Capitol Hill Travel Guide

Washington

Capitol Hill
Capitol Hill
Capitol Hill
Capitol Hill
Capitol Hill

Home to the emblematic U.S. Capitol Building, this central neighborhood is famous for its historic landmarks, markets, museums and nightlife.

Capitol Hill is a historic neighborhood that blends senate business with entertainment. It’s where street fairs and nightlife districts sit in the shadow of architectural masterpieces. Spend your time visiting some of the USA’s most-significant government buildings, watch performances of Shakespearean plays and browse the stalls of a centuries-old market.

The neighborhood takes its name from the hill on which sits the symbolic U.S. Capitol Building, the seat of the national congress. Take a moment to admire the building’s neoclassical façade and magnificent dome. Learn about what goes on inside the building at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center. Then, look inside the senate rooms on a free guided tour.

Stroll around leafy Capitol Grounds, relax at the Summerhouse and see displays of regional plants at the U.S. Botanic Garden. Sit on a bench and gaze down the National Mall. Visit the Library of Congress and U.S. Supreme Court.

Go to the Folger Shakespeare Library to browse exhibitions on the life of William Shakespeare and watch interpretations of the acclaimed playwright’s work. Discover the evolution of women’s suffrage and equality at the Sewall Belmont House and Museum. Retrace the history of the U.S. Postal Service at the National Postal Museum.

Experience a feast for the senses at the Eastern Market, where vendors offer everything from flowers to dairy items and freshly baked products. Arrive on a weekend when artisans offer arts and crafts while farmers sell newly harvested goods.

Don’t miss a night out at the bars and restaurants of Barracks Row. Enjoy free concerts and artistic events at street fairs such as September’s Barracks Row Fall Festival. Mingle with senate workers and interns at bars along Pennsylvania Avenue.

Getting to Capitol Hill is easy via public buses and the metro. Capital South Metro Station and Eastern Market Metro provide quick access to Downtown Washington. The U.S. Capitol Building is just a 15-minute walk from the lavishly decorated Union Station.

Guided tours of the U.S. Capitol Building take place from Monday to Saturday and should be booked in advance. More information is available on the building’s official website. Eastern Market is open from Tuesday to Sunday.


Popular places to visit


Top hotels in Capitol Hill

Washington Plaza Hotel

Washington Plaza Hotel

4 out of 5
10 Thomas Circle NW, Washington, DC
The price is ₹9,414 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
₹9,414
₹10,916 total
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (4,479 reviews)
"Very nice property. Great amenities. Clean. Great staff. I would stay there again and I recommend this place."

Reviewed on 23 Jul 2025

Washington Plaza Hotel
Omni Shoreham Hotel

Omni Shoreham Hotel

4 out of 5
2500 Calvert St Nw, Washington, DC
The price is ₹10,986 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
₹10,986
₹15,242 total
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy an outdoor pool, 2 bars/lounges and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,005 reviews)
"These was a phenomenal hotel, and stay there was an incredible experience!"

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

Omni Shoreham Hotel
Hamilton Hotel Washington DC

Hamilton Hotel Washington DC

4 out of 5
1001 14th St NW, Washington, DC
The price is ₹8,478 per night from 5 Aug to 6 Aug
₹8,478
₹12,433 total
5 Aug - 6 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,513 reviews)
"Great hotel"

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Hamilton Hotel Washington DC
Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel

Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel

3.5 out of 5
900 S Orme St, Arlington, VA
The price is ₹8,002 per night from 26 Jul to 27 Jul
₹8,002
₹9,142 total
26 Jul - 27 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Arlington. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a free airport shuttle and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (2,411 reviews)
"Staff was very friendly very easy 20 min drive through DC"

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel
Crowne Plaza College Park - Washington DC by IHG

Crowne Plaza College Park - Washington DC by IHG

3.5 out of 5
6400 Ivy Lane, Greenbelt, MD
The price is ₹7,173 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
₹7,173
₹8,105 total
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Greenbelt. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,788 reviews)
"Hotel seems clean and updated. I would definitely stay again. Only downside i found was that there is not a pool. My kids were pretty disappointed. Overall, its a good option to stay at."

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

Crowne Plaza College Park - Washington DC by IHG
Hotel Arboretum

Hotel Arboretum

2 out of 5
1917 Bladensburg Rd, NE, Washington, DC
The price is ₹8,741 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
₹8,741
₹10,135 total
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (909 reviews)
"Safe and quiet"

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

Hotel Arboretum
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Capitol Hill

Capitol Hill featuring heritage elements

Southeast

You might take some time to check out the abundant dining options in Southeast. Spend some time visiting top spots like Washington Navy Yard, and catch the metro at Potomac Ave Station or Eastern Market Station to see more of the area.

Southeast
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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.

Navy Yard
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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 Waterfront
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Penn Quarter

While you're in Penn Quarter, take in top sights like FBI Headquarters and jump on the metro at Archives Station to see more of the city.

Penn Quarter
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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.

The Wharf
International Spy Museum featuring interior views

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.

Southwest Federal Center


Capitol Hill Travel Guide