14 VIBRANT WASHINGTON DC NEIGHBOURHOODS FOR FIRST-TIME VISITORS

Washington DC is full of distinct neighbourhoods that offer their own charm, culture, and unforgettable experiences, especially for first-time visitors. We’ve chosen to highlight the best ones in this blog post because they each reveal something unique about the city, from iconic monuments street art plus vibrant cultural scenes that include the many communities that have made the city their home. These Washington DC neighbourhoods for first-time visitors are not to be missed if you want to truly understand the spirit of DC and make the most of your visit. We’ve included the best things to do in each, closest Metro stop details, sustainable focus hotels , where to eat and drink as well as where to scope out the street art! 

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Why Visit Neighbourhoods in Washington DC?

The downtown area where many tourists visiting DC tend to stay, has a strong focus on federal state buildings, The White House,Capital Building to mention a couple, being more of a financial  and legal hub as well as having a large concentration of museums such as the Smithsonians. We visited DC in early November 2025, when the shutdown of federal buildings was in operation as well as museums that are not privately owned. This made us discover other areas of the city and exploring the neighbourhoods introduced us to the cities, cultural diversity, food and drink scene, street art, historical and new, exposure to the more local way of life, neighbourhoods and social projects.

Getting Around Neighbourhoods in Washington DC 

Accessing Washington DC neighbourhoods, for first-time visitors is quite easy. If staying in Downtown, it is possible to walk but, it can take 20-30 minutes to reach some of the  places we’ve featured in this guide. However if you’re short of time as we were on some days, the Washington Metro is really convenient and easy to use. There are Metro stations nearby in every neighbourhood, and you can be that little bit more eco-friendly by using this great, clean, safe and easy to use form of public transport. Fares are available in a different options, but we opted for the Unlimited Day Pass for Metrorail and Metrobus which works out at $13.50 for a day and unlimited passes are available for three days $33.75, right  up to seven days, $80.75, or you can opt for varying journey tickets. You can easily buy tickets at Metro stations and the staff are really helpful. They also have good accessible options with lifts.

If you’re hot on eco-friendly travel, then you’ll be happy to know that Washington DC has many sustainable things to do that are free and accessible to all.

Map of Washington DC Neighbourhoods For First-Time Visitors

How to use the Map: Click on the map image to be directed to the actual Google Map featuring articles on Washington DC. Scroll down to neighbourhoods to see what we’ve included in this guide.

Here are our picks of  the Washington DC neighbourhoods for first-time visitors we recommend to add to your itinerary.

#1. Downtown

How to get there?

Metro: Red, Blue, Orange, and Silver limes. Alight at Metro Centre.

Things to do?

Downtown is a neighbourhood that you have to head to as first-time visitor for its concentration of hotels to suit most budgets and tastes, restaurants and cafes, high-end to mid-range shopping plus it is home to the Smithsonian American Renwick Gallery of Art, The White House, The National Museum for Women in Arts as well as easy access to the National Mall and Tidal Basin where you can visit the Martin Luther King Jnr memorial and see the Jefferson Memorial from over the water.

The National Mall is the two mile long park where you can see the Washington Monument, numerous war memorials, including World War II memorial, Vietnam War Memorial & Korean Veterans Memorial as well as Lincoln Memorial. You can also access many Smithsonian Museums and US Capitol building from here.

We did manage to go to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, which is privately owned and in our opinion well worth a visit if you can spare the time. It’s informative, filled with absolute horror, chilling to the core and emotional, set aside one to two hours if you plan to visit.

Downton tours

If you’re short of time and want to see as many of the Downtown memorials and state buildings as possible, then, we’d recommend booking a couple of tours and we’ve included the ones we pre-booked before the state shutdown was in place so we never had the chance to try ourselves physically! They are private or small group sizes, eight to ten people, and easy to book by clicking on the links below:

• National Mall & Memorials Guided Cart Tour – two hours duration with sustainable mode of transport, in an E-cart.
• Must See DC Sights Half-Day Tour – three hours long and includes the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, World War II Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, Tidal basin.

• DC Sightseeing Tour with Potomac River Cruise – full day, six hours, is the perfect way to see most of the monuments in one day if you’re limited with your days in DC. The day includes memorials with your local guide and U.S. Capitol, the White House, the World War II Memorial, and more, a boat ride on the Potomac, during high season, along the Tidal Basin and over low season: view the Jefferson Memorial & Tidal Basin Monuments.

• National Archives and US Capitol Guided Tour –  a skip-the-line guided tour of the National Archives and the US Capitol. Explore the exhibits which house some of the most important artefacts and documents in the history of the USA.

 Where to eat & drink? 

You won’t be short of places to eat here to suit all tastes and budgets. There is a wonderful choice of Vegan and Vegetarian places to eat in DC. We would recommend cafes such as Mamma Dos, Dua DC Coffee, For Five Coffee, Baker’s Daughter as well as restaurants Via Sophia, Michele’s and Elizabeth’s. Great bars include, speakeasy Allegory and rooftop Wild Days.

If you’re looking for a stand out restaurant in Downtown then hands down we would say head to Elizabeth’s for atmospheric Vegan fine dining – it’s a treat and a half!

Where to stay?

We’d say hands down Eaton DC is a must. This boutique hotel places sustainability and social and community projects, plus wellbeing at the forefront of its efforts. Think activism, Black Lives Matter and is a hub for creativity.  The hotel boasts four dining concepts as well as a 50 seat cinema room and a radio station! This is mission led hospitality that’s so darn cool. Washington has a variety of sustainable focus hotels based around many of its popular neighbourhoods

#2. Adams Morgan

How to get there

Metro: Red Line. Alight at Woodley Park-Zoo.Adam’s Morgan. It’s a short 10 – 15 minute walk from here and you’ll pass over Duke Ellington Memorial Bridge over the Walter Pierce Park. We saw some lovely autumnal foliage around here

Things to do? 

We almost didn’t visit Adams Morgan because we thought it would be all about the night life scene, clubs and bars after dark. However we are glad we spent a few hours on a Sunday morning here! 

We experienced a vibrant and diverse area which was filled with great restaurants and creative spaces with live music and artists. If you love live performances and the arts, the DC Arts Center is a must, as is DC’s oldest vintage store, Mercedes Bien Vintage or if you love a good book like us, pop to Lost City Books for a little mooch around. You’ll get a pretty great vibe of the area just by walking up and down 18th Street, keep an eye out for the historic houses around here too. 

The area also has some cool street art, we walked by Madam’s Organ Blues Bar of a lady that’s quite controversial as well as a ‘shop small’ mural depicting indie shopping. There’s also a mural at BUL, a Korean Bar & Restaurant. It’s of singer, Aristotle Bruant. 

Adams Morgan tours

We thoroughly recommend taking this tour if you have some time to spare. The 16th Street and Adams Morgan Tour is a great way to spend two hours filled with exploring rich history and cultural diversity of U Street, Columbia Heights, and Adams Morgan. Less than two miles North of the White House, these DC neighbourhoods feel a world away from government buildings, monuments, and memorials. You won’t believe you’re in the same city!! See intentionally designed parks, grand mansions, churches, and colourful row homes, over time the homes of of the working class to the social elite. This tour is where you’ll learn about the design and architecture that make these neighbourhoods stand out in DC history. Hear stories of movers and shakers, protests, disasters, social scandals, and so much more.

Where to eat & drink?

We saw a couple of family-friendly cafes, such as  Tryst Coffee House & Bar and D Light Cafe & Bakery as well as restaurants like Middle Eastern spots, Mamma Ayesha’s or Ethiopian Cuisine at Elfegne.

We grabbed coffee and pastries from Suleluna, an independent popular cafe, which had a long line outside it, and is featured on our vegan and vegetarian places to eat in Washington DC.

Where to stay? 

It has to be The Line Hotel DC. It’s housed in a 110 years old historic church and is a bit of a showstopper with it’s grand structure. The Line has some cool event spaces as well as local acclaimed chefs cooking for the restaurants. The bar area is impressive and the rooms have clean lines with classy touches.

#3. Dupont Circle

How to get there?

Metro: Red Line, Alight at Dupont Circle.

Things to do?

Dupont circle is filled with cute bars, boutique hotels and bistro style restaurants. It has a really hip, boho chilled vibe about it with it’s centre point being a fountain surrounded by leafy foliage and a point for locals to sit and read, have lunch or use it as a meeting point. We sat here ourselves to take in the rays on an early November day. 

Be sure to stroll down 17th street known for its small businesses and vibrant LGTBQ+ community. Stroll along Rainbow Road walkway. We think you could spend all day here and on Sundays they hold the Dupont Circle Farmers market here. Walk up and down Connecticut Street to get a feel for this charming, yet sophisticated neighbourhood. Culture vultures should not miss America’s first museum of modern art, The Phillips Collection.

Street art lovers don’t miss the Amanda Gorman Mural located on 1608 17th Street NW, is of 23 years old Amanda Gorman reading her powerful poem ‘The hill we climb’ at the presidential inauguration in 2021. Spot Embassy’s on Embassy Row, a particular favourite of ours was the Indonesian Embassy with its ornate statues outside the entrance.

Where to eat & drink?

We had dinner at Planta, an Asian plant based restaurant, which is quite upscale but the bao buns, sushi and crispy gyozas are included. We can also suggest, Residents Café & Bar for great cocktails and a social cafe called Kramers, where you can look through book collections with a brew in hand-perfect for a rainy day sit-down and hibernate!

Where to stay?

The Dupont Circle has recently been awarded The Michelin Key and has a contemporary modern decor of suites and rooms. A great Cocktail Bar, The Doyle and the Pembroke restaurant both have a quaint terrace. 

#4. Georgetown

How to get there?

Metro: Blue/Orange/ Silver Lines. Alight at Foggy Bottom-George Washington University (GWU), then it’s a 20 minute walk.

Things to do?

This is Washington’s oldest neighbourhood, as of 2025, it is  is 274 years and was founded in 1751. It predates Washington DC and was part of the town of Maryland after being incorporated into DC in 1871. we spent a whole day in Georgetown and found there was lots to keep us inquisitive and entertained.

DC’s historic landmarks such as the C&O Canal, Old Stone House, Georgetown University as well as the famous 1972 movie The Exorcist steps on Prospect Road can be found here. There are also a large range of high-end shops and boutiques, upscale cafes and restaurants, green spaces and some beautiful real estate. 

Look out for a couple of the neighbourhood’s well known murals, The Wave a few roads down from M Street, created as a replica of the 100s Japanese print, ‘The great Wave of Kanagawa, Alma Indigena located at 1564 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Indigenous Wixarika Elder, blue maize and guajillo peppers.

For some trail style walking head to Dunbarton Oaks Park and get some Georgetown views at Book Hill Park. Also head down to the The Waterfront Park for some more green space and places to eat or take a water taxi down the Potamac River to Alexandria.

Georgetown tours

We love this small group, no more than eight Taste of Georgetown Walking Tour, where the local guide, will share the history of the neighbourhood with unique anecdotes and carefully selected food tastings in the area. It combines food stops with three tastings of local snacks as well as plenty of photo stops to get a good feel of the area. For those who prefer architecture the Georgetown History & Architecture Tour with a local Guide is perfect. Again a small group tour which stops at the main locations such as the Old Stone house, C&O Canal Lock three, Martin’s Tavern, to mention a few, it lasts around two hours and you can discover more later independently, with all the guides top tips.

Where to eat & drink?

For breakfast bagels, we recommend, Call Your Mother for a quick grab and go option. Georgetown Cupcakes has the most delicious sweet treats, select from the ‘monthly’ specials. As a lunch spot we loved Flor Coffee & books for their wellbeing approach. Cheese toasties are a dream with Jasmine tea pearls. For dinner why not head to family owned upscale celebrity spot Martin’s Tavern.

Where to stay?

For a special stay head to DC’s only Five Star, Five Diamond hotel, Four Seasons with over 200 luxurious rooms and views of the historic streets of Georgetown or the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal. The Melrose Hotel is also a great choice and is within easy access of all the neighbourhood amenities. 

#5. Chinatown & Penn Quarter

How to get there?

Metro: Red/Green/yellow Line. Alight at Gallery Place-Chinatown.

Things to do?

This area is home to three theatres, the Shakespeare Theatre Company, Ford’s Theatre and Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company – we were told they all have some great productions and shows on but we didn’t have the time to fit them into our scheduled time in DC.

China town is a must for some authentic Cantonese dishes – don’t forget to snap a photo of the famous Chinatown Gate and other Chinese inspired architecture in the area as well as the bright pink exterior of the Temple of Cun Yum.

You’ll find museums like the National Portrait Gallery and the Smithsonian American Art here, both of which were closed during the state shutdown. The Capitol One Arena is also located in this neighbourhood.  There’s also no shortage of great shops, restaurants for all budgets including some Upscale options chef José Andres for a fab dining experience.

Where to eat & drink?

We ate at one of James Beard Award-winning restaurateur and chef José Andres Greek, Turkish and Lebanese Mezze spots, Zaytinya and we’d thoroughly recommend for its fresh flavours, choice for plants based diets and atmosphere.

Where to stay? 

The Westin DC Downtown is less than 500 yards from Chinatown and is perfect as a base to explore the area as well as greater DC neighbourhoods. There are several restaurants on site, including theRoot and Vine offering breakfast. The hotel also features the market at Root and Vine, a café and a Root and Vine offering light fare and drinks. Their rooftop offers nice downtown city views. The hotel has a business vibe about of being opposite the Convention Centre but has a modern airy decor with the rooms. Also in a similar location is the Arlo hotel, which has quite a modern feel about it too with a rooftop lounge and pool. 

#6. U Street

How to get there?

Metro: Green Line. Alight at U Street Africa-American Civil War Memorial/Cardoza.

Things to do?

U Street Corridor is known as epicentre of Black heritage in DC and also know for jazz as it is the birth place of local Jazz Musician Duke Ellington. Why not pay the African American Civil War Memorial and Museum a visit to learn more about the rich history or pop into many of the bars and eateries located on the corridor. 

On the main U Street Corridor, look up for the mural of ‘DC’s Wailin Mailerman’ who was a mail person by day and a saxophone player by night. 

Where to eat & drink?

U street is the home of Black owned Ben’s Chili Bowl, a constitution with their signature half smoke sausage. They also do a veggie dog with vegan chilli. U street has a significant population of migrants from Ethiopia which is reflected in the number of places serving this cuisine in ‘Little Ethiopia’ around the corridor. Also watch out for the U Street Saturday farmers’ market here selling a range of fresh and artisan produce.

U Street tours

To learn more about this neighbourhood, The African American Heritage Walking Tour is a really apt homage to the area. In two hours, you’ll Walk around the U Street Corridor with an experienced local tour guide to discover the history of Black culture in Washington, D.C. See and experience some of the most vibrant nightlife in Washington, D.C.

Another great tour is the U Street Black Broadway History Walking Tour, curated by local author and journalist Briana Thomas. View one of a kind murals featuring notable Black history makers like Duke Ellington, Harriet Tubman, Barack Obama, and more. Learn about the jazz and cultural renaissance that shaped today’s African American successes, musicians, talents, activists, and leaders. Visit U Street’s vibrant Black-owned businesses and iconic attractions plus the African American Civil War Memorial and Museum. You’ll also be able to see historic entertainment venues like the Howard Theatre and Lincoln Theatre, which hosted legendary artists such as Billie Holiday and Louis Armstrong.

Be-lavie Pro Tip: Your guide will also be able to point you in the direction of the U street Corridor art in this area to follow with a map you can download from Murals DC.

Where to stay?

We’d suggest Hotel Zena, located just up the road at 14th Street, which celebrates female empowerment through deliberately strong art, design and music. It’s located more towards Logan Square but is a 20 minute straight walk to U Street. All of the 191 guest rooms and suites feature art. Guests can enjoy  Fig leaf, a  bar and lounge with a curated cocktail and wine list, plus Mediterranean cuisine with Latin influence, or on the 14th floor at Hedy’s Rooftop with views of the iconic city skyline.

7. H Street North East

How to get there?

Metro: Red Line. Alight at Union Station.

Things to do?

This area surrounding the grand Union Street Station, has undergone recent gentrification and is known for its international eateries, chilled cafes and music spots as well as the Atlas Performing Arts Center. Unfortunately, we were short of time so didn’t get to see the street art in the area but they have a free shuttle, H Street Shuttle, which will give you access to checking out the whole of the area.

Where to eat & drink?

If you love a breakfast New York Style bagel like us, head to Bullfrog Bagels and great vegetarian options can be found at Toki Underground with its variety of ramen bowels and dumplings.

Where to stay?

If you’re looking for something contemporary near Union Station, then Kimpton The George is a great option for a boutique hotel stay and is located adjacent to the Capitol Building and is an easy walk to the National Mall as well as the H Street Corridor.

#8. Capitol Hill

How to get there?

Metro: Blue/Orange.Silver Lines. Alight at Capitol South.

Things to do?

As suggested by the name, the neighbourhood is most commonly known for the U.S Capitol Buildings and the Library of Congress, which we were booked in to visit and had our reservations cancelled due to the state shutdown of buildings in Autumn 2025. 

The area is beautifully kept, with its tree lined streets, houses with fitting aesthetics and French style grand architecture. The Botanic Gardens are also located here and do not miss our favourite weekend in the city, Eastern Market with indoor and outdoor vendors.

Peek into some of the small alleyways off the outdoor portion of Eastern Market, dating back to 1973, to take a glimpse of some of the area’s artwork, representing migrants to the US and more.

Where to eat & drink?

Head to nearby Barracks Row for casual eats and pubs or a little closer to the Capitol on Massachusetts Avenue NE you’ll find multiple restaurants, bars and laid back pubs. We were recommended L’ ardent, a glamorous Italian restaurant but didn’t have the time to dine here.

Where to stay?

We always love Yotel, for its cool and fun environment. It’s also very well priced for the amenities it offers. Their Art and Soul restaurant, serves globally inspired cuisine and don’t miss their rooftop pool and lounge, where you can grab a cabana. Grab a seat and your laptop to work in the lobby with artwork representing local Washington, DC landmarks, culture and talented artists. 

#9. Foggy Bottom 

How to get there?

Metro: Blue/Orange/Silver Lines. Alight at Foggy Bottom-George Washington University (GWU).

Things to do?

The name of this neighbourhood did make us chuckle when we first heard about it but no we didn’t see any fog during our visit! It’s located next to the Georgetown University Campus and has a big academic focus with students and staff who work and study here.

There is some street art in the area but we had a quick walk through and saw the George Washington School of Medicine & Health Sciences but with plenty of students around and easy access to Lime and Uber bikes, it’s quite straightforward to head to Rock Creek Park to spend some time in nature or even cycle for the riverside views.

Where to eat & drink?

We personally didn’t eat in Foggy Bottom, but due to the student community, there are plenty of budget-friendly and mid-range options available here including Abay Market and Restaurant (Ethiopian), Agni (Indian), Al Dente (Italian) as well as Ahso (American). If you’re looking for something a bit more high-end 291 looks rather refined with its American modern dining menu.

Where to stay? 

Hotel Hive is the first micro hotel in D.C. with 125 to 250 square feet hives. The rooms are bright and airy, with bright light rooms, exposed brick walls and beams with marble tiled bathrooms and all the amenities you’d need to a stay in DC. There’s even some famous sayings for art lovers by artist like Andy Warhol.

#10. The Wharf

How to get there?

Metro: Blue/Orange.Green/Yellow Lines. Alight at L’enfant Plaza and walk ten minutes following the signs.

Things to do?

This bustling waterfront neighbourhood is a mile long along the Potomac River with some great restaurants, apartments, stores as well as businesses. They all boast gorgeous waterfront views where you can see a gorgeous sunset over the water.

The Anthem Concert Hall is located here as are many music venues, The US’s oldest fish market. It’s a great place to meet for sundowners, dinner or just take a walk along the waterfront boardwalk. They have these cute swings dotted around teh waterfront, they get busy around sundown so we didn’t get a look in! The area is only a ten minute drive from Union Station and Ronald Reagan Airport. The International Spy Museum is only a ten minute walk away too. 

The Municipal Fish Market at The Wharf opened in 1805, which is the oldest open air fish market in the United States -maybe not great for veggies but its popular with locals and visitors as a point of interest here. 

Where to eat & drink?

Visitors would be spoilt for choice with dining spots at The Wharf but we loved Mexican Mi Vida which has the most delicious cuisine and cocktails but also wonderful sunset views from the first floor. Book a table here and request first floor seating.

Where to stay?

If you’re looking to stay at The Wharf then, The Pendry is a superb 131 room hotel switch views over the waterfront. Amenities wise. It has three dining and bar concepts, a state of the art Spa Pendry plus a pool terrace perfect for some wellbeing time as well as classes such as sushi rolling. If you love an afternoon tea then they offer a suitable boosy sipping tea at Bar Pendry that’s a twist on the Great British Constitution.

#11. NoMa & Union Market

How to get there?

Metro: Red Line. Alight at NoMa-Gallaudet U.

Things to do?

NoMa is the local abbreviation for ‘North of Massachusetts Avenue’, and is a  neighbourhood filled with modern style houses, art installations, murals, community hang-out spaces like cafes and projects as well as the very cool Union Market. The market is a great casual foodie destination for artisanal vendors as well as small stall holders that serve up a variety of international food from Asian, to Italian, South American as well as drinks stalls specialising in coffee, tea and pub style drinking. The La Cosecha market has plenty of cultural events and great Latin American flavours.

The area also has many outdoor events like festivals and outdoor cinema. 

Union Market tours

If you love casual eats as a foodie then the Union Market Private Food Tour is for you. This three hour private tour, is a culinary adventure through the neighbourhoods of Union Station, Capitol Hill, Swampoodle, NoMa, and Union Market in D.C. Along the way, indulge in carefully selected food and drink samples, showcasing the very best of local small businesses.

The tour is an opportunity to go beyond the tourist hotspots and immerse yourself in the authentic, local flavours that define the city. It’s led by a passionate guide who calls D.C. home. It’s a really special tour delivered with passion.

Where to eat & drink?

We popped into a number of eateries here, in the covered market building including DC Dosa, for South Indian Dosa made right in front of you as well as the Crepe Stall. We were tempted by Lucy and their pizzas too.

If you want a vibrant Indian experience try street food from Chai Pani which is located just behind the closed market building. 

Where to stay?

We would suggest Hotel Nell, for its historical connection with Union Market. It’s named after the Bolgiano Family, whose home it was in the 1930s. It’s a 106 room boutique hotel which blends urban aesthetic styling, capturing the true heart of the Union Market area as a cultural and vibrant hub. Think chandeliers fused with clean and simple wooden finishes.

#12. Mount Vernon Triangle

How to get there?

Metro: Green/yellow Lines. Alight at Mount Vernon Square/7th Street-Convention Center station.

Things to do? 

We almost walked past the Carnegie Library that is now an Apple Flagship store and Museum for DC History. If you’re a creative, head to restaurant Busboys and Poets, they do book and poetry readings here. Yoga lovers head to Bhakti Yoga DC and of course you have to visit the Apple Store. DC Museum of History if you’re in Mount Vernon Triangle. Be sure to check out the “Women in Climate Action Mural” on the 11-story wall of 455 Eye Apartments.

Where to eat & drink?

RPM Italian is great for a date night, the celebrity couple owners have hosted many famous people in the past, and Ottoman Taverna is a favourite of Michelle Obama and the one we had on our list but didn’t make it, Rasa. It’s a fast yet casual Indian eatery which we were recommended but ran out time and they also serve draft cocktails. 

Where to stay?

If you’re planning on basing yourself in Mount Vernon Triangle then we’d suggest hotels close to the convention centre for ease such as Hampton Inn DC Convention centre or for a smaller, more boutique option, The Darcy. 

#13. Shaw (& Blagden Alley)

How to get there?

Metro Green Line. Alight at Shaw-Howard U.

Things to do?

Starting out life as a number of interconnecting alleyways, Shaw has now become a bit of  a destination for foodies with restaurants, bars and cafes and has one of DC’s Michelin-star restaurants located here, The Dabney, where Chef Jeremiah Langhorne serves Mid-Atlantic cuisine at this rustic spot set in a former row house.

We heard the 9:30 Club is great for live music performances and if you like cinemas then The Atlantic Plumbing is quite the landmark in DC.

Street art lovers head to Blagden Alley which was once home to the working class Black Americans after the civil war. 

Walk by the African American Civil War Memorial and Museum as well as the Howard Theatre where Ella Fitzgerald and Marvin Gaye once performed at. It now hosts live performances like jass after being renovated on 2007.

Here you’ll see The XXIV Carrot mural featuring 24 carrots as well as the LOVE rainbow mural and a few others. 

Where to eat & drink?

If you’re feeling plush then head to The Dabney – we’ve heard great things about it and it looks like such a cool space amongst the alleyways and urban rows of Shaw, one of the coolest Washington DC neighbourhoods that has been undergoing regeneration.

Where to stay?

Pure Voyage Shaw, offers modern apartment style accommodation with a garden and sun terrace featuring a fire pit for cool days. It’s a cool spot just like the area its in.

#14. Logan Circle

How to get there?

Metro: Red Line. Alight at Shaw/Howard University

Things to do?

The grand leafy Circle that is surrounded by Victorian mansion houses is DC’s only remaining residential one and is the perfect place for a picnic lunch, reading or just people watching we saw a group of dog trainers here, comically trying to make either dogs behave!

If you love music, the Black Cat is a bi level music venue, and performing art lovers, check out the play line up at The Studio Theatre or the more creative Washington Improv Theatre.

Don’t leave without noting the row of colourful houses and the Watermelon House on the corner on 11th Street & Q Street NW. Do not miss the ‘District of Columbia’ mural where each letter has artwork of landmarks in the city. You’ll find it at 1628 11th Street NW.

Where to eat & drink?

For great coffee head to Slipstream coffee and for food we spotted a French bistro called, Le Diplomate, serving Gallic dishes. Not sure about the plant-based options, so do check beforehand.

Where to stay?

Swann House looks like rather a posh option with only ten rooms, it has a very boutique feel, which is quite uncommon with central hotels in the US. Think Original grand 19th-century architecture intertwined with modern design and furnishings, selected to complement the property’s rich history, curvature, and colour palette. Each room offers a different experience, from a cozy sunlit turret to rooms with private terraces, cathedral ceilings, gothic windows, and unique bathroom features. A slice of unique here indeed!

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