Under $100: Chinatown, Washington, D.C.

Almost smack-dab in the middle of Northwest D.C. is Chinatown, also known by its Metro stop name of Gallery Place. The brightly lit, vibrant neighborhood is D.C.’s own little version of Times Square, only encompasses a few streets and just a smattering of Chinese influence via signs and eating establishments, but Chinatown is one of the city’s liveliest areas and can be enjoyed on nearly any budget.

After coffee and breakfast at Chinatown Coffee Company, head to the National Portrait Gallery where free entry offers access to multiple floors that display everything from historic portraits of presidents to a sports hall with images that span decades, to a modern-art wing with rotating exhibits that make visitors scratch their heads. Visit the central Courtyard Café where you can sip coffee under a glass canopy.

Book a table for lunch or brunch at Matchbox, a local chain that serves a variety of dishes but is known for inventive pizzas.

Meander a few streets down into Penn Quarter where Penn Social awaits with a cavernous basement full of arcade games, two full-sized cornhole courts and a large projector screen that shows major sporting events.

For dinner, head to Hill Country on 7^th Street for Texas-style barbecue served buffet style. Check the event calendar as some nights offer live music and even live band karaoke.