About Washington
The Washington metropolitan area is the metropolitan area comprising Washington, D.C., the federal capital of the United States, and its surroundings. The metropolitan area includes all of Washington, D.C., and parts of Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia. The United States federal government defines the area as the Washington–DC, VA–MD–WV metropolitan statistical area. It anchors the southern end of the densely populated Northeast megalopolis and is part of the Washington–Baltimore combined statistical area, the country's third-largest. The area's estimated total population of 6,304,975 makes it the country's seventh-most populous metropolitan area. It is one of the country's most educated and affluent metropolitan areas.
Cheap flights to Washington
The lowest round-trip fare found by Destina Holidays travellers in the last 30 days was $639 from London, travelling 13 Dec – 12 Jan. These are the cheapest fares from the most searched cities.
- LON London to Washington13 Dec – 12 Jan · WAS from$639
- DUB Dublin to Washington14 Nov – 18 Nov · WAS from$681
- EDI Edinburgh to Washington4 Dec – 15 Dec · WAS from$1,005
- PRG Prague to Washington16 Jan – 11 Jun · WAS from$1,198
- MAN Manchester to Washington17 Nov – 24 Nov · IAD from$932
- CPH Copenhagen to Washington9 Apr – 24 Apr · DCA from$658
- HEL Helsinki to Washington12 Apr – 19 Apr · IAD from$860
- GLA Glasgow to Washington30 Nov – 7 Dec · WAS from$1,121
Cheapest month to fly
Airlines travellers compared most often: Aer Lingus, Finnair, American Airlines.
Prices are per adult in US dollars, taken from searches between 12 Oct and 11 Nov 2026. Fares change often, so search your dates for live prices.
Search flights to WashingtonPlaces to visit in Washington
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National Mall
Landmark · 1 mi from centreThe long green park at the heart of the capital links the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial, lined with major Smithsonian museums and national monuments, all free to visit.
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Lincoln Memorial
LandmarkThe monumental seated statue of Abraham Lincoln sits inside a Greek temple overlooking the Reflecting Pool and the Washington Monument, and it is especially atmospheric when lit up at night.
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United States Capitol
Landmark · 2 mi from centreThe domed seat of Congress offers free guided tours that begin at the underground visitor center and include the rotunda, the crypt and National Statuary Hall.
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National Air and Space Museum
Museum · 1 mi from centreA free Smithsonian museum on the National Mall displaying iconic aircraft and spacecraft that trace the history of flight and space exploration, from the Wright brothers to the Moon landings.
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National Museum of African American History and Culture
MuseumA powerful Smithsonian museum tracing African American history from slavery to the present through artifacts, personal stories and cultural exhibits; plan several hours to see it properly.
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National Museum of Natural History
MuseumA free Smithsonian museum known for its dinosaur fossils, the Hope Diamond, a giant mounted African elephant and extensive halls on human origins and ocean life.
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White House
LandmarkThe residence of the President can be viewed from Lafayette Square and the Ellipse, and public tours can be requested in advance through a member of Congress.
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Georgetown
Neighborhood · 2 mi from centreA historic neighborhood with brick row houses, cobblestone streets, the C&O Canal towpath and a busy waterfront park lined with shops, cafes and restaurants.
Top experiences in Washington
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 55 available.
Old Town Trolley Tour
From $42 per adult
Arlington Cemetery with Changing of the Guard - Guided Tour
From $62 per adult
Washington Monument Skip The Line Tickets and Optional Small Group Walking Tour
From $21 per adult
DC Memorials Guided Small Group Tour with Optional Washington Monument Ticket
From $62 per adult
Washington DC Night Memorials Walking Tour with Skyline View
From $53 per adult
Washington DC Premier Bottomless Mimosa Brunch Cruise - Ticket
From $118 per adult
Discover DC in a Dusk Bus Tour
From $95 per adult
Discover DC by bus - Full-Day Tour
From $78 per adult
Alexandria Bike Rentals
From $18 per adult
Washington D.C Bike Rental
From $18 per adult
Washington DC Premier Dinner Cruise - Ticket
From $174 per adult
Washington DC Premier Lunch Cruise - Ticket
From $81 per adult
Where to stay in Washington
Popular hotels in Washington, out of 30 properties you can book.
Homewood Suites by Hilton Pittsburgh-Southpointe
From $156 per night
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Washington Casi
From $144 per night
HomeTowne Studios & Suites Washington
From $88 per night
Hampton Inn & Suites Pittsburgh-Meadow Lands
From $128 per night
Hampton Inn Belle Vernon
From $119 per night
Hyatt Place at The Hollywood Casino/Pittsburgh–Sou
From $158 per night
Holiday Inn Express and Suites Washington Meadow L
From $93 per night
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Belle Vernon By IHG
From $85 per night
Hampton Inn Washington
From $114 per night
Red Roof Inn Washington, Pa
From $73 per night
Quality Inn & Suites
From $110 per night
DoubleTree by Hilton Pittsburgh-Meadow Lands
From $79 per night
Best time to visit Washington
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Washington is October, when average daytime highs are around 68°F and rain falls on about 6 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Washington weather forecast
- Wed 11 Nov 69° 44° 2%
- Thu 12 Nov 64° 49° 40%
- Fri 13 Nov 52° 42° 12%
- Sat 14 Nov 49° 40° 3%
- Sun 15 Nov 52° 40° 0%
- Mon 16 Nov 53° 40° 2%
Know before you go
- Currency
- United States dollar (USD)
- Language
- English
- Calling code
- +1
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- America/New_YorkUTC−5
- Capital
- Washington, D.C.
Upcoming public holidays in United States
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
- New Year's Day
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- Presidents DayWashington's Birthday
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Washington
These are the airports closest to central Washington. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- DCA Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport2 mi (4 km) from the city centre
- IAD Washington Dulles International Airport22 mi (36 km) from the city centre
Washington travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Washington?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Washington is October, when average daytime highs are around 68°F and rain falls on about 6 days a month.
What is the weather like in Washington?
July is usually the warmest month in Washington, with average highs of 89°F (32°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 26°F (-4°C). The wettest month is typically May, with about 196 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Washington?
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is the closest airport, about 2 miles (4 km) from the centre of Washington. Other nearby airports include Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD, 22 mi).
How much are flights to Washington?
The cheapest round-trip fare Destina Holidays travellers found to Washington in the last 30 days was $639 from London, travelling 13 Dec – 12 Jan. December is currently the cheapest month to fly, with fares from $639.
What time zone is Washington in?
Washington uses the America/New_York time zone (currently UTC−5). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
What are the best places to visit in Washington?
Top sights in Washington include National Mall, Lincoln Memorial, United States Capitol and National Air and Space Museum. The long green park at the heart of the capital links the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial, lined with major Smithsonian museums and national monuments, all free to visit.
What are the top things to do in Washington?
Popular experiences you can book in Washington include Old Town Trolley Tour, Arlington Cemetery with Changing of the Guard - Guided Tour and Washington Monument Skip The Line Tickets and Optional Small Group Walking Tour. Destina Holidays offers 55 tours and activities here.
Where should I stay in Washington?
Popular areas for hotels in Washington include Washington Area. Well-reviewed options include Homewood Suites by Hilton Pittsburgh-Southpointe and Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Washington Casi.
How many hotels can I book in Washington?
Destina Holidays currently lists 30 properties in and around Washington, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
