From the marble colonnades of the Supreme Court building to al fresco dining on Barracks Row, The Hill is both the powerhouse of the government and a lively neighborhood of historic rowhouses and a trendy dining scene. With endless events, concerts, and museums, it can be hard to know how to squeeze in the Hill’s highlights into a weekend.
This 3-day itinerary will help you make the most of what’s happening in the heart of D.C. Centrally located, the Capitol Hill Hotel is a convenient home base for your adventures and a soft place to land each night. Luxury amenities, like a buffet breakfast and laundry services, allow you to unwind and refuel for your adventures in the capital’s most exciting neighborhood.
Day 1 — Capitol Hill Highlights
Some of the most awe-inspiring institutions of the United States government are found on Capitol Hill. Get a feel for the area by starting with the U.S. Capitol Building, which gives the neighborhood its name. Just a 5-minute walk from the Capitol Hill Hotel, step inside the striking symbol of the nation, taking advantage of the free tours that guide you through decorated halls of vaulted ceilings and busy lawmakers.
For more gleaming marble statues and an aura of history-making, head next door to the U.S. Supreme Court, where you can watch justice in action or admire the architecture. In the same block is the Library of Congress, which, with over 170 million items, is the world’s largest library. Peek into the grandiose reading rooms or check out Thomas Jefferson’s personal library.
After a day immersed in U.S. history, head to a neighborhood pub, like the Tune Inn dive bar, to rub elbows with political figures and D.C. staffers. For dinner, check out the eclectic eateries along Barracks Row on 8th Street, where you’ll find everything from Balkan-Southern fusion at Ambar, to experimental fine dining at Pineapple & Pearls.
Day 2 — Monuments and Museums at the National Mall
The National Mall deserves a full day on your D.C. itinerary. Take advantage of the Capitol Hill Hotel’s complimentary bike program to explore the 2-mile expanse of urban green space home to the country’s most famous museums and monuments. Among the 11 esteemed Smithsonian Museums on the Mall, you can see the Wright brothers’ first plane at the Air and Space Museum, and
After a museum stop or two, keep journeying toward the iconic memorials. Snap photos of the 555-foot-tall Washington Monument and the inspiring, larger-than-life Lincoln Memorial. Then, cycle the Mall’s shady nature trails, stopping at the many hidden gems tucked into the woodland.
As the sun sets on a second perfect day on The Hill, take a leisurely ride along the water until you reach The Wharf, a dining and entertainment district on the Potomac River. Dozens of restaurants and bars line the waterfront, and you can even catch a concert at The Anthem.
Day 3 — Local Favorites
Start your day at Capitol Hill’s historic Eastern Market, a traditional covered market hall where vendors sell everything from homemade pastries to artisanal pottery. Locals and visitors come to eat at Market Lunch, a no-frills cafe famous for its hearty breakfasts. The blueberry buckwheat pancakes are a crowd-pleaser.
After exploring the market, walk back to the area of the National Mall, which is only 15 minutes away on foot. Though the monuments and museums get most of the spotlight, the Mall has more than 300 acres of green space and several gardens. Stroll the romantically landscaped Enid A. Haupt Garden, which spans the grounds of a Victorian-style castle, blending colorful flora with sculpture art.
Make your last evening on Capitol Hill memorable with live entertainment. Sports fans can catch a baseball game at Nationals Park or see the NBA Wizards or the Washington Capitals hockey team play at the Capital One Arena. The Capitol Hill neighborhood is also known for its performing arts. The award-winning Folgers Theatre has put on Shakespeare’s works since 1970.
Whether it’s your first time in Washington, D.C., or a repeat visit, the Capitol Hill area balances famous landmarks with authentic Washingtonian life, including locals-approved restaurants and things to do. The Capitol Hill Hotel’s location in the heart of the neighborhood gives you convenient access to history and culture without compromising on comfort.