5 top experiences in DC’s culturally diverse neighbourhoods
Culture runs deep beyond the sights. Discover neighbourhoods like U Street, Shaw and Adams Morgan where the spirit of DC comes alive through bright murals, vintage boutiques, late-night clubs, bustling farmers markets, fascinating walking tours and some serious soul food. Dive into the true heart of DC.
1: Admire the murals
High up on U-Street’s True Reformer building is a colourful mural of Duke Ellington, the legendary jazz musician who grew up on these streets. Cultural heritage is strong here, and Shaw’s narrow Blagden Alley was once home for DC’s post-Civil War Black Americans and now houses work by some of the area’s best street artists. Be sure to swing by Ben’s Chili Bowl to see the bright mural painted on the side of the restaurant. You will recognise some of the faces it portrays including Barack and Michelle Obama. The piece also features abolitionist Harriet Tubman and DC’s own Dave Chappelle.
The rotating art here is inspiring and Murals DC’s self-guided walking tour is a wonderful way of diving into all this colour at your own pace.
2: Browse vintage and antique shops
Need some retro cool in your life? DC has no shortage of stylish vintage stores, with Adams Morgan a hotbed of sleek boutiques. Miss Pixies is a pink-splashed hive of 20th-century furniture, while Mercedes Bien Vintage is DC’s longest-running vintage clothes store.
Over at Union Market, VINTAGE VINTAGE VINTAGE hosts a curated collection of clothing and home décor from a rotating cast of 10+ local vendors each month. Shop Made in DC is here too, showcasing the city’s best makers.
3: Visit the Farmers markets
Farmers markets are a smorgasbord of enticing local produce, and DC is packed with spots to pick up everything from artisanal cheese to organic meats. More than 50 farmers pack Dupont Circle every Sunday morning, making the Dupont Circle Farmers Market an invigorating and long-running assault on the senses.
On Saturday mornings, make sure to head out to lively H Street for the H Street NE Market where you’ll find delectable baked goods, locally roasted coffee and DC’s freshest veg.
4: Learn about African American History
African American heritage is proudly displayed in the capital, and the most immersive way to learn more is through Briana Thomas’ Black Broadway Tours. A local historian and author, Thomas’ fascinating walk down U Street shines a light on DC’s greatest African Americans and their contributions.
Go back in time at Frederick Douglass House to explore the life of an inspiring figure in African American lore, while at Anacostia Community Museum its exhibitions and collections highlight the struggles of America’s diverse and underserved communities.
5: See a show
It’s no surprise that the hometown of Marvin Gaye and Duke Ellington knows how to put on a show, so head down to the iconic Howard Theatre in Shaw. Constructed in 1910, the likes of James Brown and Stevie Wonder have performed here over the years, and today, its elegant hall still hosts intimate live music and comedy shows.
Speaking of intimate, the 9:30 Club has been a crowd-thrilling favourite of DC’s punk underground hardcore scene for years and now showcases regular shows from a range of genres.
Produced in partnership with Washington, DC & Visit the USA
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