Southwest Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Popular places to visit
National Mall
Washington’s famous strip is teeming with American history in each and every monument and museum that you’ll see.
National Air and Space Museum
Housing the world’s largest collection of air and spacecraft, this museum carries you through the history of flight.
Tidal Basin
Embellished by the pink hues of cherry blossoms in spring, this scenic reservoir is surrounded by memorials to important figures in the development of the nation.
International Spy Museum
Delve into the world of spies, their gadgets and their stories, at this modern museum in the heart of downtown DC.
Museum of the Bible
You can study the exhibits at Museum of the Bible, a museum with a storied past, during your travels to Washington. Discover the area's entertainment choices and notable monuments.
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
You can study the exhibits at United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, a museum with a story of its own, during your trip to Washington. Discover the area's acclaimed art galleries and notable monuments.
Activities
Full Day: City Tour with 10 Stops, Boat Cruise, Admission Tickets
No-Wait Washington Monument Direct Entry Tickets & Guidebook
Night of Lincoln Assassination: from White House to Ford Theatre
See DC In A Day: Guided Small Group Ultimate Day Tour
Capitol Hill Tour with US Capitol & Library of Congress Admission
Our pick of the best Southwest Hotel Deals
citizenM Washington DC Capitol
Clean beautiful room, helpful and kind staff
Reviewed on 11 Jan 2026
Salamander Washington DC
Room was spotless and the concierge service was fast. Would definitely like to come back for a spa day as the spa was completely booked up during our stay.
Reviewed on 14 Jan 2026
Hyatt House Washington DC/The Wharf
Everything was nice
Reviewed on 11 Jan 2026
Holiday Inn Washington Capitol - Natl Mall by IHG
My husband and I stayed for 7 nights between Christmas and Net Years. The staff were all extremely professional and very kind! The concierge was so friendly I felt like we had made a new friend. The rooms were clean and well stocked. The hotel was in the perfect Place to walk to the Smithsonian museums. ...
Reviewed on 15 Jan 2026
Placemakr Buzzard Point
I genuinely enjoyed the room and view but the service, top notch. I needed an iron, brand new one provided. I needed suggestions for parking, multiple given. The staff were funny and I enjoyed talking to the ladies and young man in the office. I stayed in 623 and would have no problem coming back ...
Reviewed on 6 Jan 2026
InterContinental Washington D.C. - The Wharf by IHG
The room and service were great, but we struggled to use the TV to watch our shows on Netflix. We ended up giving up at the end and turned it off.
Reviewed on 8 Jan 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Southwest
The Wharf
You'll enjoy the restaurants and riverfront in The Wharf. You might want to make time for a stop at The Anthem or Gangplank Marina.
Southwest Waterfront
While you're in Southwest Waterfront, take in top sights like Arena Stage and jump on the metro at Waterfront Station to see more of the city.
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.
Navy Yard
While you're in Navy Yard, take in top sights like Washington Navy Yard and jump on the metro at Navy Yard Station to see more of the city.
Crystal City
Visitors to Crystal City love its popular shops, and you can check out Bowlero Arlington and Synetic Theater. If you want to see more in the area, you can get around town on the metro at Crystal City Station.
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.
