Georgetown

Washington, DC

DC's oldest neighbourhood, with Federal-style townhouses, M Street's shops and restaurants, the C&O Canal and a park along the Potomac.

Best for Upscale · Nightlife

Transport: 2/5
Sights: 3/5
Value: 2/5
Quiet: 4/5
Food: 4/5

Typical mid-range hotel ~$300/night · 30 min to the National Mall

See hotels in Georgetown

Why stay here

DC's prettiest historic streets
Shopping and waterfront dining
Canal and river walks

Who should stay here

Couples
Shoppers
Luxury stays

Not ideal if…

You need a Metro station
You're on a budget
You want to walk to the Mall quickly

What it's like

Georgetown predates the capital itself, and its cobbled, tree-lined streets of brick townhouses run down to the Potomac. M Street and Wisconsin Avenue are lined with shops and restaurants, the C&O Canal towpath is perfect for walks, and Georgetown Waterfront Park has river views and boat trips. Georgetown University crowns the hill.

It's the most charming place to stay, with a village feel. There's no Metro station, so you'll rely on buses, bikes or a 20-minute walk to Foggy Bottom, and hotels are few and pricey.

Best streets and sub-areas

M Street NW
Shops, restaurants and bars.
Wisconsin Avenue
Boutiques and cafés up the hill.
C&O Canal
Historic towpath for walks and cycling.

Getting around

Nearest stations: DC Circulator and Metrobus to Foggy Bottom and Dupont Circle, Capital Bikeshare, and water taxis from the waterfront.
To the National Mall: About 30 minutes
From Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA): About 20 minutes: about 15 minutes by taxi from Reagan National; no Metro station in Georgetown.

Nearby attractions

Georgetown Waterfront Park
River views and sunset strolls.
Dumbarton Oaks
Historic house and formal gardens.
The Exorcist Steps
Steep steps made famous by the film.

Where to eat and drink

M Street
Restaurants, cupcake shops and bars.
Washington Harbour
Waterfront terraces.

Where to stay in Georgetown

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

Luxury pick

Rosewood Washington DC

Why we like it: Intimate luxury hotel by the canal with a rooftop pool.

Typical luxury rate in Georgetown: ~$650/night

Check availability

Boutique pick

The Graham Georgetown

Why we like it: Stylish hotel with a rooftop bar overlooking the river.

Typical mid-range rate in Georgetown: ~$300/night