Washington Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Washington
Washington
Washington
Washington
Washington

Washington Travel Guide Video

Visit the nation’s capital to admire presidential monuments, tour fascinating museums, watch professional sports and see modern history being created.

Washington D.C. is an important destination to learn about the U.S., its historic past and eventful present. Tour monuments and museums and appreciate nonpolitical aspects of this impressive city.

The National Mall and Memorial Parks is a good place to begin, with a 2-mile (3-kilometer) stretch of attractions. Stand on the steps of the Lincoln Monument and remember Lincoln’s actions in freeing slaves and establishing a path to race equality in the U.S. Gaze over the reflecting pool to see the tall Washington Monument for the nation’s first president at the center of the mall and the dome of the U.S. Capitol in the distance.

View poignant memorials recognizing American veterans of the Vietnam War, Korean War and World War II near the reflecting pool. Monuments to Franklin Roosevelt, Thomas Jefferson and Martin Luther King, Jr. surround the Tidal Pool just south of the mall. Take a paddleboat across the water for different monument perspectives. The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is just east.

The Smithsonian has 13 sites along or near the National Mall. Stop at the Smithsonian Castle visitor center to plan your days of exploration, whatever your interests. Among the options are the Air and Space Museum, the Natural History Museum, the American History Museum, the American Indian Museum, the African American History and Culture Museum and the African Art Museum.

North of the National Mall is the president’s residence, the White House. For tours of the White House or observations of sessions in the U.S. Capitol, contact your member of congress or country embassy well in advance of your trip to D.C.

Other attractions in Washington D.C. include the National Gallery of Art, the Newseum, filled with interactive stories about freedom and free expression, and the Library of Congress,recognized asthe world’s largest library. Ford’s Theatre, where Lincoln was assassinated, is now a working theater. Enjoy outstanding performances at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. See professional football, baseball, hockey and basketball in nearby venues.

Where to stay in Washington

Downtown Washington D.C. showing street scenes, night scenes and a city

Downtown Washington D.C.

4.5/5(156 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums and important monuments, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Washington D.C.. Check out top attractions like Capital One Arena and Smithsonian Institution, and jump on the metro at McPherson Sq. Station or Center Station to see more of the city.

Downtown Washington D.C.
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Northwest

3.5/5(4 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums and important monuments, there's plenty to explore in Northwest. Check out top attractions like White House and Capital One Arena, and jump on the metro at Cleveland Park Station or Van Ness-UDC Station to see more of the city.

Northwest
Georgetown which includes street scenes, heritage architecture and a house

Georgetown

4.5/5(14 area reviews)

Georgetown is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Georgetown Park or Washington Harbour.

Georgetown
Alexandria showing heritage elements

Old Town Alexandria

5/5(5 area reviews)

Take time in Old Town Alexandria to visit attractions like Market Square and Alexandria City Hall. You might also appreciate the abundant dining options, and you can hop on the metro at King Street Station to see more of the city.

Old Town Alexandria
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Capitol Hill

4/5(41 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums and important monuments, there's plenty to explore in Capitol Hill. Check out top attractions like United States Capitol and Folger Shakespeare Library, and jump on the metro at Capitol South Station or Eastern Market Station to see more of the city.

Capitol Hill
Dupont Circle showing a statue or sculpture and a monument

Dupont Circle

4.5/5(91 area reviews)

Visitors to Dupont Circle love its fantastic nightlife, and you can check out Dupont Circle and Mansion on O Street. If you want to see more in the area, you can get around town on the metro at Dupont Circle Station.

Dupont Circle
Washington Plaza Hotel

Washington Plaza Hotel

4 out of 5
10 Thomas Circle NW, Washington, DC
The price is £86 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
£86
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (4,516 reviews)
"Good stay and budget friendly!"

Reviewed on 29 Jul 2025

Washington Plaza Hotel
Omni Shoreham Hotel

Omni Shoreham Hotel

4 out of 5
2500 Calvert St Nw, Washington, DC
The price is £129 per night from 31 Jul to 1 Aug
£129
31 Jul - 1 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy an outdoor pool, 2 bars/lounges and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,020 reviews)
"Property was really nice all over. The bathrooms were small would be the only real issue with the property I would have. We had four in the room and it was a one person bathroom with not much room for one, however I know the property is older so I’m sure that’s the reason. I didn’t like the “destination” ..."

Reviewed on 29 Jul 2025

Omni Shoreham Hotel
Hamilton Hotel Washington DC

Hamilton Hotel Washington DC

4 out of 5
1001 14th St NW, Washington, DC
The price is £105 per night from 22 Aug to 23 Aug
£105
22 Aug - 23 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,546 reviews)
"Very conveniently located - friendly staff - overall good choice for a stay in Washington DC"

Reviewed on 28 Jul 2025

Hamilton Hotel Washington DC
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.
Glover Park - Georgetown

Glover Park - Georgetown

4 out of 5
Washington, DC
Stay at this aparthotel in Washington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in their ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,515 reviews)
"We've got the 2 beds suite with the city view. City view was really nice - we've seen the Washington Monument and a church. I can't say that the room was very new, but it was clean, everything seems worked fine and we did not have any issues with our stay. I also had some communication with the staff ..."

Reviewed on 28 Jul 2025

Glover Park - Georgetown
The Churchill Hotel near Embassy Row

The Churchill Hotel near Embassy Row

4 out of 5
1914 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC
Stay at this 4-star luxury aparthotel in Washington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,818 reviews)
"Good"

Reviewed on 26 Jul 2025

The Churchill Hotel near Embassy Row
ARC HOTEL Washington DC, Georgetown

ARC HOTEL Washington DC, Georgetown

3 out of 5
824 New Hampshire Ave Nw, Washington, DC
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in Washington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (2,404 reviews)
"Close to Georgetown and the D.C. landmarks and the rail system."

Reviewed on 28 Jul 2025

ARC HOTEL Washington DC, Georgetown
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.

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