Southwest Travel Guide

Washington

Southwest
National Mall showing a park, a city and an administrative building
Jefferson Memorial showing interior views and a memorial
National Air and Space Museum featuring interior views
National Air and Space Museum which includes interior views and aircraft

Popular places to visit

National Mall which includes a city, an administrative building and heritage architecture

National Mall

4.5/5(65 reviews)

Inspiring architecture, magnificent museums and the icons of American history await on Washington’s famous two-mile (three-kilometer) strip.

National Mall
National Air and Space Museum which includes interior views

National Air and Space Museum

4.5/5(36 reviews)

Heaven for aviation enthusiasts, this museum takes you on an uplifting journey through the history of flight and space travel.

National Air and Space Museum
International Spy Museum featuring street scenes and a city

International Spy Museum

4/5(7 reviews)

The shadowy world of espionage comes under the spotlight in a museum where nothing is quite as it seems.

International Spy Museum
Museum of the Bible

Museum of the Bible

You can study the exhibits at Museum of the Bible, a museum with a storied past, during your travels to Washington. Discover the area's acclaimed theatre scene and notable monuments.

Museum of the Bible
Tidal Basin

Tidal Basin

4.5/5(2 reviews)

Embellished by the pink hues of cherry blossoms in spring, this scenic reservoir is surrounded by memorials to important figures in the development of the nation.

Tidal Basin
L'Enfant Plaza

L'Enfant Plaza

During your trip to Washington, you can do some window-shopping at L'Enfant Plaza. Experience the area's entertainment choices and fascinating museums.

L'Enfant Plaza

Things to do

Cruise boat with Capitol Building in the background in Washington DC

Spirit of Washington D.C. Signature Lunch Cruise

£67
per adult
78% of travellers recommend
Spirit of Washington D.C. Signature Lunch Cruise
Aboard the Odyssey of Washington cruise ship at night in Washington DC

Odyssey Washington D.C. Premier 3-Course Dinner Cruise with Live Band

£161
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Odyssey Washington D.C. Premier 3-Course Dinner Cruise with Live Band
Washington: Small-Group Major Landmarks by Night Tour

Washington by Night: Small Group Sightseeing Tour via Electric Vehicle

£59
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Washington by Night: Small Group Sightseeing Tour via Electric Vehicle
Smithsonian Highlights Walking Tour w/ Reserved Air & Space Entry

Smithsonian Highlights Walking Tour w/ Reserved Air & Space Entry

£59
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Smithsonian Highlights Walking Tour w/ Reserved Air & Space Entry
Washington DC Bike Rental

Washington DC National Mall Bike Rentals

£16
per adult
Washington DC National Mall Bike Rentals
Lincoln Memorial

DC Highlight Day Tour

£48
per adult
74% of travellers recommend
DC Highlight Day Tour
See all activities in Washington

Top hotels in Southwest

citizenM Washington DC Capitol

citizenM Washington DC Capitol

4 out of 5
550 School St SW, Washington, DC
The price is £85 per night from 25 Aug to 26 Aug
£85
25 Aug - 26 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,716 reviews)
"Staff was so friendly and kind. I loved that the metro station was around the corner and easy to access. Would stay here again"

Reviewed on 11 Aug 2025

citizenM Washington DC Capitol
Holiday Inn Washington Capitol - Natl Mall by IHG

Holiday Inn Washington Capitol - Natl Mall by IHG

3 out of 5
550 C St SW, Washington, DC
The price is £109 per night from 22 Aug to 23 Aug
£109
22 Aug - 23 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,879 reviews)
"The location to all the museums, monuments and National Mall is excellent, don’t think there was a closer hotel. The water pressure in the shower was lacking."

Reviewed on 9 Aug 2025

Holiday Inn Washington Capitol - Natl Mall by IHG
Hyatt Place Washington DC/National Mall

Hyatt Place Washington DC/National Mall

3 out of 5
400 E Street SW, Washington, DC
The price is £116 per night from 2 Sept to 3 Sept
£116
2 Sept - 3 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,522 reviews)
"Perfect location to WALK to the Smithsonian, Capitol Hill, White House, etc. Great dining options on the wharf just a short WALK away as well."

Reviewed on 12 Aug 2025

Hyatt Place Washington DC/National Mall
Hyatt House Washington DC/The Wharf

Hyatt House Washington DC/The Wharf

3.5 out of 5
725 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC
The price is £105 per night from 2 Sept to 3 Sept
£105
2 Sept - 3 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,638 reviews)
"Great location!"

Reviewed on 12 Aug 2025

Hyatt House Washington DC/The Wharf
InterContinental Washington D.C. - The Wharf by IHG

InterContinental Washington D.C. - The Wharf by IHG

5 out of 5
801 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC
The price is £198 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
£198
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Washington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,010 reviews)
"Quick check in. Beautiful spacious room"

Reviewed on 10 Aug 2025

InterContinental Washington D.C. - The Wharf by IHG
Salamander Washington DC

Salamander Washington DC

5 out of 5
1330 Maryland Ave, SW, Washington, DC
The price is £259 per night from 14 Aug to 15 Aug
£259
14 Aug - 15 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Washington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
"Amazing staff!"

Reviewed on 12 Aug 2025

Salamander Washington DC
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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Southwest

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The Wharf

You'll enjoy the restaurants and riverfront in The Wharf. You might want to make time for a stop at The Anthem or Gangplank Marina.

The Wharf
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Southwest Waterfront

While you're in Southwest Waterfront, take in top sights like Arena Stage and jump on the metro at Waterfront Station to see more of the city.

Southwest Waterfront
International Spy Museum featuring interior views

Southwest Federal Center

While you're in Southwest Federal Center, take in top sights like Smithsonian Institution or L'Enfant Plaza, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at L'Enfant Plaza Station or Federal Center Station.

Southwest Federal Center
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Navy Yard

While you're in Navy Yard, take in top sights like Washington Navy Yard and jump on the metro at Navy Yard Station to see more of the city.

Navy Yard
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Crystal City

Visitors to Crystal City love its popular shops, and you can check out Bowlero Arlington and Synetic Theater. If you want to see more in the area, you can get around town on the metro at Crystal City Station.

Crystal City
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Penn Quarter

While you're in Penn Quarter, take in top sights like FBI Headquarters and jump on the metro at Archives Station to see more of the city.

Penn Quarter

Southwest Travel Guide

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