Southwest Travel Guide
Tourist Guide





Popular places to visit

National Mall
The National Mall is where America comes to play, protest and promenade, with some of its best-known icons lined up along this long green strip.

National Air and Space Museum
The world's biggest museum, when it comes to all that flies and soars.

Museum of the Bible
You can study the exhibits at Museum of the Bible, a museum with a storied past, during your travels to Washington. Discover the area's entertainment choices and notable monuments.

International Spy Museum
The fascinating and secretive world of the international spy. Less a museum, and more a mission, you'll don a secret identity, and play a part in your own adventure.

The Anthem
You can get tickets for a performance at The Anthem on your trip to Washington. Discover the fascinating museums and shops in this walkable area.

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
You can study the exhibits at United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, a museum with a story of its own, during your trip to Washington. Discover the area's entertainment choices and notable monuments.
Activities

DC in a Day: 10+ Monuments, Boat Cruise, National Mall, Tickets

Washington DC Monuments & Highlights: Small-Group Electric Cart Tour

Arlington National Cemetery Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

No-Wait Washington Monument Direct Entry Tickets & Guidebook

Ghosts of Georgetown & The Exorcist Steps Walking Tour

US Capitol & Library of Congress Tour with Supreme Court, Senate
Our pick of the best Southwest Hotel Deals

citizenM Washington DC Capitol
Very clean and staff is pretty helpful. The dining options there are lacking. The room size is deceptive since the toilet is almost in the shower and the comfort of the beds is less than desirable. Would be a nice budget hotel but for the cost it is definitely worth another look.
Reviewed on 14 May 2026

InterContinental Washington D.C. - The Wharf by IHG
I loved this place very clean
Reviewed on 15 May 2026

Salamander Washington DC
Very expensive hotel; not any options to dine except for hotel restaurant and room service. Hotel was close to National Monuments (within walking distance). Employees were helpful and the room we stayed in was comfortable.
Reviewed on 14 May 2026

Hyatt House Washington DC/The Wharf
Excellent breakfast, clean room (with kitchen), comfortable bed
Reviewed on 14 May 2026

Hilton Washington DC National Mall The Wharf
The hotel location was close to all the monuments and landmarks. Very clean and the staff was nice!
Reviewed on 14 May 2026

Holiday Inn Washington Capitol - Natl Mall by IHG
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Reviewed on 15 May 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Southwest

The Wharf
You'll enjoy the restaurants and riverfront in The Wharf. You might want to make time for a stop at The Anthem or Gangplank Marina.

Southwest Waterfront
While you're in Southwest Waterfront, take in top sights like Arena Stage and jump on the metro at Waterfront Station to see more of the city.

Southwest Federal Center
While you're in Southwest Federal Center, take in top sights like Smithsonian Institution or L'Enfant Plaza, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at L'Enfant Plaza Station or Federal Center Station.

Navy Yard
While you're in Navy Yard, take in top sights like Nationals Park and jump on the metro at Navy Yard Station to see more of the city.

Crystal City
Visitors to Crystal City love its popular shops, and you can check out Bowlero Arlington and Synetic Theater. If you want to see more in the area, you can get around town on the metro at Crystal City Station.

Capitol Hill
Known for its fascinating museums and important monuments, there's plenty to explore in Capitol Hill. Check out top attractions like United States Capitol and Folger Shakespeare Library, and jump on the metro at Capitol South Station or Eastern Market Station to see more of the city.
