Find The Best Area to Stay in Washington, DC: 4 Ideal Locations

Planning your next travel expedition to Washington, DC and already working on a detailed itinerary? Wondering, which is the best area to stay in Washington, DC? Well, we’ve got you covered.

There’s so much to love about each of DC’s many neighborhoods, from history on Capitol Hill and high-end boutiques in Georgetown to the beauty of Southwest Waterfront and the hustle and bustle of H Street NE. No matter where you choose to stay, you’re sure to have a memorable experience in Washington, DC.

When it comes to finding the ideal location to book the best hotels in Washington, DC, there are several options to consider. To help you select the perfect area for your stay we’ve enlisted some popular neighborhoods that are close to unique sightseeing attractions, public transportation, and vibrant communities.

Downtown DC
Capitol Hill
Dupont Circle
Foggy Bottom

Let’s look into the highlights of each area.

1. Downtown DC

DC’s cosmopolitan downtown neighborhood offers a mix of in-demand restaurants, high-end shopping and plenty of must-see museums. The city’s most famous address, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, is nestled on the border of downtown DC, giving this chic neighborhood an air of importance and sophistication.

Downtown DC is an excellent option for families and professionals alike, being the bustling center for business, dining, shopping, sightseeing, and nightlife. It’s also conveniently located near major public transportation hubs like Metro Center, which connects four of DC’s six metro lines.

Major Attractions Near Downtown DC:

CityCenter DC
White House Visitor Center
National Mall
National Museum of Women in the Arts
Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum

Hotels in this area:

Hotel Lombardy
Morrison Clark Inn Washington, DC
Hamilton Hotel
Hyatt Palace Washington, DC

2. Capitol Hill- – Close to the Iconic

Where laws get passed, photos get taken and things move a little bit faster. Capitol Hill is one of the city’s most popular places to live and stay, with 19th-century rowhouses, a bustling market and a vibrant nightlife and dining scene. Of course, both locals and visitors flock to this neighobrhood for its iconic government buildings, like the U.S. Capitol and the Supreme Court.

A stay in this neighborhood will immerse you in history while providing easy access to the rest of the city. D.C.’s Union Station, conveniently located here, also offers train and bus connections to other major East Coast cities.  

Major Attractions Near Capitol Hill

Bartholdi Fountain
Eastern Market
Folger Shakespeare Library
Library of Congress
US Botanic Garden

List of Best Hotels in Capitol Hill Area

Courtyard by Marriott Washington, DC
Capitol Hill Hotel
Phoenix Park Hotel
Kimpton George Hotel, an IHG Hotel

3. Dupont Circle- Nightlife, Shopping & Art Browsing

Explore Dupont Circle, and you’ll discover dozens of bistros, bars, boutiques, and museums – this charming neighborhood offers a little something for everyone. Every day of the year, laid-back locals and savvy visitors flock to the Dupont Circle fountain to read, people-watch, and meet up with others.

Staying in this neighborhood will provide a more tranquil respite from the hustle and bustle of downtown and the National Mall. Start your day by grabbing breakfast at a local coffee shop, hop on the metro, and be at the heart of it all in just minutes.

Major Attractions Near Dupont Circle

Mansion on O & O Street Museum
Dupont Circle Farmers Market
National Zoo
The Phillips Collection
Dumbarton Oaks Park

List of Best Hotels in Washington, DC-Dupont Circle Area

The Dupont Circle Hotel
Royal Sonesta Washington, DC Dupont Circle
Omni Shoreham Hotel
The Washington Hilton

4. Foggy Bottom – Culture & Nature

Stretching from the Potomac River to the western edge of Georgetown, Foggy Bottom takes its name from the fog that naturally lingers here. It’s marked by big-name cultural and diplomatic edifices as well as the southern end of Rock Creek Park, the nation’s oldest urban national park.

Making this neighborhood the home base for your DC vacation will make it easy to visit major cultural attractions like the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts and The Watergate Hotel. Its proximity to Georgetown also offers easy access to beautiful parks and gardens.

Major Attractions Near Foggy Bottom

The Watergate Complex
Thompson Boat Center
Rock Creek Park
White House

List of Best Hotels in Washington, DC- Foggy Bottom Area

Hotel Hive (3 Star)
ARC Hotel Washington, DC(4 Star)
The River Inn (4 Star)
The Watergate Hotel (5 Star)
Residence Inn by Marriott Washington, DC (3 Star)

Finding the best area to stay in Washington, DC for leisure or business purposes depends on your budget, the places you want to see, and the amenities you require. Choose any of the recommended locations in this vibrant city to make the most of your travel experience.

Best Area to Stay in Washington FAQs

Which are some of the best areas to stay in Washington, DC, for the first time?

For first-timers in Washington, DC, areas like Downtown, Dupont Circle, Capitol Hill, Georgetown, and others are ideal places to book accommodation. All these areas are close to the city’s major attractions.

Which area is close to major attractions of Washington, DC?

The National Mall area is an ideal spot for booking accommodation. It offers the convenience of exploring nearby major landmarks of the city, such as the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Smithsonian museums.

What is the best area for nightlife in Washington, DC?

Stay around U Street Corridor, Dupont Circle, or Adams Morgan in Washington, DC, to enjoy the best nightlife in the city.

Tboacademy Team