Where to Stay in Washington, DC (First Time Visitors)

Every time a friend asks where to stay in DC, I give the same advice: stay in the city. I know the hotels in Arlington and the suburbs look like a deal. But Metro fares are charged per person and by distance, so a family or a couple riding in and out every day can burn through those savings fast. Plus, you lose time commuting instead of sightseeing and miss out on slow morning grabbing coffee. The city also requires more walking than people realize. A day exploring the National Mall can rack up steps fast so being able to take a quick break at the hotel can be a lifesaver. Staying somewhere walkable and near Metro is almost always worth the extra cost.

These are the four neighborhoods I recommend most to first-time visitors, what each one is actually like, and my hotel picks.

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The Wharf: Best All-Around Base for a First Trip

The Wharf has it all: lots of restaurants, water views, proximity to the National Mall, and lots of restaurants. The closest Metro stop is L’Enfant Plaza, which connects to every Metro line except the Red Line, so almost everything is one train away.

• The monuments are walkable. You can reach the Tidal Basin on foot, which means you can quickly get to the Jefferson Memorial, the cherry blossoms, and the surrounding monuments without getting on a train.
• Other highlights on the National Mall are nearby: The National Mall is bigger than you think but the Smithsonian Metro stop is also walkable which puts you at the center of the National Mall. You can also take a quick Metro ride to get closer to other parts of the National Mall like Capitol Hill or the National Archives. The Spy Museum, a paid museum not part of the Smithsonian, is located right next to the L’Enfant Metro stop. This is a beloved, interactive museum if you are looking for something a little different.
• You won’t hunt for dinner. There’s a huge range of restaurants at different price points, which matters after a long day of sightseeing. My favorites are Lupo Marino, Hank’s Oyster Bar, Mi Vida, and Pink Tiger. And don’t miss Toastique and Colada Shop for breakfast.
• There’s a unique souvenir option. Make time to visit Shop Made DC which sells DC inspired gifts made by local artists. Look out for some of these artists in museum gift shops as well. They are usually labeled as Shop Made DC or as gifts made by local artists.
• Navy Yard is an easy Metro ride away. If you are enjoying the waterfront vibes, Navy Yard is a short Metro ride away for more restaurants and nightlife. The baseball and soccer stadiums are in this neighborhood too.

Keep in mind: parking is hard to find and expensive, so skip the car if you can. The whole point of staying near The Wharf is for the easy Metro access. However, note that if you take Amtrak to Union Station, you will arrive on at Union Station which is on the red line and will require a Metro transfer. It also gets crowded during cherry blossom season and big events so check the events calendar before you go.

Where I’d stay:

• Pendry Washington DC: This luxury hotel feels like a world away even though you are right in the middle of the action on the Wharf. Even if you don’t stay here, get a drink at Moonraker, the rooftop bar with views over the Potomac. This is also a great spot for boozy afternoon tea.
• Hyatt House Washington DC/The Wharf: Hyatt House is perfect for families or anyone who just want a little more space to spread out at a more modest price point. Some rooms also have kitchenettes.

Metro Center: Best for Museum-Heavy Trips

If it’s your first time in Washington, DC, you likely came for the museums and monuments. Metro Center gives you some of the best access to the National Mall, the White House, some classic DC dining experiences, notable performance venues, and great Metro access. You can easily get to other neighborhoods like 14th and U, Columbia Heights, Dupont, Union Market, and Capitol Hill for a more neighborhood feel.

• Many headliners are walkable: The White House, the Museum of Natural History, the Museum of American History, and the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
• A few non-Smithsonian favorites are nearby too: Planet Word, the National Building Museum, the National Archives, the Warner Theatre, and Ford’s Theatre.
• The Metro covers the rest. Metro Center has its own Metro stop that gives you access to the Red, Orange, Blue, and Silver lines. You are also close to Chinatown for Green and Yellow access so it’s easy to get pretty much anywhere.
• There are a variety of must-do food options. The most famous options near the White House Old Ebbitt Grill and The Hamilton. Old Ebbitt Grill is known as the city’s oldest saloon with many famous visitors. The Hamilton is a multi-purpose space with great food, drinks, and has a music venue downstairs. Plan for at least a drink at one of these stops. Plus, Penn Quarter adds Oyamel, Dirty Habit, The Riggs Cafe, The Smith, Mi Vida, and Rasika.

Where I’d stay:

• The Willard: This historic, grand hotel is just a block from the White House and has seen the country through a lot. Abraham Lincoln famously stayed here just 10 days before his inauguration and Martin Luther King Jr. made final edits to his famous I Have A Dream speech in the lobby just hours before presenting it at the Lincoln Memorial.
• Riggs: Riggs is located in the famous Riggs National Bank Building and ties a lot of the bank’s charm into the current design. Downstairs, you’ll even find a bar in the old bank vault. Upstairs, you’ll find Cafe Riggs, a great spot for drinks or a meal.
• Hotel Monaco: This Kimpton Hotel is housed in a 200 year old building that was once the Post Office and Patent Office. Today, it is a colorful, upscale hotel with design that celebrates its history. The hotel is also home to Dirty Habit, a restaurant with a cozy, outdoor bar area perfect for an evening cocktail.

Mount Vernon: Best for Conferences & Shopping

Mount Vernon puts you near the Convention Center and City Center but you are just north of Metro Center and Chinatown with access to the Capital One Arena, the National Portrait Gallery, and the National Gallery of Art. The Mount Vernon Metro stop serves Green/Yellow line so you can visit 14th & U Street and Columbia Heights for some neighborhood dining options.

• Great for events: If you are attending a conference at the Convention Center, Mount Vernon is the perfect place to be. You are also still just blocks away from the Capital One Arena for concerts and sporting events without being directly on top of the action.
• Near City Center DC: Center Center is home to high end shopping, nice restaurants, and beautiful street art.
• Good food is everywhere. Try Capital Burger, dLena, and Pearl’s Bagels. Plus, explore Blagden Alley, home to restaurants and bars like Tiger Fork, The Dabney, and Calico. Blagden Alley isn’t a secret but sometimes overlooked if you don’t know it’s there.
• The Green and Yellow lines: The Mount Vernon Metro stop serves the Green and Yellow lines so you can pop up to 14th & U Streets or in Columbia Heights. Try some neighborhood dining options, check out a show at the Lincoln or Howard theater, and see some cute row homes.

Where I’d stay:

• Conrad Washington DC: This hotel is all about polished, modern luxury without the stuffiness. This hotel is regularly recognized for high end service and great dining options.
• Eaton DC: Eaton DC brings an unmatched vibe to the neighborhood with colorful design, a recording studio, and two bars including a rooftop with craft cocktails and DJ sets throughout the week.
• The Westin DC Downtown: An reliable brand with modern room touches and a large lobby. This hotel is popular for events.

West End & Dupont Circle: Best for a Quieter Trip

I am lumping the neighborhoods north of the White House together a bit here but this is a nice area to with proximity to the National Mall but a little farther from the action. Staying in Dupont gives you Metro access: Red at Dupont Circle and Farragut West plus Orange, Blue, and Silver at Farragut West. West End is a little bougie and a little farther from the main action, but it’s not as isolated as Georgetown. This is a great area for visitors who want a calmer vibe without losing Metro access.

• Close to a few lesser known attractions: The Mansion on O, Dumbarton Oaks, the National Geographic Museum, and Heurich House Museum
• Metro is still accessible: Even if you stay in West End doesn’t, you can walk to Foggy Bottom (Orange/Blue/Silver) and Dupont Circle (Red). Dupont is also walkable to Farragut West (Orange, Blue, Silver).
• Access to the Georgetown: Georgetown doesn’t have a Metro stop but take a quick cab or rideshare to M Street. You can easily spend a day enjoying the shops and trying the restaurants.
• The restaurants are great: In West End, you’ll find Blue Duck Tavern and Planta (for a vegan option). Dupont has Iron Gate, ala, and Agora. Plus, don’t miss McClellan’s Retreat, one of my favorite cocktail bars.

Where I’d stay:

• Park Hyatt Washington: Blue Duck Tavern is inside the hotel, so dinner is an elevator ride away.
• The Hay-Adams: History, comfort, and some of the best city views make The Hay-Adams truly special. Stay steps from the White House in luxury enjoying easy access to some of the best restaurants and museums.
• The Ven at Embassy Row: This Marriott property has colorful, modern touches and rooftop pool open during the summer months.
• The Mayflower Hotel: The Mayflower Hotel features beautiful architecture and a popular lobby bar. Its grandeur and proximity to the White House has attracted many famous faces.