Welcome to Capitol Hill
The largest historic residential neighborhood in Washington, DC
Capitol Hill is one of the oldest residential neighborhoods in Washington, DC. and the largest. Most well-known for being the seat of the United States government, Capitol Hill houses the domed Capitol building, House of Representatives, the Senate, and the Supreme Court.
Developed by the famous Pierre Charles L’Enfant in his greater plan for Washington, DC., Capitol Hill has been the home of Congress since 1800. The residential neighborhood really began to develop between 1799 and 1810, when it was established as a boarding house community for members of Congress. By the end of the first decade of the 19th century, churches, shops, and metalworks were flourishing in the area.
What to Love
- The historical significance of the area
- Quaint area with accessibility
- Peaceful neighborhood
- Plenty of landmarks and sights to see
Local Lifestyle
Capitol Hill is a relatively peaceful neighborhood, despite the bustling tourism and government business conducted in the area. With many great landmarks in the area, it is easy to lose track of time exploring. The historic backdrop of Capitol Hill is amplified by the many historic buildings around the neighborhood.
Towering landmarks and great shops are abundant in Capitol Hill. It is the place where laws are passed and history is made. Here, the past and present mingle to create an air of importance. There is no shortage of things to do when in Capitol Hill - shopping, sightseeing, and fine dining can be found throughout the neighborhood.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Great shopping and dining are abundant in the Capitol Hill area, with many businesses focused along Pennsylvania Avenue. When looking for great restaurants in Capitol Hill, try heading out to
Pineapple and Pearls. This fine dining establishment offers inventive American dishes inside an elegant dining room. Another popular spot in the area is
Bistro Cacao, which is a French bistro-style restaurant with antique decor and curtained booths within a townhouse. For something a little bit different, try Ambar Capitol Hill, a Serbian restaurant serving traditional Balkan dishes alongside regional spirits.
Many shops can be found in Capitol Hill, one of the most popular being
Eastern Market. Housed within a 19th century brick building, Eastern Market is a public market with indoor and outdoor vendors of fresh meat and produce. For book lovers,
Capitol Hill Books is a haven where you can find both many amazing secondhand books and many rare and even first edition copies.
Things to Do
Capitol Hill also has many great things to do, whether you want to spend a day enjoying a local park or historic site. Some of the most popular places to see in Capitol Hill include the
Capitol Building, the neoclassical
Supreme Court building, and the
Library of Congress. In addition to these sights, you can enjoy a day exploring a park such as
Lincoln Park, the largest urban park in the area, which is home to statues of Abraham Lincoln and Mary McLeod Bethune. Another great park to visit in the area is
Stanton Park, a 4-acre national park with a designed cultural landscape.
Popular events in the area include Washington Nationals games at
Nationals Park. Another popular event location is The
Ugly Mug, which hosts nightly comedy shows as well as different weekly events throughout the year.