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
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
One day tour Washington & Philadelphia from New York
Our pick of the best Southwest Hotel Deals
citizenM Washington DC Capitol
Can't go wrong here.
Reviewed on 15 May 2026
InterContinental Washington D.C. - The Wharf by IHG
Excellent location and hotel
Reviewed on 16 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
Continental breakfast was delicious with a fair amount of options, and wasn’t too busy for a Sunday morning around 9am. Pillows and mattress were comfortable. Bar was a bit pricey, but that’s to be expected. Overall, a chill hotel with perks.
Reviewed on 15 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
It is actually in a great location next to the Smithsonian and National Mall. The rooms were clean but a bit dated. However, had no problems with the stay and staff made sure we were comfortable. She even comped out breakfast and gave us a few waters to take with us. Also the neighborhood, although ...
Reviewed on 16 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 Washington Navy Yard 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.
