StayAreas

Capitol Hill

Washington, DC

The area around the US Capitol, with the Library of Congress, the Supreme Court, Union Station and a residential district of Victorian rowhouses.

Best for First visit · Business · Families

Transport
5/5
Sights
5/5
Value
4/5
Quiet
3/5
Food
3/5

Typical mid-range hotel ~$230/night · 10 min to the National Mall

See hotels in Capitol Hill

Capitol Hill on the map

Why stay here

  • The Capitol and Library of Congress on foot
  • Union Station for Amtrak and the Metro
  • Leafy rowhouse streets

Who should stay here

  • Political and history buffs
  • Train travellers
  • Families

Not ideal if…

  • You want lots of nightlife
  • You want Georgetown-style shopping
  • You want to be near the western monuments

What it's like

Capitol Hill is both the seat of Congress and one of DC's most attractive neighbourhoods. The Capitol, Supreme Court and Library of Congress stand at its western edge, Union Station's grand hall is a transport hub, and behind them stretch quiet streets of colourful Victorian rowhouses leading to Eastern Market.

It's a handy base for the eastern Mall and trains, with Amtrak and the Red Line at Union Station. Restaurants are fewer than Downtown, and hotels are concentrated near Union Station.

Best streets and sub-areas

  • Pennsylvania Avenue SE

    Bars and restaurants on 'the Hill'.

  • Eastern Market

    Historic market with weekend stalls.

  • Union Station

    Grand Beaux-Arts station and shops.

Getting around

Nearest stations
Union Station on the Red Line and Amtrak, Capitol South on the Blue, Orange and Silver lines, and the DC Streetcar.
To the National Mall
About 10 minutes
From Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
About 30 minutes: Metro Yellow Line to Gallery Place, then the Red Line to Union Station.

Nearby attractions

  • US Capitol

    Free tours of the Capitol (book ahead).

  • Library of Congress

    Stunning Jefferson Building reading room.

  • Supreme Court

    Public lectures in the courtroom when not in session.

  • Eastern Market

    Weekend flea and farmers' market.

Where to eat and drink

  • Barracks Row (8th Street SE)

    Restaurants and bars.

  • Union Station

    Casual dining in the station.

Where to stay in Capitol Hill

A few hotels we'd book in this area, at different budgets.

Best value

Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill

Why we like it: Large hotel with an indoor pool, a short walk from the Capitol.

Typical mid-range rate in Capitol Hill: ~$230/night

Check availability

Boutique pick

Kimpton George Hotel

Why we like it: Stylish hotel near the Capitol and Union Station.

Typical mid-range rate in Capitol Hill: ~$230/night

Check availability

Best value

Phoenix Park Hotel

Why we like it: Irish-themed hotel across from Union Station.

Typical mid-range rate in Capitol Hill: ~$230/night

Check availability

StayAreas may earn a commission when you book through selected links, at no extra cost to you. Learn more

Hotels in Capitol HillMid-range from ~$230/night

See hotels