A Neighborhood Guide to Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., is about more than just politics — it's a diverse city with some historic neighborhoods. Here’s a look at three of the best neighborhoods in Washington D.C., plus a few more out-of-the-way treasures that help make Washington the eclectic city it is. Zipcars get free metered parking in Washington D.C., so you can focus on memories, not meters.
Pizza, Picnics, and Bluegrass in the Adams Morgan/U Street Corridor
The neighborhoods of Adams Morgan and the U Street Corridor have some of the hippest reputations in the city. Nearby U Street is home to cultural staples such as the 9:30 Club and Ben’s Chili Bowl.
Madam’s Organ (2461 18th St. NW, Washington, D.C., 20009; 202-667-5370; madamsorgan.com) You can find some of the best live blues and bluegrass music in the city at Madam’s Organ, no matter the day of the week.
Meridian Hill Park (2400 15th St. NW, Washington, D.C., 20008; nps.gov/places/meridian-hill-park.htm) Find some of the best picnic grounds in the city at Meridian Hill Park, a 12-acre national park. It also has the largest cascading fountain in North America — what a backdrop for a picnic lunch!
GoodWood (1428 U St. NW, Washington, D.C., 20009; 202-986-3640; goodwooddc.com) Find a carefully selected collection of vintage furniture at GoodWood, which bills itself as "an American Mercantile & Dry Good Store."
Ben's Chili Bowl (1213 U St. NW, Washington, D.C., 20009; 202-667-0909; benschilibowl.com) Ben’s Chili Bowl’s Half-Smokes might be the most famous dogs in the world, smothered in chili and cheese. Ben's even counts Barack Obama as a loyal customer.
Unique Imports, Rare Books, and Antiques by Eastern Market
Check out some of the best parts of the Eastern Market neighborhood in Washington D.C., including fresh food and community events.
The Flea Market at Eastern Market (225 7th Street SE, Washington, DC 20003; 202-698-5253; easternmarket-dc.org) open every Sunday, hosts up to 100 exhibitors from five continents, making it one of the most diverse in the nation.
Ted’s Bulletin (505 8th St. SE, Washington, D.C., 20003; 202-544-8337; tedsbulletincapitolhill.com) Ted’s Bulletin is an eatery on Barracks Row that's just as famous for its homemade pop tarts as it is for its adult milkshakes.
Capitol Hill Books (657 C St. SE, Washington, D.C., 20003; 202-544-1621; capitolhillbooks-dc.com) Capitol Hill Books is a used bookstore that quaintly clutters its two floors with quality used books, first editions, and rare finds.
Rooftops and Mini-Golf in the H St. Corridor
Whether you’re looking for fun and games, Asian-fusion cuisine or other historic attractions, you can find plenty to do in the H St. corridor.
H St. Country Club (1335 H St. NE, Washington, D.C., 20002; 202-399-4722; hstcountryclub.com) H St. Country Club is part urban country club and part Mexican taqueria, but all fun and games — literally. There's a mini-golf course, skeeball, and all the arcade games you have quarters for.
Atlas Center for Performing Arts (1333 H St. NE Washington, DC 20002; 202-399-7993; atlasarts.org) started out as a hip movie theater for the D.C. fashionistas during the silver screen era. The place fell into disrepair from the 1980s to 2016, when it was restored to its former glory.
The D.C. Streetcar (1st St. NE Washington, D.C.; 202-637-1328; dcstreetcar.com) Once upon a time, D.C. streetcars were the front line of public transportation in the nation's capital. If you're near Union Station, you can hop on the historic streetcar and get to any of the many attractions H St. has to offer.
Toki Underground (1234 H St. NE, Washington, D.C.; 202-388-3086; tokiunderground.com) On the Michelin Guide of places to eat in Washington, D.C., this popular Asian-fusion eatery has limited seating, but it's worth the wait to indulge in their ramen noodle soups, dumplings, and sake and other cocktails.
