The District of Columbia is made up of a plethora of neighborhoods that both represent the city’s rich history and provide fun activities for the city’s residents and visitors. Check out our four favorites areas in the city, just a hop, skip, and a jump from the HI Washington DC Hostel.
Adams Morgan
Adams Morgan is the unofficial foodie neighborhood of the city and is definitely the place where D.C. locals eat. No matter what kind of food you enjoy, “Admo,” as the locals call it, is sure to have it. Not only can you find plenty of trendy restaurants, but Admo boasts a unique, eccentric culture. Murals line the sides of many corner street cafes, and the neighborhood is teeming with nightlife. From bars and venues to weekly comedy nights, jazz concerts and small local open-mic nights, this neighborhood has a place for travelers of any age.
Local tip: During the day, check out the Smithsonian National Zoo. One of our favorite places to visit in D.C., it’s open 364 days a year and entry is free.
Georgetown
If you are going to D.C., you’ve probably heard of the Georgetown neighborhood, known for the renowned Georgetown University as well as its upscale shopping and cupcakes. A debate persists on whether Sprinkles, Baked & Wired, or the famed Georgetown Cupcakes does the dessert best, so we recommend you make a stop to give each one your official review. Along with food and shopping, Georgetown is right next to the Potomac River, providing amazing waterfront views of the city’s well-known monuments.
Local tip: Georgetown Waterfront Park is the perfect place for an afternoon stroll as it sits right next to the river.
U Street
U-Street is an epicenter for night life and music in the District. If you’re going to a concert or show, it’s most likely at one of the many venues on this street. Along with great music, you’ll also find bars and restaurants lining the streets, giving it a thriving nightlife vibe. If you’re craving Ethiopian food, head over to the area in U-Street dubbed “Little Ethiopia,” which is known for its abundance of Ethiopian eateries and migrants from that country.
Local tip: Check out U-Street’s most famed eatery, Ben’s Chili Bowl, known for being visited by well-known celebrities such as Barack Obama and Chris Tucker.
Dupont Circle
Following M street out of Georgetown and past Rock Creek Park, you will arrive at Dupont Circle. During the day, you can walk through Embassy Row, where you’ll find gorgeous mansions that are the home base for countries from around the world. Dupont also offers some of the best restaurants and nightlife in the city and is the epicenter of D.C.’s LGBTQ community. If you’re looking a unique late-night option, check out the funky bookstore, Kramerbooks & Afterwords, which is open on Fridays and Saturdays until 3:00 a.m.!
Local tip: Take a look around the Phillips Collection or Dupont Underground, which are home to more than 4000 works of art both above and below the city.
At HI Washington DC, you are located right in the center of downtown D.C., making it a perfect jumping off point for exploring the diverse areas of the district. With so much to see and do, we hope these neighborhood picks will help narrow down your must-see hot spots within this unique metropolis!
Originally published by Hostelling International, USA
