Exploring the Washington D.C. area doesn’t have to mean just taking pictures in front of the White House or strolling down the National Mall. Of course, these are always must-see attractions, but the city offers much more, especially if you are not a first-time visitor. If you know the right locations to hit, your trip can include a little more variety.

There are plenty of restaurants, museums and bars to pick from in D.C., but here are some places you can’t miss, to help get you started.

International Spy Museum
800 F Street NW
www.spymuseum.org

This museum is the first in the United States dedicated only to espionage. You can check out the huge collection of spy-related artifacts and exhibits and then find the museum restaurant, Zola, which has an awesome drink menu to choose from.

Russia House Restaurant & Lounge
1800 Connecticut Avenue NW
www.russiahouselounge.com

It’s time to head over to Russia House when you want a place with a fun atmosphere and a somewhat quirky look and feel.

Naturally, it has a wide selection of Russian cuisine and a nice assortment of vodka.

Georgetown

If you want to venture out of D.C., head to Georgetown, which is only a short distance away. You can wander M Street and Wisconsin Avenue for some of the most popular shops, or you can visit the following places, which also provide a memorable time.

The Brickskeller Dining House and Down Home Saloon
1523 22nd Street NW
www.lovethebeer.com/brickskeller.html

If you like beer, you might want to spend a significant amount of time at this stop. Brickskeller is a relaxed bar that features more than 1,000 varieties of beer in a tavern-like atmosphere.

Nightclub 9:30
815 V Street NW
www.930.com

Better known as 9:30 Club, this is the club for awesome live music in a straight stand-up-and-play environment. Its lineup usually includes some of the best national bands and performers.