Capitol Hill Books

Just a short walk from the U.S. Capitol and Supreme Court, this three-story used bookstore is a haven for book lovers. Floor-to-ceiling shelves are packed with secondhand treasures, from first editions to obscure finds, making it easy to lose track of time browsing.

• Web:

  www.capitolhillbooks-dc.com

• E-mail:

  info@capitolhillbooks-dc.com

• Address:

  657 C Street SE, Washington, D.C.

• Phone:

  +1 202 544 1621

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Fri 10am–8pm, Sat 9am–8pm, Sun 9am–7pm

Chevy Chase Pavilion

Chevy Chase Pavilion is an upscale shopping destination in Northwest D.C., directly connected to the Friendship Heights Metro station. The sleek, modern complex houses a mix of well-known retailers, boutique shops, and dining spots, making it a convenient stop whether you’re shopping for fashion, gifts, or just grabbing a bite.

• Address:

  5335 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, D.C.

• Phone:

  +1 202 686 5335

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Sat 7am–11pm, Sun 7am–9pm

Downtown & Chinatown

Downtown is where you’ll find Washington’s most central mix of shopping, from national retailers to souvenir shops clustered around landmarks and Metro hubs. Once home to large department stores, today the area blends modern office towers with shopping arcades and easy-to-reach malls. Just a few blocks away, Chinatown adds its own flavor, with the Friendship Archway marking streets lined with Asian restaurants, bubble tea shops, and a handful of small markets. Together, the two neighborhoods make for a convenient stop if you’re browsing between sightseeing or looking for something to bring home.

Eastern Market

One of D.C.’s most beloved landmarks, Eastern Market has been at the heart of Capitol Hill since 1873. Housed in a 19th-century brick building, it’s a bustling spot where locals shop for fresh produce, meats, and baked goods, while artisans outside sell pottery, jewelry, soaps, and other handmade crafts. On weekends, the market spills into the surrounding streets with a lively flea market offering everything from antiques to international foods.

• Web:

  https://easternmarket-dc.org

• Address:

  225 7th Street SE, Washington, D.C.

• Phone:

  +1 202 698 5253

• Opening hours:

  Tue–Sat 8am–6pm, Sun 8am–5pm, Mon closed

Fashion Center at Pentagon City

Just across the river in Arlington, Virginia, the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City is a convenient stop for travelers. With over 170 stores—ranging from popular retailers to high-end brands—and plenty of dining options, it’s easy to spend a few hours browsing. Direct access to the Pentagon City Metro station makes it simple to combine shopping with sightseeing in D.C., and it’s only a short ride from Reagan National Airport.

• Web:

  www.simon.com/mall/fashion-centre-at-pentagon-city

• Address:

  1100 South Hayes Street, Arlington, VA

• Phone:

  +1 703 415 2400

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Sat 10am–9pm, Sun 11am–6pm

Friendship Heights

Straddling the D.C.–Maryland border, Friendship Heights has long been known as one of the city’s upscale shopping districts. Along Wisconsin Avenue, you’ll find a mix of designer boutiques, national retailers, and luxury jewelers. It’s a refined stretch that feels more suburban than central D.C., but it’s just a short Metro ride away.

• Address:

  Friendship Heights