Book Cheap Last-Minute Hotels in Washington, D.C.

Embarking on a last-minute trip to Washington, D.C. is all about the fine balance of dipping a toe into America’s history and doing it up in one of the country’s coolest cities. Sure, D.C. is the capital of the U.S. and packed with all the memorials, museums, and politics you can wave a flag at—but when you dig into the rest of what’s happening in the city, it’s more like capital F-U-N.

After voting for the best candidates for Washington D.C. hotel deals and securing a winner, start campaigning for how you’ll spend your time in the Capital City.

A Washing-ton of Things to Do

The Local Time Is: When you hit Washington, keeping it local is a must. There are so many D.C. makers and vendors to explore, that you definitely won’t miss any chain-shopping excursions. The incredible retail and dining mashup of Union Market is made up of over 40 vendors and can keep you tasting and perusing for hours on end, whether you’re seeking local crabs or unique handmade jewelry. You can also hit up any of the three area locations of Shop Made in DC, retail spaces that shine a light on over 200 makers, creatives, and artists, selling only locally made wares. Just make sure you don’t overload yourself on your stroll back to your D.C. hotel near Adams Morgan.

Dark-Sided in D.C.: There are a ton of the basic must-do sights to see in D.C., but don’t forget to tour the darker side of the city. From the infamous Exorcist stairs to the demon cat that haunts the basement of the Capitol Building, or the stomach-shaped hairball at the National Museum of Health and Medicine, you’ll find plenty to explore. Need more? Go for a sniff of the “corpse flower” at the United States Botanic Garden or a guided tour of the city’s catacombs. Or, keep it literally dark and visit the famous Washington, D.C. memorials after the sun sets.

District of Col-YUM-bia: The Capital City is a big ol’ foodie town, no matter what kind of fare you’re craving. From the likes of burgers with international flair at Lucky Buns to Tail Up Goat’s Mediterranean carb-y goodness, you’ll find delights from around the globe all over D.C. Searching for Filipino dishes with rave reviews? You must dig in at Bad Saint. Affordable Cuban eats can be enjoyed at Colada Shop, and quick bites of Chinese and Korean fusion can be savored at Chiko. And that’s just the tip of the culinary iceberg—make sure to bring your stretchiest eating pants and comfiest walking shoes when you visit.

Time to (Political) Party: This town is filled with strong and delicious sips just ready to be tried. Whiskey lovers will fall head-over-heels for Jack Rose Dining Saloon in Adams Morgan, where you’ll find thousands of variations of the stiff stuff. If you want to keep it tropical, there are a ton of trendy tiki bar options in D.C., but Archipelago is a must-visit on your tasting tour. Another crowded theme on the bar scene is the speakeasy, but only one has had a ton of staying power—The Gibson. Brew heads will require a stop at Churchkey in Logan Circle, home to over 500 bottles of beer (on the wall, presumably). And on steamy days, a frozen mint lemonade from Middle Eastern cocktail lounge The Green Zone is the only cure. After the sipping day is done, head back to your D.C. hotel room near Dupont Circle to rehydrate.

Frequently Asked Questions About Washington, D.C.