Stanton House

Capitol Hill is the seat of the U.S. government, home to the domed United States Capitol, Senate, Houses of Representatives and the neoclassical Supreme Court. It’s also known for the redbrick Eastern Market, where vendors sell produce, meat and cheese throughout the week, and handicrafts and antiques on weekends. Barracks Row is lined with an eclectic mix of bakeries, pizzerias and global eateries

Chances are, you already think that you know a few things about the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Washington, DC. It’s obviously in the shadow of the White House and all of the major government buildings on Capitol Hill. And the neighborhood itself, located just east and south of the Capitol building, is full of well-maintained older buildings on tree-lined streets. You might know that the neighborhood has centuries’ worth of history, as some of the most famous figures in our nation’s past have lived among these streets.

This neighborhood has seen some rises and falls in its history, which spans nearly as long as the nation has been in existence. After some notably rough patches in the 1980s, today’s Capitol Hill is urbane and sophisticated but also likes to let its hair down. In general, you’ll find the bustling streets safe enough to explore after hours.

But what you might not know is that this neighborhood has a lot more to offer than just history and an easy commute to jobs on Capitol Hill. This is actually one of the country’s most perennially popular neighborhoods for plenty of good reasons, like its vibrant cultural scene and a well-trafficked weekly market. You’ll bump elbows with political figures, young staffers, and tourists alike. One thing you’ll find about this neighborhood is that it’s never boring or sleepy. Read on to learn more about why Capitol Hill is full of good surprises.