Washington DC is an evolving metropolis. There is always something stimulating for the old timer to explore and something fascinating for the newcomer to discover. DC balances a truly rich history and culture within a strong, vibrant and ever-developing urban setting. Indeed, where else can you visit a World War II Memorial, see the Gutenberg Bible, eat authentic Ethiopian cuisine, view a Degas painting and watch a panda frolic at the zoo all in one summer day? So, let’s explore some of the many hidden gems that this rare city has to offer.

Here’s a list of what I have explored and find interesting in and around the D.C. Metro Area:

Enjoy a delectable three-course dessert menu at Coco Sala on 9th and F Streets, NW. Also enjoy their enticing collection of artisan chocolate gift boxes.

See millions of dollars being printed at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. Take a free forty-minute tour and walk out loaded with newfound knowledge on moneymaking, literally!

Visit the Newseum on Pennsylvania Avenue and 6th Street NW, a treasure trove of information. Newseum’s seven levels, fourteen galleries and fifteen theaters will immerse you in five centuries of news history and many of the greatest news stories of all times.

Stop by the area’s most visited destination, Union Station. You can marvel at the gorgeous architecture, get a taste of awesome food, shop till you drop and also catch a train to destinations leading to most anywhere in the U.S.

Visit the most architecturally impressive and symbolically important building, the US Capitol, where congressmen and women discuss, slight, and argue their way through the job of making laws in the House and Senate chambers. You can book a free tour online or get free passes on a first come first serve basis at the visitor’s center.

Riding the Washington Metro is in itself an amazing experience. It provides clean, safe and dependable transportation to all the major attractions in DC, Maryland and Virginia.

Bethesda Row’s Landmark Cinema is the best place to see edgy, offbeat, and interesting movies made by insightful directors. Find what your heart desires and eat what your taste buds savor along with watching movies at this amazingly upscale neighborhood.

Did you know that you need not pay a penny to browse through books at the Library of Congress? The library provides access to rare cultural treasures in a stimulating and attractive manner. The interior of the LOC Jefferson Building is visually stunning and a pleasant place to spend a summer afternoon.

The 7000 seat amphitheater at Wolf Trap hosts almost 100 world-class performances in every genre during the summer months. At Wolf Trap you will get to experience an extraordinary musical environment just twenty minutes away from DC. Remember you need tickets to watch performances.

Want to see where Americans search for information about their family history using authentic documents? At the National Archives you will get a chance to do that and also see historical documents that tell the stories of America’s history as a nation and as a people.

Taste melt-in-your-mouth spinach fritters at Rasika, the only five-star Indian restaurant in all of DC. Be sure to make a reservation since it is not easy to find a table at this eclectic restaurant with incredible food and a fantastic atmosphere.

The Reston Town Center website says that it “combines elements of the ideal downtown: the vitality of an Italian piazza and the diversity of a French boulevard with numerous options for shopping and dining.” I could not have said it better! This is an ideal place for an evening stroll with kids not too far away from DC.

At the Gravelly Point Park, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the Washington skyline and get a close-up look at National Airport’s runway. There is ample space for a picnic with kids.

You have one action-packed hour to find a missing nuclear device before it falls into the wrong hands or explore the spy capital of the world with clues, codes, and audio intercepts to help your secret mission. You can experience one or both along with other interactive exhibits, at the International Spy Museum on F Street NW.

Pick up organic fruit, fresh flowers and eclectic local crafts at the oldest, continually operated Eastern Market, on 7th Street SE.

Take in the scene at Dupont Circle, a vibrant neighborhood during the day with an equally active nightlife. The area houses beautiful row houses, embassies, museums, galleries and excellent dining options.

Immerse yourself in luxury at the Tyson’s Galleria II, Fairfax County’s premier shopping and dining experience. Burberry, Cartier, Versace, Lacoste—you name it, they have it. Want to stay the night there? Just walk through the mall into the Ritz Carlton and find a room for yourself.

By Vidya Rangan