How To Spend a Day Around National Cathedral

Cathedral Heights and the surrounding area is a pleasant refuge. Quiet, but full of local gems and great low-key restaurants. The main strips are along Wisconsin Avenue NW, but there is plenty of green space in Glover Archbold Park right next door.

First, Coffee

The vibes at the Open City at the National Cathedral are medieval chic. The octagonal cafe has gothic windows, lots of tables, and a bomb curry chickpea bowl. The coffee is good, but if you want to take it up a notch, check out Point Chaud Café & Crepes, which has classic espresso drinks and over 50 types of crepes.

Where To Eat

If I had to choose one spot, it would be 2Amys, a beloved neighborhood pizzeria. Try the artichoke, potato, and pancetta pizza. Ilchi Uyghur is another favorite, with classics like chicken pulao and lamb kebabs. Or, if you’re feeling schnitzel and sausages, there's nowhere better than Old Europe with its giant steins and medieval German decor.

What To Do

Obviously, visit the National Cathedral. It is $15 for admission, and you get access to three levels, including the tower observation gallery. However, the coolest part is by far the crypt, which you can easily get lost in (speaking from personal experience). From there, it’s a 15-minute walk to Glover Archbold Park which has great hiking trails that stretch down to Georgetown. Or for the more food motivated, it’s always fun to walk around the new Wegmans perusing the hot bar options.

Where To Drink

Breadsoda is jam-packed even on weekdays, probably because it's one of the few local bars in the area. Put your cash down for a pool or shuffleboard table, or sit at the bar and grab one of their daily happy hour specials. A new Makers Union just opened by the cathedral, with cocktails like a maple old fashioned and yuzu lemon drop. And, yes, there is a Barcelona Wine Bar close by if you really must. Sigh.