Capitol Hill - Washington, DC Area Guide

Originally named Jenkins Hill, the neighborhood gets it name from its proximity to the Capitol and its location on a hill. The area initially consisted of temporary housing for congressmen in the late 18th century. More permanent dwellings were constructed to the east of the Capitol beginning in the 19th century, making Capitol Hill the largest historic neighborhood in Washington D.C. The streets in Capitol Hill follow architect Pierre Charles L'Enfant's original plan of a grid overlapped by diagonal thoroughfares, As the century progressed, houses of varying architectural styles popped up in this bedroom community, from Federalist-inspired townhomes to brick rowhouses and stately manors. The area remains much as it was during the 19th century, making it a treasure to take in. A wealth of information about the neighborhood can be found on a visit to the Capitol itself and the Library of Congress. The community also hosts a wealth of events throughout the year.

You can find most of the dining options in Capitol Hill on Barracks Row and near Union Station. In these two locations, expert chefs serve a wide variety of cuisines with flair, from all-American breakfasts to international favorites. Get the most out of your morning -- or afternoon and evening -- with a visit to Ted's Bulletin in the center of Barracks Row. Locals rave about the homemade pop tarts, and the peanut bacon is a must-try side for your scrambled eggs. The service here is top notch, but make sure to plan ahead, because the restaurant's popularity means it sometimes takes awhile to be seated. For a modern take on standard European fare, step through the doors of Ambar on 8th Street. Regulars recommend the mushroom crepes and cheese pie, and freshly made bread baskets accompany every order. All of the food served at Ambar comes artfully prepared, and be sure not to miss the Sunday brunches. Nightlife in the area ranges from quiet lounges and cigar bars to upscale nightclubs that offer dancing along with drinks. It may take you a minute to find it, but Harold Black provides a relaxed atmosphere that hearkens back to the days of the speakeasy. Make your reservations, and then look for the unmarked door next to Aqua Al 2 restaurant. Go up the stairs and through the sliding doors, and you've arrived. Order the cocktail tasting special, and enjoy the very best the bartenders here have to offer. Absinthe and an intimate setting set the scene for a laid-back evening of fun at Wisdom on Pennsylvania Avenue. Along with standard cocktails, the bar prides itself on perfectly prepared absinthe-based concoctions.

The streets of the Capitol Hill neighborhood are among the most walkable in the country, with travel by foot, bike or public transportation almost always preferable to using a car. Parking on local streets often comes with a 2-hour limit, further discouraging the use of vehicles. However, you will find plenty of bus stops providing easy access to all parts of the city. The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority operates both bus and Metro subway services in the area, with the closest Metro stop being the Orange line at the Eastern Market Metro Station, just a 10-minute walk away. Bike racks at the station make biking to the station a great option as well. You can hail a cab with ease on major streets in the neighborhood, such as Pennsylvania Avenue. Uber also provide its ride sharing service in the area. If you do opt to drive, Interstate 695 provides easy access to areas outside of the city.

The Capitol Hill neighborhood contains four parks within its boundaries: Lincoln, Marion , Stanton and Folger Park. All of them provide free admittance as part of the National Parks System and operate from 5 a.m. to midnight every day. Dogs on leashes are always welcome. Lincoln Park, which divides the neighborhood between North and South Capitol Hill, provides an expanse of green space for walking your dog or playing a game of frisbee. The park also features monuments to both President Lincoln and civil rights activist and educator Mary McLeod Bethune. Take part in "Run with a Ranger" on designated dates and times to learn more about the community parks while getting a workout in, or come to the annual wreath-layings at the statues for Bethune and Lincoln.

The convenience of Capitol Hill comes with a somewhat high price tag, with the neighborhood's cost of living above the national average by 46 percent and the D.C. average by 9 percent. A one-bedroom apartment here rents for approximately $1,751 per month, and houses can be priced at half a million dollars or more. Gas prices in Capitol Hill rank even with the national average. Taking the bus will cost you $1.75 for a regular one-way trip with express bus service costing $4. Fares for airport express service sit at $7. If you are taking the subway, prepare to spend $2.15 for a peak fare and $1.75 for an off-peak fare. Both come with an additional $1 surcharge, but seniors and the disabled can take advantage of reduced fares. The surcharge can be avoided by opting for a rechargeable SmarTrip card if you're a frequent user of the Metro. Kicking back with friends at a local bar can be as cheap as $4 per beer during happy hour. However, you may end up spending up to $8 for drafts and $10 for imports during peak weekend hours.

Capitol Hill doesn't lack its share of unique shops and eclectic boutiques. This neighborhood provides several shopping areas, including Union Station and Eastern Market. Stop in at Labyrinth Games & Puzzles for a wealth of non-electronic games, puzzles and other activities. Located on Pennsylvania Avenue, this cozy shop offers fun, hands-on experiences for children young and old. Discover occasional game tournaments and teaching sessions at this venue. The wide selection at Labyrinth Games & Puzzles includes everything from card games to treasured board games from your youth. Cherry Blossom Bridal, also on Pennsylvania Avenue, features bridal gowns from top designers. Schedule an appointment to find your perfect dress for your special day, and make sure to have eight months' advance notice if you want the designer to create a custom-fit look. Accessorize your design with a tiara, bejeweled comb, veil and bridal jewelry. Grocery options abound in this neighborhood, including Harris Teeter, Safeway and organic-friendly 7-River Mart on 11th Street. More than just a shopping area, Eastern Market features an amazing farmers market every Tuesday through Sunday. Pick up produce, freshly caught seafood, cheese and artisan breads while browsing the works of local artisans.