Washington's best neighbourhoods: Where to stay on a budget without sacrificing vivid emotions
Washington is not only the political centre of the United States but also a colourful city with vibrant galleries and architectural monuments. Here you can immerse yourself in the mysterious world of culture and history, visiting world-class museums and spectacular live music performances.
Washington is divided into 4 sectors, which include neighbourhoods with rich cultural life and original cuisine. Coming to the U.S. capital, it is better to know in advance where to stay so as not to overpay for accommodation and so that curious attractions were always "at hand".
In this article, we want to pay attention to the famous neighbourhoods of Washington, where you can find a comfortable accommodation with an affordable cost of living and fun entertainment.
Adams Morgan
One of the popular Washington DC neighbourhoods to visit is Adams Morgan. It is located in the northwest part of the city, just north of the famous Dupont Square. Adams Morgan is a chic location with authentic architecture and a pulsating nightlife. It is named after the sixth president of the United States, John Quincy Adams.
The neighbourhood is famous for its amazing brunches with a wide range of delicacies and drinks to suit the finest tastes. It is often chosen by advanced professionals who prioritize cultural diversity and an impressive gastronomic scene. Tourists are impressed by the luxurious high-rise apartment buildings and townhouses decorated in different styles and hues.
The key advantages of the prestigious Washington DC neighbourhood for travellers that should not be missed:
- Adams Morgan offers an unforgettable leisure experience with dizzying shopping on 18th Street NW. Don't forget to buy cute items for family and friends at local gift shops.
- Visiting restaurants with divine culinary masterpieces and relaxing surroundings helps you experience the welcoming aura of the neighbourhood.
- A generous "gift" of cool emotions can be received at the spectacular festivals and shows of Washington's famous neighbourhood. There are regular entertainment events like Adams Morgan Day and the Crafty Bastards Arts & Crafts Fair.
Museums and galleries with colourful exhibits filled with fascinating mysteries of the past invite you to delve deeper into the neighbourhood's cultural and historical heritage. Take time to visit The Phillips Collection and The Textile Museum and you won't regret it.
Great places to relax in a good area of Washington DC include National Zoological Park, with gorgeous fountains and cosy picnic areas. If you have kids, National Zoological Park with colourful fauna including funny pandas is a must-go.
Adams Morgan offers a wide range of accommodations with loyal prices, from modest hostels to apartments with luxurious interiors. Great options for accommodations with decent service include HighRoad Hostel DC, Washington International Student Center, Washington International Student Centre, and Adam's Inn.
Downtown DC
Of course, one of the cool places to stop in DC is the bustling downtown area, where you can easily meet famous people from politics or the film industry. This area has become a cosy haven for premium bars and restaurants, so it's worth checking them out for the aesthetic and culinary experience.
Among the variety of interesting places to visit in Washington, DC, the following stand out:
- National Museum of Women in the Arts;
- Smithsonian American Art Museum's Renwick Gallery;
- National Gallery of Art;
- National Geographic Museum.
Travellers should visit 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, the city's main street that unites the White House with the Capitol. Decent deals for overnight travellers with a chic list of amenities:
- Hyatt Place Washington;
- St. Regis Washington, DC;
- Hamilton Hotel.
Special attention should be paid to CityCenterDC, a famous shopping area with many stores and restaurants, where it is better to book tables in advance.
Chinatown
Agreat place to visit in Washington DC is the eclectic neighbourhood of Chinatown, DC. It is a tourist attraction with a Chinese gateway called the "Friendship Arch" and a mass of Chinese and Asian restaurants with amazing oriental cuisine.
It is home to Capital One Financial Corporation, an American bank holding company that specializes in credit cards. Chinatown can be reached by taking the subway to Gallery Place Washington Station.
A comfortable overnight stay is provided by good hotels in Chinatown:
- Motto by Hilton Washington DC City Centre;
- DC/Downtown;
- Renaissance Washington;
- Fairfield Inn & Suites Washington;
- Verizon Centre Pad;
- DC Downtown Hotel.
Washington's Chinatown is home to many stores and theatres. The annual Lunar New Year festival, where masses of travellers flock for a dose of joy and positivity, is held here.
Some useful tips for visiting popular places in Washington:
- Be sure to visit the Museum of Chinese Art and Culture in Chinatown for a closer look at the vibrant life of the Middle Kingdom.
- Stop by the Oriental souvenir shop to pick up a couple of cute items to commemorate the glamorous trip.
- Take five minutes to experience the magic of a store offering Chinese herbs and medicines with wonderful healing properties.
To fill the "cup of emotions" to the top, visit the park, which is located in the heart of Chinatown, and the Verizon Centre to enjoy an authentic American basketball game.
Capitol Hill
Another great Washington DC neighbourhood for tourists to stay in has the distinctive name of Capitol Hill. It serves as a noble "ground" to house the U.S. Capitol and the House of Representatives, Supreme Court and Senate in Denver.
The neighbourhood's picturesque streets are adorned with neat rows of houses with exemplary facades. Appetizing food can be eaten here at any time of day, but in the evening, when hundreds of lights are lit, Capitol Hill ceases to be a busy "hive". Here, tourists rush to savour delicacies at oyster houses and cafes, restaurants and pubs.
Jelly Cafe serves delicious breakfasts and burgers, and if you are more inclined to vegetarian dishes, you will surely appreciate the haute cuisine of O' City restaurant. The institution harmoniously combines exquisite design of premises and rich choice of dishes with luxurious zest.
Euclid Hall Bar & Kitchen is perfect for "meat gourmets" with a wide choice of beer, chops and grilled sausages. For dedicated seafood lovers, Stoic & Genuine is always waiting with superb gastronomic masterpieces.
An iconic landmark of the area is the Colorado History Museum with original materials revealing the secrets of the state's history and its people.
The huge selection of hotels and hostels on Capitol Hill allows travellers to find the right accommodation for every need:
- If a central location and friendly service are important to you, book a room at Days Inn by Wyndham Denver Denver Downtown at an affordable rate.
- A great combination of affordable rates and comfortable accommodations is presented at Ember Hostel.
- The Holiday Chalet Victorian will be a great option for lovers of elegant Victorian style and royal comfort.
To get around Capitol Hill, travellers choose what's closest to them, from buses and subways to cabs. If you plan to travel by car, it is better to buy a map in advance and choose the best route. Always keep in mind that there are a lot of one-way streets and tight alleys.
Dupont Circle
Now let's visit a cool Washington DC neighbourhood, Dupont Circle, which was named in honour of Samuel Francis Dupont, the city's leading entrepreneur. There are many cute places with a "charismatic" atmosphere, including the Fraction Museum with creative works of modern art and the Smithsonian National Zoo with cute pets.
The picturesque streets with luxurious mansions, boutiques and embassies can be visited until the evening, and overnight tourists are invited to stay in the hospitable establishments of the district. Dupont Circle offers a variety of hotel options with comfortable accommodations and excellent service:
- The Royal Sonesta Washington DC Dupont Circle;
- Beacon Hotel;
- The Fairfax at Embassy Row;
- Washington D.C and Washington Marriott Georgetown;
- Corporate Quarters.
Dupont Circle is a magical location with many restaurants, bistros and brunch hot spots featuring fine American and international specialties.
In addition to the cool delights of local cuisine, The Riggsby's hustling chefs masterfully prepare Italian, Mexican and Japanese specialties. If you have a sweet tooth, you'll love the doughnuts and croissants made at Baked by Yael Café
Columbia Heights
In the northwest part of Washington is another good Washington neighbourhood with a bright name Columbia Heights. This is a cosy "home" for people of different nationalities, which is gladly visited by tourists.
It is worth coming here for the curious sights:
- Rock Creek Park in the southern part of the neighbourhood, which is crisscrossed by many cosy hiking trails.
- Columbia Heights Shopping Centre with a wide variety of stores and restaurants.
- Hemphill Gallery, which features spectacular contemporary art.
Columbia Heights abounds with restaurants featuring culinary delights hailing from around the world. For example, Red Rocks invites you to enjoy a great pizza with flavourful cheeses and ham, tender olives and herbs.
Followers of Mexican cuisine will love the flavourful dishes at Taqueria Habanero. Vegetarian gourmets will not go hungry here either thanks to the rich assortment of dishes in the NuVegan Cafe restaurant.
For a relaxing and energizing stay, the Asante Sana Inn will be perfect, with its relaxing atmosphere and Diplomatic Management with its good service.
Foggy Bottom
Washington's top-rated neighbourhoods include Foggy Bottom, a convenient location with comfortable hotels and fine dining restaurants. Coming here, be sure to visit Georgetown University, which adorns the central part of the district, the Phillips Museum of Art and the National Museum of American History.
There are several parks with scenic landscapes and fun activities. A cosy overnight stay with first-class amenities can be found at good hotels in the area:
- The Watergate Hotel;
- Courtyard Washington;
- Melrose Georgetown Hotel;
- Placemakr Experience;
- Melrose Georgetown Hotel;
- 2500 Penn.
Foggy Bottom is known for its fine dining "arena" with American cuisine. The evening lights of Founding Farmers restaurant twinkle enticingly for travellers and D.C. locals alike, luring them into a world of gourmet fare from skilled culinary professionals.
This establishment's assortment is adorned with sumptuous culinary delights made with farm-to-table products and tantalizing cocktails. The Blue Duck Tavern and The Gibson cocktail bar are very popular here.
Brookland
When exploring the capital of the United States, be sure to visit Brookland, also known as "Little Rome" due to its distinctly Catholic feel. This laid-back Washington, D.C. neighbourhood without the deafening rhythms of nightclubs is nestled in the northeastern part of the District of Columbia.
Visit the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception here to be filled with the mysterious energy of the Catholic structure. Visitors to the basilica are breathtaken by the Virgin of Guadalupe, which is dedicated to South America and spectacularly lined with mosaics. In addition, Brookland has many schools and convents, as well as shrines and institutes reflecting the rich religious life of the neighbourhood.
One of the popular places for a pleasant shopping experience in "Little Rome" is Monroe Street Market. It harmoniously combines galleries and studios with marvelous handmade goods and canvases by talented painters. Brookland's cosy restaurants serve gorgeous wood-fired Neopolitan pizza.
There's a unique Brookland Pint bar and restaurant with a picturesque patio that flows seamlessly into the Monroe Street Arts Walk shopping area and a cool menu. The establishment features a wide selection of mouthwatering burgers, flatbreads, and 25 draft beers. A visit to Right Proper Brewing Company's Brookland tasting room adds a new experience to a traveller's vacation.
We've put together a detailed guide to the best neighbourhoods in Washington, DC to help you find locations for a fabulous weekend or vacation. Whether you plan to visit it with significant other, kids or friends, there's something for everyone.
Fill your life with the colours of travel and don't forget to book your accommodations and restaurant reservations in advance!