Delve into African-American history and a cool shopping and food scene in one of DC’s oldest neighbourhoods. The site of businesses, theaters and rowhouses since the 19th century, the Shaw neighbourhood is situated east of the U Street corridor, famously known as “Black Broadway” thanks to still-in-business spots like the Lincoln Theatre and the Howard Theatre. It was there, in the early 20th century, where acts like Cab Calloway and Pearl Bailey once played. Nearby, the legendary 9:30 Club hosts rock and alternative acts in a two-level, warehouse-like space.

Shaw is now one city’s hippest up-and-coming neighbourhoods, with attractions like the shops and eateries at The Shay and the Atlantic Plumbing complexes and bustling cafes like Compass Coffee and La Colombe.