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 a city, night scenes and street scenes

Downtown Washington D.C.

4.5/5(95 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

2/5(1 area review)

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, a city and a house

Georgetown

5/5(5 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 which includes heritage elements

Old Town Alexandria

3/5(1 area review)

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(34 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 featuring a monument and a statue or sculpture

Dupont Circle

4.5/5(26 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 AU$194 per night from 20 July to 21 July
AU$194
20 July - 21 July
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (4,452 reviews)
"All major attractions like the White House, Memorials, and Capitol are within a 10-15 minute walk."

Reviewed on 18 Jul. 2025

Washington Plaza Hotel
Omni Shoreham Hotel

Omni Shoreham Hotel

4 out of 5
2500 Calvert St Nw, Washington, DC
The price is AU$271 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
AU$271
17 Aug - 18 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! (1,994 reviews)
Excellent Hotel, terrible elevators
"The hotel itself is very beautiful and the staff are very nice and helpful. Our room was very comfortable with a good view of the pool, comfy beds, and good service. The pool is excellent as well. My only complaint is that the elevator is very slow and always packed, making it a very slow process ..."

Reviewed on 17 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 AU$239 per night from 11 Aug to 12 Aug
AU$239
11 Aug - 12 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the restaurant and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,500 reviews)
"This was our second stay. The only thing I’m not crazy about is that everyone “hangs out” in the lobby"

Reviewed on 19 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
Stay at this aparthotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,499 reviews)
"This hotel is sooooo nice. Its small but really clean, smells nice. The rooms are spacious. The beds are so comfortable. Premium bedding was my favorite part. Onsite restaurant. They offer flavored water in the lobby. And the area is perfect. Safe for walking. We walked 20 minutes to Silver restaurant ..."

Reviewed on 14 Jul. 2025

Glover Park - Georgetown
The Dupont Circle Hotel

The Dupont Circle Hotel

4.5 out of 5
1500 New Hampshire Ave Nw, Washington, DC
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,676 reviews)
"The hotel staff are friendly and helpful! The farmers' market, located right next to the hotel on Sunday, is charming! We loved our stay at the hotel!"

Reviewed on 17 Jul. 2025

The Dupont Circle Hotel
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 WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,803 reviews)
"Great location! Wonderful staff."

Reviewed on 9 Jul. 2025

The Churchill Hotel near Embassy Row
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.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of Washington

4.7
Top destination
5 - Excellent
90
5 - Excellent 74%
4 - Good
25
4 - Good 21%
3 - Okay
5
3 - Okay 4%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

National Museum of Art East and West was excellent!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Enjoy going to wharf sw Washington

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Superb museums and night life.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

One of the best cities I have been to in America. It is exceptionally clean and you feel really safe walking around. Super easy to get around and so much to do and see.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Beautiful city with impressive monuments and museums

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Wasn’t there long enough so many Smithsonian’s to visit. Did I night tour of the sights which was great.

Cities near Washington