Washington

Travel Guide
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 Smithsonian Institution and Capital One Arena, 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 Smithsonian Institution, 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 Waterfront Park or Washington Harbour.

Georgetown
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
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 Folger Shakespeare Library and Library of Congress, and jump on the metro at Capitol South Station or Eastern Market Station to see more of the city.

Capitol Hill
Washington Plaza Hotel
Washington Plaza Hotel
4 out of 5
10 Thomas Circle NW, Washington, DC
The price is S$167 per night from 10 Nov to 11 Nov
S$167
includes taxes & fees
10 Nov - 11 Nov
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! (3,790 reviews)
"Great experience"

Reviewed on 28 Oct,2024

Washington Plaza Hotel
Omni Shoreham Hotel
Omni Shoreham Hotel
4 out of 5
2500 Calvert St Nw, Washington, DC
The price is S$209 per night from 22 Nov to 23 Nov
S$209
includes taxes & fees
22 Nov - 23 Nov
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! (1,628 reviews)
"A beautiful hotel with great service. A small downside was paper thin walls that allowed us to hear _everything_ happening in both adjacent rooms, but otherwise it was great."

Reviewed on 27 Oct,2024

Omni Shoreham Hotel
citizenM Washington DC NoMa
citizenM Washington DC NoMa
4 out of 5
1222 1ST STREET NE, Washington, DC
The price is S$152 per night from 25 Nov to 26 Nov
S$152
includes taxes & fees
25 Nov - 26 Nov
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,489 reviews)
"Though the rooms were small, they contained everything anyone could want, were cleverly-designed, and had first-rate components (such as hihg-end plumbing fixtures and blackout curtains). It is an awesome hotel! And the service is fabulous. We accidentally left a camera sitting in a public area overnight ..."

Reviewed on 28 Oct,2024

citizenM Washington DC NoMa
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! (2,230 reviews)
"Perfect location to visit our daughter."

Reviewed on 27 Oct,2024

Glover Park - Georgetown
The Dupont Circle Hotel
The Dupont Circle Hotel
4.5 out of 5
1500 New Hampshire Ave Nw, Washington, DC
Book a stay at this boutique aparthotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,397 reviews)
"Great"

Reviewed on 21 Oct,2024

The Dupont Circle Hotel
Global Luxury Suites at Capitol Hill
Global Luxury Suites at Capitol Hill
4 out of 5
1005 First Street NE, Washington, DC
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
7.8/10 Good! (399 reviews)
"This property was unusual but delightful! I was apprehensive to book it because of reviews about access. But the Latch app was wonderful! I will definitely stay there again."

Reviewed on 23 Oct,2024

Global Luxury Suites at Capitol Hill
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

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Reviews of Washington

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
141
" "5 - Excellent 63.800904977375566%
4 - Good
75
" "4 - Good 33.93665158371041%
3 - Okay
4
" "3 - Okay 1.8099547511312217%
2 - Disappointing
1
" "2 - Disappointing 0.45248868778280543%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Great place to visit would recommend Washington dc a lot if historical monuments and buildings great time in dc

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Washington and it’s history makes for a brilliant trip

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

A lot to see but easy to see in 2 days. Nice to walk around or Uber. Did not bother taking public transport as that was difficult to find. Had a cloudy day and a sunny day 

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Love Washington, this was our third trip. So much to see and do, very safe, fab metro service.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Excellent Postal Museum

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

I love this city and have seen the attractions on many occasions before. Great place to visit!