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Washington DC travel Forum

Shopping

Shopping in Washington DC almost competes with politics for attention. The USA's capital also offers everything from trendy boutiques and shopping malls to 24-hour bookshops and renowned farmer's markets. Visitors to Washington DC will walk (or fly) away with their bags full!

The nation's oldest neighbourhood, Georgetown boasts up-scale designer boutiques and The Shops at Georgetown Park, which is home to designer labels like Ann Taylor, Polo and Ralph Lauren. The Georgetown Flea Market is good for antiques, jewellery, books, rugs, toys and linens. The Dupont Circle neighbourhood has a GLBT bookshop, Lambda Books, as well as designer boutiques such as Betsy Fisher and vintage shops like Secondi. There is also the FreshFarm Market to enjoy here.

Adams Morgan, previously dilapidated, now boasts a tredny reputation and a number of eclectic independent shops and boutiques. Penn Quarter is a great place to find antiques, art, home decor and collectibles.

On Pennsylvania, the White House Visitor Center and Political America sell authentic and reproduction campaign buttons, signed photos, letters and other American memorabilia. Weschler's Auction House on E Street holds public auctions each Tuesday. The National Mall has great gift shops and museum stores, and is the best place to find popular Washington DC souvenirs like miniature replicas of the White House and various monuments. The National Archives Gift Shop also offers reproductions of the Declaration of Independence and other famous documents.

Shoppers should keep in mind that a non-refundable sales tax is charged, but not included on the sticker price of items. Tax is added at the register in Washington DC shops, so prices will be higher than first expected.

Washington DC travel Forum