The Atlas Obscura Guide To Washington, D.C.

266 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Washington, D.C.

Updated May 25, 2023

Thereʼs no better way to experience the history of the United States than through the hidden wonders of the capital. From the more unusual inclusions in the Smithsonianʼs collection to Americaʼs very own catacombs, we can help you get beneath the American project.

Unusual Attractions in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C.

Catacombs of Washington, D.C.

Franciscan monks created a facsimile of the Holy Land for North Americans who couldn’t afford the trip overseas.

Washington, D.C.

National Capitol Columns

The United States Capitol's former columns still stand.

Washington, D.C.

The Exorcist Stairs

The site of the climactic scene from the classic horror film is now a historic landmark.

Washington, D.C.

International Spy Museum

Home to items never before seen by the public.

Washington, D.C.

The Mansion on O Street

With over 100 jam-packed rooms to explore plus elaborate tea services and events, the Mansion on O Street is a hidden treasure.

Washington, D.C.

The Dupont Underground

Long-abandoned trolley tunnels just a mile away from the White House are turning into an art space.

Washington, D.C.

National Bonsai Museum

One of the dwarven trees dates back to 1625 and survived the Hiroshima bombing.

Washington, D.C.

Culture House

A historic neighborhood church is reborn as a psychedelic arts collective.

See All 266 Things To Do in Washington, D.C.

Cool Places to Eat & Drink in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C.

Mitsitam Native Foods Cafe

A museum cafe showcases Native American dishes and indigenous ingredients from across the Western Hemisphere.

Washington, D.C.

The Cuban Embassy's Hemingway Bar

When it opened during the final years of the embargo, all the drinks and cigars were free.

Washington, D.C.

Maine Avenue Fish Market

The oldest continuously operating fish market in the United States.

Washington, D.C.

Alferd Packer Cannibal Plaque

A brass plaque dedicated to a convicted cannibal hangs in the National Press Club, and that's not even the craziest part of the story.

See all 10 Places to Eat in Washington, D.C.

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Atlas Obscura Itineraries

The Explorer's Guide to U Street Corridor

The U Street Corridor is an epicenter of art and African American heritage in Washington, DC. Once known as “Black Broadway,” U Street was the center of Black culture in America. (It’s where Duke Ellington was born!) Though the neighborhood struggled in the years following the 1968 riots, it’s as vibrant as ever today. Start your day on U Street at a mural honoring Black Americans from Harriet Tubman to Dave Chapelle, and end at a beloved Ethiopian restaurant where you might be lucky enough to catch some live music and dancing. Along the way you’ll grab a drink, uncover forgotten history, and stand inside theaters where everyone from Ella Fitzgerald to Nirvana have performed.

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