Must-see shopping in Washington, DC

  • Top Choice
    Kramerbooks

    This flagship independent – which leapt into First Amendment history when it refused to release Monica Lewinsky’s book-buying list to Ken Starr's snoops –…

  • Top Choice
    Capitol Hill Books

    A trove of secondhand awesomeness, this shop has so many books that staff have to double-stack them on the shelves. Categories are, er, unconventional,…

  • Top Choice
    Miss Pixie’s

    Bright and festive with classic pop tunes playing in the background, Miss Pixie’s is a great browse. It's piled high with relics of the past, from stuffed…

  • Top Choice
    Second Story Books

    Packed with dusty secondhand tomes, atmospheric Second Story also sells used CDs (mostly jazz and classical), antiquarian books and old sheet music. The…

  • White House Gifts

    Not to be confused with the official White House gift shop in the White House Visitor Center, this store sells official souvenirs alongside less-orthodox…

  • REI Washington DC Flagship Store

    Who says Washington isn’t an adventure city? This 51,000-sq-ft building in the revitalizing NoMa neighborhood – outdoor retailer REI’s fifth flagship…

  • CityCenterDC

    Rodeo Drive chic may not be the first way you’d think of describing Washington, but this sparkling, open-air oasis of shops and restaurants blows that…

  • Eastern Market

    One of the icons of Capitol Hill, this roofed bazaar sprawls with delectable chow and good cheer, especially on weekends. Built in 1873, it is the last of…

  • Shop Made in DC

    The airy space with floor-to-ceiling windows showcases – yes – locally made goods. The selection changes, but you might find nifty illustrated maps from…

  • Politics and Prose Bookstore

    A much-loved DC literary hub, this independent bookstore carries an excellent selection of fiction and nonfiction, has knowledgeable staff and is fiercely…

  • Renwick Gallery Store

    The Renwick Gallery has one of DC’s best museum shops. Handmade textiles and hand-dyed silks are available, as is glasswork, woodwork and unique jewelry,…

  • Woven History

    It’s as if a Silk Road caravan got lost and pitched up near the Eastern Market. The lovely emporium is stuffed with crafts, carpets and tapestries from…

  • The Indian Craft Shop

    Representing more than 45 tribal groups in the US, this compact shop sells basketry, weavings, pottery, beadwork, sand paintings and fetish carvings made…

  • Betsy Fisher

    The sales team at this classy women’s boutique makes you feel like a queen while trying on fantastic pieces by Pinko, Iris Setlakwe and other North…

  • Oliver Dunn, Moss & Co

    The lengthy name comes from two businesses under one roof. Located in a cute row house in the thick of Book Hill (Georgetown's antique-laden block of…

  • Cady’s Alley

    Not a store per se, Cady’s Alley is a small cobblestone lane lined with ubercool (and often expensive) clothing and interior-design boutiques selling…

  • Good Wood

    Even if you’re not in the market for a midcentury armoire, Good Wood is well worth a visit. The warm, atmospheric space holds a cool selection of antiques…

  • Barstons Child's Play

    This much-loved toy shop may look small on the outside, but it has a fantastic selection with all the latest kid pleasers. A daily storytime session is…

  • Tugooh Toys

    If you’ve ever been nostalgic for the great wooden toys of childhood, this hip wonderland has the goods with clever modern touches. Lots of ecofriendly…

  • Flea Market

    On weekends an outdoor flea market sets up on a two-block stretch of 7th St SE, adjacent to Eastern Market. Vendors sell all kinds of cool art, antiques,…