Guide to Capitol Hill

Things to Do in Capitol Hill

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Located right in the heart of Washington, D.C., Capitol Hill is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the district, home to the U.S. Capitol building and the imposing U.S. Senate and House of Representatives buildings. The Library of Congress is also located here.


Capitol Hill is also one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods. It’s home to the famous Eastern Market, established in 1873, which serves as an awesome gathering spot that still serves up fresh produce in both indoor and outdoor stands. There is an outdoor flea market on weekends here, as well, weather permitting. From classic vinyl to handmade jewelry, the flea market has a plethora of great shopping finds.

Hill Center, a local community center, operates from the Old Naval Hospital, and serves as a focal point for music, theater and educational programs in the neighborhood, which is edged by the Anacostia River and the Washington Navy Yard.

Pennsylvania Avenue is the main retail and entertainment area, filled with bars and restaurants, as well as smaller boutique-type shops.

[Photo courtesy of ShutterStock by f11photo]

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Popular Things to Do in Capitol Hill

Bars

Tortilla Coast

400 First St SE, Washington, DC 20003

For a soothing experience mirroring the sensual music it was named after, slide into the aptly named Bossa, a Washington, D.C., lounge refreshingly separate from the raucous atmospheres of other Adam Morgan nightclubs. This cozy, two-story bar hosts rotat

Bars

Capitol Hill Tandoor & Grill

419 8th St SE, Washington, DC 20003

This paradise for Indian and Pakistani food lovers offers exotic and new flavor combinations to tickle your taste buds. The eatery features tandoori chicken and curry chicken dishes, creamy curried beans, lamb dishes, fresh salads and more. The kitchen al

Bars

Sticky Rice

1224 H St NE, Washington, DC 20002

Sticky Rice is more than just a frequently packed little restaurant with a tasty Pan-Asian menu and affordable eats. This little spot rocks out with one of DC’s longest running karaoke nights every Tuesday evening. Imagine belting out your finest tunes, f

Venues

U.S. Capitol Building

E Capitol St and First St NW, Washington, DC 20004

The U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, the new main entrance to the U.S. Capitol, is located beneath the East Front plaza of the U.S. Capitol at First Street and East Capitol Street.

Bars

Las Placitas

517 8th St SE, Washington, DC 20003

Las Placitas is a favorite for authentic, homestyle Salvadoran and Mexican food. The flavorful chicken or green corn tamales, cheese pupusas and plantains are standouts as is the roasted half chicken or pork morsels smothered with sautéed onions. Standard

Breakfast/Cafe Restaurants

Market Lunch

225 7th St SE, Washington, DC 20003

This legendary greasy spoon located inside Eastern Market is open for breakfast and lunch Tuesday through Saturday. It's best known for homemade bread, blueberry pancakes and crab cakes. The old fashioned cash-n-carry also serves up breaded fish and shrim

Bars

Hawk N' Dove

329 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003

Capitol Hill and the Hawk 'n' Dove go hand-in-hand. This restaurant and bar is where staffers—both Democrat and Republican—gather to gripe about their bosses, the bar's proprietors say. But the trash talk is never by name—the etiquette is to refer to "my

Bars

Belga Cafe

514 8th St SE, Washington, DC 20003

Belga cafe is a great place to eat typical Belgian and Euro-Fusion cuisine. Combining an intriguing atmosphere with excellent, light and healthy interesting food. Belga Cafe is a little bit of Brussels on the Hill, with an open kitchen and a sidewalk cafe

Scenes from Capitol Hill
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