Where to Stay in Washington DC (Best Places & Areas)

👉 Jump to: Best Places to Stay in Washington DC | Neighborhoods & Areas | Tips | Podcast | FAQ

As a Washington DC local, I’ve discovered there are many things to do in the city. But if you’ve never been before, it can be hard to know where to begin your trip-planning process.

For first-time visitors and those who want to be close to all the iconic DC attractions, I recommend staying in Downtown DC. Here, you’ll be right in the action, within walking distance of the National Mall and major museums. In this area, you can book a stay at Willard InterContinental Washington, a beautifully decorated and historic hotel just a block away from the White House.

However, if you want to be around more nightlife and in the heart of the neighborhoods, I would suggest staying at The Dupont Circle Hotel.

DC is full of distinct neighborhoods that give the city character. Keep reading for a full breakdown of the best areas and hotel recommendations (plus helpful mini guides).

Best Places to Stay in Washington DC

Just looking for a quick answer on the best places to stay in Washington DC? Here are my top picks: 

• 🏆 Best Overall Hotel – Willard InterContinental Washington, an IHG Hotel
• 🗺️ Best Location – Riggs Washington DC
• 💎 Best Luxury Hotel – Willard InterContinental Washington, an IHG Hotel
• 👪 Best for Families – Hyatt House Washington DC/The Wharf
• 💻 Best for Business – Courtyard by Marriott Washington Downtown/Convention Center
• 🛎️ Best Boutique – The Line Hotel DC
• ✨ Best Near Entertainment – The Dupont Circle Hotel
• 🏨 Best Trendy Hotel – Moxy Washington, DC Downtown
• 🛏️ Best Budget – Generator Hotel Washington DC

Click here to see all top Washington DC hotels or here for apartments.

Ok, let’s do a deep dive of the best areas and neighborhoods in Washington DC:

11 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in Washington DC

Washington, D.C. is separated into four quadrants: Northwest, Northeast, Southwest, and Southeast. Northwest is the largest quadrant and includes many iconic Washington, D.C. landmarks. Overall, the neighborhoods in Washington, D.C. are a mix of commercial and residential areas.

Downtown

👉 Best Area For Iconic DC Landmarks & First-Time Visitors | ✨ Best Downtown Hotels: The Moxy • Hamilton Hotel • Willard InterContinental Washington

Downtown DC is the best place to stay if you want to be close to all the notable landmarks. If you book a hotel in the area, you’ll only be a few blocks away from the National Mall, which includes the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the Capitol Building. 

Downtown DC is also home to major museums, like the Smithsonian museums, the Supreme Court Building, and the Library of Congress.

Downtown is a central neighborhood with multiple metro stations on the National Mall, which makes getting around easier. The Mall is much larger than many perceive it to be, so be prepared to walk.

Overall, staying Downtown is best for anyone who wants to prioritize seeing all the famous DC landmarks on their trip. This area is especially great for families and first-time visitors. 

Book a stay at Willard InterContinental Washington to enjoy everything Downtown has to offer. This historic hotel is my top pick in the city for its awesome location, beautiful rooms, and luxury amenities.

For young travelers, The Moxy is another great hotel and a trendy place to stay. The Moxy has a rooftop bar, which features live music and great views of Downtown DC.

Pros of Staying in Downtown:

• Close to iconic monuments and attractions
• Easily walkable and bikeable
• Multiple metro stations
• Safe area with many tourists

Cons of Staying in Downtown:

• There can be a lot of traffic
• Hotels can be more expensive

Georgetown

👉 Best Area For Shopping | ✨ Best Georgetown Hotels: The Graham Georgetown • The Ritz-Carlton Georgetown • Georgetown Inn

Georgetown is one of DC’s most famous neighborhoods. It’s a quaint and upscale area with tons of shopping. Plus, it’s the ideal location for those who prefer luxurious attractions during their stay. 

This neighborhood is great for couples. The Graham Georgetown is a romantic and luxurious hotel right on the canal. Georgetown has an extensive commercial area with premier stores, quaint coffee shops, and fine dining restaurants.

The Kennedy Center is another popular DC attraction for concerts and musicals. The Georgetown Inn is a little over a mile away, so it’s a great hotel option if you’re coming to the city for a show.

Georgetown sits on the banks of the Potomac River. Restaurants like Nick’s Riverfront Grill allow you to dine on the water. And Georgetown Waterfront Park is a great place to enjoy the outdoors. 

Georgetown is close to Downtown DC, so this neighborhood puts you near many popular monuments and attractions. Do note that Georgetown does not have a metro stop, so you will most likely need a car to access the area.

Pros of Staying in Georgetown:

• Many restaurants and stores within walking distance
• Outdoor activities on Georgetown Waterfront
• Located near famous attractions

Cons of Staying in Georgetown:

• Hotels can be pricey in the area
• The neighborhood does not have a metro stop

Dupont Circle

👉 Best Area For Culture & Entertainment | ✨ Best Dupont Circle Hotels: The Dupont Circle Hotel • Placemakr Dupont Circle • The Ven at Embassy Row

Dupont Circle is a favorite neighborhood for many locals. It’s located just north of Downtown DC in a prime location to visit both monuments and local attractions. 

Staying in Dupont Circle is especially ideal if you like visiting museums. The famous Phillips Collection and Dupont Underground are two museums art lovers should visit. 

Plus, many of the DC’s embassies are in Dupont Circle. Visitors are welcome to tour the embassies as a way of exploring other countries’ cultures. If you want to stay amongst the embassies, book a room at The Ven at Embassy Row.

The Dupont Circle Hotel is right on the neighborhood’s famous traffic circle, making it a central location from which to explore the neighborhood.

I recommend the restaurant, Vagabond, for a menu inspired by the world’s surf destinations. Try Board Room for a bar with a twist; here you can grab a drink and play your favorite board games. And if you’re looking for a laugh, DC Improv Comedy Club hosts both local and big-name comedians.

Pros of Staying in Dupont Circle:

• Plenty of options for dining, entertainment, and nightlife
• Close to notable attractions 
• Close to other cool neighborhoods
• The neighborhood is accessible by metro and public transit

Cons of Staying in Dupont Circle:

• Can be congested with traffic
• Prices can be high

Adams Morgan

👉 Best Area For Nightlife | ✨ Best Adams Morgan Hotels: The Line Hotel • The Normandy Hotel • The Churchill Hotel • Generator Hotel Washington DC

Adams Morgan is a vibrant neighborhood with plenty of activities and nightlife entertainment. This neighborhood is ideal for young people who want to be near a variety of options for nightlife.

I recommend The Line Hotel — a hip boutique hotel in the heart of Adams Morgan, which features No Goodbyes, which has a restaurant, bar, and cafe. Alternatively, the Generator Hotel Washington DC is a good choice for budget travelers. It provides private suites as well as dorm-style rooms.

18th Street is lined with restaurants, bars, and clubs ideal for nighttime entertainment. Madam’s Organ is one of the most famous bars in the area. The club features live music every night, a dance floor, and multiple bars. For dinner, Lucky Buns offers gourmet burgers. The DINER is open 24 hours and is great for brunch.

Adams Morgan has plenty of locally owned shops, too. Readers will love Lost City Books. And if you’re looking to give your home a new look, check out Urban Dwell. Adams Morgan is also close to U-Street, which offers more nightlife, dining, and shopping options.

Pros of Staying in Adams Morgan:

• Many dining, entertainment, and shopping options
• Nearby other vibrant neighborhoods
• Metro accessible

Cons of Staying in Adams Morgan:

• Can be a congested area
• Nightlife can be a bit rowdy

Capitol Hill

👉 Best Area For a Quaint Neighborhood | ✨ Best Capitol Hill Hotels: Capitol Hill Hotel

Capitol Hill is perfect for anyone wanting a quaint but luxurious retreat in Washington DC. This neighborhood is directly behind the United States Capitol building and is full of quiet, tree-lined streets and beautiful Victorian row houses.

Stay at the Capitol Hill Hotel to be close to landmarks, such as the Supreme Court, the United States Botanic Garden, and the Air and Space Museum. When staying in the Capitol Hill neighborhood, you will experience much less hustle and bustle.

I recommend visiting Eastern Market in Capitol Hill. This market is a local staple and has restaurants and shops to explore. Bullfrog Bagels is a great place to grab breakfast before sightseeing. On Sundays, Eastern Market becomes one of the largest vendor markets in DC. It’s a great place to shop from local artists and small businesses.

Pros of Staying in Capitol Hill:

• Close to Downtown, Navy Yard, and other attractions
• Bike or bus to the National Mall and Monuments
• Accessible by metro and public transportation
• Quaint neighborhood

Cons of Staying in Capitol Hill:

• Can be an expensive area
• Not many hotels in the neighborhood

Southwest Waterfront

👉 Best Area For Waterfront Entertainment | ✨ Best Southwest Waterfront Hotels: Canopy by Hilton • Hyatt House Washington DC/The Wharf • InterContinental – The Wharf, an IHG Hotel

The Southwest Waterfront sits on the banks of the Potomac River. If you’re looking to stay in an entertainment hub, this is the neighborhood to be.

The Wharf is a popular commercial area with restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues right on the water. The historic fish market is a must-visit location and Jessie’s is the place to go for buying fresh seafood. 

Whisky Charlie, which is located in the Canopy by Hilton Hotel, has a stunning rooftop lounge and bar that overlooks the water. Many of the hotels, including the Hyatt House Washington DC/The Wharf, have on-site dining options as some of their amenities. But, of course, you’re only a few steps away from some of the city’s best restaurants.

In the winter, there is a stand that sells hot chocolate and marshmallows for s’mores, which you can roast over a campfire. The Wharf is also a great place to stay if you’re seeing a concert at The Anthem, an iconic concert venue. 

Southwest Waterfront is also close to other desirable neighborhoods, including Downtown and Navy Yard, where the baseball stadium is located.

Pros of Staying in Southwest Waterfront:

• Tons of great restaurants and bars
• Close to attractions and other neighborhoods
• Accessible by metro and public transportation

Cons of Staying in Southwest Waterfront:

• The bars and restaurants can be pricey
• Waterfront is a bit of a walk from the metro stop
• It can be congested for drivers

Navy Yard

👉 Best Area For Sports and Entertainment | ✨ Best Navy Yard Hotels: Thompson Washington DC • Hampton Inn and Suites • Coda on Half

Navy Yard borders the Southwest Waterfront to the east. The neighborhood is newly developed with plenty of restaurants and bars for visitors to experience. The rooftop beer garden, Takoda, is a great place to grab a drink. As is Dacha Beer Garden right on the water.

The Navy Yard neighborhood is a favorite for sports fans. Nationals Park and Audi Field are located here. If you’re a fan of baseball or soccer, Navy Yard is the ideal neighborhood to stay in. Thompson Washington DC is located right near Nationals Park, so you will have a short walk to and from a game.

The Bullpen is a popular spot for young adults to grab a drink, especially during baseball season. Coda on Half is just a block away, so it’ll be great for going out and going to sporting events.

Navy Yard is conveniently located near Southwest Waterfront and the Wharf. You’ll have plenty of waterfront entertainment options in these two nearby neighborhoods. Navy Yard also borders Capitol Hill and Downtown, so it’s easily accessible from other busy areas in DC.

Pros of Staying in Navy Yard:

• Nationals Park and Audi Field are nearby
• A walkable neighborhood
• Metro accessible
• Many restaurants and bars nearby

Cons of Staying in Navy Yard:

• There can be a lot of traffic
• Not easy to drive in
• Can be rowdy on the weekends because of bars and sports games

Chinatown

👉 Best Area For a Central Location | ✨ Best Chinatown Hotels: Motto by Hilton • Fairfield Inn & Suites • Riggs Washington DC

Chinatown is where to stay in Washington DC if you want to have access to a variety of attractions and other neighborhoods. NOMA, Downtown, and Shaw are all nearby.

Going to an event at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center? It’s a close walk, short drive, or quick metro ride from Chinatown. Capital One Arena is the neighborhood’s biggest event venue. Here, there are concerts, hockey games, basketball games, and other live events. Nearby Gallery Place and Penn Quarter offer bars, restaurants, and luxury shopping.

I recommend a stay at Riggs Washington DC for the perfect central location. This boutique, luxury hotel was once the Riggs National Bank building. Today, the hotel bar is marked with historic and beautiful marble columns.

The Motto by Hilton is another great choice with a rooftop bar and Southern comfort food restaurant, Crimson, on the first floor. It’s within walking distance of Capital One Arena, a movie theater, and multiple dining establishments.

Pros of Staying in Chinatown:

• Central neighborhood near other attractions
• Walkable neighborhood
• Many restaurants and stores
• Accessible by metro and buses

Cons of Staying in Chinatown:

• Can be congested when driving because of the proximity to Downtown
• Some crime in the area, particularly at night

Logan Circle

👉 Best Area For DC History | ✨ Best Logan Circle Hotels: Viceroy Washington DC • Courtyard by Marriott Washington Downtown/Convention Center • Washington Plaza Hotel

Stay in Logan Circle for beautiful architecture and lots of DC history. I recommend visiting the Logan Circle Heritage Trail. Here, you can see the Letcher Art Center, a school used by famous jazz musicians, and the site of a Civil War contraband camp.

The restaurants in Logan Square are quite popular with locals. 14th Street is lined with acclaimed bars and restaurants. Le Diplomat is a favorite for brunch, lunch, and dinner. Etto makes a great date night spot. I like finishing the night with dessert at Milk Bar.

Walter E. Washington Convention Center is located between Logan Circle and Shaw. The Courtyard by Marriott Washington Downtown/Convention Center is located nearby. So, if you’re attending an event at this convention center, Logan Circle is the neighborhood to stay in.

Black Cat is a local music venue that hosts rock, alternative, indie, and local bands. It’s a great option for music lovers living in and visiting the area.

The Washington Plaza Hotel, located towards the bottom of Logan Circle, is a short walk to Downtown. Just a few blocks from the White House, this hotel can be a great option if you want to visit the traditional DC attractions.

Pros of Staying in Logan Circle:

• Great dining, bars, and cafes
• Nearby Downtown, famous landmarks, and other neighborhoods

Cons of Staying in Logan Circle:

• No metro stop in the neighborhood
• It can be congested, especially in busy commercial areas

Foggy Bottom

👉 Best Area For George Washington University Visitors | ✨ Best Foggy Bottom Hotels: Hotel Hive • Watergate Hotel • The River Inn

Foggy Bottom is known for being the home of George Washington University (GW). If you’re a student or parent of a student at GW, staying in Foggy Bottom will keep you close to campus.

The Hotel Hive is located right across the street from the Charles E. Smith Center, which hosts the university’s basketball games. Stay here if you’re visiting a GW student, touring the school, or attending an on-campus event but still want a convenient location. It’s also a great trendy hotel for young travelers.

Foggy Bottom is conveniently located next to Downtown. This means you can be close to monuments, the National Mall, and the White House without being right in Downtown. Walk straight down 23rd Street NW from the Hive Hotel to get to the Lincoln Memorial.

Foggy Bottom is also the location of the Watergate Hotel, which offers a luxurious stay and views of the Potomac River. This hotel is near the Kennedy Center. So, it’s a good choice if you’re in town for a performance.

Pros of Staying in Foggy Bottom:

• Located near Downtown and the monuments
• Good for George Washington University students and parents
• Accessible by metro

Cons of Staying in Foggy Bottom:

• Can be congested when driving

Woodley Park

👉 Best Area For a Neighborhood Feel | ✨ Best Woodley Park Hotels: Omni Shoreham Hotel • Woodley Park Guest House • The Kalorama Guest House

Woodley Park is mostly a residential neighborhood. It’s ideal if you want something a little quieter instead of the hustle and bustle of the city. This neighborhood has homes with beautiful architecture and close access to Rock Creek Park. 

The Smithsonian National Zoo sits on the edge of Woodley Park. The Woodley Park Guest House is a quick walk to the zoo. The Washington National Cathedral is also nearby. Walk around the grounds and gardens during the spring to enjoy the cherry blossoms. And be sure to look out for the Darth Vader gargoyle!

There are plenty of local restaurants and small businesses to explore here. Open City is a gourmet diner that serves breakfast all day long. Han Palace has an extensive dim sum menu that lovers of Chinese cuisine will enjoy.

The quiet atmosphere makes Woodley Park an ideal neighborhood for those looking for a peaceful retreat in DC. The Omni Shoreham Hotel provides a luxurious stay in the city. Woodley Park also has a family-friendly vibe, so it’s a great place for people traveling with kids.

Pros of Staying in Woodley Park:

• Quiet family-friendly neighborhood
• Many local restaurants and bars
• Away from the busier and touristy areas

Cons of Staying in Woodley Park:

• The neighborhood is metro-accessible, but the metro stop is not central
• Not near neighborhoods with other attractions or monuments

Tips for Staying in Washington, D.C.

Utilize the Metro

Washington DC has an extensive metro system that can take you almost anywhere you need to go in DC and the surrounding parts of Maryland and Virginia. You can get a 1, 3, or 7-day unlimited pass that lets you ride the metro for a flat rate. A MetroCard is also good for the bus.

Wear Comfortable Walking Shoes

You’ll likely be doing a lot of walking, no matter what sights you see or what things you do in DC. For example, the National Mall is about 2 miles long and the museums in DC are enormous. Walking around neighborhoods and to and from metro stops is the best way to get around. Since you’ll be on your feet so much, comfortable shoes are a must.

Try the Capital Bikeshare

Biking is one of the best ways to get around DC, especially when the weather is nice. The Capital Bikeshare has stations around the city where you can rent a bike and pay by the minute. You can get a single ride or a day pass. It’s one of the best ways to avoid getting stuck in car traffic.

Plan Museum Visits in Advance

There are over 80 museums in Washington DC. 21 museums are part of the Smithsonian Institution. It’s impossible to see all the museums in one visit to DC, as many take hours to get through. Take a look at the museums and choose which ones you want to visit before arriving in the city.

Visit the National Mall at Night

The National Mall and monuments don’t close. I recommend visiting the monuments at night at least once. They’re beautiful against the night sky and illuminated by light. You can go for a stroll or sit outside the monuments. Plus, the monuments are often less busy at night.

Consider the Time of Year You Visit

Be mindful of the time of year you visit DC. Summers can be hot, humid, and crowded. Mosquitoes are also prevalent in the summer. Spring can be beautiful, especially when the cherry blossoms bloom. However, this is a heavily visited time of year. Spring and summer are great times to visit, but be prepared for crowds and higher prices.

Look for Local Events

When planning your trip, check out some of the local events happening in the area. There are plenty of concerts, markets, and community days that happen year-round. Spending time where the locals go is the best way to experience the touristy and local side of Washington DC.

Want More? Listen to My Washington DC Podcast Episode!

If you liked this post, you’ll love my Washington DC episode on the Travel Lemming Podcast. It’s available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts (just search “Travel Lemming Washington DC”). 

I talk about where to stay in Washington DC at minute mark 23:17. Here’s the hotel I mention in the episode:

• The Line Hotel DC

The host, Nate, and I also discussed the best things to do in Washington DC (09:11), day trips from Washington DC (16:58), the best time to visit (25:53), why more people should visit (07:00) and all the other common questions about travel to Washington DC.

Download now and remember to listen to the entire episode before you arrive in Washington DC.

FAQs

What are the best areas to stay in Washington DC for first-timers?

The best areas to stay in Washington DC for first-timers include Downtown, Foggy Bottom, Penn Quarter, Chinatown, and Capitol Hill. These areas put you near main attractions like The White House, Smithsonian Museums, and the National Mall.

What are safe areas to stay in Washington DC?

Safe areas to stay in Washington DC include Georgetown, Dupont Circle, Woodley Park, Adams Morgan, Logan Circle, and Foggy Bottom. These areas are busy, touristy, and commercial. You should still practice general safety precautions no matter where you are. For more, see my full guide to safety in DC.

How many days is best for Washington DC?

A minimum of three days is best for visiting Washington DC. Seeing the monuments and museums can take a few days. You should spend a week in Washington DC to really get a feel for the city and see everything.

Where can I stay in DC without a car? 

You can stay in Downtown DC, Foggy Bottom, Chinatown, Capitol Hill, and Southwest Waterfront without a car. It’s often better to visit DC without a car anyway. Plus, Washington DC has a great public transportation system and bikeshare program.

What are the affordable areas to stay in Washington DC? 

Affordable areas to stay in Washington DC include Uptown neighborhoods like Adams Morgan, Dupont Circle, and Logan Circle. Downtown neighborhoods like Chinatown and Foggy Bottom have affordable hotel options, too. 

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Overall, you have plenty of great options when looking for places to stay in DC. You can stay in areas near historical landmarks, residential neighborhoods, and everything in between. Check out our guide to the best day trips from Washington DC for more ideas on places to visit. 

–Lea Rose Allbaugh contributed to this post.