Capitol Hill

Where: East of the Capitol dome, reaching into the Northeast and Southeast quadrants of the city.

What’s in a name: City designer Pierre L’Enfant picked this location once known as Jenkins Hill – and now often referred to as “the Hill” – to be the seat of the legislative branch of government. The Barracks Row section of the neighborhood takes its name from the nearby Marine Barracks, home to the Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps.

Thumbnail: The Capitol Hill neighborhood packs powerful attractions like the Library of Congress and Supreme Court and beautiful treasures like the Folger Shakespeare Library, National Postal Museum and Union Station. Locals start their weekends by stocking up on fresh veggies and shopping for unique arts and crafts at Eastern Market. In the evening, the place to be is Barracks Row, located along 8th Street SE.

Calling cards: Feast on blueberry buckwheat pancakes at Eastern Market then browse used books, antiques, arts, crafts and more. Catch a Shakespearean production in the Folger’s Globe-style theatre. Marvel at DC’s architectural beauty inside the magnificent Library of Congress and Union Station. Listen to the stirring notes of the U.S. Marine Band during a Friday evening parade.

Getting there: Take Metro to Capitol South, Eastern Market or Union Station or the Circulator bus to Union Station.