Washington, MD

Travel Guide
United States of America

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)

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.

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

Northwest

4/5(100 area reviews)

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.

Northwest
Georgetown showing a house, heritage architecture and a city

Georgetown

4.5/5(371 area reviews)

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.

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

Capitol Hill

4/5(2,968 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums and important monuments, there's plenty to explore in Capitol Hill. Check out top attractions like United States Capitol and Library of Congress, and jump on the metro at Capitol South Station or Eastern Market Station to see more of the city.

Capitol Hill
Dupont Circle which includes a monument and a statue or sculpture

Dupont Circle

4.5/5(2,793 area reviews)

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.

Dupont Circle
Alexandria featuring heritage elements

Old Town Alexandria

4.5/5(580 area reviews)

If you're spending time in Old Town Alexandria, you might enjoy attractions like Market Square and Alexandria City Hall. You might also enjoy the neighborhood's ample dining options before hopping on the metro at King Street Station to see more of the city.

Old Town Alexandria
Washington Plaza Hotel
Washington Plaza Hotel
4 out of 5
10 Thomas Circle NW, Washington, DC
The price is ¥18,538 per night from May 27 to May 28
¥18,538
per night
May 27 - May 28
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! (3,216 reviews)
"Prime location"

Reviewed on May 8, 2024

Washington Plaza Hotel
Capital Hilton
Capital Hilton
4 out of 5
1001 16th St NW, Washington, DC
The price is ¥24,258 per night from May 31 to Jun 1
¥24,258
per night
May 31 - Jun 1
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy 2 restaurants, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
Girls weekend
"The location was fabulous, a couple blocks from the Whitehouse, we had monuments, museums, and restaurants at our finger tips. The hotel was clean, the room was spacious, and the staff was friendly. We walked everywhere and had a blast."

Reviewed on May 8, 2024

Capital Hilton
Hotel Washington
Hotel Washington
4.5 out of 5
515 15th Street, NW, Washington, DC
The price is ¥37,231 per night from May 26 to May 27
¥37,231
per night
May 26 - May 27
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,637 reviews)
"Great location, excellent staff."

Reviewed on May 7, 2024

Hotel Washington
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.
Holiday Inn Washington Capitol - Natl Mall, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Washington Capitol - Natl Mall, an IHG Hotel
3 out of 5
550 C St SW, Washington, DC
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (3,694 reviews)
"The staff was very friendly and helpful. The location was great - just a couple of blocks from the Mall. It was great to have a Starbucks in the lobby. Rooms were ok, not dirty but just a bit outdated. Beds were very hard and uncomfortable. Overall, a pretty good stay."

Reviewed on May 9, 2024

Holiday Inn Washington Capitol - Natl Mall, an IHG Hotel
Embassy Suites by Hilton Washington D.C. – Convention Center
Embassy Suites by Hilton Washington D.C. – Convention Center
3.5 out of 5
900 10th St NW, Washington, DC
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Washington. Enjoy free breakfast, a 24-hour fitness center, and WiFi (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,904 reviews)
Never Disappointed with the Embassy Suites.
"The hotel was perfect for staying in DC for the weekend. Location was great, cleanliness was great, the restaurant/bar was perfect and we very much enjoyed breakfast. We were there with friends and families and everyone enjoyed their experience."

Reviewed on May 6, 2024

Embassy Suites by Hilton Washington D.C. – Convention Center
The Dupont Circle Hotel
The Dupont Circle Hotel
4.5 out of 5
1500 New Hampshire Ave Nw, Washington, DC
Book a stay at this boutique aparthotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,205 reviews)
Easy checkin, great welcoming service at front des
"Very welcoming hotel. Easy checking."

Reviewed on May 8, 2024

The Dupont Circle 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 59.36118379500135%
4 - Good
3839
" "4 - Good 34.63863574844356%
3 - Okay
545
" "3 - Okay 4.917441126048904%
2 - Disappointing
68
" "2 - Disappointing 0.6135522872868356%
1 - Terrible
52
" "1 - Terrible 0.46918704321934496%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Jun 5, 2020

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

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jun 2, 2020

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
May 31, 2020

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

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
May 27, 2020

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

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
May 27, 2020

Great place to visit

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
May 25, 2020

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

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