Washington D.C. Neighborhood Information

Washington D.C. is our nation’s capital and political epicenter, a place where awe-struck tourists explore the grand boulevards and iconic monuments. It is where our locals call home, where families gather, students socialize and law-makers rest their weary bones come nightfall. We urge you to step a little off the beaten path and explore the culture of our diverse neighborhoods.

Home Sweet City has handpicked a fine selection of short term vacation rentals throughout the beautiful neighborhoods of Washington D.C. area to ensure that your stay is perfect. Enjoy contemporary comfort in a beautiful brownstone or stay just steps away from Capitol Hill in a modern furnished apartment. The tree-lined neighborhoods that unfold a unique blend of modern day living and historic architecture that speaks of a bygone era. Take a stroll along the Mount Vernon Trail, scenically winding its way along the Potomac River with idyllic vistas of Washington’s monuments, hail a cab, take the Metro or rent a cruiser? Our vibrant and diverse neighborhoods invite you to explore. Welcome to Washington D.C.!

Georgetown

Once primarily a neighborhood of middle-class African Americans, the diversity of Bloomingdale has grown with the neighborhood and the streets today tell a different story. Young mothers sipping coffee and sharing stories at The Big Bear Cafe, hipsters and college students cruising on bikes and yogis en route to class.

Brookland

Another transformed neighborhood often referred to by locals as 'little Italy' it is the home to Catholic University and The Basilica, the shrine is the largest Catholic church in the United States and North America, one of the ten largest churches in the world, and the tallest habitable building in Washington, D.C. The homes are large, and each seem to have their own unique charm, enjoy whilst taking a stroll amid tree lined streets. Some recent development has brought some great new bars and restaurants nestled in by the Metro station and Catholic University campus. The neighborhood has recently become more and more popular with young families.

Columbia Heights

Steadily transforming from edgy to inviting, Columbia Heights’ renaissance is due in part to a recent influx of big box retailers and mainstream entertainment options. These suburban conveniences convivially blend with Columbia Heights’ urban sensibilities—ethnic eateries, one-of-a-kind dive bars, and family-run bakeries populate its mural-covered side streets. It’s still advised to practice caution when enjoying the neighborhood by night, as Columbia Heights has yet to fully shed its gritty reputation.

Capitol Hill

Capitol Hill owes its name to the iconic congressional building that overlooks the neighborhood. Although its senators and representatives attend to serious business, Capitol Hill makes room for frivolity. Trading stuffiness for enthusiasm, the neighborhood sponsors street fairs and supports secondhand shops and eclectic restaurants. It’s easy to navigate to and away from Capitol Hill, but who wants to leave a community where you can buy fresh lemonade from a neighbor’s enterprising preschooler?

Dupont Circle

Legislation isn’t made in Dupont Circle, but this hub of activity often feels like D.C.’s true city center. This trendsetting neighborhood boasts more long-term residents than summer interns, lending it a lived-in quality that’s uncommon in a city of new arrivals. Dupont Circle’s around-the-clock energy invites people to come for brunch and stay until last call, while its parks attract residents to relax as they observe their neighbors protesting, painting, or reading the afternoon away.

Downtown Penn Quarter

With business people and briefcases crowding the sidewalks to and from work (and slow-walking not an option), Downtown D.C. feels like any other urban downtown. But it sure doesn't look like them—a scarcity of skyscrapers lends an open, transparent air, allowing this metropolis to make its own political statement. Beyond the hustle and bustle of Downtown's main corridors, Penn Quarter provides locals with a splash of culture and entertainment when their workdays end.

Logan Circle

Washington D.C. is known for its infamous traffic circles, yet Logan Circle is not just a traffic circle. It is D.C.’s only residential traffic circle boasting a statue of Civil War General John Logan on his horse, back-dropped by a Victorian skyline of the turrets and towers of grand Victorian mansions that line the streets.

Bloomingdale

Once primarily a neighborhood of middle-class African Americans, the diversity of Bloomingdale has grown with the neighborhood and the streets today tell a different story. Young mothers sipping coffee and sharing stories at The Big Bear Cafe, hipsters and college students cruising on bikes and yogis on route to class. An authentic urban neighborhood with a great sense of community where people hang out on their porches, play wiffle ball in the streets, dress up for fun Halloween block parties and pretty much everyone knows your name.

Shaw

Bordering on Logan Circle, the vibrant urban neighborhood of Shaw lies between 11th Street NW and New Jersey Avenue NW, just a stones throw from Washingtons vibrant U Street Corridor, the part of the city that never sleeps (also famously known as Black Broadway), and The Greater U Street Heritage Trail. Once the cultural hub of DCs Afro-culture, Shaw is now a creative hub of indie stores, trendy galleries, restaurants, coffee shops and sidewalk cafe's.

Edit Template

Getting Around Washington D.C.

Getting yourself around any city can be not only intimidating and overwhelming but also super costly. Well, Washington DC is not just any city, it is our Nation’s Capital and when it comes to getting around we’re pretty jacked here in DC, the streets are pedestrian friendly and there are endless options to choose from. Navigating DC couldn’t be easier! When planning your trip, just bear in mind the infamous DC traffic gridlock!

Metro Rail

www.wmata.com

Washington, DC has one of the safest, cleanest and most efficient transportation systems in the world and Metro Rail is for sure one of the most effective ways to travel, there is no gridlock down there! Operating from 5am to midnight on weekdays and 7am to midnight on weekends, a quick visit to their website allows you to plan your trip, calculate the costs, purchase your SmarTrip card and be on your way. SmarTrip cards can be used for rail, bus and the DC circulator rides and often give a better rate, allow for repeated swiping, are rechargeable and can be purchased at any Metro station, many convenience stores and online. There are six color coded metro lines that will get you to anywhere you need to go, including all the major tourist attractions. Red, Blue, Orange, Yellow, Silver and Green. You’ll recognize the stations by the black pole with colored stripes and a M marking, it’s easy! Trains usually arrive every 5-6 minutes. At off-peak times, trains come every 12 minutes, while later trains typically arrive every 15-20 minutes. Base fares start around $1.35 for non-peak travel and kids under 4 ride free. Download the free DC Rider mobile app which allows quick access to all the information you need, while you are on the go!

Metro Buses

www.wmata.com

 

Metrobus run hundreds of routes throughout the city and the greater Washington DC area, so it if your destination isn’t near a metro line you’re likely to find a bus route to get you there. A little less user friendly than the Metro rail, but a great way to travel if you prefer to stay above ground. Tip: Try to travel non-peak to avoid the traffic (weekends and weekdays between 9:30am and 4pm and 7-10pm). Swipe your SmarTrip card and you are good to go! If paying cash, have the exact amount as drivers do not carry change.

DC Circulator

www.dccirculator.com

 

The DC Circulator buses are similar to metro buses, operating on six fixed routes running between the city’s main attractions and some of the more popular neighborhoods for visitors. At only $1 a ride which you can swipe on your SmarTrip card, it’s an easy, popular and affordable way to explore Washington DC. The buses run about every 10 minutes with a dedicated National Mall route on weekends. To get started, pop an address into their interactive map to find the closest routes and bus stops.

Taxis

DC has one of the highest taxi-to-citizen ratios in the country, with more than 6,000 taxis servicing the city. A simple download of the DC Taxi Rider App will get you to where you are going but with DC’s notorious traffic you may be able to walk faster!

Uber

www.uber.com
.

How we survived without Uber, I have no idea but they are convenient, safe, affordable and most of the time right around the corner. Thanks to modern technology, a quick tap on your phone and you are ready to explore the city and watch the sights along the way.

Lyft

www.lyft.com

Lyft comes in right on the tail of Uber, their biggest competition and often more affordable! Same concept, same advantages, simply a different app to download! It’s that simple.

Capital Bikeshare

www.capitalbikeshare.com


This may seem a little daunting but the roads of DC are logically laid-out and super bike friendly with bike only lanes throughout most DC neighborhoods. It’s easy to hop on a bus or jump in a taxi and have someone else lead the way but the adventurous at heart will add even more adventure and excitement to their trip as they explore Washington DC by bike! There are over 350 Capital Bikeshare docking stations throughout the entire city and it really is very simple, pick it up where you choose and drop it off where you choose. That’s great news, at least if you get tired you can drop it off and hop on a bus home. The first 30 minutes of each trip is free, with each additional half hour incurring a fee. You can purchase a single trip pass, 24-hour pass or if you’re a regular visitor an annual membership is available.

Hop On / Hop Off Trolley Tours

www.trolleytours.com/washington-dc

 

Speaking of hopping, Trolley Tours are another great way to get to see all the sights and experience the vibe of our Nation’s Capital. These tours are a little more expensive starting at $39.95 for a one day fully narrated tour with 25 hop off stops covering 100 points of interest. You’re sure to see the best of Washington DC’s attractions.

DC Streetcar

www.dcstreetcar.com

 

Street cars are new to DC and currently only consist of one line, a 2.2-mile stretch along H Street and Benning Road. So, if you’re in the area, it’s currently still free, bike friendly during non-peak hours, wheelchair accessible and runs every 10-15 minutes. We’re hoping more routes will be added quickly as it’s a great way to travel DC.

Cruise

Washington DC looks spectacular from the water and a cruise or sightseeing tour along the Potomac River is a fun way to explore our Nation’s Capital. The Potomac River Boat Company and Spirit Cruises offer a variety of options from a Monument Cruise, Mount Vernon Cruise, Seaport Cruise or Specialty Cruise. There is even a Canine Cruise! 

Driving

Driving in DC can be more hassle than it’s worth and the least effective way of navigating our streets. Parking in DC is restricted to residents only with a permit, except on the weekends, not to mention the one-way streets, road closures and endless traffic circles! The public transport is incredible so we highly recommend taking full advantage and not driving around. If you’re in town with your car, you’ll need to check out the parking at SpotHero.