Where to Stay in Washington, DC

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The Best Areas to Stay in DC

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Washington, D.C. is globally recognized as the capital of the United States, home to the White House, US Congress, and Supreme Court. The city was founded in 1791 using land donated by the states of Maryland and Virginia – the “District of Columbia” remains solely under federal control, detached from any US state and so without representation in Congress. Unsurprisingly, D.C. is filled with sights and attractions, but it`s also gained a reputation for its culinary and cultural scenes recently, with several neighborhoods emerging as destinations beyond the traditional core of Downtown.

Central Washington, DC serves as the commercial core of the city, packed with attractions just north of the White House. It’s also the major transportation hub of the city’s Metro system, making day trips relatively uncomplicated from here. The National Mall forms the southern boundary of Central, home to prominent attractions such as the Lincoln Memorial and Smithsonian Museums. The area at the eastern end of the Mall is Capitol Hill, named after the Capitol Building, while up-and-coming NoMa lies to the northeast. Just east of Downtown are the popular visitor destinations of Penn Quarter and Chinatown. North of Central, the 2 renowned crossroads of Dupont Circle and Logan Circle give their names to adjacent neighborhoods, while trendy Adams Morgan is just north of Dupont. To the west, further along the Potomac, leafy Georgetown is the city’s historic, affluent neighborhood, home to the prestigious Georgetown University.

We’ve also examined 2 adjacent cities in Virginia: Arlington, which is just across the Potomac from Downtown, best known for Arlington Cemetery and the Pentagon, and Alexandria, a historic town a little further south. Though independent of the city, both fall squarely within the Greater Washington suburban spread.

• DC’s Metrorail is a practical and safe approach to explore the city, with the major hub at Metro Center in Downtown Washington and 6 color-coded lines: Red, Orange, Silver, Blue, Yellow, and Green. Fees vary between U$2-6, contingent on time of day and how far you travel (day pass $13).

The DC Streetcar is a free light rail service that operates from Union Station to Oklahoma Avenue along H Street NE and Benning Road.

Washington, D.C. possesses a humid subtropical climate – summers are notoriously hot and muggy, regularly surprising many visitors (the average July temperature is 80°F). In contrast, winters can be chilly, and snowfall does occur with some frequency (typical annual snow accumulation is 15.5 inches). Undoubtedly the preferable times to visit are spring or autumn, when conditions are mild to warm – in March/April there`s the added bonus of viewing the city`s renowned cherry blossoms, though accommodations tend to be most expensive during this period.

Best Places to Stay in Washington, DC

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Best Neighborhoods in Washington, DC for…

  • Best Neighborhood for First Time Visitors: Downtown or Penn Quarter
    While first time visitors to the nation`s capital are well-advised to choose lodging within the heart of the city, near all the most prominent museums and sights and proximate to the National Mall. Downtown and the adjoining Penn Quarter neighborhoods lie just north of the Mall, containing a respectable selection of bars and restaurants scattered throughout and outstanding subway connections for exploring additional locations further away. All the tourist bus tours originate and conclude in this area. Accommodations tend to come with a steep price tag, but there are a handful of more affordable choices and chain hotels, particularly in the Penn Quarter.
  • Most picturesque area: Georgetown
    Historically significant Georgetown contains beautifully restored red-brick and wooden homes from the 18th and 19th centuries, its leafy cobblestone streets home to indie boutiques and plenty of romantic restaurants. Among our favorites are the 1789 Restaurant, tapas at Bodega, and cocktails at Alex Craft Cocktail Cellar – legend tells that JFK proposed to Jacqueline Bouvier in old-style Martin’s Tavern in 1953. It’s also amusing to check out the live jazz and blues at Blues Alley.Georgetown Waterfront Park provides a lovely spot to stroll along the Potomac, while Dumbarton Oaks Park boasts peaceful gardens and an art museum. Some of the city’s most romantic (and expensive) hotels are located here – Rosewood, Four Seasons, and The Ritz-Carlton.
  • Best Districts for Nightlife: H Street Corridor, Adams Morgan, & Georgetown
    East of Union Station, the H Street NE corridor boasts one of DC`s liveliest late-night atmospheres, anchored by the Atlas Performing Arts Center,H Street Country Club,Biergarten Haus, and Copycat Co. Adams Morgan is a popular bar-hopping locale, anchored by mainstay Madam`s Organ. We also like Jack Rose Dining Saloon for its whisky selection, Green Zone for its Middle Eastern-flavored cocktails, and Reveler`s Hour for its wine list. Georgetown is also a good option for nightlife, with numerous bars along M Street and Wisconsin Avenue that are popular among both well-heeled DC elites and the students at Georgetown University. We like Church Hall and Georgetown Piano Bar. Logan Circle`s 14th NW Street and the adjacent U Street are also celebrated nightlife hubs
  • Prime Area in Logan Circle for Cuisine and Eateries:
    Over recent years, the city of DC has evolved into one of the nation`s most dynamically diverse locations for cuisine, offering everything from fine formal dining to artisanal doughnuts and Filipino weekend meals. The 14th Street corridor running through the heart of Logan Circle is a hotspot for foodies, featuring an especially various assortment of choices. We enjoy the Vietnamese flavors at Doi Moi, small plates at Estadio, Stephen Starr’s French bistro Le Diplomate, and Pearl Dive Oyster Palace for seafood. Just north lies the U Street corridor containing renowned Ben’s Chili Bowl. Penn Quarter is another dining hotspot, notably home to José Andrés’s collection of restaurants; there’s also the H Street NE corridor, and Adams Morgan, with favorites like Tail Up Goat,Mintwood Place, and Federalist Pig
  • Best Neighbourhood for Shopping: Penn Quarter and Logan Circle (14th St)
    Staying in Penn Quarter means being within walking distance of DC’s premier mall, CityCenterDC, with 10 acres of cafes, galleries, and stores from Paul Stuart and Kate Spade to Hermès and Burberry. F Street is the main shopping drag, anchored by Marshalls and TJ Maxx, with Macy’s department store and Nordstrom Rack nearby, along with Banana Republic, Anne Taylor, Zara, Anthropologie, and many other major fashion brands. Smaller indie stores include handmade jewelry specialist Mia Gemma. For a wider choice of specialist stores and indie boutiques, checkout Logan Circle and 14th NW Street, where Salt & Sundry sells unusual kitchen goods and locally made crafts, and Little Leaf which specializes in plants, paper goods, and gifts. Miss Pixie’s sells vintage home decor and furnishings, while Cork & Fork is the place for all things wine. An outpost of local fashion accessory chain Lou Lou is also here. Georgetown is also great for shopping, with indie specialty shops and home design to high-end boutiques and international retail chains.
  • Best Neighborhood for Local Vibe: Adams Morgan
    This northwest area of DC (also called “AdMo”) feels vastly different from the National Mall and heavily visited parts of the city center. It`s a major nightlife destination but exploring during the day can also be fun, with tree-lined streets, quirky boutiques, and a culturally diverse population. Tryst coffee shop is a trendy local gathering place, with Perry’s a favored spot for brunch. Cool stores include Meeps Vintage (2104 18th St NW) and Mercedes Bien Vintage (2423 18th St NW), along with record store Smash Records. One of our favorite areas is Songbyrd Record Cafe and Music House.
  • Locations to Avoid in Washington, DC
    Washington D.C. has become substantially safer since the 1980s and 1990s, however some regions remain risky to avoid. Generally, neighborhoods east and southeast of Downtown face highest crime rates such as Deanwood and Brentwood. Regarding spots tourists likely visit, exercise caution in NoMa and along U Street corridor at night. Downtown proves safe throughout daytime as the tightly policed Metro system, yet precaution desirable at night
  • Safe Areas of Washington, DC
    Dupont Circle, Adam’s Morgan (though evening activity outside bars can get lively), Logan Circle, Capitol Hill, and Georgetown generally feel relatively safe during daytime and nighttime hours, benefitting from an increased police presence.

The 10 Best Neighborhoods in Washington, DC for Tourists

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1. Downtown Washington, DC

North of the White House and Lafayette Square, the downtown area of DC is the city`s commercial core, blending high-end shopping with must-see sights, dining, and night entertainment. Notable attractions include the Smithsonian`s Renwick Gallery and the National Museum for Women in the Arts. The Metro Center station is also located here, serving as a primary hub for the city`s public transportation, making it a good base for exploring the surrounding region. Noteworthy culinary options include the seafood restaurant Estuary, operated by the Voltaggio brothers; fine dining temples Plume and Central Michel Richard; and iconic Old Ebbitt Grill. Staying in this area is costly – some of the city`s most luxurious hotels are situated here and affordable options are scarce.

2. Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Located just east of Downtown Washington, the neighborhood of Chinatown primarily consists of the short strip of H and I streets between 5th and 8th Northwest streets. Marked by a traditional Chinese gate known as the Friendship Archway on H Street, the area is best recognized for its Asian restaurants and souvenir shops. Chinatown borders the larger Penn Quarter area named after Pennsylvania Avenue, the wide boulevard delineating its southern boundary. Primary attractions here comprise the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery and American Art Museum (both housed in the same building), along with Ford’s Theatre, where President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated in 1865. In the vicinity is Clara Barton`s Office Museum for Missing Soldiers, devoted to the Civil War nurse and founder of the American Red Cross. Other highlights incorporate the US Navy Memorial,Capital One Arena (home of the city’s Capitals and Wizards franchises), Madame Tussauds, and the National Building Museum, along with the Shakespeare Theatre Company and Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company.

3. National Mall

Stretching out like a large green cross shape in the center of the city just south of Downtown is the National Mall, a significant focus for many visitors to Washington, DC. Anchored by iconic structures like the Lincoln Memorial at the west end and the US Capitol at the east, the long strip contains important American symbols including the Washington Monument, the White House,FDR Memorial,Jefferson Memorial,WWII Memorial,Vietnam Veterans Memorial, as well as the prominent Smithsonian museums. Notable institutions include the National Museum of African American History & Culture,US Holocaust Memorial Museum,National Gallery of Art,National Air and Space Museum, and American History Museum among others. There are no hotels directly on the Mall, but some are conveniently located just to the south – however dining and drinking options here are more restricted. Otherwise, most hotels in Downtown or the Penn Quarter are within comfortable walking distance.

4. Capitol Hill

The area at the eastern conclusion of the National Mall – encompassing the US Capitol, Library of Congress, and Supreme Court – is known as Capitol Hill and is generally an upscale residential area. It’s one of the most historic neighborhoods in the city, lined with 19th-century row-houses. Attractions include the Folger Shakespeare Library, the Eastern Market (constructed in 1873), and Barracks Row, a strip of stores and dining establishments that also date back to the late 19th century. There’s only a handful of places to remain in Capitol Hill (housing rentals are more well-liked), but there is a cluster of hotels in its northern section, between the Capitol and Union Station.

5. NoMa

The “North of Massachusetts Avenue” neighborhood (north and east of Union Station) is one of the developing districts of DC, home to trendy restaurants, Gallaudet University, and the stylish H Street Corridor of bars, cafés, and independent boutique stores. It’s also the location of Union Market, a warehouse-style specialty food hall which is adorned by several iconic murals, notably the one covered in multicolored hearts by street artist Mr. Brainwash. Though it’s an interesting neighborhood to explore, there’s not a lot of lodging choices – most hotels are set on or near New York Avenue, but they do tend to provide good value compared to the rest of DC.

6. Logan Circle

Logan Circle lies just north of downtown Washington DC, centered around the circular traffic way which lends the neighborhood its name. It is predominantly a residential area, increasingly trendy in recent times among younger demographics. The main thoroughfare, 14th Street NW (between M and U streets), sees most of the action and contains eateries, independent shops, and bars in abundance. It is also one of the city`s main nightlife hubs – Barcelona Wine Bar offers tasty tapas and drinks, while the legendary music venue Black Cat hosts indie artists and themed dance events.

7. Adams Morgan

Adams Morgan is a culturally diverse neighborhood in northwest DC, known primarily for its nightlife and eclectic selection of dining establishments. The main thoroughfare is 18th Street, home to a variety of bars, restaurants, and independently operated stores. While there are no specific notable attractions, it presents an interesting place to stay nearby yet away from heavily visited areas, especially for those familiar with DC. Some favorites include the Lost City Books bookshop, the DC Arts Center, and the Line DC hotel creatively housed within the historic 1912 building that was formerly the First Church of Christ, Scientist. Highly recommended dining establishments comprise Roofers Union and Tail Up Goat.

8. Georgetown

Georgetown is DC’s historic and romantic neighborhood, founded in 1751, decades before the capital was formally established. Over the years, it has become one of the city`s most affluent places to reside, and nowadays some of the area`s most lavish (and pricey) hotels are found here (with a couple exceptions noted below). M Street is the principal promenade, dotted with stores, galleries, and dining establishments, while renowned Georgetown University anchors the western boundary of town. The neighborhood is peppered with magnificent historical 18th and 19th-century mansions and main attractions like Tudor Place Historic House & Garden,Dumbarton House, and the Old Stone House. At night, we enjoy the Blues Alley Club for live jazz and blues and the Berliner for German beers.

9. Arlington

Crossing the Potomac River from Downtown, Arlington, Virginia is best known for the Arlington National Cemetery, the final resting place of over 400,000 US military personnel including President John F. Kennedy. It was established following the Civil War on the grounds of Arlington House, previously the home of Confederate General Robert E Lee. The US Air Force Memorial and Iwo Jima Memorial are also in Arlington, along with the Pentagon, National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial, and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Hotels spread throughout the region and can provide a more affordable alternative to remaining on the DC side of the Potomac, though the eating and drinking options tend to not be as good, and a vehicle will be more helpful here as things are scattered.

10. Alexandria

Another old Virginia city, Alexandria was established by Scottish settlers in 1749, and its stone-paved roads and colonial structures provide its greatest appeal today. Only 7 miles south of Downtown DC (and connected by Metrorail) along the Potomac River, it seems like a completely different place, home to the George Washington Masonic National Memorial, old churches, the Carlyle House Historic Park,Lee-Fendall House Museum, and the historic waterfront. It regularly becomes busy on weekends with day-trippers checking out the shopping and dining scenes. A brief drive or bus ride away is Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington. Alexandria is a great place to live (though normally not low-cost) – it’s only a relatively short Metro ride away from central DC.

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Welcome to my travel website! I’m Mary Howard, an American who has been exploring the world full-time for 8 years.

Together with my husband, Intan, we often find ourselves in our second home, Bali, but our adventures take us to exciting destinations all over the globe.

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