The 8 best Airbnbs in Washington, DC, from Dupont Circle to Capitol Hill
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- Visitors flock to DC for its history, iconic landmarks, top-notch restaurants, and world-class museums.
- Airbnbs are a safer option than hotels, and range from Victorian rowhouses to penthouses with views.
- We rounded up the best Airbnbs in Washington, DC, ranging from $98 to $500 per night.
There's far more to Washington, DC than politics and the National Mall. Whether you're in town to see the iconic landmarks, experience thousands of cherry blossom trees achieve peak bloom, explore the historic sights of DC's Black Broadway (now the U Street corridor), dine at one of the city's many Michelin-starred restaurants, or enjoy the world-class museums, the nation's capital has something to suit a wide range of traveler interests.
And from the historic façades of Capitol Hill to the salty air promenades along the Southwest Waterfront, DC is a culmination of its distinct neighborhoods.
While there are many great hotels and B&Bs in Washington, DC, to choose from, both experts and the CDC advise picking private home rentals like Airbnbs over hotels amidst the pandemic. Not only do you come into contact with fewer people, but Airbnb has also implemented strict Enhanced Clean protocols that all hosts must adhere to while renting out their properties.
Despite these enhanced safety measures, there are still risks associated with traveling for leisure right now, especially to cities. We always recommend following CDC and WHO guidelines when it comes to protecting yourself, such as double masking in public spaces, frequent hand washing, and practicing social distancing. Be sure to read up on local DC guidelines and check to see what monuments, memorials, and museums are open to the public before traveling.
With all that in mind, if you are planning a getaway to the District of Columbia, the city's expansive Airbnb inventory ranges from penthouses with rooftop views to Victorian-era rowhouses in historic neighborhoods.
We selected the best Airbnbs in Washington, DC based on the following criteria:
- All listings selected are exclusively for the private home or apartment, per current expert recommendations.
- While affordability was a priority, so was location and walkability to DC's most famous memorials and sights. These rentals have starting rates between $98 to $500 per night and range from sleeping two guests to eight.
- All are top-rated properties, with a review score of 4.8 or higher, and several are coveted Plus listings.
- Each property has several unique features and amenities, from Victorian-era turrets and antique furnishings to coveted private rooftop patios and original pieces of art.
Here are the best Washington, DC Airbnbs, sorted by price from low to high.
Airbnb
Book this private English basement starting from $98 per night
Just four blocks from the historic Eastern Market, the city's oldest public market, staying at this modern listing means being a casual 20-minute stroll away from the US Capitol, Library of Congress, and Supreme Court.
Despite being on the lowest level, this airy English basement apartment is surprisingly well lit. And, it's anything but old; the decor inside this quintessential Capitol Hill rowhouse is clean with a monochromatic color scheme throughout. Pops of pastel pink, along with contemporary works of art, add color to the space, even in the all-white bathroom. There's a full bathroom, including a soaking tub, as well as a washer and dryer, which are ideal for extended stays.
With easy access to some of Washington, DC's best bars and restaurants on Barracks Row, a kitchenette complete with a Keurig and microwave —to reheat leftovers!— is really all you need. Though this is a basement unit, it completely private with its own entrance.
This rental has plenty of availability over the next six months.
Penthouse with a private rooftop patio in the Penn Quarter, $140Airbnb
Book this penthouse starting from $140 per night
Within walking distance to the National Mall memorials and monuments, as well as the White House, this chic penthouse serves as an ideal base for exploring DC.
In addition to being the former residence of Ulysses S. Grant III, the notable DC building once also served as the location for The Gaslight Club, a prohibition-era chain of men's clubs and password-only speakeasies. A private elevator brings you straight up to the eighth floor, where an open floor plan awaits. Natural lighting through the rental's many windows highlights the space's clean, minimalist design, including its cool concrete floors.
Built-in bookshelves flank a gas-fireplace — ideal for warmth during the chilly Northeastern winters — while the open kitchen features modern appliances and a spacious wooden-top island.
A sofabed in the living room and a Queen bed in the master means up to four guests can stay here. The real draw, however, is the private rooftop patio with sweeping, uninhibited views of downtown Washington DC.
This rental has availability from May onward.
Chic, art-filled apartment in Mount Vernon Square, $145Airbnb
Book this art-filled apartment starting from $145 per night
Walkability is key when it comes to exploring DC, and this artsy rental in the heart of the district offers travelers just that. Not only is it two blocks from the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, but this carefully curated space is also within walking distance to the historic sights of Shaw, as well as the upscale shops and dining at CityCenter, the city's newest downtown development.
Set inside a classic DC rowhouse, this rental features a wide range of eclectic art, from wooden shiplap walls and Portuguese azulejos-tiling in the bathroom to sleek Danish furnishings in the bright living room. There's even a tower of vintage Oshkosh luggage and 20th-century Eastlake door hardware throughout. A cozy nook by the white shuttered windows in the bright, open-plan kitchen serves as the charming respite for a cup of coffee after a day spent exploring the city on foot.
A private outdoor patio serves as a prime people-watching spot during the day, or an al fresco dining area during the idyllic spring or autumn nights.
This rental has limited availability in April, but booking opens up from May to August.
Sleek renovated English basement in Adams Morgan, $168Airbnb
Book this sleek English basement starting from $168 per night
In the heart of Adams Morgan, just a few blocks north of the main 18th Street drag, you'll find this recently renovated, bright rental. Its multiple windows — an unusual feature for most English basement — mean plenty of natural light illuminates the living and dining areas.
The apartment's blue and gold theme is most evident by a navy and gold star accented wall, though it also continues into the kitchen with the sputnik chandeliers that hang over the kitchen peninsula's white marble countertop. Despite being on the smaller side, the kitchen is fully equipped and includes a Keurig, blender, double-door refrigerator, kettle, and slow cooker. In addition to the two bedrooms, the living room sofa doubles as a sofabed with a plush, memory foam mattress.
This rental has plenty of open dates from mid-March through April.
Charming redbrick Victorian home in Capitol Hill, $275Airbnb
Book this Victorian home starting from $275 per night
Primely situated in Capitol Hill, one of Washington, DC's oldest neighborhoods, this apartment exudes Old World charm, from its classic redbrick Victorian exterior and turret to hardwood floors and antique furnishings.
The home has been fully modernized to include all the comforts travelers would need during short or long-term visits to the nation's capital. Artwork by local artists adds splashes of color to the whitewashed walls and while floral accents, while verdant potted plants brighten up the space. Heated floors in both the full and half bath are the ultimate source of comfort, especially after stepping out of the subway-tiled, glass walk-in shower.
You can dine under glistening pendant lights at the marble-top kitchen island or have breakfast in the dining area where the sunny bay windows, attached to the apartment's unique turret, are located.
This rental has plenty of availability for the next several months.
Renovated rowhome in the heart of U Street, $275Airbnb
Book this renovated rowhouse starting from $275 per night
Set in the heart of U Street, this spacious rowhouse is ideal for travelers looking to experience DC's nightlife scene. The exposed redbrick accented walls allude to the area's rich past. Originally built in the latter half of the 19th century, this rental is within walking distance from what now remains of what was once Black Broadway, namely the historic Howard Theatre and Lincoln Theatre, where Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, and Duke Ellington all performed.
The quaint space comes with everything you need for a comfortable stay, including laundry facilities for extended getaways. The kitchenette's most important asset is its stainless steel, double-door fridge, perfect for leftovers of Washington, DC's signature dish, the chili half-smoke sausage from Ben's Chili Bowl, which is conveniently located right down the street.
This rental has full availability beginning in May.
Airy brownstone in Logan Circle, $319Airbnb
Book this large brownstone starting from $319 per night
With over 2,000 square feet of space, including a private back patio, this classic brownstone is ideal for a getaway for larger families or pods of friends. Its prime location at the southern end of Logan Circle puts the spacious rental within easy walking distance of grocery stores, trendy restaurants, bars, and cafes that line 14th Street, the neighborhood's main drag.
The first floor features an open-plan living area with high ceilings, three wrought-iron fireplaces, and a wooden dining table that comfortably seats six. Exposed red brick walls and hardwood floors are accented by vibrant pieces of original artwork, while both full bathrooms offer luxurious soaking tubs. Black-out shades feature in each of the bedrooms; there's also a washer and dryer on the second floor.
This house has plenty of availability for bookings.
Spacious rowhouse with a backyard in Dupont Circle, $500Airbnb
Book this rowhouse with backyard starting from $500 per night
Located on a quiet residential street in Northwest Washington, DC, this vibrant rowhouse retains much of its 1912 charm, including its white shuttered windows, Victorian-era fireplace, and original hardwood floors in the front entryway. But there's plenty of contemporary upgrades, too. A fully furnished basement includes a full bathroom with a walk-in shower, living area, and in-house laundry facilities.
The big, double-door fridge fits plenty of groceries for those who want to stay in and cook, while the plethora of dining options await within walking distance along both 18th and U Streets for those who prefer going out. Large bedrooms, a front porch, and two back decks mean plenty of room for spreading out, making it an ideal choice for families and groups.
This rental has plenty of open dates over the next few months.
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