If you’re one of the 20 million people visiting Washington DC this year, this guide will help you find the best places to stay in Washington DC based on your itinerary. Once you’ve identified what you plan to do and see in the Capital City, use it to select the perfect Washington DC neighborhood for your stay.
Expedia.com asked me to share my favorite things to do and see in Washington DC. I’ve organized my guide to Washington DC by each of its popular neighborhoods to make it easy for you to see as much as possible during your visit to the Capital City.
Gathered around the kitchen table, scribbling furiously on notepads, my mom, daughters, and I dashed out a list of “must see” activities for our upcoming trip to Washington DC. The four of us were determined to pack as much as we could into our five-day trip to the nation’s capital, but the list was long.
Really long.
Saying there is a lot to do and see in Washington DC is like calling the Mississippi River wide or Hells Canyon deep. Even after living in the nation’s capital three different times, and returning occasionally for visits, I still haven’t tackled everything on my bucket list!
Scanning the packed agenda again, I announced, “I’m pretty sure we can fit all of this in.” The girls looked at me hopefully as I continued. “Absolutely! We’ll just have to eat on the run and not sleep. This is totally doable!” They rolled their eyes and groaned, and my mother and I let them pack our itinerary with their choices. After all, my mom and I have spent a lot of time in DC, but this would be their first trip to the Federal City.
One of my top travel rules is this: it’s okay to skip the stuff that doesn’t interest you. Who cares about major attractions or what everyone else is doing? Time is precious, and everyone has a limited budget. (Yes, Oprah’s travel budget probably has a few more zeros at the end than mine, but it’s still limited.)
No one earns extra points in life for sulking through a Smithsonian museum when they’d rather be climbing the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. There is no medal awarded for touring the White House when you’d rather see the presidents in wax form at Madame Tussauds. So focus on what excites you about your destination!
This guide to Washington DC is organized by neighborhood. Once you’ve identified what you want to do and see in the Capital City, search for a hotel by neighborhood to find a “home base” that best fits your itinerary. Washington DC has a large selection of popular hotels to choose from. The less time you spend commuting within Washington DC, the more time (and money) you’ll have to enjoy your visit!
Have You Visited Washington DC?
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An Overview of Washington DC
On the eastern bank of the Potomac River, Washington DC is a 70-sq-mi (181-sq-km) district that looks like a conversation bubble in a cartoon dialogue between Virginia and Maryland. It is home to the world’s largest museum complex and hosts more than 175 foreign embassies. Add in America’s most iconic monuments and memorials, and no wonder Washington DC is a top US travel destination.
Sage Advice: Scoot around Washington, DC, with ease by renting a bicycle, scooter, or motorcycle!
The Heart of Washington DC
Like a lush green vein pumping blood through the nation’s capital, a long grassy expanse known as the National Mall is the center of this one-of-a-kind city. As a kid, I remember being awfully disappointed that visiting this mall didn’t result in new clothes and a trip to the food court.
Anchored by the Lincoln Memorial on the west and the US Capitol on the east, this mall is filled with history instead. There are memorials dedicated to the brave men and women who died at war, and millions of treasures on display in the Smithsonian museums that line the rectangular park.
If the blades of grass could talk, they would share stories of women demanding the right to vote and protesters calling for an end the Vietnam War. If the voices from the past hung in the breeze, you’d hear Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. sharing his dream from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and every president since Thomas Jefferson swearing to “preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution.”
From the marble steps of the US Capitol to the lush lawn of the White House and from Charles Lindbergh’s Spirit of St. Louis to the names etched into the polished black granite wall of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, it is easy to understand why the experiences at the National Mall are the most popular in Washington DC. While DC welcomes nearly 20 million visitors a year, the National Mall receives more than 24 million each year, nearly guaranteeing that everyone who lives in or visits DC will stop by at least once.
Sage Advice: Explore some of Washington DC’s most notable landmarks with this interactive scavenger hunt.
How Much Does it Cost to Stay in a Hotel in Washington DC?
Like most international capital cities, Washington DC can be a pricey place to visit. Even the top cheap hotels in Washington DC have an average price of nearly $200 per night!
In creating the list of accommodation options below, I tried to add at least one somewhat affordable hotel as well as a few luxury hotel splurge options per neighborhood.
Foggy Bottom - Where To Stay In Washington DC If You Crave a Stage
Along the Potomac River, bordering the west end of the National Mall, the Foggy Bottom neighborhood is one of the best places to stay in Washington DC, especially if you love the theatre, opera, or symphony. Right on the river, the Kennedy Center sits halfway between two very different DC sites.
To the south is the monument to POTUS #16, where a 19-foot (5.6 m) tall statue of Honest Abe sits facing the US Capitol. And to the north is the Watergate Complex, the site of a break-in that ultimately took down the Nixon Administration.
From ballet to Broadway and from chamber music to cellos, each year the Kennedy Center presents a wide variety of programs. In addition to concerts by the National Symphony Orchestra and performances by the Washington National Opera, the center also hosts hip hop, jazz, and theatre events. There’s even a series focused on younger audiences with family-friendly productions based on popular children’s books and more.
Via its “Performing Arts for Everyone” series, the Kennedy Center hosts a free show every evening at 6:00 pm. Whether it’s vocals or violins, beatboxing or brass, seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Also, it’s important to note that some shows are limited to two complimentary tickets per person.
When you’ve had your fill of encores and applause, these are some other things to do in the Foggy Bottom neighborhood of Washington DC:
- Stroll down Constitution Avenue to the bronze statue of Albert Einstein lounging under elm trees outside the National Academy of Sciences
- Swing by the sprawling six-building complex forever tied to the Nixon Administration. If the historical relevance of the Watergate Complex doesn’t interest you, go anyway. The view from the Watergate’s rooftop ice skating rink in winter and rooftop bar in the summer still make this neighborhood one of the best places to stay in Washington DC.
- Visit George Washington University where Jackie Kennedy, Alec Baldwin, and Ina Garten once walked to their classes and fretted about finals. (Although I have a hard time imagining classy Jackie O. heading to class in jeans with holes in the knees and a backpack slung over one shoulder like my college students!)
Where to Stay in Foggy Bottom
If you’re looking for the perfect spot in Washington DC’s Foggy Bottom neighborhood, I recommend:
- Courtyard by Marriott Washington, DC/Foggy Bottom. This super clean Marriott property is a 13 minute walk to the Lincoln Memorial and is a short drive from the Washington National airport. Click here to see photos and get current room rates.
- Residence Inn Washington, DC/Foggy Bottom. This Marriott property is a few blocks further from the National Mall and Lincoln Memorial, but as an extended stay hotel, each room has a full kitchen. Click here to see photos and get current unit rates.
- Hotel Hive. This modern hotel is in a great central location for visitors wanting to hit all of the major attractions. When you stay at Hotel Hive, you can expect friendly staff, plenty of restaurants nearby, and a 15 minute walk to the National Mall, Lincoln Memorial, and White House. See photos of Hotel Hive and get room rates here.
Georgetown - The Best Neighborhood in Washington DC for Movie Buffs
Hugging the Potomac River to the north, Foggy Bottom fades into tony Georgetown. The cobblestone streets lined with magnificent, 18th-century homes are your first clue that this is the oldest neighborhood in DC. But although Georgetown is four decades older than Washington DC, it remains well maintained and is one of the best places to stay in the district.
From terrifying to thrilling, from comical to coming of age, it seems like every movie ever set in Washington DC features Georgetown. Here are just a few:
- Horror flick lovers will want to visit the stairs from The Exorcist at the corner of Prospect and 36th leading down to M Street. After drawing the evil spirit from young Regan’s body, Father Karrass hurls himself out the window and down these steps to his death.
- Fellow Gen Xers will relive their teen years by visiting Georgetown University, the setting for Brat Pack-filled St. Elmo’s Fire. Although several of the campus scenes were filmed at nearby University of Maryland in College Park, the inspiration for the movie’s namesake bar is here. Just north of The Exorcist steps, The Tombs is the real-life watering hole that inspired the gang’s favorite college hangout, St. Elmo’s Bar.
- By staying in this historic neighborhood, Tom Clancy fans may feel closer to Jack Ryan, the star of his series of thrillers. Walking past any of the Colonial homes in Georgetown, it’s easy to imagine the former US Marine turned history professor brought to life by Harrison Ford sitting at the breakfast table in the opening scene of Clear and Present Danger. Although Jack Ryan lives in Georgetown, a home about three miles south in Hancock Park was used as a stand-in.
Of course many politicians and media personalities own homes in this area, but staying in Washington DC’s Georgetown neighborhood puts you in close proximity to the home Jackie Kennedy purchased after her husband was assassinated. Located at 3017 N St, the 7,000-square-foot (650-square-meter), 12-room Colonial was believed to be the second-oldest home in Georgetown when the former first lady purchased it in late 1963. Sadly, Jackie was constantly followed by the paparazzi and soon moved out of DC.
When you’re ready to get out and about a bit more in Georgetown, consider adding these attractions to your itinerary:
- Head over to Dumbarton Oaks, where ancient art is interwoven with gorgeous gardens. While there is no admission fee to admire the art, there is a charge to stroll through the 27-acre garden.
- Sticking with stately homes surrounded by lush gardens, Tudor Place is another sight to see in Georgetown. Built by one of Martha Washington’s granddaughters, the domed-entry mansion contains one of the largest collections of objects outside of Mount Vernon that belonged to George and Martha Washington.
Where to Stay in Georgetown
If you’re looking for a great place to stay in this historic neighborhood, I recommend:
- Fairmont Washington DC. The rooms of this centrally-located hotel are spacious, comfortable, and pet-friendly. Click here to see photos of the property and get current room rates.
- Hyatt Place Washington DC/Georgetown/West End. Just a five minute walk to George Washington University, your stay at this Hyatt Place includes breakfast. Click here to see photos of the property and get current room rates.
- The Avery Georgetown. This boutique hotel is near the Dumbarton House and is about a 15 minute walk from Georgetown University and the Georgetown Riverfront Park. Click here to see photos and check room rates.
Dupont Circle - Where To Stay In Washington DC If You Love Art (and Diplomats)
East of Georgetown, the Dupont Circle neighborhood radiates from a large traffic circle that winds six DC streets around it like a spool of thread. Located just north of 10 o’clock from the clock-shaped Dupont Circle, the Phillips Collection is a can’t-miss destination for art lovers.
Incorporated into the Phillips family’s former home, the art gallery opened in 1921. Featuring art from some of the most renowned American and European artists, the Phillips Collection is known as America’s first modern art museum. Today, more than 3,000 works of art from Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and Expressionist artists are on display, including Monet, O’Keeffe, Picasso, Renoir, and van Gogh.
Related Article: 5 Tips to Help Kids of All Ages Appreciate Art Museums
Dupont Circle is also known as Embassy Row. Washington DC hosts more than 175 foreign embassies, and many of them are located in this DC neighborhood. In fact, the Embassy of India is the Phillips Collection’s next-door neighbor!
Call me a weirdo, but I always enjoy strolling through embassy row in the capital cities I visit. It’s typically a very safe part of town if I’m traveling solo. After all, most embassies have at least one guard posted out front, attentively watching the neighborhood. And as I stroll, I create a mental scavenger hunt for myself as I try to guess which country’s embassy I’m approaching, using the architecture and the flag flying out front as clues before I am close enough to read the sign.
Once you’re done getting your art (and embassy) on, here are some other things to do in the Dupont Circle neighborhood of Washington DC:
- Take a small break from the hustle and bustle of the city with a walk through Dupont Circle Park. Although Rear Admiral Dupont’s statue was removed from the center of the park in the 1920s, it was replaced by the fountain that remains today. One of the park’s most notable attractions are its outdoor chess tables. Visit Dupont Circle Park on a nice day, and you’re likely to find a lot of action between kings, queens, and rooks.
- Near the global headquarters of one of the oldest, continuously-published magazines in the country is the National Geographic Museum. Explore more than 130 breathtaking photos from far-away places in the permanent “National Geographic: Exploration Starts Here” exhibit, or take in one of the limited-time-only special exhibits on display.
Where to Stay in Dupont Circle
If you’re looking for a great place to stay in the Dupont Circle area of DC, I recommend:
- The Dupont Circle Hotel. This pet friendly “aparthotel” with a 24-hour fitness center and 24-hour room service is conveniently located just steps from the Dupont Circle Metro. Click here to see photos of the rooms and get current rates.
- Residence Inn by Marriott Washington DC/Dupont Circle. This extended stay hotel features a full kitchen. in each room and is only a short walk from the Dupont Circle Metro Station. Click here to see photos and get current unit rates.
Woodley Park - The Best Places to Stay in Washington DC for Animal Lovers
There are only three places to see giant pandas in the United States, and Washington DC is one of them. If observing these adorable, roly-poly creatures is part of your plans, then the residential neighborhood of Woodley Park is one of the best places to stay in Washington DC.
The National Zoo was founded in 1886 in a last-ditch effort to save more than 15 North American species, including the American bison, from extinction. With the full support of avid outdoorsman Teddy Roosevelt, the Smithsonian Institution’s chief taxidermist, William Temple Hornaday, established a small zoo behind the Smithsonian Castle.
Sage Advice: Watch the National Zoo’s giant pandas (and 35+ other animals) via these live animal cams.
Now located on 163 acres in DC’s Woodley Park neighborhood, the National Zoo is home to approximately 1,800 animals of 300 species. While the National Zoo’s most famous residents are the giant pandas, visitors can also see Asian elephants, great apes, big cats, and a large variety of birds, insects, amphibians, reptiles, and other mammals. Sadly, about one-fifth are endangered or threatened. However, after more than 125 years, the National Zoo remains true to its original mission to provide engaging experiences with animals and save wildlife and habitats.
Sage Advice: Like all of the museums, galleries, and gardens in the Smithsonian Institution’s portfolio, there is no admission fee to visit the National Zoo. Additionally, the zoo is open 364 days a year, closing only on Christmas Day.
DC’s Woodley Park neighborhood is also the perfect spot for nature lovers to stay in the Capitol City. It is just south of Rock Creek Park, a 1,754-acre green space just north of Woodley Park. Escape the hustle and bustle of the nation’s capital by hiking, biking, running, picnicking, or otherwise enjoying this year-round oasis in Washington, DC.
Where to Stay in Woodley Park
For accommodations in Washington DC’s Woodley Park neighborhood, I recommend:
- Omni Shoreham Hotel. This Woodley Park accommodation has more than 800 rooms, an outdoor pool, and a beautifully maintained terraced garden. Only a four minute walk to the nearest Washington Metro station, you can easily get to all of DC’s popular attractions. Click here to see photos of the rooms and rate information.
- Glover Park Hotel Georgetown. Located on the western edge of Woodley Park, this highly-rated hotel with a fitness center and friendly staff is a 15 minute walk to Georgetown University. Click here to see photos and get room rate details.
Penn Quarter/Chinatown - Where To Stay In DC for Law and Order
If you are intrigued by crime and punishment, then swing back to the east end of the National Mall to the Nevada-shaped section of town known as Penn Quarter. This DC neighborhood has the best places to stay in Washington DC if you plan to visit Ford’s Theatre, the Crime Museum, or the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.
Sage Advice: Explore cultural gems like Ford’s Theater and Freedom Plaza with this interactive scavenger hunt.
Every history buff knows the historical significance of Ford’s Theatre. But this popular site blends a tragic act in American history with present-day theatre productions. After President Lincoln’s assassination in April 1865, the theatre building was appropriated by the US government. It was used as office space and warehouse before sitting empty for several years.
On what would have been Lincoln’s 123rd birthday, a small museum dedicated to the 16th president opened on the renovated first floor of the theatre building. Decades later, with an empty presidential box watching over the stage from the upper level, the theatre reopened. While visitors can tour four experiences at Ford’s Theatre — the museum, Ford’s Theatre, Petersen House, and aftermath exhibits — they can also watch a live performance on the renovated stage.
Fun Fact: People visiting Ford’s Theatre often wonder why there is a framed photo of George Washington decorating the presidential box where Lincoln sat the night he was assassinated. The Presidential Seal wasn’t used as the official symbol of the office until Rutherford Hayes, several presidents after Lincoln. Until then, George Washington’s photo was used instead.
Two blocks east of Ford’s Theatre, Penn Quarter is also home to the National Museum of Crime and Punishment. Opened in 2008, the Crime Museum spotlights some of the most notorious criminals in American history and defines different types of prisons. Visitors learn about fingerprints, DNA, and other forensic evidence used by law enforcement officers and forensic scientists to crack cases and bring criminals to justice.
Just across 6th St NW from the Crime Museum is the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. Centered in the 400 block of E St, this memorial honors law enforcement officers at the federal, state, and local level who have died in the line of duty. Dating back to the first known death in 1791, engraved in the memorial’s double-curved, blue-gray marble walls are the names of more than 21,000 officers.
Sage Advice: See more of the nation’s capital city via these incredible hikes in and around Washington DC.
Once you’ve paid your respects (and thanked a police officer for serving the community), here are other things to do and see in Penn Quarter:
- Spend an afternoon with the presidents, either in portrait or wax form. If paintings are more your style, then head to the America’s Presidents gallery at the National Portrait Gallery. If you prefer Madame Tussauds to Monet, then see a full portfolio of POTUSes at the DC wax museum.
- The northernmost section of Penn Quarter is DC’s Chinatown. Swing by to see the impressive Friendship Archway and admire the Chinese zodiac crosswalks.
Where to Stay in Penn Quarter
To stay in or near Washington DC’s Penn Quarter neighborhood, check out one of these highly-rated hotels:
- Fairfield Inn & Suites Downtown DC. A five minute walk to the nearest Washington Metro station and a ten minute walk to both the Walter E. Washington Convention Center and Washington Union Station, this Marriott property is in a great central location in Downtown DC. Click here to see photos and get room rate details.
- Kimpton Hotel Monaco Washington DC. This highly-rated IHG hotel is also in a prime location of Downtown DC near the Gallery Place Chinatown Washington Metro station. Click here for photos and nightly rate information.
- Hamilton Hotel Washington DC. On the northeast corner of K and 14th Street NW, this beautiful hotel is a 10 minute walk from the White House and is surrounded by fantastic restaurants. Click here to see photos and get the best rates.
- Conrad Washington DC. This exceptional 5-star luxury hotel is just a few blocks from both the Metro Center and Gallery Place metro stations and is home to Summit, an amazingly scenic rooftop restaurant and bar. See photos of the property and check room rates here.
Capitol Hill - The Best Places to Stay in Washington DC for Bookworms
Named after a trio of Founding Fathers, the three buildings of the Library of Congress are the Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and John Adams. From bronze sculptures to marble statues, from intricate murals to elaborate reading rooms, there is a lot to absorb at the Library of Congress.
Once you’ve had your fill of magazines and manuscripts, you can also check out these places on Capitol Hill:
- Behind a double row of massive marble pillars, nine men and women sit on the bench in the highest court in the land in the United States Supreme Court Building. Climb the steps and stop inside. Who knows? You just might get a glance of your favorite justice.
- And of course (spoiler alert) this neighborhood is home to the US Capitol.
Where to Stay on Capitol Hill
For clean, comfortable, highly-rated accommodations on Capitol Hill, I recommend:
- Kimpton George Hotel. This IHG hotel has friendly desk staff and is a 10 minute walk to the United States Capitol, National Mall, and other nearby popular attractions. Click here to see photos of the Kimpton George Hotel and get current room rates.
- Hilton Washington DC Capitol Hill. Just a few north of the National Mall, this property is a convenient location for visiting the Capitol building, Washington Monument, and other major attractions in the area. Click here for photos and room rates.
- Residence Inn Washington DC Capitol Hill. This Marriott property is just a few blocks south of the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum and the other Smithsonian Museum attractions on the south side of the National Mall. Click here to see photos of the property and get current room rates.
Additional Washington DC Neighborhoods to Consider
Navy Yard. Just south of Capitol Hill, dominated by Nationals Park where the Washington Nationals play baseball, this neighborhood has the best places to stay in Washington DC if you’re a baseball fan. Stay at the Residence Inn Washington Capitol Hill/Navy Yard to be steps away from a seat in Nationals Park.
Adams Morgan. Southeast of Woodley Park, this neighborhood has the best places to stay in Washington DC if you’re seeking international cuisine and a vibrant nightlife. I recommend staying at the Washington Hilton. Open since 1965, it’s not the oldest historic hotel on this list. However, it has hosted several White House Correspondents’ Association dinners over the years and is the site of a failed assassination attempt against President Ronald Regan.
Shaw. After several years of revitalization efforts, Shaw offers the best places to stay in Washington DC for foodies. Stay at the Cambria Hotel Washington where you can enjoy locally inspired bites, cocktails, and wines at the rooftop lounge overlooking the Capitol Riverfront.
The Wharf. Located on the Southwest Waterfront in Washington DC, this neighborhood is a great location for visitors who want to be by the water. Check out the city’s historic Maine Avenue Fish Market, and stay at the Canopy by Hilton Washington DC that overlooks the Washington Channel and Potomac River. Or book the InterContinental Washington DC, an IHG Hotel with a rooftop pool that overlooks The Wharf.
To Visit Washington, DC
Where is the best place to stay in Washington, DC?
There are pros and cons to every Washington, DC, neighborhood. That’s why I hope this guide helps you find the best area to stay in DC based on your interests and itinerary.
Where is the safest place to stay in Washington DC?
Like any major city in the world, you’ll want to explore Washington DC being mindful of your surroundings. I personally feel comfortable in all of the DC neighborhoods recommended here, even when traveling solo, and even at night. But, I realize that each traveler has his or her own level of comfort.
As a general rule, Georgetown is one of the most prestigious (and safe) neighborhoods in Washington, DC. So if you are visiting DC for the first time, you might want to look at accommodation options in that part of the city.
Where is the best place to stay in DC for sightseeing?
It all depends on the sights you want to see and the attractions you want to experience! But keep in mind that no matter where you stay in Washington DC, it’s easy to get around DC thanks to reliable and affordable public transportation. In fact, you can even stay in Northern Virginia or Southern Maryland and easily see the sights of DC.
Here’s a summary of my recommendations:
- Foggy Bottom – Just north of the western edge of the National Mall, Foggy Bottom is a great place to stay in DC if you plan on visiting the Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Kennedy Center, or George Washington University.
- Georgetown – Around the bend in the Potomac River, Georgetown is northeast of the Foggy Bottom neighborhood. Stay here to see beautiful gardens, amazing homes, and iconic sights from several shows and movies.
- Dupont Circle – Here you’ll find Embassy Row and the National Geographic Museum.
- Woodley Park – This DC neighborhood is a great place to stay if you plan on visiting the Smithsonian National Zoo. (Don’t miss the giant pandas!)
- Penn Quarter – This area of DC is just north of the eastern edge of the National Mall and within walking distance of the United States Capitol. Stay here if you plan to visit Ford’s Theatre, the National Portrait Gallery, or Chinatown.
- Capitol Hill – If your itinerary includes the US Capitol, Library of Congress, or Supreme Court, then Capitol Hill may be the best place to stay in DC.
Where Do You Like to Stay in Washington DC?
What did you do and see when you visited Washington DC? What neighborhood did you enjoy most? Where did you stay? Share your experiences in the comments section below.
Looking for more information to plan your Washington DC vacation? Check out my additional recommendations to help you plan your trip to Washington, DC, including what to see and do in Washington DC, the best places to stay in Washington DC, where to eat in Washington DC, and more!
Ready to Go?
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- Find low fares with airfarewatchdog and Skyscanner
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- From hotels to private homes, find the perfect accommodation with Hotels.com or Vrbo
- Travel in style with a suitcase, carry-on, backpack, or handbag from eBags
- Save on tickets to attractions, sightseeing tours, and more with CityPASS, Tiqets, and Viator
- Don’t leave home without travel insurance from AXA
- Discover the sights, history, and culture of your destination with an interactive scavenger hunt
- Need something else to plan your perfect trip? Visit my travel resources page for more trusted partners. Happy wandering!
Great advice has been shared Thank you!
Loved this story! I am heading to Washington this summer so I’ve printed it up as my ‘to do’ list. Will check out the hotels you’ve suggested!
You’re going to have a wonderful time. DC is such a great town!
This is such a useful blog post! I find that finding accommodation close to what you’re interested is one of the hardest parts of travel. Especially when youre unfamiliar with a city! Thanks for sharing!
Oh, I’m so glad you liked this approach! I know when we were planning our trip to DC last spring, even after having lived in the DC area three different times, we were overwhelmed with options. This method helped us make our selection. 🙂
I’m lucky enough to live within driving distance of D.C. If you have never been and cannot decide where to stay, I recommend that you stay in more than one place. Each neighborhood has its own flair. I’d have to say that Dupont is probably one of the most fun places to stay if you like to be in the center of the action! Gallery Place is also a great place for lots of good food choices!
Thanks for adding your voice and experience to help folks choose the perfect place to stay in DC!
I have always wanted to visit Washington DC (blame Dan Brown) and this post may come handy to choose where to stay based on what we want to visit. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience in Washington through this well written and informative post
“Blame Dan Brown” Hilarious! I know he’s inspired me to see parts of Paris (I’m looking at you Saint-Sulpice) and I can’t wait for you to have a chance to see DC!
https://everydaywanderer.com/dan-brown
The giant pandas are pretty darn cool!
The last time I was in DC was for the obligatory 8th grade trip. I’ve always wanted to go back but never know where to start (esp since I can only handle so many museums). This post is SO helpful! Pinning it for later so I have it handy when I finally return 🙂
The fascinating thing about DC is that when you go back, you’ll see that things have changed…yet nothing has really changed. It’s sort of a timeless experience. 🙂
It’s been quite a few years since I’ve been to DC, but I love the way you broke up where to stay by area! And I’d stay where the Pandas are! I’m a sucker for Pandas!!
I lived in DC twenty years ago. I know its changed a lot and I sure would like to get back there for a visit. This is a wonderful roundup and I will certainly use it for planning. thanks!!
I’ve found DC to be one of those cities that changes, yet doesn’t, over time. Can you drive right up to the steps of the Lincoln Memorial any more? No. Are there new monuments, memorials, and museums? Absolutely. But the history, vibe, and overall feel of DC is timeless! 🙂
It’s nice that you arranged this by neighborhood so that it is easy to figure out metro stops and not constantly have to go between one area of the city and another.
Oh, I’m so glad you appreciate that approach! Despite is compact size, it can take quite a bit of effort to get around DC. Having a better perspective on what there is to do and see in each major neighborhood gives visitors more time to take in all that there is to do and see in the nation’s capital.
I’ve never been to DC but I have always wanted to go! Sounds like I would love Capitol Hill most. How fun that the zoo is free though. That would definitely be on the list too!
While it can be an expensive city overall, one of the things I love most about DC is how affordable most of the things to do and see are once you arrive. You can spend a week exploring the Capital City and still not take in all of the admission-free experiences!
Wow! What a great post on Washington, DC. I moved to the Baltimore area about six months ago, but I haven’t been to DC yet and it’s only about an hour away! I definitely need to go soon.
Alexx – aestheticsbyalexx.com
DC is a great day or weekend trip from your new home in Baltimore! I can’t wait to hear what you do and see when you get a chance to go!
I like how you divided this by area of interest. Very helpful list of places to stay in DC
I’m so glad you found it helpful! Do you have a favorite neighborhood in DC?
Great advice!