Howard University Travel Guide

Howard University sits in the Shaw neighborhood of Northwest Washington, DC, about a mile and a half north of the National Mall. Founded in 1867, it is one of the most prominent Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the United States and has produced an extraordinary roster of alumni including Thurgood Marshall, Toni Morrison, Kamala Harris, and Chadwick Boseman.

The surrounding area — Shaw and the adjacent LeDroit Park historic district — forms a neighborhood deeply woven into the history of African American civic, artistic, and political life in the United States. Duke Ellington grew up nearby; the corridor along U Street NW was once known as "Black Broadway." Visiting the Howard University area means engaging with layers of history that are central to understanding Washington DC beyond its monuments and federal buildings.

For travelers, this is not merely a campus visit. It is a gateway into a living neighborhood with independent restaurants, music venues, galleries, and community spaces that reflect both the neighborhood's historical roots and its contemporary creative energy.

Visas

Howard University is located in Washington, DC, which follows standard US entry requirements. Travelers should check the TravelerPulse Visas section and consult the US Department of Homeland Security's official immigration resources for current entry requirements specific to their nationality.

What to Know Before Arriving

• Howard University is an active academic institution. The campus is generally open to respectful visitors, but access to certain buildings (such as residence halls and administrative offices) may be restricted. Check the university's official website before planning a specific campus tour.
• The neighborhood has undergone significant gentrification pressure in recent years. Longtime residents and students coexist with newer development; be a respectful, aware visitor.
• Washington DC's public transit system (WMATA Metro) provides straightforward access to the area from most parts of the city and from nearby airports.

Practical Prep

• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended; the campus and surrounding streets are best explored on foot.
• Verify opening hours for any museums or galleries directly with the venues, as hours can change seasonally or around university events.

By Metro

The most practical way to reach the Howard University area is via the Washington Metro (WMATA). The Shaw-Howard University station on the Green and Yellow lines places you directly at the edge of campus. The Columbia Heights station (also Green/Yellow lines) is a short walk north and useful for the upper reaches of the neighborhood.

By Air

Washington DC is served by three major airports: Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA), Dulles International (IAD), and Baltimore/Washington International (BWI). Reagan National is the closest and has direct Metro access via the Blue and Yellow lines. From DCA, riders transfer to the Green Line to reach Shaw-Howard University station. Travel time and fares should be verified on the WMATA official website.

By Bus and Ride-Share

DC Circulator and Metrobus routes serve the Shaw and U Street corridors. Ride-share services (Uber, Lyft) operate throughout the city. Street parking in this neighborhood is limited and often metered; driving is not recommended unless you are staying locally.

The Howard University campus and the Shaw/U Street/LeDroit Park area are compact enough to explore comfortably on foot. Most points of interest — the campus yard, the Moorland-Spingarn Research Center, the U Street corridor restaurants and music venues — are within a 10–15 minute walk of the Shaw-Howard University Metro station.

Bicycles are a practical option; DC has a well-established Capital Bikeshare network with docking stations throughout the neighborhood. Check the Capital Bikeshare app for current station availability and pricing.

For travel beyond this immediate neighborhood to the National Mall, Georgetown, or other DC attractions, the Metro remains the most efficient and affordable option. Avoid driving during peak commute hours, as traffic in central DC can be significant.

On Campus

• Howard University Yard: The central lawn of campus is a historic gathering space and the symbolic heart of the university. It is a dignified, pleasant place to walk through and appreciate the architecture of Founders Library, a landmark building visible from much of the yard.
• Moorland-Spingarn Research Center: One of the world's largest repositories of materials on the history and culture of people of African descent. Researchers and serious visitors can access the collections; verify visiting procedures on the university's official site.
• Howard University Gallery of Art: Hosts rotating exhibitions and holds a permanent collection that includes works by African American artists as well as a notable collection of African art. Verify hours and current exhibitions before visiting.

In the Surrounding Neighborhood

• African American Civil War Memorial and Museum: Located a short walk from campus on Vermont Avenue NW, this memorial honors the approximately 209,000 Black soldiers and sailors who served in the Union Army and Navy. The museum provides detailed historical context.
• U Street Corridor: Walk along U Street NW to take in the stretch historically known as Black Broadway — the area where Duke Ellington, Pearl Bailey, and Cab Calloway performed. Historic theaters and modern venues still anchor this street.
• Ben's Chili Bowl: A Washington DC institution since 1958, located on U Street. A cultural landmark as much as a restaurant.
• LeDroit Park Historic District: A quiet residential neighborhood immediately adjacent to campus, recognized on the National Register of Historic Places. Walking its streets offers a sense of the city's late 19th- and early 20th-century residential character.

The Shaw and U Street neighborhoods support a diverse and evolving restaurant scene alongside several long-standing institutions.

• Ben's Chili Bowl (U Street NW): Famous for its half-smokes and chili dogs. Open for decades and a genuine piece of DC history. Verify current hours on their official site.
• The neighborhood broadly has a range of Ethiopian restaurants — Washington DC has one of the largest Ethiopian communities in the United States, and several well-regarded Ethiopian restaurants operate in the Shaw and nearby Columbia Heights areas. Ask locals for current recommendations, as the independent restaurant scene shifts.
• Coffee shops, brunch spots, and casual dining options line 7th Street NW and Georgia Avenue NW near the campus. Many cater to students and faculty, making them affordable and informal.
• For evening dining and nightlife, the 9:30 Club (a major independent music venue), and a number of bars and live music spots along U Street provide options for travelers interested in DC's independent music scene.

Always verify current hours and whether reservations are needed, particularly on weekends.

Basic Information

• Currency: US Dollar (USD). ATMs are widely available throughout the neighborhood. Most businesses accept major credit and debit cards.
• Tipping: Standard in the US — 18–20% at sit-down restaurants is conventional. Tip at coffee counters at your discretion.
• Electricity: 120V / 60Hz, Type A and B outlets (flat two- or three-pin plugs). International visitors should bring appropriate adapters.
• Water: Tap water is safe to drink throughout Washington DC.
• Connectivity: Free public Wi-Fi is available in many cafes and in some Metro stations. Major US mobile carriers provide good coverage throughout the area.

Useful Contacts (verify current details locally)

• Howard University main campus information: check howard.edu for official contacts and visitor information.
• WMATA (Metro) trip planning: wmata.com
• DC tourism information: washington.org

Washington DC overall is a major urban city with the range of conditions that implies. The Shaw and Howard University area has seen significant investment and increased foot traffic in recent years, though like any urban neighborhood it warrants standard urban awareness: keep valuables secured, stay aware of your surroundings, and use well-lit streets after dark.

• Emergency services: Dial 911 for police, fire, or medical emergencies in the United States.
• The Howard University area is generally active and pedestrian-friendly during daytime hours, particularly on and around the campus and U Street corridor.
• Travelers with specific safety concerns or those visiting late at night should use ride-share services rather than walking unfamiliar streets alone.
• Keep a note of your accommodation address and nearest Metro station; phone service and navigation are generally reliable throughout central DC.

Howard University occupies a unique place in American cultural and intellectual history. For more than 150 years it has been a center of Black intellectual life, professional training, and social activism. Visitors should approach the campus with awareness of this significance — it is an active educational community, not a tourist attraction.

The Shaw neighborhood's history as a hub of African American cultural achievement during the era of segregation, when Black Washingtonians were systematically excluded from much of the rest of the city, gives the area a historical depth that rewards thoughtful exploration. The concentration of jazz history, civil rights history, and architectural heritage in a walkable area is unusual even by Washington DC's standards.

Homecoming weekend at Howard — typically held in the fall — is a major cultural event drawing alumni and visitors from across the country. If your visit coincides with Homecoming, expect a festive and crowded neighborhood; book accommodation well in advance and verify dates on the university's official calendar.