Never before has Washington, DC provided so much to do in so many places. Brimming with culture, heritage, nationally-acclaimed theater, free musical concerts, festivals, world-renowned shopping and all the inspiring monuments and museums you expect, Washington, DC is absolutely filled with sightseeing options, nearly all of them offering free admission. From the white marble of the Capitol area to the Gothic Metropolitan AME Church on M St. to old-town Alexandria to the funky African cafes in Adams Morgan to a rented rowboat out on the sunny Potomac River, the Washington area's got no lack of charming spots.

The U.S. Capitol building is the focal point of Washington DC. From this central location the city stretches into four quadrants- Northeast, Southeast, Northwest, and Southwest- each offering its own unique style. Identical addresses appear in all four quadrants, so you need to know the directional component of the address you want. The city will be most accessible if you know something about each section and what it has to offer.

You will find that with the exception of Capitol Hill, the best and most safe areas of the District are located in the Northwest quadrant. Most areas listed below are safe during the evening; however, it is advised to use precaution. It is also best to travel with a companion after dark if possible.

ADAMS-MORGAN
This ever trendy, multiethnic neighborhood at the intersection of 18th Street and Columbia Road is about the size of a postage stamp, but home to a variety of international restaurants, unique shops, and bookstores. If you are looking for late night entertainment, Adams Morgan is the place to go. Its streets are lined with restaurants and clubs offering music, dancing, or chic lounges for cocktails.
Metro: Woodley Park-Zoo and walk, or take a taxi. Parking is limited.

CAPITOL HILL
The tranquil neighborhoods and magnificent government buildings that extend from the Western side of the Capitol to the D.C. Armory going east make up the residential area known as Capitol Hill, home to the Library of Congress, Supreme Court building, Folger Shakespeare Library, National Postal Museum and Union Station. Cobblestone streets and renovated row houses bestow a charming, old-world feel to this area. Visit Eastern Market during the day where you will find anything from fresh fruits, vegetables, and flowers to antique furniture and jewelry, to some of the best examples of local art. Union Station is also located here and surrounded by many wonderful restaurants and hotels.
Metro: Union Station; Capital South; Eastern Market

CHINATOWN/PENN QUARTER
This downtown area surrounding the Washington Convention Center is taking on a new life. It hosts a number of hotels and businesses. Here you will find everything from trendy new restaurants to great museums, galleries and theaters. Close by is the Verizon Center where the Washington Wizards basketball team and the Capitals hockey team host their sporting events. Walk just a few blocks and under the giant ornate friendship arch, and you will find yourself in Chinatown where you can indulge in authentic Chinese food and culture.
Metro: Gallery Place-Chinatown; Archives-Navy Mem’l-Penn Quarter

DUPONT CIRCLE
This lively area of town where Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Connecticut Avenues collide also offers a great concentration of libraries, museums, think tanks, and embassies. It’s perfect for people-watching, playing a pick-up game of chess or sipping a latte or chai while sitting on the edge of the fountain. Don’t keep driving around Dupont Circle, or you’ll miss out on the best in DC cafes, coffee bars, all-night bookstores, galleries, and entertainment.
Metro: Dupont Circle

GEORGETOWN
Hop the bright red and silver Circulator bus to this prestigious neighborhood. Georgetown activity centers on M Street and Wisconsin Ave, NW, where you will find numerous boutiques, chic restaurants, and popular pubs along with lively nightlife. Georgetown’s most notable landmark is the impressive Gothic tower that looms large over the Georgetown University Campus. Venture off the Georgetown city streets to bike paths along the Potomac. Canoe and bike rentals are available, or you can simply watch the Georgetown crew team at work from the sidelines.

WOODLEY PARK/CLEVELAND PARK
The Woodley Park/Cleveland Park area is mostly residential, however, this upper northwest part of town boasts the vast and leafy Rock Creek Park and the Smithsonian’s National Zoo. It’s also home to the architecturally stunning National Cathedral, the world’s sixth-largest cathedral. This, in combination with the interesting international restaurants, sidewalk cafés, and boutiques make Woodly Park/Cleveland Park worth the trip for an afternoon.
Metro: Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan, Cleveland Park