Georgetown (Washington D.C.)
1 / 6
Georgetown (DC) - by Monica Volpin from Pixabay
Description
Georgetown is a historic neighbourhood situated in Northwest Washington D.C. It was founded in 1751 (in then Maryland), 40 years before the establishment of the city, as the furthest upstream port along the Potomac River though, as the river silted up, this was no longer the case in the early 1800s which prompted the construction of the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal (starting in 1828) to link Georgetown to Harper's Ferry. The area is nowadays home to many politicians and lobbyists as well as an upmarket commercial and entertainment area. It is also well-known for its namesake Georgetown University. Landmarks include the Oak Hill Cemetery, the Old Stone House, the Volta Laboratory and Bureau, the 'Exorcist Steps', the Healy Hall on the university's campus, Tudor Place and the C&O canal.
Access & Transport
The neighbourhood is 3km west of downtown DC and well serviced by buses along M St NW and Wisconsin Ave NW. From the Viriginia side of the Potomac River, the easiest way to get there is to cross over the Francis Scott Key Memorial Bridge.
Instructions & Recommendations
-
Environmental & Social
Urban but with the river nearby and some green spaces. Tourism is helpful to the local economy but exacerbates the commercial aspects.
Conclusion
Georgetown is definitely worth exploring for anybody with at least 3 days in DC for its historical aspects and a change in atmosphere but do not head there looking for culture. Instead, plan your trip around some casual walk (+some shopping if that is you thing) and a lunch or evening drinks, sprinkled with a few charming buildings.
Key positive
Different feel and architecture from the rest of DC
Good for shopping and dining out
Key negative
Nothing spectacular or unique
Suitability
No restrictions
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
Updated in August 2023
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 30m
est. visit time:2h 30m
Sunrise / early morningNo
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightOk
Night – aft. midnightNo