When planning your trip to Washington DC, the first question you might have is where to stay while visiting the city. That answer really depends on you and what you would like to experience while exploring the nation's capitol.
Where to stay in Washington DC
We listed the top neighborhoods and hotels that we recommends as locals of the city. Each area has its charm or unique features that set it apart. Take your time through this ultimate guide of DC best neighborhoods and find the place that works best for you! There's something for everyone.
Downtown/Penn Quarter/Chinatown
Overview
Chinatown and Penn Quarter are the heart of Civil War DC, home to the Surratt House where the plot to assassinate Abraham Lincoln was hatched, the old Patent Office, Ford’s Theatre, and Clara Barton’s Missing Soldiers Office.
After the war, Chinatown became home to many immigrants until the Asian community relocated to the suburbs in the 1970s and 80s. One of the most “happening” neighborhoods in the city, Downtown and Penn Quarter are the parts of DC most reflective of the image that comes to mind when picturing a major urban area.
Pros
Downtown, Chinatown and Penn Quarter are walking distance from the National Mall, with Penn Quarter flanking the northeastern edge of the mall, giving easy access to the monuments, White House, and Smithsonian museums. While you are Downtown or in Penn Quarter, you are almost never more than two blocks from a metro stop.
Most of the downtown area is within one mile of Union Station. Penn Quarter is near many major entertainment venues, including Capitol One Arena and the Shakespeare, Warner, National, Wooly Mammoth, and Ford’s Theaters. Penn Quarter features diverse dining options, including many upscale restaurants.
Penn Quarter is home to world renowned chef Jose Andres’ restaurants Jaleo, China Chilcano, Oyamel, and twin establishments Minibar & Barmini. Non-Jose Andres’ options include Fiola, RPM, Cranes, and Moon Rabbit. Finally, Unscripted Tours' welcome center is located in Penn Quarter, where we begin our museum tours and are happy to receive walk-ins.
Cons
Penn Quarter, Chinatown, and Downtown are all noisy and traffic heavy until after dinner time. The neighborhood architecture is not the most charming, exemplified by the looming brutalist mass of the FBI building. Because Penn Quarter and Downtown are primarily business areas with fewer residences, they offer less of a community feeling.
No grocery stores are located in the area, making CVS and Walgreens the only options for pre-packaged foods. With lots of traffic and event related road closures, the neighborhood is not very car friendly despite plenty of parking garages. Restaurants in Penn Quarter close on the earlier end at which point the area’s nightlife is characterized by basement bars and dives for 21 and up.
Hotel Recommendations
Here are the three best options depending on what you are looking for. The Hotel Riggs, located adjacent to the Portrait Gallery is a moderately high end hotel with a lobby restaurant which boasts of deluxe food and a happening bar scene.
The Waldorf Astoria is the high end luxury option which sits right on Pennsylvania Ave. The hotel also includes a gourmet restaurant, Peacock Alley, that serves afternoon high tea and includes an observation tower that gives you perfect views of the city.
Motto by Hilton leans more on the mid-range with a hipster urban feel located in the heart of Chinatown. It also has a rooftop bar overlooking the cityscape. For those looking for an relatively affordable stay in the Washington DC, this should be a top pick.
The Wharf/National Mall
Overview
Over time this area has been a choice fishing area for local indigenous tribes, an inland seaport, home of the oldest municipal fish market in the US, and a prominent neighborhood in the District’s black community.
Rapidly rising in popularity as a tourism hub, The Wharf is a relatively new development capitalizing on scenic views of the Anacostia River. The Wharf proper is a mile-long stretch including piers, waterfront promenades, and the businesses. The surrounding blocks feature condominiums, entertainment, dining, and other amenities.
Pros
The Wharf operates a free shuttle bus that runs directly from the Wharf to the National Mall, L’Enfant Plaza, and the Spy Museum. All three are conveniently located near many top attractions in DC, providing a cost-effective transportation option for National Mall-focused visitors. The Waterfront metro station on the green line serves the immediate area as well.
The Waterfront itself provides a pleasant area for walking and exploring, including rooftop bars, restaurants, boutique and specialty groceries, shopping, and ice cream. Arena Stage and Nationals Park are close by for entertainment. Guests who enjoy kayaking or river cruises will be centrally located for these activities.
Cons
The Wharf is not a particularly car-friendly option for visitors who plan on bringing their own vehicle. The Wharf’s garage parking runs on the pricier end, and street parking is limited with strictly enforced meters.
While the Wharf itself provides beautiful views, dining options, entertainment, and accommodations, it is surrounded by residential and industrial areas that do not offer much in the way of dining or attractions.
Hotel Recommendations
Pendry is a small chain of luxury, boutique hotels operating in locations such as the West Side of Manhattan, West Hollywood, and adjacent to a luxury ski resort in Park City Utah. Their Washington DC location at The Wharf provides a luxury hotel option at a reasonable price point.
It features contemporary architecture with large windows to appreciate the waterfront views. The Pendry Washington DC boasts a classic lobby bar, a Japanese-inspired rooftop bar and restaurant, and spa.
Capitol Hill
Overview
One of the oldest neighborhoods in DC, Capitol Hill is the closest neighborhood to the National Mall where you can escape the crowds and enjoy a locals-only vibe. This area is filled with the stunning painted brownstones that DC is known for.
Pros
The location is almost unbeatable, a relatively quiet neighborhood that boast several restaurants and bars from dives to Michelin-rated fine dining. Local favorite food options include Beauchert’s Saloon, Little Pearl, Caruso’s Grocery, and The Roost Food Hall.
There are multiple metro stations in proximity giving easy access to the rest of the city, and a bus line that will take you straight to the White House, Georgetown, and the National Cathedral. Eastern Market and Barracks Row are a short walk away, you can enjoy easy access to the National Mall, Smithsonian Museums, and Nationals Park.
Cons
There are not many options for staying on Capitol Hill, with only one hotel and an occasional AirBnB shared space. While there are a couple of solid spots for food and nightlife when staying closer to Union Station they are limited and you may find yourself traveling to other neighborhoods frequently for more options.
Hotel Recommendations
There is only one hotel on Capitol Hill, the Capitol Hill Hotel. This is a small boutique hotel located across the street from the Library of Congress James Madison Building, one block from the US Capitol, and includes loaner bikes to get around the city!
On the other side of the Capitol next to Union Station there is a cluster of hotels ranging from the more affordable modern YOTEL to the more boutique and locally owned Phoenix Park that is home to the Dubliner, the oldest Irish Pub in DC.
The Royal Sonesta is more mid-range, showcasing nods to DC history throughout the building, and is home to Bistro Dujour offering great food and drinks. Other options on this stretch include a Hilton, Hyatt, and Kimpton.
NOMA
Overview
Encompassing an area known as “Swampoodle” in the 19th and early 20th centuries, this neighborhood first rose to prominence as a haven for Irish immigrants fleeing the Potato Famine. It gained a reputation for lawlessness and roving gangs of young men called “Poodles.”
Swampoodle faded away by the end of the Second World War, replaced by office complexes and rail yards serving Union Station. NoMA, meaning, “North of Massachusets Avenue,” reemerged at the turn of the millennium as an up and coming neighborhood with modern style and rapidly expanding amenities.
Pros
As a rising residential and business area, NoMA has amenities such as grocery and big box stores that are harder to find along the National Mall. These features can be very attractive to guests who plan on longer stays or primarily cooking for themselves, but still want to stay within the core of the District.
NoMA also features a variety of restaurants and local breweries, including Union Market. Visitors who want a “hip and modern” experience will feel right at home in NoMA, and may never want to leave. Proximity to Union Station makes NoMA an attractive option for access to Amtrak and Metro.
Cons
NoMA is a fast paced, up-and-coming neighborhood that is rapidly developing new businesses and residential buildings. Visitors may experience traffic noise, significant foot traffic, or noise from nightlife establishments. Guests who prefer a more laid-back or established area may want to look for accommodations at the Wharf, Penn Quarter, or Georgetown.
Hotel Recommendations
Focused on long-term stays and business travel, NoMA provides several affordable hotels that focus on functional amenities. CitizenM is a sleek, contemporary 4-star hotel, (located on First Street and N Street NE.) Hyatt Place US Capitol, and Washington Marriott Capitol Hill all provide excellent chain options. We recommend staying south of Florida avenue for ease of access to public transportation.
Dupont Circle/Logan Circle
Overview
Located just north of Downtown and the White House, the neighborhoods of Dupont Circle and Logan Circle have been hubs for shopping, dining, and nightlife for over a century now. These neighborhoods were the stage for much of DC’s LGBTQ+ history. Today you will find Victorian mansions turned to embassies and apartments and a high concentration of late-night options.
Pros
Near lots of nightlife and boutique shopping, with easy access to grocery stores. Easy to find food or drinks nearby in the evening. Fine dining options include the world famous Le Diplomat and a pair of restaurants in one building with Bresca and Jônt boasting one and two Michelin stars respectively. Casual options with great food include Dukes Grocery and Commodore.
Cons
It's a very lively neighborhood: traffic in the day and club-goers at night. Some may prefer a quieter area. Apart from the main Dupont Metro Station, metro stops are more spread out and neighborhoods are pretty far away from the main tourist sites meaning more walking or car rides.
Hotel Recommendations
In Dupont, there are many hotels in the midrange of price, however at the top of the hill there is the Washington Hilton that will put you a very short walk from great food and drinks in 3 neighborhoods with Dupont, Adams Morgan, and the U Street Corridor all nearby.
The hotel options in Logan Circle sit closer to downtown. The Washington Plaza is an old favorite with a wonderful location and many amenities. Here you will find yourself only about a block from the beginning of the 14th Street corridor of bars and restaurants, one of DC’s main night life areas. Other nearby hotels include the Beacon and the Homewood Suites.
Foggy Bottom/GW
Overview
Foggy Bottom is home to many of the massive bureaucratic institutions one associates with the District — the State Department, International Monetary Fund, and World Bank all call the area home. In addition, the streets are perpetually populated with students from George Washington University, giving the neighborhood the feel of a college town in a big city.
Pros
It’s hard to find a more convenient location for visiting DC sites while also getting some neighborhood culture than Foggy Bottom. The area is chock full of small businesses like college burger joint Tonic and cocktail lounge Bodega.
Plus, it’s within walking distance of the White House and Lincoln Memorial, making seeing the sights a mere jaunt away. Neighboring Georgetown is also convenient. You'll save a buck by staying in cheaper Foggy Bottom and still enjoy the perks of the eclectic neighborhood.
Cons
The area’s buildings epitomize the brutalist architecture that many find inhospitable. The blocky concrete mammoths that comprise of the State Department and International Monetary Fund, take up entire blocks.
Foggy Bottom is also home to thousands of GW students, making it a hot spot until the wee hours of the morning. The sheer amount of college students and government buildings also means protests are common in the area, so the neighborhood may not be the best for those looking for a quiet, suburban stay.
Hotel Recommendations
Hotel Hive proudly declares on an exterior sign that it’s the “best value hotel in all of America,” and features a rooftop bar for all your post-tourism exhaustion. Hotel AKA, just off Washington Circle, is another affordable option for a stay in Washington DC.
Georgetown
Overview
Georgetown is the oldest part of the city of Washington DC and its location above the Potomac River was a meeting ground for as many as 40 Indian tribes long before European settlers arrived. Those original settlers were mostly Scottish and at least two were named George which may be the origin of the neighborhood name.
Today, Georgetown remains mainly residential, but also boasts two main business areas on Wisconsin Ave and M St. There are larger and boutique hotels dotting the main commercial area as well as the residential neighborhood. This corner of the city, bounded by Georgetown University to the west and the river to south has a quieter, more intimate and historic feel than the majestic buildings of the National Mall area.
Pros
Staying in Georgetown gives you the opportunity to explore a quieter neighborhood where you may run into ambassadors or senators out walking their dog. The Wisconsin and M intersection and the several blocks surrounding it have every type of cuisine to choose from and lots of great shopping.
If you love to walk the streets to experience a city, this is the place to do that in DC. You can go from leafy, tree lined residential streets, to the hustle of the commercial district and down to the vibrant riverfront all within a few blocks.
Cons
If you are planning to focus your trip along the National Mall, you will have to plan to rideshare, scooter or bike from Georgetown. While there are some bus routes that lead downtown, there is no Metro stop in Georgetown (you can learn why on our Metro Tour). It is more than a mile to walk from the center of Georgetown to the Lincoln Memorial, which is the nearest site on the Mall.
Finally, Georgetown is not car friendly. With few main streets and a dense commercial area there is lots of traffic, limited street parking, and few garages. The neighborhood streets are charmingly narrow and typically clogged with cars parking on both sides.
Hotel Recommendations
The Georgetown Inn, the starting point of our Dark History Tour: Spies, Lies, & Politics, is in the center of it all. You will be in the middle of the commercial hub of Georgetown, six blocks from the campus of Georgetown University, and positioned to easily access buses, taxis, or ride shares to other parts of the city.
The Ritz-Carlton is nestled on the south side of the neighborhood close to the riverfront. This is an off the street location which will limit traffic noise in the hotel. Just one block from the river, you can take advantage of one of the most overlooked parts of the city, the great outdoors. There are wonderful trails for walking, running along the water. Rent kayaks or standup paddle boards or take a river cruise to see the city from a completely different perspective.
The Four Seasons is one of the finest hotels in Washington DC and marks the line between Georgetown and the main section of the city. In addition to beautiful accommodations, it is convenient to paths along Rock Creek, running north to south through the city and the Potomac River forming the city boundary. The location on M St gives access to the commercial district, but its site is tucked away from the street traffic reducing noise. And at the very end of the Georgetown stretch of M St. it is more convenient to downtown DC than other accommodations nestled into the neighborhood.
Arlington (Rosslyn/Clarendon andCrystal City/Pentagon)
Overview
Originally within the boundaries of DC, Virginia reclaimed Arlington in 1846. Many neighborhoods in Arlington offer dining, nightlife, and accommodations fashionable with young professionals at a more affordable price point than the District. Primarily residential, Arlington features walkable neighborhoods and community spaces around city centers.
Pros
Traveling from Arlington to DC can be wallet-friendly and efficient if you utilize Metro. Virginia Square, Crystal City, and Shirlington offer a wide variety of walkable dining, shopping, and live entertainment. Visitors to the District frequently remark that restaurants and all-ages entertainment near the National Mall close early. Those staying in Arlington will not experience that issue since the area’s popularity with Millennials and Gen Z mean later business hours.
Families with young children may benefit from easy access to neighborhood bike trails and playgrounds. Though street parking can still be challenging, Arlington is more car-friendly for visitors who plan to bring their vehicle. The greater DMV area features a V-town well worth exploring, centered around Seven Corners in Falls Church. Visitors with an interest in anime, K-pop, or trying authentic Asian food will find it easier to explore both Seven Corners and the District if they are staying in Arlington.
Cons
For those who are not planning to use public transportation, the cost of ride shares and taxis between Arlington and D.C. may negate the savings of staying outside city limits. Although Arlington features several popular memorials, museum-focused visitors may prefer being closer to the National Mall.
Arlington is dominated by recent construction, so visitors enthusiastic about historic architecture and an “old world” charm are likely to find more of what they are looking for in Georgetown or Alexandria. As the area’s demographics skew younger, some isolated areas may experience moderate nightlife noise.
Hotel Recommendations
Arlington does not feature many boutique hotels, however there are an abundance of well known hotel chains including Hilton and Marriott in the area. Hyatt Place Arlington/Courthouse Plaza presents an affordable option with excellent Metro accessibility. The Ritz-Carlton Pentagon City is a premium option less than a minute walk from the Pentagon City metro and Fashion Centre.
Alexandria
Overview
The land in this area was well known to the native tribes for both land resources and access to the Potomac. Early colonists did not move into the area until the 1740s and petitioned the Virginia House of Burgesses to establish the new port town of Alexandria in 1748. This small town focused on providing shipping, merchant and religious services to the local plantation owners. Among the founders of Alexandria were George Washington’s father and brother.
Today the charming riverfront town still offers colonial charm, but with modern amenities. There is convenient free trolley service around the Old Town area and two Metro stations within walking distance of the most popular sites. Old Town is also a great stop on the way to Mount Vernon, George Washington’s plantation home located to the south along the river.
Pros
Alexandria is less of a city and more of a quaint town. The pace of the day and the size of the crowds will be less than downtown DC even in the height of the tourist season. Travelers who choose to stay in this area will have easy access to National Airport, Mount Vernon, and National Harbor among other local sites outside of the city proper. This can be a convenient choice for those arriving by car as parking is more readily available and less expensive than in the city.
Cons
For those who are DC focused, there is a commute to the most popular destinations along the National Mall. While it's possible to drive, public transportation and rideshare are better options. If you are hoping to sample some nightlife, Alexandria is not as vibrant as DC or even other suburban areas. There are good bars and restaurants, but other entertainment options are limited.
Hotel Recommendations
Hilton Old Town Alexandria is the closest lodging to the King St Metro stop, the most convenient access to Old Town. It is also a short walk to the Alexandria Amtrak station if you are planning to arrive in the DC area by train. It is a one mile walk down to the riverfront that is the heart of Old Town, however, there is a free trolley that runs regularly from the Metro station to the riverfront.
The Archer Hotel Old Town Alexandria along King Street has a beautiful historic facade on the street and is the site of archaeological investigation of the early municipal water systems made from bored out logs. The historic buildings on the site have been transformed into a boutique hotel that is located between the Metro and the riverfront. The rooms in the hotel are set back from the street which can minimize traffic noise on this busy thoroughfare.
The Hotel Indigo is a boutique hotel located right along the riverfront. When the hotel was constructed, workers discovered a sunken ship was located on the property dating back to the late 1700s when the coastal land was slowly increased into the harbor to allow for additional wharf space. Today, you can enjoy beautiful views of the Potomac River, Washington DC’s skyline and the Maryland coast. There is also easy access to riverside trails, wonderful restaurants, and many historic sites telling the story of this port town.
DMV (Dulles Airport Area)
Overview
The Virginia countryside has traditionally been dominated by plantations and farmland. Until the post-World War II era, these rural communities were a world away from the bustle of Washington DC located only an hour away. After the opening of Dulles Airport in 1962, a community developed in the area and the recent addition of Metro access to the area has made it appealing for commuters as well as travelers.
Pros
For those wishing to drive to the DC area or arrive at Dulles Airport, there are some great advantages to staying in the Virginia suburbs. There are a wide variety of hotel options and typically hotels in this area have free or inexpensive parking options. Also, a suburb offers access to grocery stores and other amenities that can be more convenient for families than a city location.
There are attractions further outside the city that can be easily accessed from this location including the Udvar-Hazy Center, the larger of the two Smithsonian museums focused on Air & Space. Finally, the city remains within easy reach using public transportation. The new silver line trains travel from Dulles to the Smithsonian stop in just under an hour without having to make any transfers. For many, this makes the Dulles Airport area the best of both worlds.
Cons
If you are planning to focus your attention on attractions within Washington DC, it is a longer commute to access the city. If you have early morning or late night plans, you also need to consider Metro’s opening and closing hours which may impact your travel plans. Finally, as a suburban area, it is not very walkable. To take advantage of the location, it would be best to have access to a car if you stay here.
We are only scratching the surface!
From the bustling streets of Downtown and Penn Quarter to the charming, quieter residential areas like Capitol Hill and Georgetown, there are endless options for accommodations in Washington DC. The variety of neighborhoods, each with its own distinct atmosphere, provides travelers with choices depending on their needs, whether it’s proximity to the National Mall, a quieter retreat, or access to local culture and dining.
Our local guides have focused on providing a variety of options that cater to different tastes and preferences, from vibrant downtown locations to more tranquil, residential areas. While this list of accommodations and neighborhoods offers a curated selection of some of the best places to stay in Washington DC, it’s just the beginning of what the city has to offer.
DC is a city teeming with hidden gems and lesser-known spots that may not have made this list. Whether you’re looking for boutique hotels tucked away in charming neighborhoods, or budget-friendly options just outside the city, there are plenty of choices waiting to be uncovered. Ultimately, this guide serves as a starting point, and there’s always more to explore for those willing to dig a little deeper into the heart of the capital.
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