The Coolest Washington D.C. Travel Guide (Updated 2026)

Home to iconic landmarks, world-class museums, charming coffee shops, and some of the best restaurants on the East Coast, Washington D.C. is a must-visit destination for history lovers and city explorers alike. Whether you want to walk the National Mall, tour the Smithsonian museums, or dive deep into American history, this ultimate Washington D.C. travel guide has everything you need to plan the perfect visit to the U.S. capital. Read on to discover all the best places to stay, restaurants, travel tips, and things to do in Washington D.C.

About Washington D.C.

Washington D.C. is the capital of the United States Of America. This rather small city is sandwiched between Maryland and Virginia.

Founded in 1790, Washington D.C. is not a state. It is a neutral federal district that houses all three branches of U.S. government. It is also homes to stunning parks, museums, cool cafes, and more - making it worthwhile.

What To Expect 

Currency - US dollar 

Plugs - Type A and B

Safety - Very safe, but always take normal precautions - walking alone at night, avoiding unsafe areas, etc. Stay away from Anacostia, Brentwood, Columbia Heights, and Deanwood these areas are known to be unsafe. 

Where To Stay In Washington D.C.

Luxury Washington D.C. Hotels

The Ritz Carlton - Quintessential luxury in Washington D.C., The Ritz in Washington D.C. has a spa, two restaurants, a fitness center, and more.

St. Regis Washington D.C. - Provides guests with a comfortable and elegant stay. The grand hotel offers a gym, restaurants, bar, and more!

Middle Range Washington D.C. Hotels

Conrad Washington D.C. - Located next all of the best tourist attractions in Washington D.C., The Conrad Hotel is a lovely middle range option with a gym, bar, four restaurants, and more!

The Dupont Circle Hotel - This aparthotel located in downtown is perfect for a comfortable stay - heated floors, vibrant bar area, beautifully appointed dining area, and more.

Budget Washington D.C. Hotels

CitizenM - CitizenM is the best hotel for solo travelers looking to stay in the city center.

Generator - The Generator Hotel and Hostel is the cheapest option on my list of budget hotels in Washington D.C. You can find both private rooms with private bathrooms and dormitories (female only option) at Generator, along with amenities such as a pool, restaurant, bar, and more.

What To Do In Washington D.C.

Explore the National Mall

If you only have time for one major attraction in Washington D.C., make it the National Mall. It’s hands-down one of the most iconic and inspiring places in the entire city.

Along the way, you’ll encounter some of the most important monuments in U.S. history, including: Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial, Franklin Delano, Roosevelt Memorial, and the Martin Luther King Memorial.

The Korean War Veterans 

Tucked right near the National Mall, the Korean War Veterans Memorial is one of the most striking and underrated spots in D.C. Walking through it honestly gives you chills — the 19 stainless steel statues of soldiers feel so lifelike, as if they’re frozen in time mid-mission. The way they’re arranged makes it feel like you’re walking alongside them.

What makes this memorial so impactful isn’t just the design, but how much it quietly teaches you. Between the etched mural wall and the solemn reflecting pool, you’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of a war that often gets overlooked. If you’re anywhere near the Lincoln Memorial, it’s 100% worth the short detour.

The White House 

This Washington D.C. travel guide would not be complete without the White House. There is not much to do here other than look at it, but it is beautiful and totally worth seeing. It is also super easy to visit because it is right in Washington's downtown area.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial

Located right next to the Korean War Veterans in West Potomac Park is the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. The memorial represents Martin Luther King and his struggle for freedom.

The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

No matter your age, the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History is a must-visit spot in Washington D.C. From towering dinosaur skeletons to dazzling gems and interactive exhibits, there’s something to spark curiosity for both kids and adults alike.

Best of all, admission is completely free, making it a perfect stop for travelers on a budget who still want a world-class museum experience.

For tickets and more details, be sure to visit the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History website.

Library of Congress 

The Library of Congress holds the title as the largest library in the world, making it a must-see attraction in Washington D.C. Beyond its massive collection of millions of books and historic documents, it serves as the official research library for the U.S. Congress.

For more details and visiting info, check out the Library of Congress website.

Visit Union Market

Located in the downtown area, Union Market is home to super cute shops and kiosks selling food, handmade goods, and more. Be sure to try Laoban Dumplings and District donut at Union Market.

For more information on Union Market visit the website here.

Best Tours To Take In Washington D.C.

Washington D.C. Night Tour - Seeing the monuments of Washington D.C. at night is even more spectacular than during the day. On this Washington D.C. Night Tour you will have the opportunity to see all of the major monuments at night with a knowledgeable tour guide.

Washington D.C. Day Tour - If you are not up for a night tour you can do the day tour instead!

VIP Mount Vernon Day Trip & Potomac River Cruise - If you have an extra day in the city, do a day trip to Mount Vernon. Explore George Washington's home and have a river cruise on this affordable day trip from Washington D.C.

Where To Dine In Washington D.C.  

Best Coffee Shops In Washington D.C.

Tatte - Tatte is the best cafes in Washington D.C. The lattes and food are insanely good!

DUA DC Coffee - Dua DC Coffee is an adorable coffee joint located in the downtown area. You can find amazing coffees, teas, and more at DUA DC Coffee.

Cafe Unido - Cafe Unido is a Panamanian Cafe that serves traditional Panamanian coffee and food.

Lunch & Dinner

Founding Farmers - The Founding Farmers is a lovely all American Cafe that is perfect if you are looking for a budget friendly meal that is also relaxing and fun!

Fiola Mare - On the pricier side of things you can find the luxurious Fiola Mare restaurant. Serving seafood in a stunning ambiance, dining at FIola Mare is an amazing experience.

Le Diplomate - Le Diplomate is such a cool restaurant. You will find delectable French food in a luxurious setting at Le Diplomate.

How To Get Around Washington D.C.

Flying into Washington D.C. is very easy! There are many domestic and international flights coming and leaving from D.C. all the time. Alliteratively, if the flights are too expensive, or at a difficult time, you can always just fly into Richmonds, Virginia which is an easy drive to the city. 

The best way to get around Washington D.C. is by the subway system. There are trains running all the time in Washington D.C. 

I always opt to walk whenever in a city, it is the best way to experience the place you are visiting.  

Best Time To Visit Washington D.C.

Washington D.C. is a great place to visit year round. The best time to visit Washington D.C. is definitely the spring because of the beautiful weather and signature cherry blossom trees. The fall is also great because you will get to see the amazing fall foliage and the weather is cool and crisp. The summer can get super hot and there are usually a ton of tourists, so if you can avoid the summer months.

Washington D.C. Travel Guide Wrap Up

Washington D.C. is such a fun city full of so much to do and see. We hope that things Washington D.C. Travel guide helps you plan an unforgettable trip to the United States capital! If you like this post check out our Locals Guide To Boston, Massachusetts, Richmond Travel Guide, or our East Coast Road Trip Itinerary!

Happy Travels,

Daisy