Washington, D.C., is not only the seat of the U.S. government, it's also the home of the National Geographic Society. Here our in-the-know staff share some of our secret spots.

Keith Bellows, Editor in Chief

Eastern Market is the spiritual heart of Capitol Hill, the market has been in continuous operation in 1873, though a 2007 fire ravaged the main building. It's still the best outdoor market in D.C. and a people-watcher's paradise. While the reconstruction of the main building is due to be finished next year, the Saturday/Sunday market remains an extravaganza of outdoor stalls brimming with fresh produce and great artifacts, crafts and products from home and abroad (the offerings are particularly eclectic because of D.C.'s deep international community). 7th St. and North Carolina Ave. SE.

For my money, D.C.'s best memorial, west of the Tidal Basin, is an outdoor tribute to FDR, one of our greatest presidents and—appropriately today—the Great Depression era during which he governed. The kids are attracted to cascading waterfalls and rippling pools—park rangers wage a continuous battle to keep them dry. The rest of us are reminded through sculptures (the President with his dog, Americans in a breadline and listening to his fireside chats) and enduring FDR quotes of his leadership in tough times. +1 202 426 6841

Sushi Ko is Washington's oldest (32 years old) and arguably best sushi restaurant. The Wisconsin flagship is the one to visit. The presentation is simple but there isn't a clunker among its daily specials and regular dishes turned out by chef Koji Terano. One twist on the standard sake and beer: Owner Daisuke Utagawa regularly plunders the vineyards of France for choice burgundies that he believes draw out the flavors of his kitchen in ways not experienced in less adventurous sushi restaurants. 2309 Wisconsin Ave. NW; +1 202 333 4187.