Hotels in Washington D.C

Known formally as the District of Columbia, Washington DC is the capital of the United States. Located on the Potomac River and the borders of Virginia and Maryland, the DC district has served as the base to every ruling United States President since the 1800s. With the city welcoming more than 20 million visitors every year, it's an understatement to say that the area experiences merely a good amount of tourism. You can expect mass attractions filled with historical, cultural, and political significance, including a myriad of museums, monuments, and artwork venues.

With its status as the nation's capital and as a seat of major world power, there is always a wide array and availability of hotel accommodation available within the city. There are hotel options in Washington DC that can fit any budget size, including friendly cheap hostels, small charming boutiques, and opulent 5-star luxury resorts.

Neighborhoods of Washington DC

The city splits into numerous districts and neighborhoods, all of which have their own unique qualities and personality. Some of the most interesting areas in DC include:

• Adams Morgan: Visitors will find an eclectic, Bohemian area filled with chic bars and great restaurants.
• Bloomingdale: This part of town is filled with well-maintained gardens and has a striking urban farm environment.
• Dupont Circle: A grand part of town that is mostly made up of a stunning public park.
• Foggy Bottom: This DC riverside area portrays in many iconic TV shows and movies.
• Georgetown: The C&O Canal runs through this well-heeled district, featuring narrow cobbled streets and old homes from the 18th and 19th centuries.

What to see and do in Washington DC

Some of the most prominent and significant sights on the veritable laundry list of things to see and do include the following:

Political and federal sights

• The White House: One of the most iconic sights in the world and home to the US President.
• The Capitol: The home and meeting grounds of the US Legislature.
• The Lincoln Memorial: A stunning monument commemorating the country’s 16th President.
• The National Mall: The iconic setting of every presidential inauguration is lined with museums and monuments.

Museums

• The Smithsonian: A collection of 19 museums of all disciplines, plus the National Zoo.
• The Newseum: An informative and interesting exhibition of journalism.
• International Spy Museum: A must for all James Bond and secret agent fans.
• Dumbarton Oaks: A historical estate with beautiful gardens and an engaging museum.

Other attractions

• The Library of Congress: The biggest library in the world.
• US Botanic Garden: A living museum filled with plants from the tropics and the desert.
• Old Town Alexandria Scavenger Hunt: A great place for self-guided historical tours.
• Mount Vernon: George Washington’s original home, which lies on the Potomac River.

What to eat in Washington DC

Thanks to multicultural influences, the city has a wide and varied food culture. It is also a city of upscale restaurants, often frequented by those who walk through the corridors of power. Some dishes that every DC visitor should try include:

• Avocado Toast: Nowhere else does this simple dish come in so many variations.
• Super Grilled Cheese: Another staple of the capital but with special pimped-up treatment.
• Burger: You can go old-school or contemporary with your choice of fresh fixings.
• Chesapeake Blue Crab: This local soft-shell crab specialty can be eaten whole or minced into crab cakes.
• DC's Iconic Half-Smoke: The city’s very own version of USA's classic ballpark hot dog.
• Chesapeake Oysters: Another regional specialty found in raw sushi bars all across the capital.

Typical events and festivals in Washington DC

Washington DC has a lively and thriving entertainment and event culture. Some of the most popular events include:

• National Cherry Blossom Festival: The trees look their best in March and April.
• Passport DC: This is a month-long May celebration of Washington DC's international culture.
• The DC Jazz Festival: A popular music event that's the highlight of every summer.
• The Fourth of July: The 4th of July Independence Day celebrations are always the most spectacular in the nation's capital.

How to move around in Washington DC

Public transport is extremely good. There is a public transit system known as the Metro, which includes regional buses and rail lines with stations all over the city. The Metro also connects the district to the nearby states of Virginia and Maryland. The DC Circulator is a free on-off bus that operates six routes around the city's main sights. For private travel, the ratio of taxis to residents is higher in DC than anywhere else in the USA, and car rental firms are more than plentiful. There is also a city-wide bike-sharing scheme.

The climate in Washington DC

Washington DC's geographical location results in the district experiencing a vastly varied and wide-ranging climate throughout the year. The midsummer period from July through August can be extremely hot and humid, with high levels of moisture in the air. The temperature often reaches into the upper 80s °F (lower 30s °C). The deep winter months from December through February are regularly snowy. Winters typically fall to lows of around 24° F (-4°C). For a happy medium, the best time to come and visit is between March and June.