Welcome to Capitol Hill
A residential neighborhood where history is made
Not only is Capitol Hill one of the oldest residential neighborhoods in Washington, DC, but it is also the largest. As the seat of the United States government, Capitol Hill is well-known for its domed Capitol building, the House of Representatives, the Senate, and the Supreme Court.
Having been the home of Congress since 1800, Capitol Hill was developed by famous French engineer Pierre Charles L’Enfant in the 1790s. Development of the area really took off between 1799 and 1810, when members of Congress established it as a boarding house community. During this time, many churches, shops, and other businesses began thriving in the area.
What to Love
- Strong sense of community
- Walkability and accessibility
- Historic buildings and significance
Local Lifestyle
With a strong sense of community, Capitol Hill is a peaceful and quiet neighborhood despite the bustle of government business and tourism in the area. A great benefit to the area is its accessibility - much of the neighborhood and its great landmarks are easily accessed by walking or via public transport. With its great number of historical landmarks, it is easy to lose oneself in exploring.
Capitol Hill also has an abundance of shops and restaurants. Shopping, fine dining, and beautiful landmarks are located all around the neighborhood. Being the place where laws are passed, Capitol Hill is a place where history lives and is made, adding an air of importance and dignity to the space.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
As noted, there is an abundance of shops and restaurants in Capitol Hill. With the main destination for these activities being Pennsylvania Avenue, the following places are only some of the many great options in the area.
If you’re looking for great American fare, Tunnicliff’s Tavern is a great place to start. With its brunch and dinner menus full of a variety of dishes, Tunnicliff’s Tavern is also a great late-night destination. If you’re looking for a great brunch spot, check out Barrel or Mr. Henry’s.
As for shopping, there are many great locations around the Capitol Hill neighborhood. One such place is Eastern Market, an indoor and outdoor market with fresh produce from local farmers and homemade goods, arts and crafts, and beauty products. Another popular place to shop in the area is Barracks Row. With many great shops ranging from boutiques to art galleries, Barracks Row has a large variety of options for any need.
Things to Do
Capitol Hill is also home to great amenities. Whether you want to spend a day lounging at a local park, exploring the many historic sites, or enjoying a local event, Capitol Hill will have something for everyone.
One great stop for local events is Eastern Market. Hosting a Farmers Market and an Arts and Crafts Market every weekend, Eastern Market also has an events space that can be used year-round. Another great place to visit is The Ugly Mug, a casual bar that hosts nightly comedy shows and a variety of weekly events throughout the year.
Capitol Hill is home to many lush, green spaces. Lincoln Park is the largest urban park in the area, with statues of its namesake, Abraham Lincoln, as well as Mary McLeod Bethune. Another great park to visit is Folger Park, rich in architectural features, walking paths, and 1,000 ornamental trees.