The Best Areas to Stay in Washington, DC
The Best Areas to Stay in Washington, DC

Best Areas to Stay in Washington, D.C.

Where to Stay in Washington – A Guide to the United States Capital

Although it is not the largest or most populous city in the United States, Washington is the capital of the country, and it is a city full of monuments and museums of all kinds.

Washington is located along the Potomac River, which borders Maryland and Virginia.

Its architectural legacy includes attractions such as the Washington Monument, the National World War II Monument and the Martin Luther King Monument.

In addition, Washington offers great food, shops of different categories, sports, and events for all tastes.

Touring Washington is possible by segway, metro, bicycle, bus, and on foot.

When choosing the best time to travel to Washington, it must be taken into account that the city has a very variable climate.

Both spring and fall are great for walks in the city gardens and cherry blossom viewing, so both are good options when visiting Washington, while winters are quite cold and summers are very hot.

As for the best areas to stay in Washington, D.C. Downtown stands out for housing most of the important attractions of the capital of the United States. (See accommodation in Downtown Washington). On the other hand, Adams Morgan is a recommended area to stay in Washington for those who want to know the nightlife of the city (See hotels in Adams Morgan).

Here’s a guide with the best areas to stay in Washington, D.C.

The Best Areas to Stay in Washington, D.C.

1. Our Favorite Area: Downtown Washington & Monumental Area

Downtown Washington is the heart of the city and is home to the Washington Monument, a white obelisk that is a symbol of the city.

The main attractions in this area are the National Archives, the Reynolds Center for American Art & Portraiture, the Ford Theater, where Abraham Lincoln was assassinated, and the Walter E. Convention Center.

In this area is the most famous address in the world: 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, where the United States White House is located.

This area is very pedestrian-friendly, but it also has metro and bus connections to get to other places in Washington, in addition to many parking spaces.

On the other hand, when it comes to accommodation, Downtown Washington is known for its business and luxury hotels, which makes it an expensive area to stay.

For lovers of culture, Downtown Washington has the National Museum of Women in the Arts, with works by Frida Kahlo and Mary Cassatt.

The Renwick Gallery, the Smithsonian Museum, the National Building Museum and theaters like Shakespeare’s, the Warner’s, and the Woolly Mammoth complete the cultural offer of this district.

In addition, Downtown is the best area to stay in Washington for its shops, restaurants, and bars aimed at all kinds of audiences.

Where to stay in Washington - Downtown
Where to stay in Washington – Downtown
Accommodation in Downtown Washington - Click on the map to see all available accommodation in this area
Accommodation in Downtown Washington – Click on the map to see all available accommodation in this area

Why is this a recommended area to stay in Washington, DC:

  • Best area for sightseeing
  • Connected by public transport
  • Best area for business travelers
  • White House
  • Luxury-type hotels
  • Washington Monument

2. Adams Morgan

Adams Morgan is a multicultural neighborhood in Washington that is located around 18th Street, southwest of Downtown.

This area has eclectic bars with live music that make it a good area to stay in Washington for nightlife. In addition, there are also restaurants of international gastronomy, pizzerias, and street food here.

Adams Morgan connects to the rest of the city by bus and taxi.

Here, you will also find historic houses and a variety of vintage shops and fashion boutiques.

The DC Arts Center, which supports and showcases works by the city’s artists, is a mandatory stop in this area for culture lovers.

Adams Morgan is one of the best areas to stay in Washington to get to know the most casual facet of the city. Similarly, the hotels in this neighborhood tend to be of very good quality, but cheaper than in Downtown.

Recommended area to stay in Washington - Adams Morgan
Recommended area to stay in Washington – Adams Morgan
Accommodation in Adams Morgan - Click on the map to see all available accommodation in this area
Accommodation in Adams Morgan – Click on the map to see all available accommodation in this area

Why is this a recommended area to stay in Washington:

  • Best area for nightlife
  • DC Arts Center
  • Great restaurants

3. Dupont Circle

Dupont Circle is a roundabout near Adams Morgan. This monument is named after the large park that surrounds it and is one of the best areas to stay in Washington.

The area is full of embassies and historical buildings, but it also has a large number of gay-friendly restaurants, clubs, and bars.

To move to other areas, Dupont Circle has a metro stop and several bus stops.

Dupont Circle is one of the trendiest and most exclusive neighborhoods in the city, with chic shops on 14th Street and luxury hotels. Therefore, this is not a cheap area to stay in Washington.

As for culture, Dupont Circle houses the National Geographic Museum, as well as other art galleries.

Dupont Circle is one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Washington if you want to know the most exclusive side of the capital of the United States. In addition, it is easy to navigate on foot.

Where to stay in Washington - Dupont Circle
Where to stay in Washington – Dupont Circle
Accommodation in Dupont Circle - Click on the map to see all available accommodation in this area
Accommodation in Dupont Circle – Click on the map to see all available accommodation in this area

Why is this a recommended area to stay in Washington, D.C:

  • Gay bars and clubs
  • Exclusive area
  • Restaurants and shops

4. Logan Circle

Logan Circle is another Washington roundabout that is located near Dupont Circle.

The area surrounding the roundabout houses a statue of John Logan, General of the Civil War, and is a largely residential area.

Logan Circle is a recommended area to stay in Washington for those seeking tranquility during their stay, away from the bustle of downtown.

To access other neighborhoods from Logan Circle, you can take the green line of the metro, bus, or taxi. Renting a car is also a good option when staying in this area.

The main attraction in this neighborhood is 14th Street NW, where the blocks between M and U streets have become a magnet for foodies, thanks to its dozens of restaurants and bars.

This neighborhood is one of the most exclusive areas to stay in Washington and is located near the White House.

Where to stay in Washington - Near the White House
Where to stay in Washington – Near the White House
Accommodation in Logan Circle - Click on the map to see all available accommodation in this area
Accommodation in Logan Circle – Click on the map to see all available accommodation in this area

Why is this a recommended area to stay in Washington:

  • Great restaurants
  • Exclusive area
  • Good transport connections

5. Foggy Bottom

Foggy Bottom is located just west of downtown Washington, about an 8-minute drive.

This district mixes the cultural and the corporate since it has the Riverside Kennedy Center and the State Department. Therefore, it is one of the best areas to stay in Washington for business travelers.

Much of Foggy Bottom is occupied by the main campus of George Washington University, so the neighborhood also boasts bars geared toward a younger audience and other nightlife options.

The John F. Kennedy Performing Arts Center is another attraction in this area, with regular dance, music, and theater recitals.

Foggy Bottom is one of the recommended areas to stay in Washington due to its proximity to Downtown, transport connections, and cultural options.

Recommended neighborhoods to stay in Washington - Near the JFK Performing Arts Center

Recommended neighborhoods to stay in Washington – Near the JFK Performing Arts Center
Accommodation in Foggy Bottom - Click on the map to see all available accommodation in this area
Accommodation in Foggy Bottom – Click on the map to see all available accommodation in this area

6. Georgetown

Although technically, Georgetown is an independent city from Washington, it is a good place to stay since it offers cheaper hotels.

Leisure in Georgetown revolves around M Street and Wisconsin Avenue, with shopping malls, bars, and many restaurants.

Although this district is ideal for shopping, being the oldest neighborhood in Washington, it is also full of charm, events for the whole family, and panoramic views.

Georgetown is located on the banks of the Potomac and has a boardwalk, ideal for family trips and outdoor activities such as ice skating during the winter.

Georgetown connects to Washington through several metro and bus lines.

This is one of the best districts to stay in Washington for its pocket-friendly accommodations, green areas, and quiet environment.


Recommended neighborhoods to stay in Washington - Georgetown
Recommended neighborhoods to stay in Washington – Georgetown
Accommodation in Georgetown - Click on the map to see all available accommodation in this area
Accommodation in Georgetown – Click on the map to see all available accommodation in this area

7. Capitol Hill

Capitol Hill is the seat of the United States Capitol, where there are buildings and monuments such as the Senate, the House of Representatives, and the Supreme Court, of neoclassical style.

However, Capitol Hill is more than government buildings and monuments, here are also beautiful parks to visit during any season and restaurants for all tastes.

Capitol Hill is home to the Eastern Market, offering fresh products and delicious food throughout the week.

Much of the charm of this area is due to its 19th-century townhomes, many of which are home to politicians and young entrepreneurs.

If you are looking to be close to some of the most important buildings in the city, Capitol Hill is one of the best areas to stay in Washington, District of Columbia (D.C.)

Best areas to stay in Washington - Near Union Station
Best areas to stay in Washington – Near Union Station
Accommodation in Capitol Hill - Click on the map to see all available accommodation in this area
Accommodation in Capitol Hill – Click on the map to see all available accommodation in this area

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