled and it became a majority African-American neighborhood, with a white minority as late as the beginning of the Second World War.

In the mid-20th century Georgetown's fortunes changed rapidly, as well-educated residents moved here, drawn by its proximity to the city center and especially by its beautiful architecture. Meanwhile many residences occupied by African Americans and working class whites, were condemned by the city, in collusion with real estate interests who wanted a slice of the historic neighborhood. In the 1950s, then-senator John F. Kennedy moved to 33rd and N St, and since everyone wanted to be at Jackie O's parties, the city's social and political elite returned to Georgetown in droves. Many houses were renovated and Georgetown quickly became the most expensive part of D.C, synonymous with the city's old money elite.

Today, Georgetown caters to a privileged, wealthy, international, powerful, and even somewhat aristocratic crowd, although the university presence preserves a unique mixture of beer-soaked youthful (though affluent) college town and prosperous enclave. Historic African American institutions have declined as a result of the areas high prices, though a few places remain, notably Mount Zion Methodist Church and Cemetery and Rose Park.

By Metrorail
For more information on riding the Metrorail in Washington DC, see Washington DC.

There is no Metrorail station in Georgetown. Georgetown is an easy one-mile walk from either the Rosslyn Metrorail Station in Arlington or the Foggy Bottom Metrorail Station in the West End and is 1.5 miles from the Dupont Circle Metrorail Station. Walking across the Key Bridge to/from the Rosslyn Metrorail Station also offers some really nice views.

By bus
The following are the main bus routes operating in Georgetown, along with links to timetables and route maps. For more information on riding buses in Washington DC, see Washington DC.


 * D.C. Circulator Georgetown-Union Station Yellow Line ($1) operates along Wisconsin Ave in Georgetown, then along M St towards the West End, where it passes near the White House and then into the East End on its way to Union Station in Capitol Hill. The bus operates 7AM-9PM daily, every ten minutes, with additional night service to McPherson Square.
 * D.C. Circulator Dupont Circle-Georgetown-Rosslyn Blue Line ($1) operates between the Rosslyn Metrorail Station in Arlington and Dupont Circle via M Street (and the West End).
 * Metrobus #G2 runs along P St from the University's main gates to Dupont Circle, and on to Shaw.
 * Metrobus #30N & #30S run down Wisconsin Ave from Upper Northwest past the National Cathedral, then east through Georgetown along M St.
 * Metrobus #31 & 33 runs from Tenleytown-AU, down Wisconsin, and then along M St. then goes south into the West End and GW University (near the Kennedy Center) before continuing along Pennsylvania Ave to the National Mall, and then Capitol Hill. Unlike Metrobus #32 and Metrobus #36, which stop near the Foggy Bottom Metrorail Station (on Pennsylvania Ave, before the Circle near GW Hospital), Metrobus #31 picks up and drops off directly in front of the Metrorail station.
 * Metrobus #32 & #36 run down Wisconsin Ave from Upper Northwest past the National Cathedral, then east through Georgetown along M St, then down Pennsylvania Ave to the National Mall.
 * Metrobus #38B runs from Rosslyn, across the Key Bridge through Georgetown to Farragut Square.

By car
Driving in Georgetown is not a pleasant experience and not recommended. Streets are clogged, pedestrians are aggressive (that's right, the pedestrians), drivers impatient, major arteries reverse flow and become one-way during rush hour.

Wisconsin Ave and M St are the major arteries. The Whitehurst Fwy from K St is a quick way to get between Georgetown and the West End or the National Mall. The Key Bridge at the west end of M St connects Georgetown with Arlington, Virginia, Reagan National Airport, and Alexandria. The Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway provides quick access between Georgetown and the neighborhoods along Rock Creek Park in Upper Northwest.

Parking
Street parking is almost impossible to find. Parking is available at The Shops at Georgetown Park Parking Garage (32nd & M St) for $10/hour or $20/day or the less-convenient Georgetown University Southwest Garage (37th & O St) for $3/hour or $20/day.

By taxi
It is easy to find a taxi on M St or Wisconsin Ave any time of the day.

By boat
Potomac Riverboat Company operates water taxis from Alexandria to Georgetown ($15 one-way) with narrated tours of the monuments.

By bicycle
The Capital Crescent Trail runs from Georgetown to Silver Spring.

For information on bike-sharing programs in the Washington DC area, see Washington DC.



See
Although Georgetown is known principally for its pretty residential streets, shopping, and dining, it has some of the most historical attractions in D.C. Dumbarton Oaks is a highlight of any visit to the city. A visit to D.C. would also be remiss without a stop at Georgetown University's beautiful Main and Dalghren Chapel quads, the notorious Exorcist Steps, and the C&O Canal.



Do
D.C. has a lot of outdoor opportunities for such an urban area, and Georgetown is one of the best places to enjoy them. Theodore Roosevelt Island and its hiking trails are just across the Key Bridge (free ranger-led tours on weekends at 10AM), the C&O Canal is a great place for a walk or bike ride, and Georgetown is also becoming a major jumping off point for boats, from water taxis to kayaks. The Washington Harbor development at the south end of 31st St, is the center of maritime activity, as well as a favorite (if touristy) place for a stroll to take in the views of the city across the Potomac.



Buy
Georgetown is upscale shopping central, although you won't find many discount or touristy stores here. You'll find many upscale local shops and boutiques as well many national and international chains. Along with Friendship Heights in Upper Northwest and City Center downtown, Georgetown is one of three highly upscale shopping areas in the District.

Georgetown has many modern interior design stores and showrooms concentrated between 34th and 33rd along M south to the canal. Even if you are not interested in design, some of those air conditioned stores have some very comfortable couches that you might stop in to "try out" on a hot day.

Clothes
If you like fashion, you will love shopping in Georgetown. You may also wind up in financial ruin due to the high prices, albeit with great closet riches.

National and international upscale clothing retailers include Abercrombie & Fitch (1208 Wisconsin Ave), Anthropologie (3222 M St), Banana Republic (3200 M St), BCBG (3210 M St), Brooks Brothers (3077 M St), Club Monaco Ralph Lauren (3295 M St), Coach (3259 M St), Co-Op by Barney's New York (3040 M St), CUSP (3030 M St), Diesel (3033 Wisconsin Ave), The Gap (1258 Wisconsin Ave), Gap Athleta (3229 M St), Hugo Boss (1517 Wisconsin Ave), J Crew (3222 M St), Limited (3276 M St), Lucky Brand Jeans (3273 M St), Lululemon (3265 M St), Nike (3040 M St), Ralph Lauren (1245 Wisconsin Ave), UGG Australia (1249 Wisconsin Ave), Urban Outfitters (3111 M St), Zara (1238 Wisconsin Ave) and many more, all close to each other, especially on M St east (and two blocks west) of Wisconsin and Wisconsin Ave north of M. You can walk past them all in 15 minutes.

Discounted clothing can be purchased at TJ Maxx (3254 M St).



Books
For an upscale college town, Georgetown has an underwhelming selection of bookstores, but there are still a couple of good, small, independent stores.

Eat
Georgetown has one of D.C.'s best dining scenes, with loads of options on M St. The university presence ensures that there are a lot of good budget options, but it is the high end where Georgetown excels—from stuffy and traditional to modern and chic. For more affordable options, check the bars as well, where there are some excellent eats to be had (e.g., Martin's Tavern).

Bakeries
Cupcakes, coffee and pies are serious business here and it is common for people to wait in line for a long time to buy them.



Budget
National fast food chain restaurants are rare in Georgetown. For those looking for cheap fast food, in addition to the restaurants below, try Five Guys Burgers & Fries or Chipotle's Mexican Grill. A Cosi's is available in the Leavey Center on the campus of Georgetown University.



Splurge
Georgetown is the place to go for high-end dining in D.C. The food and wines are world-class.



Drink
There are many, many places to drink in Georgetown, from upscale, exclusive bars to college joints. In addition, many places are restaurants-by-day, bars-by-night. M St is the main drag for drinking, and you won't have to walk far to stumble in and grab a beer. The nightlife in Georgetown is crowded and plentiful, but a good deal less fashionable than in less-touristy hotspots such as Shaw and Adams Morgan. The booze may be overpriced, but it is nice to have some drinks in a neighborhood where you can walk the side streets intoxicated at night without any fear of getting mugged.

For dancing, El Centro DF, listed above, is a very popular option.

Sleep
Georgetown is generally expensive. If you want to stay near Georgetown on a budget, either look for deals, or head over the Key Bridge to Arlington, or up M Street to Dupont and the West End, where you'll find better options and save a couple percent on hotel taxes.

Internet access
Most, but not all of the cafes in Georgetown offer free WiFi.

If you don't have a computer or smartphone, the following libraries offer free access to computer terminals:



Go next

 * C&O towpath and park is a 184.5 mile trail that starts in Georgetown. A few minutes into your walk or bicycle ride, you are in the middle of a green and verdant linear park alongside the banks of the Potomac. As freeways and highways in the area aren't allowed to have billboards, you won't experience visual pollution as you traverse (although you will see and hear cars and planes). Nonetheless, much like Rock Creek, it's a great walk alongside nature.
 * Arlington, Virginia, originally part of D.C. proper, is a 10-15 minute walk or even shorter bike ride over the beautiful Key Bridge. After crossing the Key Bridge to Arlington, you can take the stairs on the east side at the end of the bridge to get on the Mount Vernon Trail, which heads east to the quiet refuge of Theodore Roosevelt Island, which sports some magnificent views of its own. Further along the trail, bikers and joggers enjoy spectacular river views of the monuments, going past the airport, Old Town Alexandria, and all the way to George Washington's estate at Mount Vernon.
 * Looking for less collegiate-style nightlife? Head east to Dupont Circle or even further to Adams Morgan for the city's trendier clubs and divier bars, as well as the city's main live music venues. Or head north up Wisconsin to Upper Northwest for quieter neighborhood bars serving a slightly older (better-mannered) crowd.