All Travel Guides

Provided by: Don Pablo/Shutterstock

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

North America United States Washington, D.C. Shopping Capitol Hill Books

Overview

Capitol Hill Books

The guide was updated: 2025-09-05

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.

Useful Information

Address: 657 C Street SE, Washington, D.C.
Opening hours: Mon–Fri 10am–8pm, Sat 9am–8pm, Sun 9am–7pm
Website: www.capitolhillbooks-dc.com
Phone: +1 202 544 1621
Email: info@capitolhillbooks-dc.com

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

Downtown & Chinatown

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.

Georgetown

Georgetown

Georgetown is a shopper’s paradise, offering something for every taste and budget. Trendy fashion chains like H&M and Zara sit alongside high-end boutiques and designer stores, while independent shops specialize in jewelry, homewares, and quirky gifts. Art and antique lovers will find plenty to explore, with galleries and specialty stores showcasing unique pieces, from vintage décor to contemporary artwork. For a taste of Georgetown’s charm, stroll along M Street and Wisconsin Avenue, where historic rowhouses house modern shops, cafés, and artisanal stores.

Eastern Market

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.

Georgetown Flea Market

Georgetown Flea Market

Open Sundays, this long-running outdoor market is a treasure trove for collectors and browsers alike. Stroll between stalls packed with antiques, old books, vintage furniture, Chinese pottery, jewelry, and art from around the world. Grab a snack from one of the food vendors and soak up the weekend market vibe in one of D.C.’s most historic neighbourhoods.

Union Market

Union Market

A hub of D.C.’s food scene, Union Market is a lively indoor market where more than 40 local vendors serve everything from oysters and empanadas to Korean tacos and gelato. Beyond the food, you’ll find pop-up shops, artisan goods, and weekend events that draw both locals and visitors.

Capitol Hill Books

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.

Union Station

Union Station

Union Station is Washington’s grand Beaux-Arts gateway—part transit hub, part shopping arcade, and a destination in itself. Beneath the soaring vaulted ceiling, more than a hundred shops—ranging from souvenir stalls and bookstores to fashion outlets—rub shoulders with cafés and quick bites. With Amtrak, Metro, commuter rail, and bus lines all under one roof, it’s your one-stop stop for travel, shopping, and people watching.

White House Gifts

White House Gifts

A stone’s throw from the White House, this specialty shop offers one of the city’s widest selections of presidential, diplomatic, and military-themed souvenirs. Visitors can browse more than 1,000 products, from mugs and apparel to collectibles, and even pose for a photo behind a replica of the famous Resolute Desk in the Oval Office.

Fashion Center at Pentagon City

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.

Potomac Mills

Potomac Mills

A shopper’s mecca just south of D.C., Potomac Mills is Virginia’s largest outlet mall with more than 200 stores. You’ll find everything from Bloomingdale’s The Outlet Store and Nordstrom Rack to IKEA and the Nike Clearance Store—all under one roof. And when you need a break, there's a large food court, a movie theatre, a bowling alley, and even a trampoline park. It’s only about a 30-minute drive or reachable via the Franconia-Springfield Metro station, plus a short bus or ride-share trip.

Kramers

Kramers

Since 1976, Kramers has been a D.C. institution, blending an indie bookstore with a lively café and bar. It’s a local favorite for everything from browsing shelves to enjoying brunch, dinner, or cocktails with friends. The space also hosts regular events, making it a cultural hub as much as a spot for good food and books.

Chevy Chase Pavilion

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.

Miss Pixie's

Miss Pixie's

Miss Pixie’s is a sprawling boutique in Georgetown, filled with an eclectic mix of vintage furniture and funky home décor. New items arrive every Wednesday, so regular visits are rewarded with fresh finds. Open daily, it’s the perfect spot to browse, discover, and take home a unique piece of style or history.

Friendship Heights

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.

Next section

Next Section