Downtown Washington D.C.

Washington

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

Art galleries, museums and theatres as well as vibrant entertainment, nightlife and shopping districts await in this city centre neighbourhood.

Downtown Washington D.C. is an urban city centre neighbourhood where people live, play and work. It’s a clean, safe and walkable area with wide avenues and tree-lined pavements. In Downtown Washington D.C. you’ll discover some of the city’s best galleries and museums, eclectic restaurants and bustling nightlife. Watch sporting events, attend star-studded concerts and relax in leafy parks.

Art and history enthusiasts are spoiled for choice in Downtown Washington D.C. Retrace the history of American architecture, design and urban planning at the National Building Museum. Interact with the hands-on displays and inspect the photography exhibitions at the National Geographic Museum. Visit the galleries of the National Archives Museum and see a celebration of women’s art at the National Museum of Women in the Arts.

Find more museums in the Penn Quarter, including the International Spy Museum and Marian Koshland Science Museum. Admire presidential portraits at the National Portrait Gallery and a showcase of national art at Smithsonian American Art Museum. Catch a performance at the Ford’s Theatre and Shakespeare Theatre Company or spot celebrity waxwork models at Madame Tussaud’s Washington D.C. Watch concerts by famous acts or basketball and ice hockey matches at the Verizon Centre.

Stroll through Chinatown, where Asian shops and restaurants share the streets with lively pubs and nightclubs. Check out the Friendship Archway, a Chinese gateway decorated with a multi-tiered roof and around 270 painted dragons.

Go to Lafayette Square, from where you can catch a glimpse of the iconic White House. Like nearby Farragut Square, Franklin Square and McPherson Square, it’s a great place to sit and watch the world go by.

Downtown Washington D.C. is served by six metro stations, which provide access to the city’s five Metrorail lines. It’s also one of the city’s most bike-friendly neighbourhoods.

Visit the official websites of the Downtown Washington D.C.’s galleries and museums for admission fees, opening times and event schedules.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Downtown Washington D.C.

Washington Plaza Hotel

Washington Plaza Hotel

4 out of 5
10 Thomas Circle NW, Washington, DC
The price is €98 per night from 22 Aug to 23 Aug
€98
22 Aug - 23 Aug
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! (4,535 reviews)
"Amazing hotel !!!"

Reviewed on 16 Aug 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 €135 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
€135
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the restaurant and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,632 reviews)
"From arrival to departure, the Valet, Porter, House Cleaning and Front Desk personnel were corteous, helpful, and attentive. The room was clean, and all amenities nice."

Reviewed on 16 Aug 2025

Hamilton Hotel Washington DC
The Henley Park Hotel

The Henley Park Hotel

4 out of 5
926 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC
The price is €94 per night from 21 Aug to 22 Aug
€94
21 Aug - 22 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star luxury hotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,149 reviews)
40% of the price of the hotel across the street.
"Great stay! Excellent value!"

Reviewed on 17 Aug 2025

The Henley Park Hotel
Hotel Lombardy

Hotel Lombardy

4 out of 5
2019 Pennsylvania Ave Nw, Washington, DC
The price is €118 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
€118
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,277 reviews)
"A clean hotel with friendly staff. Easy access to public transport and local tourist sightseeing locations."

Reviewed on 14 Aug 2025

Hotel Lombardy
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 €83 per night from 27 Aug to 28 Aug
€83
27 Aug - 28 Aug
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! (1,648 reviews)
"A convenient room for the price! Cozy and I love the compact nature of this place!"

Reviewed on 15 Aug 2025

Motto by Hilton Washington DC City Center
Moxy Washington DC Downtown

Moxy Washington DC Downtown

3 out of 5
1011 K Street NW, Washington, DC
The price is €104 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
€104
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,024 reviews)
"Clean, awesome staff, very modern and targets an young liberal crowd"

Reviewed on 15 Aug 2025

Moxy 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 National City Christian Church.

Logan Circle
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Penn Quarter

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

Penn Quarter
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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
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Shaw

Visitors often come to Shaw for its abundant dining options, but many stay to explore sights like Howard Theatre and Shiloh Baptist Church of Washington. Getting around the area on the metro is easy if you take a ride at Shaw Station.

Shaw
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
International Spy Museum showing 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.

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