Georgetown?

Question

We will be in DC for a few days late in May as Aussies doing a USA grand tour. We will want to visit museums, galleries and historic sites aComing in by plane and leaving via train. Is Georgetown a good place to stay? Don’t mind a bit of walking.

Answer

Georgetown is one of DC’s most charming neighborhoods, known for its historic streets, boutique shopping, and waterfront. Staying there can be a very pleasant experience, especially if you enjoy a walkable area with character and plenty of cafés, restaurants, and shops.

However, for first-time visitors who want to focus on museums, galleries, and historic sites on the National Mall, there are a few practical considerations:

Distance to Major Attractions: Georgetown is about 1.5–2 miles from the National Mall and the Smithsonian museums. This can mean a 30–40 minute walk, or a 10–15 minute Uber/Lyft ride. It’s not far, but not as convenient as staying closer to downtown or near a Metro station.
Public Transport: Georgetown does not have a Metro station, so you’ll rely on buses, rideshares, or walking to nearby stations (like Foggy Bottom or Dupont Circle) to access the city more efficiently.
Ambiance: The neighborhood itself is very safe, scenic, and tourist-friendly, offering a quieter, more residential feel compared to downtown DC.

If you are fine with extra walking or short rideshares to reach major attractions, Georgetown can be a delightful base. Otherwise, staying closer to a Metro-accessible area like Dupont Circle, Foggy Bottom, or near the Mall may save time and make sightseeing more convenient.

Georgetown: Scenic, historic, lots of dining and shopping, charming streets, no Metro station.
Dupont Circle: Central, walkable to some attractions, good restaurants, Metro access.
Foggy Bottom: Near George Washington University, close to Metro, easier access to Mall.
Downtown/National Mall area: Very convenient for museums and monuments, more hotels, more tourist-focused.

Overall, for a short trip focused on museums and historic sites, staying slightly closer to the Mall or a Metro line may be more efficient, but Georgetown offers charm and atmosphere that some travelers prefer.