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$171 per night from 18 Jan to 19 Jan
AU$171
18 Jan - 19 Jan
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! (4,883 reviews)
Great check-in. Staff was helpful, friendly And there to assist.

Reviewed on 11 Jan 2026

Washington Plaza Hotel
Embassy Suites by Hilton Washington D.C. – Convention Center

Embassy Suites by Hilton Washington D.C. – Convention Center

3.5 out of 5
900 10th St NW Washington DC
The price is AU$248 per night from 23 Jan to 24 Jan
AU$248
23 Jan - 24 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free breakfast, a 24-hour fitness centre and Wi-Fi (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,143 reviews)
great experience

Reviewed on 12 Jan 2026

Embassy Suites by Hilton Washington D.C. – Convention Center
Hamilton Hotel Washington DC

Hamilton Hotel Washington DC

4 out of 5
1001 14th St NW Washington DC
The price is AU$220 per night from 19 Jan to 20 Jan
AU$220
19 Jan - 20 Jan
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 helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (3,072 reviews)
While the hotel was clean and secure, the staff very pleasant and helpful, I found the room to be a little tired and in need of an update, especially the carpeting. It would be nice if there were more than one ice machine too, though the filtered water dispensers were a nice touch. Just enough of ...

Reviewed on 10 Jan 2026

Hamilton Hotel Washington DC
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$145 per night from 25 Jan to 26 Jan
AU$145
25 Jan - 26 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Washington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 3 bars/lounges and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,825 reviews)
Room was very nice & clean, a little small, but it got the job done. Very close to the arena & convenient

Reviewed on 11 Jan 2026

Motto by Hilton Washington DC City Center
Hyatt Place Washington DC/Georgetown/West End

Hyatt Place Washington DC/Georgetown/West End

3 out of 5
2121 M St NW Washington DC
The price is AU$204 per night from 6 Feb to 7 Feb
AU$204
6 Feb - 7 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,034 reviews)
Very good

Reviewed on 10 Jan 2026

Hyatt Place Washington DC/Georgetown/West End
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Washington, DC/Downtown

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Washington, DC/Downtown

3 out of 5
500 H Street NW Washington DC
The price is AU$190 per night from 6 Feb to 7 Feb
AU$190
6 Feb - 7 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,211 reviews)
Room was clean but wifi didn’t work well at all.

Reviewed on 10 Jan 2026

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Washington, DC/Downtown
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 K Street or World Bank, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Farragut North Station or Farragut West Station.

Connecticut Ave - K Street
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Penn Quarter

While you're in Penn Quarter, take in top sights like United States Navy Memorial and jump on the metro at Archives Station to see more of the city.

Penn Quarter
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
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
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


Downtown Washington D.C. Travel Guide

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