Find out how you can make the most of your time in the U.S. capital with Blacklane.
Washington, DC is home to a plethora of national museums, soaring monuments, and iconic buildings. And, while the city is known for being a thriving political and business hub, there’s plenty more to explore in the city.
Each neighborhood has something unique to offer, so getting around the city stress-free and easily is a must.
When you download the Blacklane app, you can access professional chauffeurs at a fixed price to get you around Washington, DC with ease.
Book a premium vehicle for a single ride out to the White House area or National Mall to see the sights. Or, book by the hour to spend the day traveling around to the different neighborhoods to really get a feel for the city.
Take a look at our pick of the best areas to visit on your next trip to Washington, DC.
National Mall
There’s no better way to get acquainted with Washington, DC, and American history in general, than with a visit to National Mall – a long parkland filled with monuments, memorials and a reflection pool.
This area has been the backdrop to many important and pivotal events in U.S. history, from Civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have A Dream” speech in 1963 to the Presidential inauguration of Barack Obama in 2009.
In terms of landmarks, there’s the Washington Monument, a towering stone obelisk built to honor the United States’ first president George Washington. It sits as a centerpoint within the national park, with memorials surrounding it, including the Lincoln Memorial, in honor of America’s 16th president, Abraham Lincoln.
The White House and United States Capitol are also within walking distance, as are the Smithsonian museums, making this area the perfect day trip for visitors to the city.
For lunch, be sure to head over to the White House area for some high-end eateries and power- lunch spots.
Georgetown
Federalist architecture, grand estates, and cobblestone streets set the scene for this neighborhood, known for its high-end shopping and waterfront seafood spots along the Potomac River.
Take a walk along the historic C&O Canal and its towpath, where locals go for a run or to picnic when the sun’s out.
For a bit of history, why not walk the African American Heritage Trail, which takes visitors to multiple points of interest, including the home of freed slave and Georgetown resident Yarrow Mamout and out to Herring Hill, a 15-block area of eastern-most Georgetown where families migrating to after the Civil War.
For entertainment, it’s worth stopping in at Blues Alley, the oldest, continuously-operated jazz supper club in America.
Capitol Hill
While this area is mainly residential, there’s a few noteworthy spots to visit. Walk under the Capitol Dome and learn more about the country’s center of democracy with a tour of the U.S. Capitol via the visitor’s center.
The Supreme Court and Library of Congress are also noteworthy visits, before you take a walk over to Barracks Row, the city’s oldest main street, for a wide variety of great restaurants.
Head north a few blocks to visit the redbrick Eastern Market, a vibrat bazaar that offers fresh produce during the week and antiques and handmade art on weekends.
Downtown
This is where most visitors to the city come to stay, with a selection of high-end hotels and swanky restaurants.
Here, The White House is within walking distance, so you can take a tour if you like, or head over to the shopping mecca that is CityCenterDC. This mixed-use development offers up Gucci, Hermes, Christian Dior, and more.
Rub shoulders with DC politicos while you feast on oysters at Washington, DC’s oldest bar, Old Ebbitt Grill or if you’re looking to dance, head over to Park at 14th, for multiple-floors of dancing and VIP bottle service.
Dupont Circle
Just north of Downtown lies Dupont Circle, long considered the heart of Washington, DC’s LGBTIQ+ community.
The neighborhood centers around the Dupont Circle fountain, where locals go to enjoy the sun and people-watch in the warmer months.
Cutting through Dupont Circle is Connecticut Avenue, the perfect place to sample the varied and international dining options in Washington, DC – largely thanks to the mix of embassies in the area.
For art lovers, head over to The Phillips Collection to sample post-Impressionist and modern art. And, if you’re in the area on a Sunday, don’t miss the Dupont Circle farmers’ market on 20th Street NW out front of the Metro station – it’s a locals haunt.
