Some of the Best Date Ideas in Downtown

To us, the highlight of Downtown DC is located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue: the White House. If you and your honey are looking for a romantic (and free!) date, just take a walk to see this impressive and important building.

Downtown, located in Northwest DC, is generally thought to encompass the following neighborhoods: Chinatown, Farragut Square, Federal Triangle, Foggy Bottom, Gallery Place, Metro Center, Mount Vernon Square, Penn Quarter, and West End. So you can be sure there are plenty of tasty places to eat and cool things to see in Downtown when you’re all done at the White House!

Downtown Image courtesy of wyntuition on Flickr


eat in Chinatown

Chinatown is a vibrant neighborhood in Northwest Washington, DC. When you see the brilliantly painted arch, you’ll know you’ve arrived! Whether you’re in the mood for eggrolls and bubble tea or pizza and burgers, you’ll find delicious fare in Chinatown restaurants. Yum!

where to eat in Chinatown in DC >>

play shuffleboard

Think shuffleboard is just for seniors on cruise ships? Well, think again! Shuffleboard is enjoying renewed popularity, with boards popping up in bars all across town. So on your next date, give shuffleboard a try. We're sure you'll have fun!

where to play shuffleboard in DC >>

eat Moroccan food

For a truly spicy date, fly to Morocco! But who can afford international airfare these days? For a more budget-friendly Moroccan date, try a Moroccan restaurant instead. Start with couscous with beef or lamb, wash it down with some mint tea and then watch a live belly-dancing performance to end the night. It’s the perfect exotic and fun date!

where to eat Moroccan food in DC >>

eat Korean food

Korean food is delectable but sadly often gets overshadowed by Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, and Thai cuisine. Help correct that imbalance while enjoying a wonderful dinner date by taking your honey to a Korean restaurant. Just be warned, the kimchi can be pretty spicy. So tread carefully if you have a low tolerance for hot ‘n’ spicy food!

where to eat Korean food in DC >>

eat Turkish food

For your next anniversary, why not shake things up a bit by trying a new cuisine? Turkish food is a great option, exotic but accessible. Regardless of which of the many delicious options you choose for an entree, there is no question when it comes to dessert: baklava. Yum!

where to eat Turkish food in DC >>

get a couple's massage

Want to unwind from a long week while simultaneously reconnecting with your honey? Consider heading to a local spa for a couple’s massage. We promise it will leave you feeling relaxed and ready for romance!

where to get a couple's massage in DC >>

go to the opera

Bring a little class to your next anniversary or date night out with a trip to the opera. It worked for Richard Gere and Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman, and it can work for you and your sweetie, too. After all, the music is powerful; the stories are moving; and it’s a fabulous excuse to wear your Sunday best!

where to go to the opera in DC >>

go to the ballet

Ballet gets a bad rap for being boring. But if you can get past the stereotypes, you might find that you and your honey actually enjoy the performance. After all, ballet is really just a play told through dance. So grab your sweetie and give it a chance!

where to go to the ballet in DC >>

go out for pizza

Remember the good ol' days of eating pizza at a sleepover or after sports practice? Well, even though you’re all grown up now, pizza hasn’t lost its appeal. So why not share a pie with your sweetie on your next night out?

Sure, it might not make the best date for an anniversary or other special occasion. But, if you’re looking for a casual night out that won’t break the bank, grabbing a slice of pizza is the perfect date!

where to go out for pizza in DC >>

go to the theater

On your next anniversary, consider taking your sweetie out on a fancy date with a trip to the theater. Whether you enjoy serious drama or more light-hearted tales, you’re sure to find a show to your liking. And you’ll earn major props from your honey for thinking outside the box!

where to go to the theater in DC >>