DC: What Neighborhood To Stay In
DC, the capital. DC is itself a geography of concentrated power, culture, and flavor. It’s walkable and very easy to metro. It’s both simple and lavish to eat in. It’s calming and free to immerse in embassies and art. It’s fascinating to get in on history and politics. And it’s very pleasant in terms of outdoor excursions.
Here is a list of the most central areas, where to stay, and why.
Columbia Heights
The new kid on the block, Columbia Heights was recently one of the most gentrifying neighborhoods of America. Situated adjacent to the historic Howard University, the area is of up-and-coming boutiques and cafes. This neighborhood has a great representation of the origins of the city.
Duplexes and steps galore, Columbia Heights has that DC hybrid mini Brooklyn vibe
Adams Morgan
Admo feels like 20s-something culture. The coffee shops and bars are almost religiously established. It’s the upbeat, youthful, and more casual university area in the heart of the city.
Image by Der Berzerker
Shaw
Shaw is like the older brother to Admo and where those who graduate from there move to. In the thick of it all, it’s a prime location for just about everything in DC. It’s very classic young adult DC.
More built up than Columbia Heights and a bit more busy, there are great places to go out and dine in Shaw
14th & 16th Street & Logan Circle
A bit sophisticated, 14th Street has some fantastic local shopping and fantastic local food. Boozy brunch is the mantra of these streets. Located amid things and of more city consumption than Shaw, 14th and 16th also have cute shops a plenty. Meridian Hill is likewise within this area and is a favorite DC park locale.
Image by Tim Brown
Dupont Circle
An epicenter for those who truly love DC, Dupont is a hub of happening in terms of long-lived restaurants such as the house-based Tabard Inn. It’s where Embassy Row begins, and where a beloved weekly farmers market takes place. The circle will get you in the know of the city, a place to get into DC.
Angela N, bridge right in front of Dupont Circle
Chinatown
The most city central of the district neighborhoods, Chinatown is the gateway between the city and the national Mall where Lincoln and the monument are, kind of the point between the local urban culture and the government scene if you will.
Image by Mohamad
Foggy Bottom
Foggy Bottom is where major think tanks and universities are, the most southern city area before you get to the waterfront. Restaurants and bakeries here shouldn’t be missed.
Image by John Brighenti
Georgetown
Georgetown on the waterfront might be the most typically scenic of DC. It feels the most East Coast of the district center. It’s a great shopping area and a relaxed white brick and slower sidewalk pace than the northern neighborhoods.
Image by Jake Slagle
Navy Yard
Near Capitol Hill and the stadium as well as the waterfront, DC fans of the local team players congregate here.
Image by Wylie Poon
H Street Corridor
Another up-and-coming area with stylish eateries and coffee shops, H Street Corridor has more neighborhood space than other central areas.
Image by Ted Ethan
Tenleytown & Friendship Heights
Slightly suburban, these neighborhoods are quite close to the gorgeousness of the expansive Rock Creek Park. The area feels catered to the new family looking to be close to the bustle of DC.
Image by NC
Silverspring
Slightly further from Tenleytown and Friendship Heights, Silverspring is another residential area with a surprising establishment of delicious international foods.
Image by Jordan Barak
Bethesda
Higher brow than Silverspring, find a coherent and charming downtown and, the area is also still traversable by metro to all of DC.
For an itinerary in DC, check this blog here!
Image by Juha Uitto
