Washington, MD

Travel Guide

United States Capitol showing an administrative buidling, heritage architecture and autumn leaves
Washington featuring a monument and an administrative buidling as well as a couple
United States Capitol which includes heritage architecture, an administrative buidling and a sunset
National Museum of Natural History featuring heritage elements and interior views as well as an individual femail
National Air and Space Museum featuring interior views as well as a large group of people

Washington Travel Guide Video

Visit the nation’s capital to admire presidential monuments, tour fascinating museums, watch professional sports and see modern history being created.

Washington D.C. is an important destination to learn about the U.S., its historic past and eventful present. Tour monuments and museums and appreciate nonpolitical aspects of this impressive city.

The National Mall and Memorial Parks is a good place to begin, with a 2-mile (3-kilometer) stretch of attractions. Stand on the steps of the Lincoln Monument and remember Lincoln’s actions in freeing slaves and establishing a path to race equality in the U.S. Gaze over the reflecting pool to see the tall Washington Monument for the nation’s first president at the center of the mall and the dome of the U.S. Capitol in the distance.

View poignant memorials recognizing American veterans of the Vietnam War, Korean War and World War II near the reflecting pool. Monuments to Franklin Roosevelt, Thomas Jefferson and Martin Luther King, Jr. surround the Tidal Pool just south of the mall. Take a paddleboat across the water for different monument perspectives. The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is just east.

The Smithsonian has 13 sites along or near the National Mall. Stop at the Smithsonian Castle visitor center to plan your days of exploration, whatever your interests. Among the options are the Air and Space Museum, the Natural History Museum, the American History Museum, the American Indian Museum, the African American History and Culture Museum and the African Art Museum.

North of the National Mall is the president’s residence, the White House. For tours of the White House or observations of sessions in the U.S. Capitol, contact your member of congress or country embassy well in advance of your trip to D.C.

Other attractions in Washington D.C. include the National Gallery of Art, the Newseum, filled with interactive stories about freedom and free expression, and the Library of Congress, recognized as the world’s largest library. Ford’s Theatre, where Lincoln was assassinated, is now a working theater. Enjoy outstanding performances at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. See professional football, baseball, hockey and basketball in nearby venues.

Where to stay in Washington

Downtown Washington D.C. showing street scenes, a city and night scenes

Downtown Washington D.C.

4.5/5(6,676 area reviews)

Central business district boasting Penn Quarter, Chinatown, and CityCenterDC, with a variety of bars, restaurants, and theaters. Explore historic sites like Lafayette Square and enjoy diverse dining options such as Fogo de Chão and Old Ebbitt Grill.

Downtown Washington D.C.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park which includes a city and a river or creek

Northwest

4/5(100 area reviews)

Discover the heart of Washington, D.C. in this bustling quadrant, home to the central business district, Federal Triangle, and northern National Mall museums. Explore college campuses, catch a game at Capital One Arena, or visit the National Cathedral and Rock Creek Park. Enjoy seamless connectivity with all six Metro lines and numerous bus options.

Northwest
Georgetown showing a house, heritage architecture and a city

Georgetown

4.5/5(371 area reviews)

Historic landmarks and a bustling commercial district await, with high-end shops, bars, and restaurants at Wisconsin Avenue and M Street. Enjoy waterfront dining at Washington Harbour or explore the scenic Chesapeake and Ohio Canal.

Georgetown
United States Capitol which includes heritage architecture, an administrative buidling and a sunset

Capitol Hill

4/5(2,968 area reviews)

Historic and densely populated, this neighborhood boasts the Capitol, Supreme Court, and Library of Congress. Stroll along Pennsylvania Avenue, shop at Eastern Market, or explore Barracks Row's vibrant commercial scene.

Capitol Hill
Alexandria featuring heritage elements

Old Town Alexandria

4.5/5(580 area reviews)

Discover well-preserved late-18th and early-19th century urban architecture in this National Historic Landmark District. Explore the commercial center around S. Washington Street and King Street, featuring notable buildings like the Art Deco Virginia Public Service building.

Old Town Alexandria
Dupont Circle which includes a monument and a statue or sculpture

Dupont Circle

4.5/5(2,793 area reviews)

Embassies and think tanks abound in this area, where visitors can enjoy the Dupont Circle Fountain, historic Anderson House, and diverse dining options. Easily accessible via the Red Line Metro station.

Dupont Circle
Washington Plaza Hotel
Washington Plaza Hotel
4 out of 5
10 Thomas Circle NW, Washington, DC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥15,924 per night from Jun 30 to Jul 1
¥15,924
¥18,464 total
Jun 30 - Jul 1
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (4,370 reviews)
"We love the pool. It actually has deep pool 7ft part, when adults can swim. Hotel pools usually are not that deep. We stayed here few times already and we always oick the room with balcony. It faces the pool. The rooms are small, but has everything you need. The cafe next to the pool is convinient ..."

Reviewed on Jun 22, 2025

Washington Plaza Hotel
Omni Shoreham Hotel
Omni Shoreham Hotel
4 out of 5
2500 Calvert St Nw, Washington, DC
The price is ¥17,671 per night from Jul 6 to Jul 7
¥17,671
¥24,724 total
Jul 6 - Jul 7
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy an outdoor pool, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,941 reviews)
"the young man ( curly hair m26?) at the desk was very polite and helpful. the room was nice, the lobby was nice, felt very sophisticated, elevators were slow and it took a few trips to be able to get down or up, would recommend more to better transport the amount of people you gave staying there. ..."

Reviewed on Jun 20, 2025

Omni Shoreham Hotel
Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel
Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel
3.5 out of 5
900 S Orme St, Arlington, VA
The price is ¥15,924 per night from Jun 27 to Jun 28
¥15,924
¥18,193 total
Jun 27 - Jun 28
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Arlington. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a free airport shuttle, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (2,281 reviews)
"Very nice friendly staff at reception. Check in was great"

Reviewed on Jun 22, 2025

Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The River Inn
The River Inn
4 out of 5
924 25th St NW, Washington, DC
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,705 reviews)
"Employees were helpful and friendly. Not enough blankets."

Reviewed on Jun 20, 2025

The River Inn
Glover Park - Georgetown
Glover Park - Georgetown
4 out of 5
Washington
Stay at this aparthotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,465 reviews)
"Clean, excellent quality, friendly stuff. Restaurant is of an excellent quality, although maybe a little more expensive that I would expect. Good location for the purpose of my visit. Relatively far from the subway stations though; however buses are coming near."

Reviewed on Jun 19, 2025

Glover Park - Georgetown
The Melrose Georgetown Hotel
The Melrose Georgetown Hotel
4 out of 5
Washington
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly aparthotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,294 reviews)
"Beautiful old hotel nicely restored. Room was comfortable. Staff were friendly and helpful."

Reviewed on Jun 19, 2025

The Melrose Georgetown Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Reviews of Washington

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
6579
5 - Excellent 59%
4 - Good
3839
4 - Good 35%
3 - Okay
545
3 - Okay 5%
2 - Disappointing
68
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
52
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

We were there for our sons wedding he had at the Spanish Trail, it was nice area.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

The protestors were not peaceful. Well a few were, but most were anarchists. I did feel safe and peaceful in the hotel however.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Beautiful city, lovely to see our nation's capital in spring

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

I went to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. It is a very somber, yet thought-provoking place.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Great place to visit

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

DC is one of my top 2 favorite cities to visit...with SF being the other

Cities near Washington