If you want to leave your car at home and walk or take the metro everywhere, we found the best areas to stay in Washington DC without a car.

Washington, DC, is one of the most exciting cities in the U.S. with countless historical sites, museums, and vibrant neighborhoods. In this article, we’ll rank the top 8 neighborhoods to stay without needing a vehicle. These areas are ranked based on walkability scores, proximity to attractions, and access to public transportation.

Methodology

To determine the best areas to stay in Washington DC without a car, we used a few important criteria:

1. Walkability Scores: Each neighborhood’s walk score was considered using data from walkscore.com. This score reflects how easy it is to get around the area on foot.
2. Things to Do: We looked at the number of attractions, restaurants, parks, and shopping options available in each neighborhood.
3. Access to Public Transportation: We factored in how close and convenient the Metro stations were to each area. The Washington, DC, Metro system is reliable and covers most of the city, making it a key resource for visitors without a car.

Now, let’s explore the best neighborhoods to stay in Washington DC without a car.

8. Adams Morgan

Minutes from the White House by Metro: 15 Minutes
Walk Score: 97 out of 100
Location: Check on Google Maps

Adams Morgan is a lively, diverse neighborhood known for its colorful row houses, eclectic nightlife, and unique eateries. With its almost perfect walk score of 97, this area is easy to navigate on foot. There’s a great selection of global restaurants, vintage shops, and cozy coffee spots.

Points of interest include the beautiful Meridian Hill Park and the nightlife scene along 18th Street NW. The nearest Metro station is Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan on the Red Line, making it easy to reach other parts of the city.

Adams Morgan is a top choice for those without a car if you’re looking for a neighborhood with a unique vibe and plenty of things to do just steps from your door.

7. Dupont Circle

Minutes from the White House by Metro: 5 Minutes
Walk Score: 99 out of 100
Location: Check on Google Maps

Dupont Circle is another highly walkable neighborhood in DC with a walk score of 99. Known for its trendy boutiques, art galleries, and outdoor cafes, Dupont Circle offers a blend of sophistication and fun. The centerpiece of the area is the historic Dupont Circle fountain, where locals and tourists alike gather to relax.

In addition to great restaurants and shops, you can visit The Phillips Collection, a popular art museum. The Dupont Circle Metro station on the Red Line makes it simple to get around. This is one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Washington DC without a car if you want easy access to the city’s best attractions, yet want to stay in an area with its own character.

6. U Street Corridor

Minutes from the White House by Metro: 10 Minutes
Walk Score: 99 out of 100
Location: Check on Google Maps

The U Street Corridor is a lively and historic neighborhood known for its music scene, nightlife, and cultural significance. With a walk score of 99, U Street is incredibly walkable, with plenty of live music venues, restaurants, and bars within easy reach. This area was once the heart of DC’s jazz scene, and it’s still a hotspot for live performances.

Points of interest include the famous Ben’s Chili Bowl and the African American Civil War Memorial. The U Street Metro station, which serves the Green and Yellow Lines, is located right in the heart of the neighborhood.

U Street is one of the best areas to stay in Washington DC without a car if you want a neighborhood with character, culture, and endless entertainment options.

5. Capitol Hill

Minutes from the White House by Metro: 10 Minutes
Walk Score: 88 out of 100
Location: Check on Google Maps

Capitol Hill is more than just the seat of the U.S. government—it’s also a lovely residential neighborhood with historic charm. With a walk score of 88, it’s a bit quieter than other neighborhoods on this list, but it’s still very walkable.

While staying here, you’ll have easy access to the U.S. Capitol Building, the Library of Congress, and the Supreme Court. Eastern Market, a popular spot for local food and crafts, is also nearby. The Capitol South and Eastern Market Metro stations, both on the Blue, Orange, and Silver Lines, make it easy to get to the National Mall and beyond.

Capitol Hill is one of the best choices if you’re interested in politics, history, and local culture.

4. Penn Quarter/Chinatown

Minutes from the White House by Metro: 5 Minutes
Walk Score: 98 out of 100
Location: Check on Google Maps

Penn Quarter and Chinatown offer a mix of history, entertainment, and dining options in the heart of DC. With a walk score of 98, you can easily explore the area on foot, visiting attractions like the National Portrait Gallery, the International Spy Museum, and the Capital One Arena.

This area is known for its vibrant nightlife and proximity to many of DC’s best museums. The Gallery Place-Chinatown Metro station, served by the Red, Yellow, and Green Lines, is centrally located and makes it easy to travel across the city.

This neighborhood is one of the best places to stay in Washington DC without a car for those who want to be in the center of it all and don’t mind the hustle and bustle.

3. Foggy Bottom

Minutes from the White House by Metro: 2 Minutes
Walk Score: 91 out of 100
Location: Check on Google Maps

Foggy Bottom is a historic neighborhood nestled between the Potomac River and the National Mall. With a walk score of 91, this area offers a mix of historical landmarks and modern buildings. It’s home to George Washington University and the famous Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

The Foggy Bottom-GWU Metro station on the Blue, Orange, and Silver Lines connects you to all the major attractions in the city, including the White House and the Lincoln Memorial.

Foggy Bottom is ideal if you’re looking for a quieter place with easy access to both cultural experiences and outdoor spaces.

2. Logan Circle

Minutes from the White House by Metro: 10 Minutes
Walk Score: 96 out of 100
Location: Check on Google Maps

Logan Circle is a picturesque neighborhood known for its beautifully restored Victorian homes, tree-lined streets, and vibrant local scene. With a walk score of 96, it’s easy to explore Logan Circle on foot. The area is full of boutique shops, trendy restaurants, and popular spots like Le Diplomate, a beloved French bistro.

While Logan Circle doesn’t have a Metro stop directly within the neighborhood, nearby stations like Shaw-Howard University and McPherson Square on the Green and Yellow Lines make public transportation easy to access.

This is one of the best places to stay in Washington DC without a car if you’re looking for a mix of historic charm and modern amenities.

1. Downtown DC

Minutes from the White House by Metro: 2 Minutes
Walk Score: 97 out of 100
Location: Check on Google Maps

Downtown DC tops our list as the best area to stay in Washington DC without a car. With a walk score of 97, this neighborhood is a prime spot for tourists who want to be close to the city’s most famous landmarks. Downtown DC includes the National Mall, the White House, and many Smithsonian museums.

This area is filled with restaurants, shops, and government buildings, making it a bustling and exciting place to stay. You’ll find several Metro stations in this area, including Metro Center, Farragut West, and McPherson Square, which connect you to all parts of the city.

Downtown DC is truly the top choice if you want to be at the center of the action and within walking distance of most major attractions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best area to stay in Washington DC without a car?
Downtown DC is the best area to stay in Washington DC without a car. It offers a high walkability score, close proximity to major attractions like the White House and National Mall, and access to multiple Metro stations.

How easy is it to get around Washington, DC, without a car?
Washington, DC, is one of the most walkable cities in the U.S., and its Metro system is convenient for getting around. Most tourist areas are accessible by foot or public transportation, so a car isn’t necessary.

Which neighborhoods are close to the Metro?
All of the neighborhoods on this list have easy access to Metro stations. Dupont Circle, Penn Quarter/Chinatown, Foggy Bottom, and U Street Corridor are particularly close to major Metro lines.

Is it expensive to stay in Washington, DC, without a car?
Accommodation costs can vary, but staying in walkable neighborhoods with access to public transportation can save you money on car rentals and parking fees. Additionally, many of DC’s best attractions are free to visit, like the Smithsonian museums and the National Mall.

Which area has the best nightlife?
The U Street Corridor and Adams Morgan are known for their vibrant nightlife scenes, offering a variety of bars, clubs, and live music venues.

Can you walk to the National Mall from these neighborhoods?
Yes, you can easily walk to the National Mall from Downtown DC, Capitol Hill, and Foggy Bottom. Other neighborhoods like Dupont Circle and Penn Quarter are also within walking distance, but the Metro can be a quicker option.