Any neighborhood in the Washington D.C. area is likely to be close to fascinating historic sites and lively current events. Pick where to stay based on the purpose of your trip, whether that's sightseeing, dining, shopping or understanding how the nation works. Find accommodations near the National Mall for great walking access to government buildings and numerous free Smithsonian museums. Book a hotel a bit farther from Downtown D.C. to explore the best highlights of the area's diverse communities. The D.C. Metro and Capital Bikeshare make sightseeing fairly easy, without worries about traffic or parking.
Where to stay
in Washington
Great Areas to Stay for Museums
Find a hotel near Downtown Washington D.C. to be in the heart of the museum district, where 11 Smithsonian museums and numerous historical monuments, such as the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, line the National Mall. The White House and other government buildings offer living history lessons. A reservation in Foggy Bottom provides a perfect spot between Downtown and the Potomac River, with the Kennedy Performing Arts Center and famous Watergate Hotel nearby. Stay just north in the Dupont Circle neighborhood, which is surrounded by independent museums and galleries, such as the Phillips Collection, and the foreign state houses along Embassy Row.
Downtown Washington D.C.
Known for its fascinating museums and important monuments, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Washington D.C.. Check out top attractions like Capital One Arena and Smithsonian Institution, and jump on the metro at McPherson Sq. Station or Center Station to see more of the city.
Recommended hotels in Downtown Washington D.C.
Foggy Bottom
The important monuments and popular shops are just a few highlights of Foggy Bottom. Make a stop by Potomac River or Chesapeake and Ohio Canal while you're exploring the area.
Recommended hotels in Foggy Bottom
Dupont Circle
Visitors to Dupont Circle love its fantastic nightlife, and you can check out Dupont Circle and Mansion on O Street. If you want to see more in the area, you can get around town on the metro at Dupont Circle Station.
Recommended hotels in Dupont Circle
Embassy Row
Embassy Row is popular for its fantastic nightlife. Explore top sights like Phillips Collection and Dupont Circle, and you can get around town on the metro at Dupont Circle Station.
Recommended hotels in Embassy Row
Best Neighborhoods for Dining
As the U.S. capital, Washington, D.C. attracts people from all over the world, and this is reflected in its diverse dining scene. Book a hotel in the Downtown or Capitol Hill neighborhoods, where dining reservations are a must because restaurants fill with staffers and lobbyists on power lunches or dinners. For a more eclectic dining experience, stay in the Georgetown area; here college students and young professionals flock to casual waterfront restaurants along the Potomac or more classic fine dining along the shopping streets in the oldest neighborhood of D.C. Book accommodations near Chinatown, which has great Asian fare, of course, but is also very close to Peruvian, Japanese, Spanish and Mediterranean restaurants.
Downtown Washington D.C.
Known for its fascinating museums and important monuments, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Washington D.C.. Check out top attractions like Capital One Arena and Smithsonian Institution, and jump on the metro at McPherson Sq. Station or Center Station to see more of the city.
Recommended hotels in Downtown Washington D.C.
Capitol Hill
Known for its fascinating museums and important monuments, there's plenty to explore in Capitol Hill. Check out top attractions like Folger Shakespeare Library and Library of Congress, and jump on the metro at Capitol South Station or Eastern Market Station to see more of the city.
Georgetown
Georgetown is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Georgetown Waterfront Park and Washington Harbour while you're in town.
Chinatown
Chinatown is well-regarded for its ample dining options, fascinating museums, and prominent monuments, and you might also want to make a stop by Sixth and I Historic Synagogue, a top sight in the neighborhood.
Recommended hotels in Chinatown
Where to Stay for Nature
While many of the 20 million people visiting Washington D.C. each year focus on historic sites, it's nice to get away from the big stone buildings once in a while. Stay in the Arlington neighborhood for some quiet, and take a peaceful stroll among the trees and flowers of Arlington National Cemetery. Make a hotel booking in Woodley Park and walk to the Smithsonian National Zoo. The Northwest area is one of the best spots to stay to enjoy the biking and hiking trails of Rock Creek Park
Arlington
Known for its important monuments and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Arlington. Check out top attractions like Pentagon and National Air Force Memorial, and jump on the metro at Rosslyn Station or Courthouse Station to see more of the city.
Recommended hotels in Arlington
Woodley Park
Visitors to Woodley Park love its abundant dining options, and if you want to see more of the area, jump on the metro at Woodley Park-Zoo Station.
Northwest
Known for its fascinating museums and important monuments, there's plenty to explore in Northwest. Check out top attractions like White House and National Mall, and jump on the metro at Cleveland Park Station or Van Ness-UDC Station to see more of the city.
Recommended hotels in Northwest
Great Neighborhoods for Shopping
Book a hotel in Alexandria, just south of D.C.'s Ronald Reagan National Airport, for neighborhood shopping at its best in the historic district of Old Town Alexandria, complete with the free King Street Trolley. For concentrated high-end shopping, stay in Downtown Washington D.C. and visit the huge CityCenterDC. Accommodations in Tysons Corner are near two large shopping centers with high-end brands.
Alexandria
Alexandria's Christ Church and The Spite House are top sights in Alexandria, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at King Street Station or Braddock Rd Station to see more sights in the area.
Recommended hotels in Alexandria
Downtown Washington D.C.
Known for its fascinating museums and important monuments, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Washington D.C.. Check out top attractions like Capital One Arena and Smithsonian Institution, and jump on the metro at McPherson Sq. Station or Center Station to see more of the city.
Recommended hotels in Downtown Washington D.C.
Tysons
Visitors to Tysons love its popular shops, and you can check out Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts and Meadowlark Botanical Gardens. If you want to see more in the area, you can get around town on the metro at Greensboro Station.
Recommended hotels in Tysons
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