87 Best Places to Shop in Washington, D.C., USA

A Mano

Georgetown Fodor's choice

The name is Italian for "by hand," and it lives up to this moniker, stocking colorful hand-painted ceramics, hand-dyed tablecloths, blown-glass stemware, hand-embroidered bed linens, and other home and garden accessories by American, English, Italian, and French artisans. Some of the jewelry pieces are simply stunning, and the kids' gifts are adorable. You can also get certain items monogrammed on-site.

Ann Hand

Georgetown Fodor's choice

Catering to Washington's influential and prestigious, this jewelry and gift shop specializing in patriotic pins may seem intimidating, but prices begin at $35. Hand's signature pin, the Liberty Eagle, is $200. Photos on the walls above brightly lit display cases show the city's most prominent figures wearing their designs, making this a worthwhile visit while shopping in Georgetown.

Betsy Fisher

Dupont Circle Fodor's choice

Catering to women of all ages and sizes in search of contemporary and trendy styles, this elegant shop offers one-of-a-kind accessories, clothes, shoes, and jewelry by American, Canadian, and European designers, including popular Montréal designers Marie Saint Pierre, Iris Setlakwe, and Judith & Charles.

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Capitol Coin & Stamp Co

Downtown Fodor's choice

Are you searching for a William Howard Taft candy dish? How about a William McKinley 1896 campaign button? It's all here, whether you need it or not. Capitol Coin is a charming political memorabilia and coin shop (they don't sell stamps, despite the name), just a hop and skip from the White House. In the basement of a building next to the Secret Service, it's not easy to find, but for political junkies, it's worth the effort. It's been in operation at various locations for more than 40 years. The priciest political artifact is a medallion of George Washington's presidency that goes for about $2,000, but most offerings are relatively modest. For mementos, Capitol Coin beats the airport gift shops by a long shot.

Downtown Holiday Market

Petworth Fodor's choice

This yearly holiday outdoor market is located in Penn Quarter, transforming two city blocks on F Street into a one-stop shop, open-air winter wonderland. The market features local businesses and entrepreneurs across the region, finding unique, festive treasures in the heart of the District starting mid-November and usually going through a few days before Christmas. The outdoor shopping village’s expansive footprint allows for wide aisles for shopping, browsing, and also indulging in food stalls by local restaurants.

East City Bookshop

Capitol Hill Fodor's choice
A gathering spot for residents and visitors alike, East City stocks a wide selection of books, as well as art supplies, gifts, and toys. Check out the calendar of events, too—there's everything from story time for children to author-led book discussions to musical performances.

Eastern Market

Eastern Market Fodor's choice

For 150-plus years, this has been the hub of the Capitol Hill community. Vibrantly colored produce and flowers, freshly caught fish, fragrant cheeses, and tempting sweets are sold at the market by independent vendors. On weekends year-round, local farmers sell fresh fruits and vegetables (Tuesdays, too), and artists and exhibitors sell handmade arts and crafts, jewelry, antiques, collectibles, and furniture from around the world. A flea market unfurls on Sundays. The city's oldest continuously operating public market continues to be a vibrant and lively gathering place, complete with entertainment, art showings, and a pottery studio for residents and visitors alike.

Fahrney's Pens

Downtown Fodor's choice

What began in 1929 as a repair shop and a pen bar—a place to fill your fountain pen before setting out for work—is now a wonderland for anyone who loves a good writing instrument. You'll find pens in silver, gold, and lacquer by the world's leading manufacturers. If you want to improve your handwriting, the store offers classes in calligraphy and cursive. And yes, the store still offers repair services for all writing instruments—in this digital age Fahrneys' endures.

GoodWood

U Street Fodor's choice

It's described by its owners as an American mercantile and dry goods store, but when you open the door, you'll feel as if you've been invited into a friend's warm and inviting loft. Displays throughout the store beautifully showcase 19th-century antique furniture. You'll also discover leather goods; vintage mirrors and other decorative home items; men's and women's grooming products and perfumes from around the world; Peruvian alpaca and wool scarves; Swedish clogs; and comfortable dresses, sweaters, and tops from American and international designers.

Grand Cata

Shaw Fodor's choice
Best friends Julio Robledo and Pedro Rodriguez teamed up to open this wine and spirits store focusing on small Latin American producers. You can find a rare Uruguayan Tannat or a fine Mexican sparkling wine. Not a wine drinker? Grand Cata also offers a wide selection of spirits, mostly from small-batch producers in Mexico and Spain, as well as craft beers. Don't forget the snacks: the selection here includes those from Rodriguez's native Puerto Rico. Wine- and food-centered books, cocktail bar accessories, and other musings make unique gifts. Check the shop's calendar for details on free wine tastings.

Indian Craft Shop

Foggy Bottom Fodor's choice

Jewelry, pottery, sand paintings, weavings, and baskets from more than 45 Native American tribes, including Navajo, Zuni, Cherokee, and Mohawk, are offered at this shop, located at the Department of the Interior. Items range from jewelry costing as little as $5 to collector-quality art pieces selling for more than $10,000. This shop has been open since 1938, and you will need an ID card to enter as it's inside a federal building.

1849 C St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20240, USA
202-208–4056
shopping Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sat.–Mon. (except 3rd Sat. of each month) and federal holidays

Jewelers' Werk Galerie

Georgetown Fodor's choice

If you're looking for statement jewelry or just want to admire wearable art, add Jewelers' Werk Galerie to your list. Owner Ellen Reiben personally curates an eclectic collection made by artists from around the globe. 

Kramers

Dupont Circle Fodor's choice

One of Washington's most legendary independent bookstores has a choice selection of fiction and nonfiction. It also hosts author talks, trivia nights, and comedy shows throughout the year. Kramers features a bar and a restaurant, which are open from morning until night.

Miss Pixie's

U Street Fodor's choice

The well-chosen collectibles—handpicked by Miss Pixie herself—include gorgeous textiles, antique home furnishings, lamps, mirrors, glass- and silverware, and artwork. The reasonable prices will grab your attention, as will the location, in an old car-dealer showroom.

National Archives Store and Gift Shop

Fodor's choice

In a town full of museum shops, this store at the National Archives Museum stands out, with exclusive memorabilia, reproductions, apparel, books, gifts, and plenty of Founding Fathers' gear that let you own a piece of history. Authentic-looking copies of the Constitution and other historical documents are printed in Pennsylvania. The popular "red tape" paperweights are crafted in the United States with real red tape that once bound government documents: hence the phrase "cut through the red tape." Other popular products feature Rosie the Riveter and Stars and Stripes bags; Teddy in Hat items for young children; and apparel featuring Franklin, Hamilton, and other Founding Fathers. Throughout the store, interactive games associated with special exhibits provide entertaining insight on U.S. and even personal history: enter your last name into the computer to see how many Americans share your name and where in the country they live.

National Gallery of Art West Building Shop

The Mall Fodor's choice
This expansive shop, one of four in the National Gallery, offers a vast series of books, paper goods, apparel, fine jewelry, and knickknacks that all relate to or reflect the museum's art collection. Prices range from little over a dollar for a pencil to well over $100 for designer jewelry. Some items were created by the museum; the rest are specially curated and sourced by museum buyers. Grab a Monet umbrella on a rainy day or some Andy Warhol pop-art crayons to pair with your favorite artist-themed coloring book. Here you can find whatever you need—and many things you didn't even realize you wanted.

Opportunity Shop of the Christ Child Society

Georgetown Fodor's choice

This gem of a consignment–thrift store has been a Georgetown landmark since 1954, with volunteers who have been with the store for more than 40 years. You'll find gorgeous fine jewelry, antiques, crystal, silver, and porcelain. Prices are moderate, and profits go to a good cause—the Christ Child Society provides for the needs of local children.

Politics and Prose

Upper Northwest Fodor's choice

After being bought by two former Washington Post reporters in 2011, this legendary independent continues the tradition of jam-packed author events and signings. In the downstairs coffee shop and wine bar, The Den, you can debate the issues of the day or read a book while enjoying a casual meal or snack.

Reddz Trading

Georgetown Fodor's choice
You can't miss the bright red storefront of this consignment shop, which sells clothing, accessories, jewelry, and shoes. Unlike traditional consignment stores, Reddz buys its merchandise for cash or trade so inventory is added regularly. It's not uncommon to find pieces with the price tags still attached.

Secondi

Dupont Circle Fodor's choice

One of the city's finest consignment stores carries a well-chosen selection of women's designer and casual clothing, accessories, and shoes. Its airy and well-curated second-story space offers Isabel Marant, Louis Vuitton, Donna Karan, Prada, Chanel, and Marchesa labels.

Shop Made in DC

Dupont Circle Fodor's choice
This Dupont Circle shop offers a rotating selection of strictly locally made goods. Find art, books, T-shirts, and even baby onesies made by area designers and artists. An on-site café sells local coffees, teas, beers, and spirits to accompany a rotating selection of fast-casual food. The gift boxes are highly prized.

Studio Gallery

Dupont Circle Fodor's choice
Founded in 1956 by Jennie Lea Knight (whose work is in the collections of many D.C. museums), Studio exhibits contemporary work by local artists, some of whom have also received international acclaim. The spacious gallery occupies two floors in an elegant town house, and exhibitions change frequently. Don't miss the sculpture garden in back of the house.

The Phoenix

Georgetown Fodor's choice

All under one roof (with 30 solar panels) in a delightful shop owned and operated by the Hays family since 1955, you can find contemporary clothing in natural fibers by global designers such as Eileen Fisher, OSKA, White+Warren, Michael Stars, and Lilla P. There's also a stunning selection of jewelry from Germany, Turkey, Israel, and Italy; gorgeous leather handbags by Annabel Ingall; floral arrangements from a sustainable farm in Virginia; and fine- and folk-art pieces from Mexico.

Tiny Jewel Box

Downtown Fodor's choice

Despite its name, this venerable D.C. favorite contains six floors of precious and semiprecious wares, including unique gifts, home accessories, vintage pieces, and works by such well-known designers as David Yurman, Penny Preville, and Alex Sepkus. The Federal Collection on the sixth floor features handmade boxes and paperweights with decoupages of vintage prints of Washington commissioned by the Tiny Jewel Box. Even if you're not buying, come in and look around.

Urban Dwell

Adams Morgan Fodor's choice

If you're looking to bring home a D.C.-themed souvenir or a gift for a loved one, stop by this classy, well-curated shop. There's a great selection of children's books and clothes as well as tasteful jewelry, games, books, and all kinds of knickknacks to add a special touch to your home.

A Beautiful Closet

D.C. Waterfront
Step into A Beautiful Closet for fair-trade international goods, including jewelry, clothing, home decor, and accessories. All items here are curated by former World Bank staff member Pamela Sofola. If you're in a rush or just can’t decide what to buy, request a personalized styling consultation.
20 District Sq. SW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20024, USA
301-787--8914

Addison Ripley

Georgetown

Stunning, large-scale contemporary work by national and local artists, including painters Manon Cleary and Wolf Kahn and photographer Frank Hallam Day, is exhibited at this well-respected gallery, which is closed both Sunday and Monday. You can also schedule an appointment.

Aesop Skincare

Shaw
Stop by the signature store, the first in the District, of this Australian skin-care company for effective and unique skin, hair, and fragrance products created using the finest-quality plant-based and laboratory-made ingredients.

Andre Chreky

Downtown

Housed in an elegantly renovated Victorian town house, this salon offers complete services—hair, nails, facials, waxing, and makeup. Because it's a favorite of the Washington elite, you might just overhear a tidbit or two on who's going to what black-tie function with whom. Adjacent whirlpool pedicure chairs allow two friends to get pampered simultaneously.

Bonobos

Shaw

This signature men's shop achieved its fame with comfortable, stylish pants. Shopping and shipping are made easy here: simply go into the guide shop, find your style and fit, and then have your finds shipped directly to you. You can make a one-hour appointment (with a complimentary beer), walk out without bags, and enjoy free shipping and returns.