Downtown: Washington DC

The word "downtown" can be somewhat vague and tends to incorporate several neighborhoods; DC's downtown area, or the "Business Improvement District", as it's been termed, really is mostly about businesses. Lots of Washington's "power addresses" are here - the World Bank, various news organizations, law firms, lobbying groups - as well, of course, as the ultimate power address, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue (the White House). While condos are starting to crop up here and there, downtown DC is still not considered particularly residential. Thus, you might have a harder time finding great shopping opportunities here, aside from the basic chain stores. Restaurants, bars and hotels, however, are in plentiful supply - after all, the movers and shakers visiting DC on business have to eat, drink and sleep somewhere!

Some downtown-area highlights include Equinox, with its emphasis on organic dining; President Obama and his wife have dined here. Georgia Brown's is a Southern dining gem hidden alongside Franklin Square. E Street Cinema shows foreign, indie and documentary films that you won't find at the average movie theater. © NileGuide