Where to stay in Washington DC: best areas and neighborhoods
Open IndexvThe capital of the United States is an amazing city. Forget the tall skyscrapers of New York, the concrete and the confusion, Washington is surrounded by greenery, with wonderful parks and is great for cycling. The central district is Downtown, the financial heart of the city, and marvellous residential districts develop all around it.
Are you planning a trip to the American capital? Here are our tips on where to sleep in Washington.
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In a hurry? Here's our recommended accommodation
| Category | Accommodation |
|---|---|
| 👑 5 star / luxury | Vignette Collection Yours Truly DC by IHG |
| 🛎️ B&b & mid-range | Aloft Washington National Mall |
| 🎒 Hostel and low-cost | Hotel Arboretum |
| 🏡 Vacation rental / apartments | St. Gregory Hotel Dupont Circle |
Useful tips: the best neighbourhoods to stay in Washington DC
| Target | Area | Rates from |
|---|---|---|
| Families | Downtown | $90,00 |
| Capitol Hill | $120,00 | |
| Foggy Bottom | $100,00 | |
| Young | Dupont Circle | $85,00 |
| Georgetown | $100,00 | |
| Stay on a budget | Chinatown | $80,00 |
| Dupont Circle | $85,00 |
Not recommended areas: the suburbs of Northeast and Southeast, east of Downtown, due to the crime rate and poverty in the area.
If you only have a few days to visit Washington DC or it's your first time in the city, the best neighbourhood to stay is Downtown, the heart of the capital, a few steps from the White House and the National Mall, where the main monuments are located. It is, of course, also the most expensive area of the city. If you want to stay here but are on a budget, the small neighbourhood of Chinatown is located near Downtown, with more affordable prices.
If you are looking for nightlife, opt for Georgetown or Dupont Circle. The first is located slightly outside, connected to the centre only by buses, but it is a very characterful young university district. Dupont Circle is located just north of Downtown and is the nightlife district of Washington and offers various accommodation at affordable prices.
In addition to Downtown, if you are traveling with your family you can opt for the Foggy Bottom or Capitol Hill neighbourhoods, both close to the National Mall, very quiet, well served by public transport and close to the main attractions.
Best accommodation: we have selected the best hotels, B&Bs and hostels in Washington DC. Check out our recommendations and make your reservation on Booking
Downtown, best for first-timers
- Pros: Proximity to major attractions, excellent public transportation, wide range of hotels and dining options.
- Cons: Can be very busy, can feel a bit sterile after business hours, higher accommodation costs.
- Main attractions: White House, National Mall (various monuments and memorials), Smithsonian Museums, Ford's Theatre.
- Average prices: From £90,00 - compare the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodation
Downtown is definitely one of the best neighbourhoods to stay in Washington. It is the financial and commercial heart of the city, but don't expect the big skyscrapers of New York or Los Angeles: lively by day, but very quiet in the evening, it is full of elegant and modern buildings but not excessively tall ones. From here you can easily reach the National Mall, with the main attractions of the city.
This is a recommended area for first-time visitors to Washington and families. In fact, as already mentioned, it is very quiet in the evening, as the nightlife is concentrated in other districts, and there is no shortage of services you will need, such as restaurants for every price range and numerous shops.
Finally, staying here will allow you to move easily throughout the city thanks to the metro (all lines, Silver, Blue, Orange and Red). You can also reach the White House on foot.
Average prices in the neighbourhood start from about £90,00 - compare the best accommodation on booking
Chinatown, best foir budget travellers
- Pros: Budget-friendly options, diverse food scene, easy access to Capital One Arena, good metro connections.
- Cons: Can be very busy, not as historically preserved as some other Chinatowns, smaller in size.
- Main attractions: Friendship Archway, International Spy Museum (nearby), National Portrait Gallery, Capital One Arena.
- Average prices: $80,00 - compare the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodation
A few steps from Downtown is the small neighbourhood of Chinatown, or the Chinese community of Washington. It runs along H Street and I Street and between 5th Street and 8th Street in the northwest. Once this area was very populated, but in recent years there are only a few hundred Chinese residents. Here you can stroll among small craft shops, clubs and restaurants with oriental scents and take a picture under the large archway.
Chinatown is a great neighbourhood for those on a budget. Despite being in a very central location, the costs are lower than in Downtown and you can find many offers.
Finally, from here you can move on foot or use public transport: Chinatown is less than 20 minutes away on foot from the White House, alternatively it is served by the Gallery Pl-Chinatown metro stop (Green, Red and Yellow lines).
Average prices in the neighbourhood start from about $80,00 - compare the best accommodation on booking
Dupont Circle, best for budget and mid-range options
- Pros: Excellent dining and nightlife, vibrant and walkable, beautiful public park, good metro access, mix of budget and mid-range options.
- Cons: Can be noisy on weekends, some streets are very busy.
- Main attractions: Dupont Circle Fountain, The Phillips Collection, Embassy Row, many cafes and bookstores.
- Average prices: from $85,00 - compare the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodation
Just north of Downtown is the Dupont Circle neighbourhood, Washington's stylish and fashionable neighbourhood. Here you will find, in addition to boutiques, restaurants, and numerous clubs, it is the hub of the capital's nightlife. It is also a neighbourhood with an international atmosphere as Massachusetts Avenue is here, also known as Embassy Row, as most of the embassies are located here.
Given its characteristics, it is a neighbourhood recommended mainly for young people and those looking for nightlife. In many ways, this area is reminiscent of Downtown. Plus, while it's a fairly posh area, it's still cheaper than Downtown.
Finally, Dupont Circle is well connected by public transport: the reference stop is Dupont Circle Station, where the Red metro line passes, which leads directly to Metro Center Station (5 min), a few steps from the White House and the National Mall.
Average prices in the neighbourhood start from about $85,00 - compare the best accommodation on booking
Capitol Hill, best for history buffs
- Pros: Close to iconic government buildings, beautiful architecture, quiet residential streets, Eastern Market.
- Cons: Can be less lively in the evenings compared to other districts, limited dining diversity directly in some parts.
- Main attractions: U.S. Capitol Building, Library of Congress, Supreme Court, Eastern Market, U.S. Botanic Garden.
- Average prices: From $120,00 - compare the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodation
In addition to Downtown, there is another neighbourhood ideal to stay if you are visiting the city for the first time or only have a few days to spare: Capitol Hill. As you can already gather from the name, this area is home to one of the symbols of the city, the United States Capitol, as well as other government offices such as the Supreme Court of the United States and the Library of Congress. The Capitol is also the starting point of the National Mall.
It is an ideal neighbourhood for families and those who want to get around on foot given its proximity to the main attractions. Furthermore, if during the day it is a very lively area, frequented by men and women who work in government offices and by tourists, in the evening it is very quiet, ideal for resting for the day after.
Finally, this neighbourhood is in an excellent location: from the Capitol you can walk along the National Mall or use the Circulator bus, National Mall Route, which follows a circular tour around the National Mall.
Average prices in the neighbourhood start from about $120,00 - compare the best accommodation on booking
Foggy Bottom, the best for a tranquil stay
- Pros: Peaceful atmosphere, close to the National Mall and Potomac River, good metro access, pleasant for walking.
- Cons: Fewer dining options directly within the residential areas, can be quiet at night.
- Main attractions: George Washington University, Watergate Complex, Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Lincoln Memorial (nearby).
- Average prices:From $100,00 - compare the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodation
We now move from the Capitol Hill neighbourhood to the opposite side of the National Mall: at the western end is Foggy Bottom, a very quiet neighbourhood a stone's throw from the main attractions. It doesn't have much to offer, but the location itself is really great and you'll be very close to the Lincoln Memorial and the White House.
It is an ideal neighbourhood for families and those seeking tranquillity. It is not busy day or night, it is surrounded on two sides by the wonderful green areas of the National Mall and it is full of cafes and clubs.
Finally, the neighbourhood is well served by public transport: the reference station is Foggy Bottom GWU Metrorail Station, where the Orange, Silver and Blue metro lines pass, which in 6 minutes lead directly to Metro Center Station.
Average prices in the neighbourhood start from about $100,00 - compare the best accommodation on booking
Georgetown, the best for true local vibes
- Pros: Charming historic atmosphere, excellent shopping and dining, lively nightlife, picturesque streets.
- Cons: No direct metro access (requires bus/taxi), can be very expensive, can get crowded, especially on weekends.
- Main attractions: M Street (shopping), C&O Canal Towpath, Dumbarton Oaks, Georgetown University, historic homes.
- Average prices: From $100,00 - compare the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodation
Finally, the last recommended area to stay is the Georgetown neighbourhood, the university district of Washington. It is a young district, full of university students, and lively both day and night, with many clubs, restaurants and pubs in which to mingle with the locals. The architecture of the neighbourhood is typically colonial, with very elegant buildings housing high-end cafes and boutiques.
It is a neighbourhood recommended especially for young people and those looking for a bit of nightlife. At the same time, hotels have high costs, so it's better to opt for apartments that also give you more autonomy.
The only downside is its slightly tricky location: it is a neighbourhood slightly further away from the others and not served by the metro. To reach Downtown or the National Mall, you will have to use the bus (on average 10 min).
Average prices in the neighbourhood start from about $100,00 - compare the best accommodation on booking
Places to stay near Washington DC
Staying in Washington is the best solution, especially if you are short on time or if you are visiting the capital for the first time. As we have seen, there are several neighbourhoods that offer different services and accommodation for all types of travellers and for all budgets.
If you have a longer stay or want to find cheaper accommodation, then you could consider staying just outside the city. The cities of Arlington and Alexandria are excellent solutions, with accommodation at very affordable prices and they are a short distance from Washington:
- Arlington (8 km / 15 min): famous for hosting the Pentagon, the Military Cemetery, and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (for internal flights). It offers wonderful views of Washington and is very quiet. Connected to the capital by the blue line metro (10 min) - compare accommodation on booking
- Alexandria (13 km / 16 min): historic city located on the banks of the Potomac River. Quiet, with budget accommodation and all services. It is located south of Washington, to which it is connected by the blue line metro (20 min) - compare accommodation on booking
Travel Tips for Washington D.C.
- Public Transport: Washington D.C. has an excellent and user-friendly public transportation system, primarily the Metrorail (subway) and Metrobus. The Metrorail is the best way to get around the city, especially to the National Mall and major attractions. Purchase a **SmarTrip card** for easy travel. Walking is also a great way to explore many central areas.
- Best Time to Visit: The ideal times to visit D.C. are during spring (March-May) for the famous cherry blossoms and pleasant temperatures, and fall (September-November) for comfortable weather and colorful foliage. Summer (June-August) can be hot and humid, while winter (December-February) is cold, but often offers fewer crowds.
- Local Currency: The local currency is the United States Dollar (USD). Credit cards are widely accepted everywhere, but it's always useful to carry some cash for smaller purchases or tips.
- Local Vibe/Culture: D.C. is a cosmopolitan city with a diverse population, reflecting its role as a global capital. It's generally a respectful and courteous city. Tipping is customary for service industries (restaurants, taxis, etc.) - typically 15-20% for good service in restaurants. Security is high around government buildings, so expect bag checks and follow instructions.
Washington DC accommodation price map
Guide to the areas of Washington DC
Washington DC, the American capital, is part of the federal district of District Columbia. Despite being a fairly large city, with an area of 177 sq km and just over 700,000 inhabitants, it does not have a complicated internal subdivision and it is quite intuitive to move around and settle in.
The capital is divided into 26 areas, called neighbourhoods. From a tourist point of view, the most important districts are the central ones, which develop around Downtown, the heart of the city. Here you will find yourself close to the major attractions, which are mainly found at the National Mall, and the area is well served by public transport.
Taking the National Mall as a reference point: to the north you will find the districts of Downtown (immediately after the White House) and Dupont Circle; to the west, the Foggy Bottom district; to the east, the Capitol Hill neighbourhood (which houses several government buildings, such as the Supreme Court of the United States); finally, to the north west, more distant and connected to the centre only by bus, the university district of Georgetown.
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