Arlington

Travel Guide
Arlington
See sober memorials and grand monuments, and explore the country’s vast national cemetery in this city, which was originally part of the national capital.

Set just across the Potomac River from Washington D.C., Arlington straddles the boundary between the urban center and the countryside of Northern Virginia. Visit its somber memorials and monuments, which pay tribute to the victims of tragic events from America’s past.

For many Americans, Arlington is synonymous with the Pentagon, the imposing headquarters of the United States Department of Defense. Book online well in advance to secure a spot on a guided tour of the building's interior. Look for the Pentagon Memorial outside, which honors the victims of the September 11, 2011 attack on the Pentagon. The memorial features 184 illuminated benches, each of which represents a victim.

Arlington’s other headline attraction is the Arlington National Cemetery, where some 400,000 people, including veteran soldiers and famous figures, are buried. Search for President John F. Kennedy’s headstone and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where a changing of the guard ceremony takes place at least every hour, and more regularly during summer months.

Among the other famous memorials found here are the Space Shuttle Challenger Memorial and the USSMaine Mast Memorial, which includes the main mast from the battleship which was blown up in 1898 while anchored in Havana Harbor. The Iwo Jima Memorial depicts the six soldiers raising the U.S. flag on Mount Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima. Don’t leave the cemetery without seeing Arlington House, the Greek Revival-style mansion that was once home to Confederate General Robert E. Lee.

Walkers looking for some gentle trails in the vicinity can follow the paths of Theodore Roosevelt Island wilderness preserve, which lead past swamps, marsh and forested areas. Rent a bike and pedal your way along the Washington and Old Dominion Trail. Beginning at Shirlington in Arlington, the trail extends for 45 miles (72 kilometers) into the countryside.

Use Arlington’s excellent public transportation system, which includes some D.C. area metro lines as well as an extensive bus network, to get around. From Arlington, it is just a short journey to all the monuments, museums and memorials of Washington D.C.

Where to stay in Arlington

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Crystal City

4.5/5(15 area reviews)

If you're looking to experience the neighbourhood, Crystal City is well-known for its popular shops. Explore top sights in the area like Synetic Theater and get around town on the metro at Crystal City Station.

Crystal City
United States Marine Corps War Memorial which includes military items

Rosslyn

4/5(12 area reviews)

The ample dining options and prominent monuments are just a few popular features of the neighbourhood. Make a stop by Freedom Park or Dark Star Park while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Rosslyn Station to get around town.

Rosslyn
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Pentagon City

If you're spending time in Pentagon City, you might enjoy attractions like Fashion Center at Pentagon City and Pentagon Row. You might also enjoy the neighbourhood's ample dining options before hopping on the metro at Pentagon City Station to see more of the city.

Pentagon City
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Addison Heights

Museums, shopping and restaurants are some highlights of Addison Heights. You might stop by Arlington National Cemetery or Fashion Center at Pentagon City while you're in the area.

Addison Heights
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Ballston

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

Travellers choose Ballston for its ample dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Ballston Station or Virginia Square Station and check out top sights like Ballston Quarter.

Ballston
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Clarendon

Travellers choose Clarendon for its abundant dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Clarendon Metrorail Station or Courthouse Station and check out top sights like Arlington City Hall.

Clarendon
Hotel Pentagon
Hotel Pentagon
3 out of 5
2480 S Glebe Rd, Arlington, VA
The price is €100 per night from 29 Apr to 30 Apr
€100
per night
29 Apr - 30 Apr
Stay at this hotel in Arlington. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the clean rooms and the overall value in our reviews. Popular ...
6.4/10 (1,082 reviews)
"Needs a little update but good."

Reviewed on 22 Mar 2024

Hotel Pentagon
Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel
Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel
3.5 out of 5
900 S Orme St, Arlington, VA
The price is €152 per night from 5 Apr to 6 Apr
€152
per night
5 Apr - 6 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Arlington. Enjoy breakfast, WiFi, and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,628 reviews)
"Great Location"

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel
Holiday Inn National Airport/Crystal City, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn National Airport/Crystal City, an IHG Hotel
3.5 out of 5
2650 Richmond Highway, Arlington, VA
The price is €136 per night from 30 Mar to 31 Mar
€136
per night
30 Mar - 31 Mar
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Arlington. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in our ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,427 reviews)
Cherry blossom time
"Breakfast buffet was terrible, O'Malleys was fine, A/C kep going on and off freezing or aweltering. Shower a little funny but got used to it, Front desk staff ok."

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

Holiday Inn National Airport/Crystal City, an IHG Hotel
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.
Placemakr Marymount Ballston
Placemakr Marymount Ballston
4 out of 5
1008 N Glebe Rd, Arlington, VA
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Arlington. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and onsite parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (284 reviews)
"I liked all the above safe, shopping, dining,transportation,walkable, grocery, easy parking, excellent attention by all the responsible Personal"

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

Placemakr Marymount Ballston
Great 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath with attached garage close to everything!
Great 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath with attached garage close to everything!
Arlington
Stay at this vacation home in Arlington. Enjoy WiFi, onsite parking, and an in-room DVD player. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (97 reviews)
Great Place!
"Place was perfect. Close to everything. Clean. Big enough for our family of 5. We would stay here again."

Reviewed on 15 Mar 2024

Great 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath with attached garage close to everything!
2Br Arlington Walk to Metro, mins to Whitehouse
2Br Arlington Walk to Metro, mins to Whitehouse
Arlington
Stay at this vacation home in Arlington. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and a garden. Popular attractions White House and National Mall are located nearby. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (21 reviews)
Great location
"The location was ideal walking distance to everything."

Reviewed on 20 Mar 2024

2Br Arlington Walk to Metro, mins to Whitehouse
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

Things to do

Reviews of Arlington

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
12
" "5 - Excellent 35.294117647058826%
4 - Good
20
" "4 - Good 58.8235294117647%
3 - Okay
2
" "3 - Okay 5.882352941176471%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
28 Dec 2019

Walked around a bit found some nice friendly bars.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
15 Nov 2019

Smithsonian Air and Space museum under major rework limited exhibits.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
11 Nov 2019

Good for where I wanted to go.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
1 Nov 2019

The hotel is just off a main road but only approx 5 to 10 min walk to restaurants and bars and 10 mins to Rosslyn metro which made everything in Washington DC easy to get to.The area itself seems very safe and quiet. Hotel OK if you are on a budget!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
30 Oct 2019

Arlington area is excellent. However, the area around this hotel has no amenities.

5/5 - Excellent

Aziz
12 Sep 2019

Ballston area was good with lots of shops and dining option next to the apartment building and within easy access to DC. We took lyft cab to US Capitol costing around $20 for 4 of us.