Downtown Washington D.C., DC

Washington

Downtown Washington D.C. showing street scenes, a city and night scenes
Old Post Office Pavilion featuring interior views, views and a monument
Old Post Office Pavilion featuring heritage architecture, night scenes and a city
Downtown Washington D.C.
Downtown Washington D.C. which includes heritage elements

Art galleries, museums and theaters as well as vibrant entertainment, nightlife and shopping districts await in this city center neighborhood.

Downtown Washington D.C. is an urban city center neighborhood 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 Theater 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 Center.

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 neighborhoods.

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


Downtown Washington D.C. Hotel Deals

Washington Plaza Hotel

Washington Plaza Hotel

4 out of 5
10 Thomas Circle NW, Washington, DC
$99 nightly
The price is $115 total per night from Aug 22 to Aug 23
$115 total
Aug 22 - Aug 23
Total includes taxes and 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! (4,549 reviews)
"Great"

Reviewed on Aug 20, 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
$131 nightly
The price is $147 total per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
$147 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
Total includes taxes and 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! (2,636 reviews)
"Excellent hotel! Great staff, great location"

Reviewed on Aug 19, 2025

Hamilton Hotel Washington DC
The Henley Park Hotel

The Henley Park Hotel

4 out of 5
926 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC
$95 nightly
The price is $110 total per night from Aug 28 to Aug 29
$110 total
Aug 28 - Aug 29
Total includes taxes and 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! (1,151 reviews)
"Staff was very nice and helped with everything we needed"

Reviewed on Aug 19, 2025

The Henley Park Hotel
Hotel Lombardy

Hotel Lombardy

4 out of 5
2019 Pennsylvania Ave Nw, Washington, DC
$119 nightly
The price is $138 total per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
$138 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
Total includes taxes and 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! (1,286 reviews)
"Staff and service is always excellent at The Lombardy. It’s a very old hotel so rooms are a bit quirky, but that said they are comfortable, spacious, clean, and have big windows. The desk and door/car staff are always friendly, helpful, just super."

Reviewed on Aug 20, 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
$84 nightly
The price is $98 total per night from Aug 27 to Aug 28
$98 total
Aug 27 - Aug 28
Total includes taxes and 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! (1,652 reviews)
Friendly staff. Comfy & Micro Rooms
"Very neat and orderly hotel. Front staff was very friendly. Rooms are very comfortable but be aware these are micro rooms. Good for a couple mainly. Not for families."

Reviewed on Aug 20, 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
$105 nightly
The price is $122 total per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
$122 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
Total includes taxes and 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! (1,025 reviews)
First stay at Moxy
"My stay was pretty good. Room was small but clean. Downside was the view...looking into another building. Wish the food options in the hotel were better."

Reviewed on Aug 17, 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 neighborhoods around Downtown Washington D.C.

A late night stroll through Logan Circle. Great flats and homes to appreciate while walking towards local restaurants and bars.

Logan Circle

5/5(3 area reviews)

Logan Circle is known for its popular shops, and with sights like Studio Theatre and National City Christian Church, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Washington.

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
Default Image

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 the city at Farragut North Station or Farragut West Station.

Connecticut Ave - K Street
Art

Shaw

5/5(1 area review)

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 catch a ride at Shaw Station.

Shaw
Dupont Circle which includes a monument and a statue or sculpture

Dupont Circle

4.5/5(2,793 area reviews)

Embassies and think tanks abound in this area, where visitors can enjoy the Dupont Circle Fountain, historic Anderson House, and diverse dining options. Easily accessible via the Red Line Metro station.

Dupont Circle
International Spy Museum showing interior views

Southwest Federal Center

If you're spending time in Southwest Federal Center, check out sights like Smithsonian Institution or L'Enfant Plaza and hop on the metro to see more the city at L'Enfant Plaza Station or Federal Center Station.

Southwest Federal Center


Downtown Washington D.C., DC

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