Must-see shopping in Washington, DC

  • Kramerbooks

    Washington, DC

    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 –…

  • Capitol Hill Books

    Washington, DC

    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,…

  • Miss Pixie’s

    Logan Circle, U Street & Columbia Heights

    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…

  • Second Story Books

    Washington, DC

    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

    White House Area & Foggy Bottom

    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, interior

    REI Washington DC Flagship Store

    Washington, DC

    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…

  • WASHINGTON DC-May 24, 2015: Inside the historic Eastern Market in the Capitol Hill neighborhood, first opened in 1805. Image of shoppers browsing. Colourful flower stand in the foreground.
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    Eastern Market

    Washington, DC

    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…

  • CityCenterDC

    Washington, DC

    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…

  • Shop Made in DC

    Washington, 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

    Upper Northwest DC

    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

    White House Area & Foggy Bottom

    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

    Washington, DC

    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

    White House Area & Foggy Bottom

    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

    Washington, DC

    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

    Georgetown

    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

    Georgetown

    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

    Logan Circle, U Street & Columbia Heights

    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

    Upper Northwest DC

    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

    Georgetown

    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

    Washington, DC

    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,…

  • Idle Time Books

    Washington, DC

    Three creaky floors are stuffed with secondhand literature and nonfiction, including one of the best secondhand political and history collections in the…

  • Beadazzled

    Washington, DC

    Crafty types and jewelry lovers should not miss this specialty shop, which carries all things small and stringable. The selection from around the world…

  • Dupont Circle Market

    Washington, DC

    The Dupont Circle Market teems with locals on Sunday morning buying fresh breads, cheeses, produce, dumplings, eggs, coffee, spirits and beers. It’s part…

  • Tabletop

    Washington, DC

    Also known as the best little design store in Dupont, Tabletop is evidence that DC is a lot more stylish than some give it credit for. The whimsical…

  • Fia’s Fabulous Finds

    Logan Circle, U Street & Columbia Heights

    The racks are stacked tight at Fia's, which sells gently used, brand name clothes for women of all sizes. The owner lives in the neighborhood and is super…

  • Proper Topper

    Washington, DC

    Fedoras, panama hats, short- and wide-brimmed straw hats – they’re all for sale at the Proper Topper, along with children’s books, wallets, jewelry,…

  • White House Historical Association Museum Shop

    White House Area & Foggy Bottom

    Located inside the White House Visitor Center, this is the spot to get White House–branded mementos such as the official Christmas ornament, White House…

  • Politics & Prose

    Washington, DC

    A small branch of the venerable independent bookshop in Northwest DC, the Wharf Politics & Prose has in-the-know staff, literary readings and lots of love…

  • Teaism Shop

    Washington, DC

    Next to the inviting cafe of the same name, Teaism sells dozens of loose-leaf teas, from smoky Lapsang souchong to organic jasmine, and rich green teas –…

  • Lush

    Georgetown

    A cleaner world awaits inside sweet-smelling Lush. The international chain of handmade, all-natural soaps brings high art to the common bath experience…

  • Secondi

    Washington, DC

    Up a narrow row of stairs, Secondi is filled with top-label, secondhand clothing for women, like Marc Jacobs jackets and slightly preloved Manolo Blahnik…

  • Fleet Feet

    Washington, DC

    Shoes for every sporting activity are on sale at this outlet of the national chain, and the personalized service ensures your feet get what they need. The…

  • Tibet Shop

    Washington, DC

    This long, narrow shop bursts with colorful, quality wares amid the sweet smell of incense. Singing bowls, chunky beads, prayer flags, carved masks, flowy…

  • Patagonia

    Georgetown

    Staffed with knowledgeable sales clerks and stocked with everything you need for a trip to the great outdoors, this tri-level shop has a giant collection…

  • American Institute of Architects Bookstore

    White House Area & Foggy Bottom

    Architecture buffs are in good company in this small specialty shop, which stocks the latest architecture and design titles and periodicals. For the…

  • Big Planet Comics

    Logan Circle, U Street & Columbia Heights

    Not just for comic-book-loving geeks, Big Planet appeals to a surprisingly diverse audience, with an excellent collection of limited editions and graphic…

  • Hill’s Kitchen

    Washington, DC

    A great variety of spices, cookbooks, whisks, cast-iron pans and other colorful kitchenwares stuff this 1884 townhouse near Eastern Market. Behold the…

  • Georgetown Park

    Georgetown

    Set in a 19th-century cast-iron building that once sheltered horse-drawn omnibuses, this mall (with skylights and hanging plants) has become a hub for…

  • Coup de Foudre

    Washington, DC

    Shoppers love Coup de Foudre for its impeccable customer service and slew of European lingerie brands. The merchandise at this little boutique makes…

  • Relish

    Georgetown

    Set on Cady’s Alley, Relish sells high-end fashion for the ladies. The two-level store boasts top-name labels and indie designers alike, including pieces…

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