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North America United States Washington, D.C. Shopping Downtown and Chinatown

Overview

Downtown and Chinatown

The guide was updated: 2023-09-29

Downtown is DC’s department store center. Downtown Washington borders Pennsylvania Avenue, the direct route between the White House and the Capitol. A few central malls, including the Old Post Office Pavilion and The Shops at National Place, are quieter alternatives to the suburban giants further out of town. Wafts of sweet and sour pork are also likely to drift by in the Downtown area since you are just around the corner from Chinatown.

Useful Information

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 and Chinatown

Downtown and Chinatown

Downtown is DC’s department store center. Downtown Washington borders Pennsylvania Avenue, the direct route between the White House and the Capitol. A few central malls, including the Old Post Office Pavilion and The Shops at National Place, are quieter alternatives to the suburban giants further out of town. Wafts of sweet and sour pork are also likely to drift by in the Downtown area since you are just around the corner from Chinatown.

Friendship Heights

Friendship Heights

Next stop, Maryland. In the far northwest of the city, the swanky Friendship Heights area is home to some of the most exclusive retail outlets in DC. Along with designer stores including Banana Republic and the furniture manufacturer Pottery Barn, the Mazza Gallerie mall is another upscale establishment featuring a variety of costly boutiques. Neiman Marcus fashion is based here while a short walk further along Wisconsin Avenue will get you to Tiffany, St-Laurent Rive Gauche and Cartier.

The New U District

The New U District

The New U District is the new home to some of the trendiest shops in the city. You’ll find the quirky, the kitsch and the bizarre spilling out of second-hand and alternative boutiques along U Street and 14th Street, NW.

Eastern Market

Eastern Market

Besides delicious fresh products, the Eastern Market also sells soaps, candles, pottery, jewelry, and almost anything else you can think of. There’s also an irresistible flea market just across the street!

The Fashion Center at Pentagon City

The Fashion Center at Pentagon City

160 shops including Gap and Abercrombie & Fitch. There’s also a cinema and food court in this expansive downtown mall. Here you can easily spend a few hours and stroll around among all the stores.

Potomac Mills Mall

Potomac Mills Mall

Perfect for the thrifty buyer, Potomac is the East Coast’s largest discount outlet mall. Comprising a staggering 250 shops, it is a half-hour drive south of DC.

Union Station

Union Station

Souvenirs galore, Union Station is a DC landmark and a mall complete with a multiplex cinema, hundreds of shops, a food court, and an influx of souvenir boutiques.

White House Gifts

White House Gifts

If you are visiting the capital of the United States, you definitely should stop by the White House Gifts shop. There are different stores around the city, but the main one is located on 15th Street. If you want to take a picture right behind the Resolute desk, this store is the place to be for you!

Georgetown

Georgetown

Georgetown has something that thrills everyone, from fast-fashion clothing chains like H&M and Zara to upscale boutiques like Hu's Wear to old-fashioned flagships like Barne's & Nobles. Art and antique shops are the best part of Georgetown, which keep bargain hunters busy. Look out for Georgetown’s largest gallery, Creighton-Davis (3222 M Street, NW), and Village Art & Craft (1353 Wisconsin Avenue, NW) for funky, ethnic jewelry and knick-knacks.

Captain White’s Seafood

Captain White’s Seafood

If you are looking for a place where you can buy some seafood, fresh fish, shrimps or crabs, this is the right market for you! Captain White’s Seafood is a great place to eat - raw or cooked meals - visit or shop. This waterfront place is definitely a hit for seafood lovers!

Mazza Gallerie

Mazza Gallerie

Mazza Gallerie encompasses all the newest fashions and much more. Luxury fashion, fine dining, entertainment... the Mazza Gallerie lives up to all expectations.

Chevy Chase Pavilion

Chevy Chase Pavilion

Chevy Chase Pavilion, a newly renovated shopping mall, has a lot to offer for those who step in. There are different stores such as H&M, World Market, J. Crew but you can just pop in and have a cup of coffee and a sandwich at Starbucks.

Union Market

Union Market

Union Market is a street and flea market in Washington, open all year long. This indoor market is known as the culinary center of the capital. You can stop by here for lunch or even for just walking around and do some shopping in your free time.

Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe

Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe

Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe is the perfect place for fans of good books and coffee. The famous Bookstore/Cafe is one of Washington's most lovable after-work places. You can stop by for breakfast, lunch, dinner or late supper; and during the weekends, you are even welcome to pop in for brunch! Visit Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe and enjoy different wines, draft beers, and some live music.

Tiny Jewel Box

Tiny Jewel Box

Tiny Jewel Box, an antique jewelry store, is for jewelry lovers — and everyone else! This store has everything you could think of for jewelry: engagement and wedding rings, gifts, necklaces, bracelets, different accessories such as a desk or everyday ones. Four floors are filled with several collections from the best designers and fresh ones as well!

Eastern Market Pottery

Eastern Market Pottery

Eastern Market Pottery is located in the market's basement and has a lot of potteries for sale from different artists. You can even take part in a pottery making class! They offer evening classes from Monday to Thursday, from 7 pm to 10 pm. On Thursday mornings, you can take part in a morning class from 9.30am to 12 pm. It is definitely worth a visit if you have enough time!

Miss Pixie's

Miss Pixie's

Miss Pixie's store is open every day and awaits customers from 11 am to 7 pm! Pop in to see something interesting, fun pieces of movable articles that you can even buy. If you step inside, you will find a huge variety of vintage furniture. They have new items arriving every Wednesday, so it is suggested to stop by the next day.

Georgetown Flea Market

Georgetown Flea Market

Georgetown Flea Market is an outdoor market offering a variety of items. If you visit, you can find antiques, art pieces from different parts of the world, Chinese pottery, jewelry, old books, and even furniture! Usually, the market is open from 8 am to 4 pm, but it really is up to the weather! You can even have some snacks here, as they offer different food in the market's territory.

Capitol Hill Books

Capitol Hill Books

If you are a fan of old books, the Capitol Hill Books bookstore is the place for you to be. They are open every day, just a few steps from the United States Capitol or The Supreme Court. You can even look up some books they have on their website before you decide on visiting.

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