Washington is the capital of the United States, a planned city of 68 square miles on the Potomac River between Maryland and Virginia. It holds the three branches of the federal government, the Smithsonian museums (free to enter), the National Mall monuments and a wide range of neighborhoods, and receives more than 20 million visitors a year.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Smithsonian museum shop merchandise (inside each museum on the National Mall)
Capitol, White House and monument-themed gifts from vendors along Pennsylvania Ave NW
Arts and crafts from the outdoor vendors at Eastern Market on weekends
Books on American history at Politics and Prose (610 Water St SW)
Ben's Chili Bowl merchandise (1213 U St NW)
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Eastern Market
Public market operating since 1873; produce, meats, bakery goods, crafts and weekend flea-market stalls
Where: Capitol Hill
Hours: South Hall: Tue-Fri about 7am-7pm, Sat 7am-6pm, Sun 9am-5pm; outdoor farmers line and arts and crafts Sat-Sun (Time Out listing); confirm at easternmarketdc.com
Union Market
Food hall with more than 35 vendors, specialty groceries, shops and a rooftop bar
Where: NoMa / Union Market district
Hours: Daily mornings to evening (commonly listed 8am-8pm or 8am-9pm); individual vendor hours vary; FRESHFARM market beside it Sundays 10am-2pm
FRESHFARM Dupont Circle Market
Producer-only farmers market with regional produce, cheese, meat, bread and prepared foods
Where: Dupont Circle
Hours: Sundays 8:30am-1:30pm year-round (Dupont Circle BID)
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
CityCenterDC
Hours: Shops typically 10am-7pm; the center is listed open about 7am-10pm; +1-202-289-9000
Union Station Shops
Hours: Retail Mon-Sat 10am-9pm, Sun noon-6pm; food court daily from 7am (unionstationdc.com/hours)
Georgetown Park
Hours: About Mon-Fri 10am-8pm, Sat 10am-7pm, Sun noon-6pm per Time Out; confirm by store
Bargaining tips
Negotiate like a local.
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Customs & restrictions
What you can and can't take home.
Items:
- Topic
- Sales tax
- Info
- D.C. general sales tax is 6% on most goods (check dc.gov for any scheduled change); restaurant meals are taxed at 10%; tax is added at the register, not shown in tag prices.
- Topic
- Tipping
- Info
- No tip is expected in retail stores; counter-service tip jars are optional.
- Topic
- Payment
- Info
- Visa, Mastercard, American Express and contactless pay are accepted almost everywhere; some market stalls prefer card or app payment but a few weekend stalls are cash-only.
- Topic
- Returns
- Info
- Most retailers accept returns within about 30 days with a receipt; keep receipts for purchases you may return.