Where to stay in Washington DC for sightseeing

If you are wondering where to stay in Wahington DC for sightseeing or business, be sure you have arrived at the ultimate guide.

Washington DC is easily one of the most popular tourist destinations in the US, especially for the famous administrative buildings and significant historical attractions.

This city is pretty large and offers a lot of variety when it comes to accommodation options.

In this guide, I will take you through all the suggested neighborhoods to help you decide on what suits your needs based on your travel dynamics (budget, family/couples, sightseeing, etc), and what area to avoid.

Where to stay in Washington DC for sightseeing – In a nutshell

The best areas to stay in Washington DC are around the National Mall, the White House, and the United States Capitol.

If you scroll down a bit, you may see a green central area in the attached map. That is the National Mall.

There are some great neighborhoods around the Mall of which Penn Quarter, Downtown, Foggy Bottom, and Southwest are clear winners, at least for the proximity to all the major attractions that the city offers.

If you book your Hotel in Washington DC in the above areas, you can pretty much walk to all the usual suspects, including the White House.

For your information, the cost of the accommodations depends on the season of your visit (winter is cheaper) and how busy is the week with politics and politicians.

This city is in fact one of the few destinations in the world where you may get some amazing bargains if you plan your Washington DC itinerary during the weekends.

The table below compares the best neighborhoods to stay in Washington DC based on cost, transportation, sightseeing, nightlife, etc. Click on the area for more details. Swift left or right to see all the columns.

Area	Best for	Cons	Avg. Cost	Suggested Hotels	Sightseeing	Bars & Rest.	Transport	Nightlife
Downtown DC	Business travelers, Sightseeing	It can be noisy	$$$-$$$$	– Westin, – Viceroy	National Mall, Smithsonian Museums, White House	Plenty	Excellent	Moderate
Foggy Bottom	Arts & Culture, Sightseeing	Riverside is far from attractions	$$$-$$$$	Lombardy	Kennedy Center, Renwick Gallery, Gallery 102	Varied	Good	Moderate
Penn Quarter	Sightseeing, Close to everything, First time in Washington DC	Expensive	$$$$	– Motto by Hilton, – W Washin. D.C.	Ford’s Theater, National Building Museum, National Portrait Gallery	Diverse	Excellent	Lively
Dupont Circle	Nightlife	It can be noisy	$$$	Dupont Circle	Embassy Row, Phillips Collection, Spanish Steps	Abundant	Good	Vibrant
Mt Vernon Square	Budget travelers	Very quiet, Expensive during conventions	$-$$	Duo Housing	Carnegie Library, Convention Center, D.C. Alley Museum	Good	Good	Quiet
Crystal City	Value for money	Not in Washington DC	$$-$$$	Hilton Garden Inn	Ronald Reagan National Airport, Amazon HQ2	Limited	Good	Quiet
Woodley Park	Families	Far from downtown	$$$-$$$$	– Omni Shoreham – Woodley	National Zoo, National Cathedral, Rock Creek Park	Family-friendly	Good	Quiet
Southwest	Families, Next to National Mall	Quiet Location	$$-$$$	Hyatt House	Titanic Memorial, Yards Park, East Potomac Park	Limited	Great	Low-key
Georgetown	History & charm	Far from attractions, limited transportation		Not suggested	Georgetown University, Dumbarton Oaks, C&O Canal	Plenty	Limited	Trendy
Adams Morgan	Lively atmosphere	No Metro station		Not suggested	Meridian Hill Park, Kalorama Park	Eclectic	Limited	Energetic

I have shared also my personal Google Map with all the attractions, cafes, restaurants, and so much more, that you need to know about Washington DC, a great reference that you can use once in the city.

And finally, before jumping into the description of the single areas, check out where to stay in Washington DC based on your travel intent (sightseeing, family trip, budget, with or without a car)

• Where to stay in Washington DC for sightseeing: there are three areas of the city, all around the White House, that work great. The first one is Penn Quarter because it is close to all the attractions in a fantastic central location. The second possibility is Downtown, especially if you are after a convenient place to stay, with plenty of shopping around. The last option is Foggy Bottom, for a more arty and upscale stay.
• Best place to stay in Washington DC with a family: there are two areas that may be perfect for a stay with kids. The first one is Woodley Park, a green area next to the Zoo. It works well if you are planning to visit the zoo and spend some time in the parks around. It’s 3 miles from the White House and the main attractions, however, you can catch a metro and you will be there in 7 minutes, so easy. The other possibility, next to all of the city attractions, is Southwest, again a quiet area, close to The Mall and Wharf and with 3 handy metro stations around.
• Where to stay in Washington DC on a budget: unfortunately, Washington DC is not a cheap city to stay. If you want to stay in a central location then the area around Mount Vernon Square is a good choice with a few hostels that popped up in the last few years. The alternative is to stay outside Washington DC, in Crystal City. This is a great alternative with a few great value accommodations and is well connected to all of the attractions by metro.
• Where to stay in Washington dc without a car: Penn Quarter is a great choice not only because it is next to the main attractions but also because it has two metro stations in the area, very handy. The alternative is Dupont Circle, with a metro station and famous for its restaurants and bars, the best area for chilled-out dinners and cocktails.
• Best places to stay in Washington with a car: driving into the city may be chaotic, especially during rush hour, and parking is rare and expensive. For this reason, I would suggest staying in Cristal City and from there you will be in the city center in 20 minutes by metro. If you want to stay in the city then you should make sure that parking is included in your stay.
• Best area to stay in Washington DC for nightlife: I already talked above about Dupont Circle, an area that works great for mature travelers that love to have a nice dinner out followed by one or more drinks in a nice, relaxed environment. The young crowd tends to get together in the Adams Morgan area, which is great for a night out, with plenty of bars and live music too, however, it does not have a metro station, making it not as practical for visiting the city.
• Another great city to visit from Washington DC: New York is only 4-5 hours north (by car or train). It is one of the most amazing cities in the country, really unmissable. I highly suggest spending at least 3 days in New York. Plan everything in advance and you will be surprised by how many things you can experience, even in just 2 days in the Big Apple. You can check out my guide to over 10 itineraries of New York, based on the length of stay and your own interests, with detailed morning and afternoon plans.

The city is well connected with the Metro network, however, this is not as extensive as you would expect.

In fact, some neighborhoods are reachable only by bus or taxi.

I personally suggest booking your accommodation close to a Metro station.

This will half your moving time, besides making it infinitely easier and cheaper too.

You can literally access all the major attractions using the Metro network.

It is a great time saver, especially if you plan to stay only 2 days in Washington DC, or you are planning a 3 days itinerary in D.C.

Penn Quarter – Where to stay in Washington DC for Sightseeing

If you ask me what is the best place to stay in Washington DC for sightseeing, the first neighborhood that comes to my mind is Penn Quarter.

In addition to the great location, this high-energy neighborhood has a pretty lively social scene with things like sports shows, live music performances, and many bars and restaurants

There are pros and cons to booking your hotel in this area, of course.

On the positive side, this is the top location in the city, being so close to all the major attractions and well served by the Metro network.

By the way, when sightseeing in the city, besides the well-known sites, try to include also these 3 destinations in your list:

• Ford’s Theater
• National Building Museum
• The National Portrait Gallery

I have included the above destinations as well as other interesting ones in my guide to the best itineraries of Washington DC, for a stay going from 1 to 7 days.

On the negative side, the proximity to most of the popular places to visit does not come cheap.

In fact, this is probably the most expensive area in the city to stay

Besides the major attractions, Penn Quarter is home to some really outstanding restaurants.

If you are in the mood for some Asian cuisine, then Asia Nine would be perfect. It serves a wide variety of oriental dishes in a romantic, dimly lit setting.

Another popular restaurant in the area is Old Ebbitt Grill. This upscale restaurant serves southern comfort food and is popular among both residents and tourists (make an early reservation).

Are you looking for some caffeine or just some quiet time? Head to Puro Gusto Cafe. This rustic café & bakery is famous for its pastries and light breakfast food.

Penn Quarter has 2 Metro stations in the neighborhood: Metro Center Station and Gallery Pl-Chinatown Station

Downtown DC – Most convenient area (shopping)

Downtown DC is another very convenient place to stay for attractions and sightseeing.

Here you will find everything from major attractions like the Smithsonian American Art Museum to fun activities to try out like shopping in the many swanky stores.

However, you have to deal with the noisiness and crowding that comes with business districts in such big cities.

Downtown is also great for shopping enthusiasts with the likes of Washington Square and 1015 15th Street.

Both locations have many high-end stores for you to try out after you are done with all the sightseeing.

In Downtown DC you will also find one of the most popular and beautiful cafes, the Residents Cafe & Bar.

Besides offering an extensive menu, including breakfasts and fabulous burgers, they have an amazing interior and exterior design that comes at its best in spring, with the colors of the beautiful flowers.

Talking of food, with its rustic décor, word famous deserts, and extensive steakhouse menu, you will definitely have the time of your life in BLT Steak D.C.

Foggy Bottom – Where to Stay for Art and Style

If you are wondering where to stay in Wahington Dc for attractions, but with a more art-centric vibe, then Foggy Bottom has to be.

This neighborhood is best known for its convenient proximity to Washington DC’s most popular attraction: The White House.

In addition to this, Foggy Bottom is a cultural hub, being home to attractions like the National Washington Opera as well as numerous museums and art galleries.

Other unmissable art spots you should include in your Washington DC itinerary are Gallery 102 and Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum.

TIP 🙂 Try to avoid booking your hotel on the riverside of Foggy Bottom if you are planning to visit the main attractions around Capitol Hill. The riverside is so lovely, however, also a long way to Capitol Hill.

When it comes to restaurants, Foggy Bottom has the very finest in the city.

The Roof Terrace Restaurant is a must-visit not only for the fantastic view but also for the amazing food. If you are in Washington DC in the weekend, then book the Sunday brunch (great value for money)

The neighborhood is also home to some outstanding cocktail bars, with Top of the Gate being the most popular.

This rooftop bar offers superb views of the city as you enjoy their signature cocktails and craft beverages.

Woodley Park – Best place to stay in Washington DC for families

If you are asking yourself where to stay in Washington DC for a family trip, well, Woodley Park may be the best answer.

This upscale neighborhood is right next to the Smithsonian National Zoological Park.

Give your kids a chance to see the giant pandas and the other magnificent beasts there, and it will be a vacation unlike any other they have ever had.

You could also take them to one of the neighborhood’s playgrounds, with The Beauvoir Playground being a family favorite.

It is a clean and spacious playground with unique play structures as well as zip-lining and obstacle courses for older kids.

Another attraction in the area is the Rock Creek Park, great in spring and summer.

In terms of family-friendly restaurants in the area, LiLLiES is a great option worth considering.

It is an informal Italian restaurant popular for its brunch and Mediterranean food. Great for a family dinner or a yummy lunch/brunch.

Probably, the biggest drawback of Woodley Park is that you will be far from the main central attractions (White House, Capitol Hill, etc). For this reason, I highly suggest booking your stay close to the Woodley Park-Zoo Metro Station.

Southwest – Best for a quiet time

If you really want to be in the city’s heart, close to all its attractions, but still in a quiet area, which works great also for families, then Southwest DC is where you should stay.

You will be just 2-300 yards from Capitol Hill, the Smithsonian museums, and all you want to experience in the city

It is also a short distance from the most iconic family attractions as the Titanic Memorial and the picturesque Yards Park which the children will definitely have fun at.

Southwest DC also offers families access to well-equipped playgrounds like the one in East Potomac Park.

This park has it all, from tennis and other ballgame courts to breathtaking picnic sites.

And the best is that you will have three Metro stations nearby for quickly moving around the city: L’Enfant Plaza Metro Station (a hub with 5 lines) Federal Center SW Station and Smithsonian Station (a Metro/Bus transport interchange).

Mt Vernon Square – Where to stay on a budget

This quiet little neighborhood is a great place to stay if you are looking to save some money during your trip.

It is the perfect spot for the many affordable hotels and it works so well also for the many economical eateries and cheap restaurants.

Just a reminder that this area is also home to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center and during the convention season, prices may increase considerably.

The neighborhood also offers convenient access to major attractions because of its central position.

It also has many places to visit of its own, including the Carnegie Library Building.

Dupont Circle – Where to stay for restaurants and nightlife

Dupont Circle is every foodie traveler’s dream.

It’s a great location if you want to mix sightseeing and lifestyle.

It attracts a mature crowd with some beautiful late-night dining options and friendly bars.

It’s quite a sophisticated area, although it gathers the younger generation on weekend nights.

Besides being close to the station and numerous attractions, it has some of the most amazing restaurants and cafes in the area.

One of these is one of the most exceptional cafes in the city, the Kramerbooks & Afterwords Café.

This indie spot also serves as a bookstore and is the perfect spot for those lazy days out and about.

The Firefly is a famous restaurant for its exceptional comfort food options and hearty servings.

Another outstanding restaurant is Sette Osteria. They have the best pizza in the neighborhood served in a wooden aesthetic outdoor space.

Finally, this neighborhood has many cocktail bars and a pretty active night scene.

One watering hole definitely worth visiting is Doyle.

This chic cocktail bar is popular for its signature drinks as well as the view from the terrace. It also regularly hosts live performances.

Try booking your accommodation close to the Dupont Circle Metro station.

Crystal City – Great area for a car trip

Crystal City is probably the best place to stay if you plan on driving yourself to Washington DC.

True, you will not be really in Washington DC but you will be just a 20 minutes subway ride to everywhere you need.

It is just off the highway and it is a convenient hub to visit the different parts of the city.

Finally, it is one of the cheapest places to stay in the city which is always great

Unfortunately, driving into the city may be chaotic, especially during rush hour. Your parking options are also limited and very expensive.

Luckily, this neighborhood has its own Crystal City Metro Station which is a life and time saver.

A few hotels in the area offer also a shuttle service to/from the station, which is absolutely super handy.

And being Amazon’s new base, be sure that Crystal City will only improve.

Adams Morgan – For the young crowd

Adams Morgan has a nice and lively night scene, especially if you want to mix with the very young crowd, possibly with some live music too.

I would not hesitate to suggest this area for a visit and a night out.

However, Adams Morgan has no Metro stations, and making it to the central area is not as easy (it involves plenty of walking or a taxi ride)

It’s however a great place to stay in Washington on a 3rd or 4th visit to experience a more local neighborhood of the city.

Georgetown – The lovely area far from the center

Georgetown is a lovely neighborhood, with cobblestone streets, beautiful architecture all around (mostly Federal-style), and the famous University right in the middle of it.

Unfortunately, there is no metro station and you will have fewer transportation options.

I really suggest exploring the area, especially if you have 4 or more days in Washington DC, but staying there may be not that practical.

Unless, of course, you visit a family member at the university and you want to be next door to her or him.

frequently asked questions on where to stay in Washington DC

Photo credits on a few photos in this post