There’s a lot more to the District of Columbia than historic sites and monuments. The nation’s capital is a very eclectic city, featuring a number of quaint and colorful areas visitors should explore.

“D.C. has over 30 neighborhoods, all of them unique. The area is growing in popularity and in size — by about 1,000 new residents per month,” says Joaquin McPeek, director of communications at the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development in the District.

Thanks to its walkability and extensive public transportation system, it’s easy to explore well-known neighborhoods like Capitol Hill and Georgetown, and discover some of the up-and-coming areas like the Shaw-U Street Corridor. To get a sense of the city’s historic beginnings, its stunning architecture and rich and varied culture, local experts recommend that visitors explore these five neighborhoods.

[Read: 9 Places to Hike Near Washington, D.C.]

To experience more of what Washington, D.C., has to offer, check out the U.S. News Travel guide.

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5 Charming Neighborhoods to Visit in Washington, D.C. originally appeared on usnews.com