Downtown Washington D.C. Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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

Shopping, fine dining and museums aplenty: Downtown really is where the business happens.

You may expect towering skyscrapers in D.C.’s CBD, but you’ll be surprised to find very few. What you will find is an extremely walkable neighbourhood teeming with suit-clad professionals, as well as the International Spy Museum, the National Aquarium, the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Theatre. Downtown D.C. also comprises Penn Quarter—or “Old Downtown”—which is an emerging hotbed of arts and entertainment, as well as Chinatown, where you can get your fill of delicious Asian food.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Downtown Washington D.C. Hotel Deals

Washington Plaza Hotel

Washington Plaza Hotel

4 out of 5
10 Thomas Circle NW, Washington, DC
The price is AU$195 per night from 19 Oct to 20 Oct
AU$195
19 Oct - 20 Oct
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! (4,687 reviews)
"Nice location"

Reviewed on 9 Oct 2025

Washington Plaza Hotel
Hamilton Hotel Washington DC

Hamilton Hotel Washington DC

4 out of 5
1001 14th St NW, Washington, DC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$320 per night from 31 Oct to 1 Nov
AU$320
31 Oct - 1 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the restaurant and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,824 reviews)
"We really enjoyed our stay here. The staff was very helpful and friendly. The hotel felt safe and comfortable."

Reviewed on 7 Oct 2025

Hamilton Hotel Washington DC
Beacon Hotel & Corporate Quarters

Beacon Hotel & Corporate Quarters

3.5 out of 5
1615 Rhode Island Ave Nw, Washington, DC
The price is AU$250 per night from 9 Nov to 10 Nov
AU$250
9 Nov - 10 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,007 reviews)
"As for most hotels in Washington DC, parking was valet only. Thought overnite rate was a little high at $65 per night. Staff friendly and responsive."

Reviewed on 10 Oct 2025

Beacon Hotel & Corporate Quarters
Motto by Hilton Washington DC City Center

Motto by Hilton Washington DC City Center

3.5 out of 5
627 H Street NW, Washington, DC
The price is AU$160 per night from 19 Oct to 20 Oct
AU$160
19 Oct - 20 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,726 reviews)
"The rooms are micro BUT, they used very inch thoughtfully."

Reviewed on 7 Oct 2025

Motto by Hilton Washington DC City Center
Conrad Washington, DC

Conrad Washington, DC

5 out of 5
950 New York Ave NW, Washington, DC
The price is AU$625 per night from 7 Nov to 8 Nov
AU$625
7 Nov - 8 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (764 reviews)
"Clean room and friendly staff"

Reviewed on 9 Oct 2025

Conrad Washington, DC
Hotel Washington

Hotel Washington

5 out of 5
515 15th Street, NW, Washington, DC
The price is AU$568 per night from 19 Oct to 20 Oct
AU$568
19 Oct - 20 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,372 reviews)
"Great"

Reviewed on 6 Oct 2025

Hotel Washington
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 Downtown Washington D.C.

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Logan Circle

A noteworthy feature of Logan Circle is its popular shops. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Studio Theatre and Mary McLeod Bethune Council House.

Logan Circle
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Connecticut Ave - K Street

While you're in Connecticut Ave - K Street, take in top sights like National Geographic Museum or K Street, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Farragut North Station or Farragut West Station.

Connecticut Ave - K Street
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
International Spy Museum which includes 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
Foggy Bottom which includes a memorial, a city and a statue or sculpture

Foggy Bottom

4.5/5(21 area reviews)

Important monuments a university vibe and top sights from Potomac River to Chesapeake and Ohio Canal – discover Foggy Bottom, a destination also famous for its historic sites.

Foggy Bottom
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NoMa

While you're in NoMa, take in top sights like Smithsonian Institution and jump on the metro at Gallaudet U Station to see more of the city.

NoMa


Downtown Washington D.C. Travel Guide

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