Where to stay in Washington, DC’s best neighborhoods—and why

Yes, this central neighborhood is best-known for its late-night jumbo slice and rowdy revelers. And look, we can get behind that – we're fun too, you know. But Adams Morgan has recently cleaned up its act and welcomed gourmet restaurants and boutique shops to the mix. And we like these additions, too.

Pros

There’s a stack of bars to visit. Mintwood Place offers a more refined setting for classic cocktails, while Madam's Organ is notorious for drunken shenanigans and live music.

Cons

On weekends, sidewalks can be clogged with twenty-somethings who haven’t yet learned to hold their liquor. Additionally, the nearest metro stop is a bit of a hike. (Not great if you’re feeling a bit wobbly).

Stay

Check into The LINE, a beyond swanky, uber-cool hotel housed in a converted church. This is the place to see and be seen when it comes to D.C.’s hipster set.

Shaw’s slick bars, shops and galleries make it the cool new kid in town. The neighborhood is rich in local African-American history (the Howard Theater hosted such musical acts as Ella Fitzgerald, and the African American Civil War Memorial is steps from the metro) and draws a trendy crowd.

Pros

The neighborhood is conveniently located near the Mall (just a straight-shot down Seventh Street), buzzy Columbia Heights and Logan Circle.

Cons

If you're hoping to shop, you're better off staying in another part of town. The retail options are slim and there's been a lot of store turnover. (We miss you, Steven Alan!)

Stay

Reserve a room at Cambria Hotel and Suites, a stylish, comfortable and amenity-packed hotel with a great rooftop.

This historic area draws visitors for its quaint cobblestone streets, boutique shopping and European flair. It’s quintessential DC and tends to attract a political crowd.

Pros

A walk around the neighborhood reveals some of the city’s most beautiful townhouses and manicured gardens. We're huge fans of the off-the-beaten-path boutiques in Cady's Alley, a charming shopping enclave hidden from the bustle of Wisconsin Ave. For a light bite, stop at Chaia tacos, where handmade tortillas are loaded with all-vegetarian fillings.

Cons

Like Adams Morgan, Georgetown lacks a metro station, though there are a number of bus routes that service the neighborhood. A lot of the restaurants and shops are also rather pricey.

Stay

Drop your bags down at Graham Georgetown, where the 360-degree rooftop views are postcard-perfect. Cocktails, anyone?

Home to the United States Capitol, Supreme Court and Library of Congress, Capitol Hill is the seat of the US government. If you post up at a cafe here, you’re likely to overhear some hush-hush details that should probably stay behind closed doors. (Well probably not, but we can hope). A concentration of townhomes and families make Capitol Hill charming as can be.

Pros

Proximity to the historic Eastern Market, filled with local food vendors and makers, means this neighborhood is a well-rounded choice for visitors of all ages and interests.

Cons

It’s a bit outside of the center of town so accessing other parts of the city can be a trek.

Stay

Stay at the Capitol Hill Hotel, a boutique hotel with great decor and oh-so-comfortable beds.

Perhaps D.C.’s most popular neighborhood, Dupont Circle is beloved for its convenient location and long-standing bars and restaurants that draw regulars. It also happens to be a top destination for the city’s gay community.

Pros

A number of independent art galleries, fantastic restaurants and buzzing restaurants pepper the neighborhood’s streets. Fans of art will appreciate the Phillips Collection, where Pierre-Auguste Renoir's "Luncheon of the Boating Party" is on display along with a room filled entirely with Mark Rothko paintings. For a glass of champagne and an equally bubbly atmosphere, head to Bistrot du Coin, a long-standing French restaurant and bar that's always humming. You can't beat the burger at Duke's Grocery and just next door are a concentration of the city's crown culinary jewels: Komi (temporarily closed, Aug 2021), Little Serow and Sushi Taro. Catch the Sunday farmers market if you can.

Cons

If you're driving, expect plenty of congestion due to the busy traffic circles. Weekends tend to draw a young crowd, so be prepared for the bars to get packed and a little rowdy.

Stay

Book a room at the  Tabard Inn, a historic and charming bed and breakfast offering a legendarily delicious brunch and gorgeous hidden garden.

Chinese characters grace the facade of many businesses and hand-pulled noodles are within walking distance no matter where you are in Chinatown. It’s a colorful part of the city with a picturesque arch at its entrance that promises prime photo opps.

Pros

You’ll be nearby some of the city’s best art museums, including the National Portrait Gallery and the Smithsonian American Art Museum.

Cons

Nightlife can be a bit lackluster and, when there’s a sporting event or concert at Capitol One Arena, the crowds can get a little rowdy.

Stay

Consider the Pod DC Hotel, an affordable hotel with a swanky whiskey bar in the basement and a modern diner on the rooftop.

The neighborhood is home to one of the city’s biggest draws—a concentration of Smithsonian Institution museums. Our top pick is the National Museum of American History, where you can see Dorothy’s original red slippers and a replica of Julia Child’s kitchen.

Pros

You’re smack-dab in the middle of DC’s cultural epicenter.

Cons

This part of town tends to die down in the evening, and restaurant options are sparse.

Stay

The W Washington DC is a great option. You’ll be able to gaze at the White House from the swanky rooftop.

So new is the Wharf to the DC scene that it practically popped up overnight. Born earlier in 2019, this southwestern point offers great places to eat, drink, dance and listen to live music.

Call up the InterContinental, a high-class hotel that is home to Moon Rabbit, a contemporary Vietnamese restaurant By Kevin Tien. This is how to do it in style.