The Best Airbnbs and Vacation Rentals in Washington DC

Take in the sights of Washington DC and the Capitol Hill Building on your next trip to the US capital
Take in the sights of Washington DC and the Capitol Hill Building on your next trip to the US capital | © Songquan Deng / Alamy Stock Photo
Nick Dauk

Washington DC needs little introduction with its array of hallowed monuments and museums. Look beyond all that history and you’ll discover a lot more with diverse communities building a future in everything from art and cuisine to sports and culture. Booking into a homely airbnb will enable you to see a different side of the US capital. Here are our favourite vacation rentals in Washington DC, all bookable on Culture Trip.

1. Home-style apartments by the convention centre

Short-term Rental

A cosy-looking modern guestroom in Washington DC has a double bed and bedside tables
Courtesy of SoBe 7th Street Apartments / Expedia

Whether you’re in the nation’s capital for business or to watch the Capitals take to the ice, these two-bedroom apartments in Washington DC will make you feel at home. Enjoy the convenience of a full kitchen as well as laundry facilities, a fitness centre and business suite onsite. Grab a blue-cheese-and-truffle burger and bourbon-spiked caramel milkshake from The Capital Burger across the street before you return home – Union Station and Ronald Regan airport are close by.

2. Stay close to the White House

Short-term Rental

A homey guestroom in Washington DC has a double bed, above it is a flower painting, and dark-wood furniture
Courtesy of Global Luxury Suites at The White House / Expedia

These luxury one- and two-bedroom apartments are on the same block as the US Treasury Department and the White House, making it a prime spot for your DC vacation. You’ll find great company elsewhere in the neighbourhood, too, including the National Museum of Women in the Arts, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Ford’s Theatre. Grab a bird’s-eye view of the area from the rooftop terrace and send a friendly wave to the president.

3. Apartments in the museum district

Short-term Rental

A small but comfy corner room has a double bed, white and textured bed linen, and views of the surrounding buildings
Courtesy of National at Penn Quarter / Expedia

The location of these Penn Quarter single and two-bedroom apartments is a huge advantage for anyone with a long list of museums to tackle. Ideal for a couple with or without kids, you’re only a short walk from the American Art Museum, National Archives Museum and National Children’s Museum, to name a few. There’s parking onsite on request, but as you’re within walking distance to all of DC’s attractions, a 15-minute cab ride from the airport should be the only transport you’ll need for your holiday.

5. Waterside apartments near the Potomac

Short-term Rental

A stylish lounge in Washington DC with dark-wood floors, a kitchen island, plus a sofa and TV
Courtesy of National at Penn Quarter / Booking.com

SoBe’s one-bedroom waterfront apartments will allow you how to kick back and experience the best of DC’s river. Take a cruise down the Washington Channel and enjoy oysters by the marina. Buy the catch of the day from Municipal Fish Market at The Wharf and cook it in your fully kitted-out kitchen or outside on the barbecue.

6. Suites with in-room massages by Mt Vernon

Short-term Rental

A double bed in a tiled room in Washington DC, above which is a piece of modern art
Courtesy of The Eldon Luxury Suites / Booking.com

In the heart of downtown DC, these one-bedroom suites are perfect for four people thanks to a sofa bed. Start your day with a relaxing in-room massage before hopping on the Mt Vernon subway to visit the National Mall and its iconic monuments. The subway will take you all over the city to places such as the Pentagon and Silver Spring, Maryland.

7. A Market Square base that’s big on location

Short-term Rental

A modern yet homey guestroom in Market Square has a double bed, and dark-woof furniture
Courtesy of National at Market Square / Airbnb

This one-bedroom apartment proves that size doesn’t matter. There’s a refrigerator and microwave for heating up takeaway tapas from chef Jose Andres’ artsy Spanish restaurants – he has six takeaways a short stroll away in the Penn Quarter. When you need to stretch your legs, head off to the National Museum of American History, National Museum of Natural History and National Gallery of Art which are close by.

8. Charming row house

Apartment

A homey lounge in a vacation rental in Washington DC with a wood-burning fireplace, sofa, and a TV on the wall
Courtesy of Alan / Airbnb

This gorgeously renovated English basement apartment features high ceilings, updated appliances, a laundry room and access to a charming backyard. Located in Columbia Height, it is only five metro stops away from the National Mall, White House and several museums.

9. Capitol Hill studio near Lincoln Park

Apartment

A loft-style suite in a rental near Lincoln Park with wooden floors, a red-brick fireplace, and a separate kitchen
Courtesy of Olivia And Jason / Airbnb

This airbnb, which sits on a charming, tree-filled street off Lincoln Park, is a suitable option for a single traveller or couple. It has a full kitchen and a dining and living area, complete with a smart TV that includes Netflix. Attractions within walking distance include the Eastern Market, Barracks Row, H Street and two metro lines that will take you to almost anywhere in DC. The owners are happy to share their knowledge of the city, and provide a welcome book of attractions and restaurant recommendations.

Nicole Hampton contributed additional reporting to this article.

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