Where to stay in Washington: your ultimate guide

Planning a holiday to the capital of the US? With so much to offer, pinning down where to stay in Washington, DC can be quite the challenge. From the buzzing nightlife of Dupont Circle to the iconic sites around the National Mall, each pocket of the city has something different to offer. To help pin down your perfect neighbourhood, we've made a comprehensive guide to help you decide. 

For a glimpse into the nation’s most renowned landmarks, a trip to Capitol Hill is a must. Home to the United States Capitol, Supreme Court and Library of Congress, this district is the seat of the US government. Not to mention, there’s an outstanding food scene that makes the district as  delicious as it is historic.

Modern politics

Capitol Hill has long been the home of the nation’s politics. The city’s iconic architecture makes the political landscape instantly recognisable. From the characteristic dome of the United States Capitol to the white marble Corinthian colonnade and portico of the Supreme Court, D.C. offers monumental sights and history.

If you’re looking to get up close and personal with the landmarks in the area, you can even take guided tours around Capitol Hill and the Library of Congress. Experience where the USA’s laws are made and witness one of the grandest collections of books in the world. An elegant stay at AC Hotel by Marriott DC Capitol Hill puts you a 15-minute walk from the United States Capitol.

Food lovers’ heaven

If food is your thing, a stay in Capitol Hill is sure to satisfy your passion. Specifically, the Eastern Market DC is where you can go to experience fresh food and community events. Here, you’ll find an array of meats, poultry, seafood, pasta, baked goods and cheeses. Whether you’ve got a sweet tooth or are more of a savoury fan, there’s something to suit every taste here. 

Beyond food, they’ve also got a bunch of craft stores too including pottery stalls and painted flower pot stores. And a stay at the Capitol Hill Hotel puts you within a ten-minute walk from the market. Plus, the plush fabrics and contemporary finish of the rooms are sure to make your stay that bit more comfortable. 

If you’re looking for an area in Washington that’s as loved by locals as much as tourists, Dupont Circle is your base. This area is packed with bars and restaurants that have become neighbourhood staples, along with a variety of dance halls and nightclubs perfect for night owls.

Local legends

Dupont Circle is home to many spots that have been loved by locals for years. One of the popular eateries in the area includes the Iron Gate Restaurant. Known among locals as one of the district’s longest-standing restaurants, this is just the spot to dive into Mediterranean dishes with an inventive twist, like grape leaf roasted cod. 

Other popular eateries include Bistrot du Coin, a French restaurant with a timeless feel and The Pembroke, which serves classic dishes from the States with an international twist. For drinks spots, City Tap House Dupont is a gastropub with outstanding beers, Swingers offers a 1920s mini-golf experience and The Golden Age is just the spot for classic cocktails. Rest up for the night at The Dupont Circle Hotel, a hotel that’s furnished with vibrant decor and finished with designer bathrobes.

Bonus suggestion: while not a restaurant or bar, if you want to experience Washington’s culture through grocery shopping, you have to visit Dupont Market, a locals-approved bodega.

Art galleries

If you consider yourself a bit of an art aficionado, Dupont Circle has lots to offer. For example, IA&A at Hillyer is a contemporary space that features art from public programmes and exhibitions. As a non-profit organisation, this gallery is all about the community. Their focus centres on helping both art institutions and collectors share and exchange art. 

Similarly, the Phillips Collection is one of the district’s most well-known galleries. Standing as one of the first galleries to promote contemporary art in the USA, this space prioritised the Modernist movement, showcasing the subjectivity of art. Other popular spots in the area include the contemporary Studio Gallery, the former streetcar-turned-gallery Dupont Underground and the cultural gem that is the Korean Cultural Center. And a nearby stay at Sixty DC offers neutral decor, spacious rooms and an on-site Mediterranean restaurant.

The U Street Corridor is known as the hub for Black culture in Washington. This is the spot to experience the richness of jazz and the variety of cuisines the city has to offer. Not to mention, this area also has a variety of entertainment, including an outstanding music and nightlife scene. 

Musical culture

U Street Corridor is just the place to stay if you’re looking for a musical hub. This area has seen many notable figures make their start here, including the musician Duke Ellington and the Harlem Renaissance poet, Langston Hughes. Jazz has long since been the focal point of this area and its connection to the genre has remained.

To experience the district’s live jazz, make sure to stop by the JoJo Restaurant and Bar. This restaurant-bar hybrid harks back to when jazz was at its peak, blending a 1920s vibe with modern flair. If you’re after more of a sit-down experience, The Howard Theatre – a modern theatre in a historic setting – promises just that. The hall puts on various jazz concerts, offering an elevated, elegant atmosphere. Finish your jazz-fueled adventures with a stay at U Street Capsule Hostel, a budget-friendly, compact stay with express check-in and check-out.

Food first

The U Street Corridor is no stranger to various cuisines, boasting everything from Ethiopian and soul food to Southeast Asian, Peruvian and Chinese-Korean. One of the most renowned restaurants for classic food from the States is Ben's Chili Bowl. As the home of the ‘half-smoke’, here you can dive headfirst into the beloved smoked sausage that’s made from half beef and half pork. 

Food from the States aside, Ethiopian cuisine is the real champion of this district. After all, this area is home to ‘Little Ethiopia’ – a street with a rich spread of restaurants inspired by the country. Popular restaurants here include Dukem, Zenebech Injera and Das Ethiopian Cuisine. A stay at Lyle DC will place you near the culinary scene. Not to mention, the on-site restaurant offers a different cuisine too: think classic dishes from the States with a European twist.

Last on our list of places to stay in Washington, DC is the National Mall, perfect for those who are after a quintessential Washington experience. With various monuments and museums, this is just the place for history buffs and cultural enthusiasts to explore. 

The USA’s front yard

Known as the USA’s ‘front yard’, the National Mall is where you can find the monuments, museums and memorials that make the USA what it is today. From the Lincoln Memorial to the Washington Monument – this area really is a feast for the eyes.

This stretch of Washington offers such a rich history and culture that you’re bound to find something that interests you. For example, the area is home to the Vietnam War Memorial and the National Gallery of Art, which you can even take a private tour of. And a stay at Hyatt Place Washington D.C. – National Mall promises a rooftop bar, an outdoor pool and a sun terrace.

The Smithsonian Institution

The National Mall is also home to the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum, education and research complex. Here, you can find 21 museums, 14 research centres and the National Zoo, so you’ll be spoiled for choice. 

Some popular museums in the institute include the National Museum of Natural History, which focuses on Earth's history and biodiversity, with some dinosaur skeletons added in as a bonus.

Other popular options include the National Portrait Gallery, full of portraits of important figures from the nation’s past and the National Air and Space Museum, perfect for anyone aviation-obsessed. Consider a stay at Kimpton Hotel Monaco Washington DC by IHG for a high-end stay with maximalist decor near the heart of the district.

With so much on offer in the capital of the US, deciding where to stay in Washington can feel like a struggle. But with the help of our guide, picking your next destination couldn’t be easier. From the culture of U Street Corridor to the art scene in Dupont Circle, discover where you’ll visit next.