In DC, Shaw is a neighborhood brimming with vibrant contradictions. Here, the past collides with the present on every block, and the old is continuously reimagined through the new.

It’s where greats like Duke Ellington and Sarah Vaughan once performed amidst a thriving community of Black-owned businesses, and where a recent revitalization has transformed the neighborhood with brand new buildings, renovated homes, restaurants, and apartments. Unsurprisingly, this desirable blend of tradition and innovation has made Shaw a destination for visitors and locals alike.

Ready to experience the neighborhood’s magic for yourself? Keep reading for our hottest tips on how to spend a day or night exploring the Shaw scene!

#1 Visit The African American Civil War Memorial and Museum: One of the most recognizable sites in the U Street and Shaw area is the African American Civil War Memorial, which commemorates the more than 200,000 African-American soldiers and sailors who served in the U.S. Army and Navy during the Civil War. Visit the memorial and go inside the African American Civil War Museum, which tells the often untold story of the brave service of the United States Colored Troops.

➤ Learn more about the African American Civil War Memorial and Museum right here.

#2 Catch A Show At The Howard Theatre: Make time to see Shaw’s historic Howard Theatre, which opened in 1910 as the first legitimate theater in the country open to African Americans, according to the Washington Post, and the largest theater for African Americans in the world, according to the theater’s website. Drawing musical icons like Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Billie Holliday, Cab Calloway, and Nat King Cole, the Howard Theatre helped establish Washington, DC as one of Black America’s major cultural centers.

➤ Learn more about Shaw’s historic Howard Theatre right here.

#3 Hang Out In A Hip Alley: Duck down a side street across from the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Shaw and you’ll find Blagden Alley, an urban hideaway home to very cool coffee shops, bars, restaurants, and murals and street art. Snap a photo at the colorful LOVE mural by artist Lisa Marie Thalhammer. Then seek out the gorgeous La Colombe Coffee or get a cocktail or a bite at the open air “urban backyard” bar Calico. For a fancy dinner, try to snag a table at Hong Kong-inspired Tiger Fork and The Dabney, which serves up Mid-Atlantic ingredients cooked on a wood-burning hearth.

➤ Learn more about Blagden Alley right here.

#4 Spend A Day At The Movies: These days, there’s no need to go to the suburbs for a movie; Shaw boasts its own boutique movie theatre in Landmark Atlantic Plumbing Cinema. The theatre opened in the mixed-use development Atlantic Plumbing in 2015, and it’s a stylish place to see both artsy Oscar movies and crowd-pleasers (think “The Lego Movie 2” or “Green Book”). The theatre plays hosts to special events too. Moviegoers can book tickets and reserve seats online, and there’s a full bar and food — you can even bring your drinks and snacks into any of the Landmark Atlantic Plumbing Cinema’s six theaters!

➤ Learn more about Landmark Atlantic Plumbing Cinema right here.

#5 Pose With Duke Ellington: Head to 708 T Street NW to pay respect to Washington’s legendary musician and composer Duke Ellington. The city installed a statue in 2012 by sculptor and D.C. native Zachary Oxman, located at Ellington Plaza right in front of The Howard Theatre. The shiny silver sculpture shows jazz great Ellington playing a stylized piano. Ellington grew up in the Shaw area, spending his childhood and the beginning of his career here — not to mention his many performances at The Howard Theatre.

➤ Learn more about the Duke Ellington statue right here.

#6 Go Bar-Hopping: The Shaw neighborhood is home to some of the most popular bars in Washington, DC. On a beautiful summer day, Dacha Beer Garden is absolutely packed with drinkers (and their pets) enjoying German brews. Another good bet is Maxwell Park, an approachable wine bar with unique pours and a knowledgeable staff. For cocktails, check out Morris American Bar with serious cocktails and seriously pretty decor. More Shaw bars to check out include the rooftop spot Takoda and dive bar All Souls.

To learn more about the neighborhood, have a look at our comprehensive guide to Shaw right here.