[2023 GUIDE] The Best 14 Places for Shopping in Washington D.C.

Shopping in Washington, DC, is renowned for some of the best shopping experiences on the east coast of the USA.  Each city’s distinctive neighborhood has its unique retail and dining scene, making it a great place to find the perfect souvenirs and designer handbags.

The best places to go shopping in Washington, DC, vary from high-end stores to trendy boutiques and thrift stores. Shopping districts such as 14th Street, Georgetown, CityCenterDC, and Tysons Corner Center offer many options for visitors and locals. These places have everything from quirky souvenirs to designer handbags, fresh new fashion trends, and home decor. National retailers are also available throughout the city.

The Best 14 Places for Shopping in Washington D.C.

1. Georgetown

Subway Station: Foggy Bottom – GWU
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Shopping in Washington, DC, is a unique experience, especially within the quaint neighborhood of Georgetown. Located in the western part of the city, Georgetown is just a few miles from the center and offers an extensive mix of boutiques, high-end stores, and restaurants.

The main hub of Georgetown is M Street, where most of the top shops and eateries can be found. Additionally, Cady’s Alley offers unique options, with indie specialty shops, home design boutiques, and national retailers. For this reason, we rank Georgetown as one of the best places to shop in DC.

For fashion, shoppers can find a wide range of options, from Tory Burch and Billy Reid to Rag & Bone and Hu’s Wear. Meanwhile, Ella Rue is ideal for those looking for consignment stores, while Book Hill provides antique shops, funky boutiques, and specialty stores. Apple Store and Dean & Deluca also call Georgetown home, as do some of the city’s most acclaimed restaurants like Fiola Mare, Pizzeria Paradiso, and Chez Billy Sud.

2. National Harbour

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National Harbour is a resort-like destination across the Potomac River from Downtown Washington, DC. It offers 75 boutique stores for visitors to explore. One of the most popular attractions is the Capital Wheel, a 180-ft-tall observation wheel with breathtaking views at sunset.

For shopping, visitors can head to the waterfront district or Tanger Outlets. After dinner, MGM National Harbor’s casino is a great spot for gambling and late-night entertainment. Alternatively, Topgolf is a great place for cocktails and casual golfing.

3. Tyson’s Corner

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Tysons in Northern Virginia is a favorite destination for international shoppers. It has two retail campuses – Tysons Corner Center and Tysons Galleria – offering a wide range of high-end brand and some of the best Washington DC stores.

Tysons Corner Center is accessible via Metro’s Silver Line and has over 300 stores, including Michael Kors, Nordstrom, Lord & Taylor, and C. Wonder.

On the other side of the eight-lane street is the luxury Tysons Galleria. It has a variety of upscale stores, such as Prada, Chanel, Coach, and Elie Tahari. Additionally, travelers can pick up an extra suitcase from TUMI.

4. CityCenter D.C.

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CityCenterDC is a 10-acre shopping hub with renowned international retailers like Paul Stuart, Dior, Kate Spade, Hermès, Longchamp, Burberry, Zadig & Voltaire, and BOSS. After a day spent shopping, visitors can enjoy one of the many nearby restaurants, such as Fig & Olive, Centrolina, Momofuku CCDC, or Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse.

In addition, the downtown area also offers a variety of shopping options. Chinatown has popular shops like Loft, Urban Outfitters, and Aveda. F Street is home to Macy’s department store, where international shoppers can receive an extra 10% off with a passport. Other retailers in the area include Banana Republic, Anne Taylor, Anthropologie, H&M, Zara, J.Crew, Mia Gemma, and Peruvian Connection.

5. U Street

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Washington, DC, is a great place for shopping. The hip hunter’s paradise of U Street and 14th Street offers a unique and eclectic shopping experience. U Street’s old-school-cool vibe intertwines with trendsetting restaurants and shops and is the perfect place to spruce up your home with stores like GoodWood, Lettie Gooch, Miss Pixie’s Furnishings & Whatnot, Room & Board, and HomeRule. 14th Street has storefronts specializing in home goods, like local favorites Salt & Sundry and Union Market.

Shoppers can take a break from the shopping madness with a homespun gelato from Dolcezza and a visit to the storied wine shop Cork & Fork. Batch 13 has a great selection of American whiskey for those looking to taste the States home with them. Lou Lou, a regional chain of boutiques founded in Middleburg, Va., specializes in unique, affordable accessories such as jewelry, clutches, and sunglasses. With all these options, shopping in Washington, DC, is an experience not to be missed.

6. Dupont Circle

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Connecticut Avenue is home to an extensive range of stores. South of the Circle, shoppers can explore all things local at Shop Made in DC, which offers an array of clothing, items, and more from DC’s community of creators. Proper Topper is a great place to visit for sun-blocking headwear, with a selection that includes straw hats, fedoras, berets, and more. Tiny Jewel Box is the go-to spot for vintage jewelry in Dupont.

Men can find classic fashions at Brooks Brothers and pick up the perfect pair of Oxfords to complete the look at Allen Edmonds, located one block away. H&M is the place for budget-friendly clothing, while Gap is the ideal spot to purchase jeans.

Finally, if you are looking for a unique reading experience, head north of the Circle to Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe. This establishment has provided a “literati” experience since 1976, including coffee and other refreshments.

7. Chevy Chase & Friendship Heights

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This small yet vibrant neighborhood bordering DC’s Upper Northwest and Maryland is the perfect place for a designer fashion feast. With four high-end malls connected by an underground walkway to the Friendship Heights Metro station, it is one of the most reputable shopping destinations in the area. 

The Shops at Wisconsin Place is home to upscale department stores Bloomingdale’s, BCBG, Anthropologie Petites, Cole Haan, and Eileen Fisher. The Collection at Chevy Chase, which is one block long, has exclusive products such as Ralph Lauren apparel and furnishings, Tiffany and Co., Bulgari, and Cartier. Mazza Gallerie, which connects directly to the Metro, boasts Saks Fifth Avenue Men’s Store, Neiman Marcus, and Williams-Sonoma.

In addition to the malls, there are several stores located along Wisconsin Avenue, such as Nordstrom Rack, Lord & Taylor, and Whole Foods. With so many designer fashions and eateries, visitors to this quaint neighborhood can enjoy a fashionable shopping experience.

8. Union Market

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Union Market in Washington, DC, is a great afternoon spot. It hosts over 40 local vendors, live music, and a huge variety of food. After you’ve finished browsing, visit the open-air rooftop to have a bite to eat at picnic tables or enjoy a cocktail in the laidback green space. The roof also offers lawn games, fantastic views of the city, and even some free events throughout the year. 

Additionally, be sure to take a stroll around the outside of the market before you go – you’ll see many stunning murals by local artists. Union Market is the place to go if you’re looking for a place in DC to try new cuisines, explore trendy shops, and have a great time.

9. Mazza Gallerie

Mazza Gallerie is one of the largest shopping malls in Washington, DC, boasting three levels of stores. Visitors can find jewelers, high-end chocolatiers, a department store, and a full-size movie theatre. It is situated in Northwest DC, close to the Maryland border.

The best way to get there is by taking the red line to the Friendship Heights metro station. For even more shopping and dining, visitors can go to the Shops at Wisconsin Place, just across the border into Maryland. Alternatively, they can head across Wisconsin Avenue NW to Friendship Centre.

10. Eastern Market

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Eastern Market in Washington, DC, is an iconic public market and historic site that hosts a vibrant flea market. It is one of the most diverse markets in the country, as it welcomes up to 100 exhibitors from all over the world.

The market is a popular destination for locals and travelers, offering something for everyone. Families with young children, couples, and single adults are all drawn to the area to participate in its holiday and seasonal events and shop for unique gifts. It is estimated that tens of thousands of people visit the market yearly, with many coming from other cities and countries to experience its offerings.

11. Gallery Place

Gallery Place is an urban retail hub located in Washington DC’s Chinatown. It features 16 shops, including major retailers like Loft, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Urban Outfitters. Popular local restaurants like Clyde’s, Arosto Pizza, and Circa can also be found here. 

Additionally, the whole family can enjoy plenty of entertainment venues. Lucky Strike offers a night of bowling, while Regal is home to the latest movies. Gallery Place is one block north of Capital One Arena.

12. H Street Corridor

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The H Street Corridor in Washington, DC, is one of the city’s most vibrant streets. Stretching from North Capitol Street to Maryland Avenue NE, this corridor is home to various attractions, including art exhibitions, boutiques, chic cafes, and the Atlas Performing Arts Centre.

If you’re looking for fresh, locally-sourced goods, the H Street Farmer’s Market is the place to be. Operating on Saturdays only during the summer, this market offers an array of produce, baked goods, meat, and flowers from local vendors.

If you’re looking for evening entertainment, the H Street Corridor is the place to be. Within this area, you’ll find some of the best nightlife scenes in the city, including lively bars, clubs, and music venues.

13. Pentagon City Mall

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Pentagon City Mall in Washington, D.C., is one of the premier shopping malls in the region and offers the best shopping and dining options in the capital. It is an upscale fashion center with a total of 170 stores that sell a variety of fashion products. Among these stores are Talbots, Ann Taylor, Coach, Bailey Banks & Biddle, Guess, Swarovski, and Banana Republic.

The mall is conveniently connected to the rest of the capital areas through the Pentagon City Metro station, which is located at a walkable distance from the mall. This makes it easy for visitors to access the mall and get around the capital area.

14. Georgetown Flea Market

The Hardy Middle School in Washington, D.C., hosts a popular flea market every Sunday of the week. It is the largest flea market in the capital. It is considered the best place for shopping in Georgetown, Washington, D.C. This flea market was first started in 1972 and has been a popular shopping destination for locals ever since. 

An assortment of antiques, handcrafted goods, and collectibles are sold at this flea market. It is advisable to carry cash as only a few vendors accept other forms of payment like PayPal and credit cards.

Shopping in Washington D.C. FAQ

What is the main shopping street in DC?

The main shopping street in Washington, DC, is Wisconsin Avenue and M Street NW. These two streets intersect and have a variety of stores, from chic to thrift. The sidewalks and streets are always bustling, and parking can be difficult to find, particularly on the weekends.

Is Washington, DC, a good place to shop?

Washington, DC, is an excellent place to shop. Visitors can find various stores, from high-end luxury goods to more affordable options. The city has a variety of stores, ranging from designer boutiques to large department stores. There are also plenty of souvenir shops, perfect for picking up a unique memento of your trip. 

Along with traditional shopping experiences, DC has a vibrant street market scene, with vendors selling souvenirs and handmade goods. Washington, DC, has something to offer no matter what kind of shopping you’re looking for.

What is the famous mall in DC?

Washington, DC, is home to various malls and department stores. CityCenterDC is one of the most popular. It is a stunning outdoor mall with various luxury retailers and upscale restaurants. Gallery Place is another popular destination in DC. It offers shopping and entertainment, including a movie theater and various restaurants. Union Station is also a popular mall. It is a historic train station near the U.S. Capitol, home to various shops and eateries. 

Fashion Centre at Pentagon City is another popular mall in DC. It is home to a variety of retail stores, as well as a food court. Georgetown Park is a traditional shopping mall with various retail stores, including designer boutiques. DC USA is a unique shopping center with various stores, restaurants, and a bowling alley. Mazza Gallerie is a popular shopping center with upscale retailers, restaurants, and a movie theater. Finally, Tysons Corner Center is one of the largest malls in the area. It is home to various stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

What gift to buy in Washington, DC?

• The first must-have souvenir is a Hope Diamond Necklace. Representing the legacy of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC, this is a symbolic piece of jewelry that will surely become a treasured keepsake. 
• The second item on the list is a White House Christmas Ornament, the perfect memento for anyone who has visited the iconic building. It is a timeless reminder of a trip to the nation’s capital. 
• Third on the list is a Washington DC Snow Globe. This unique snow globe captures the beauty of the city and is a great way to keep a piece of DC in your home.
• Fourth is a Lantern from Mount Vernon. This replica of the lanterns that lit the home of George Washington is a wonderful way to keep a part of history alive.
• Fifth is Old American Memorabilia. Whether it’s a piece of artwork or a coin, this is a great way to bring a piece of America’s past home with you. 
• Sixth on the list is Blue Canton, China. This traditional Chinese porcelain is an elegant reminder of the city’s rich cultural history. 
• Seventh is a pair of Supreme Court Cufflinks. These classic accessories are perfect for any lawyer or legal enthusiast. 
• Finally, eighth on the list is Virginia Peanuts. These delicious snacks are a Washington DC classic and a great way to take a piece of the city home.

What is the famous market in DC?

Eastern Market is a famous market located in Washington, DC. It has been in operation for over 136 years and serves as a community hub where neighbors, families, and visitors can connect. It is located at 225 7th Street SE, Washington, DC 20003.

What is the main street of Georgetown shopping?

M Street is the main street of Georgetown shopping. It is widely recognized as one of the best shopping streets in the United States. This destination is a popular starting point for many tourists and visitors, as it connects Georgetown to other parts of the city, such as Foggy Bottom and Downtown DC to the east, and Virginia via Key Bridge to the west.