Where To Shop on Your Visit To Washington, DC

Eastern Market was built in 1873 and to this day it’s a favorite farmers’ market and flea market for locals. The farmers market offers fresh produce and flowers, baked goods, meat, fish, poultry, cheese and dairy products. Check out the Market Lunch, which is famous for its crab cakes and blueberry pancakes.

On weekends, the market is outdoors, allowing people to shop in the sunshine. Arts & Crafts Fairs are held on Saturdays where you can browse work by painters, sculptors, independent designers, woodworkers, jewelers, potters, and photographers. The flea market attracts a crowd on Sundays as well.

Where:

Eastern Market is located on Capitol Hill about seven blocks west of the Capitol and one block north of the Eastern Market Metro Station.

Georgetown is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Washington DC and also one of the most expensive areas to live in. It is a vibrant and posh community with upscale shops, bars and restaurants along its centuries-old cobblestone streets. Many of the shops along the streets are 200 year-old restored row houses. It caters to the young up-and-coming crowd but there are boutiques and antique stores that will appeal to all ages.  Be sure to have a drink along the waterfront as well.

Where:

Georgetown is located in Washington DC north of the Potomac River, across the Francis Scott Key Bridge. The main streets are M Street and Wisconsin Avenue. The neighborhood extends from Georgetown University in the west to Rock Creek Parkway in the east to Montrose Park and Oak Hill Cemetery to the north.

Transportation and Parking:

Georgetown is not accessible by the Metro (unfortunately). You can get to this historic neighborhood by taking the DC Circulator Bus using the Georgetown/Union Station or Rosslyn/Georgetown/Dupont Circle lines.

Old Town Alexandria is a historical and quaint destination to enjoy a day of sightseeing, dining and shopping. Be sure to explore King St. The historical street has a variety of different shops ranging from antiques to art galleries to jewelry stores to souvenir shops. The Torpedo Factory Art Center has three floors with 84 working art studios. It is a great place to shop for unique gifts and you can watch the artists at work. Take a long ride along the river to enjoy the view and bring your pets. Many shops will have water bowls out for your four-legged friend.

This neighborhood sits on the border of DC and Maryland off of Route 495. It is a prime destination for upscale shopping if you’re looking for the latest in fashion trends and want to avoid the traffic in Virginia. Mazza Gallerie is a multi-level mall located near the Friendship Heights Metro Station. You’ll find the Chevy Chase Pavilion, another shopping mall with luxury retail stores about two blocks away.

Between shopping and exploring various neighborhoods, don’t forget to take in the arts and culture that Washington DC offers.