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Sunset

Golden Hour at the National Theatre

Start with a classic D.C. drink in the shadow of the White House, then walk up to the National Theatre just as the sun dips below the skyline.

Best time: 17:10About 90 min

Timeline

  1. 15:55

    Old Ebbitt Grill

    Grab a cocktail at Old Ebbitt Grill. This historic Victorian bar is a perfect pre-show stop. The atmosphere is steeped in tradition, making it a great place to unwind before the evening begins.

  2. 16:25

    National Theatre

    Walk five minutes southeast to the National Theatre. Arrive early enough to absorb the grandeur of the 1835 venue. Check the lobby for any upcoming Broadway shows or big-name acts.

  3. 17:10

    National Theatre

    Stand outside the National Theatre facing west. At 17:10, the sun sets toward the WSW, casting a final warm glow on the historic façade. It is a quiet moment in the city’s busy center.

  4. 17:40

    Clyde's of Gallery Place

    End the evening at Clyde's of Gallery Place. It is a ten-minute walk from the theatre. The dimly lit, Victorian-style bar is ideal for an after-theater drink or a late-night conversation.

Local tip

Old Ebbitt Grill opens at 07:30 on weekdays, so you have plenty of time for that first drink. Clyde's stays open until 02:00 on weekdays, giving you a long window to end the night.

Check before you go

  • Old Ebbitt Grill hours: Mo-Fr 07:30-24:00; Sa,Su 08:30-24:00
  • Clyde's of Gallery Place hours: Mo-Th 11:00-02:00; Fr 11:00-03:00; Sa 10:00-03:00; Su 10:00-02:00

Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Washington, D.C. (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).

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