Washington DC Shopping

For a serious shopping spree Georgetown is probably the most famous area for a bit of retail therapy, but many DC neighborhoods have enough boutiques, markets and designer stores to make the city a shopper's paradise. Malls are generally located in more suburban areas but their popularity ensures they are easily accessible. These 4 shopping districts are
recommended.

Georgetown
The 'daddy' of places to shop in DC, Georgetown has something to keep everyone happy. This is where most of the big chains are located - Zara, Urban Outfitters, H&M and Victoria's Secret are based here and despite Georgetown's cobbled street charm, retail development is ongoing. Seek out Barnes & Noble's wonderfully old-fashioned flagship store where book lovers will be in their element. For designer fiends Ralph Lauren is among several high-class stores scattered about the neighborhood. There are plenty of smaller, more alternative boutiques in addition to an abundance of music, art and
antique shops to keep bargain hunters busy. Look out for Georgetown's largest gallery, Creighton-Davis (3222 M St, NW),
and Village Art & Craft (1353 Wisconsin Ave, NW) for funky, ethnic jewelry and knick-knacks.

Downtown And Chinatown
Downtown is DC's department store centre, with Hechts. One of the largest branches of H&M is soon to be opened here and this area is set to become a consumer's heaven. 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 both a quieter alternative 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 round the corner from Chinatown.

Friendship Heights
Next stop Maryland - in the far north-west 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 is the new home to some of the trendiest shops in the city. You'll find the quirky, the kitsch and the
truly bizarre spilling out of second-hand and alternative boutiques along U Street and 14th St, NW. If you're tired of seeing
the same brands again and again elsewhere, look for gems like Home Rule (1807 14th St, NW), selling original variations on regular home wares, and Pulp (1803 14th St, NW), for unusual and funky gifts.

Hechts
DC's answer to New York's Macy's - this huge department store sells everything from furniture to fashion items for all ages.
Address: 1201 G St, NW
Underground: Metro Center
Phone: +1 (202) 628 6661

Eastern Market
Besides delicious fresh produce, 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.
Address: 225 7th St, SE
Underground: Eastern Market
Phone: +1 (202) 546 2698

Georgetown Park
A former power generation plant, this lovely old building houses an assortment of art, home furnishings, kitchenware, fashion
and electrical goods shops in an airy and spacious environment.
Address: 3222 M St, NW
Underground: Foggy Bottom-GWU then Georgetown shuttle
Phone: +1 (202) 298 5577

The Fashion Centre At Pentagon City
160 shops including Gap and Abercrombie & Fitch. There's also a cinema and food court in this expansive downtown mall.
Address: 1100, S Hayes St, Arlington
Underground: Pentagon City
Phone: +1 (703) 415 2400

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.
Address: Woodbridge, Virginia
Phone: +1 (703) 490 5948

Union Station
Souvenirs galore, Union Station is a DC landmark as well as a mall complete with multiplex cinema, hundreds of shops, a
food court, and an influx of souvenir boutiques.
Address: 50 Massachusetts Ave, NE
Underground: Union Station
Phone: +1 (202) 289 1908