8 Best Places to Shop in Dupont Circle and Kalorama, Washington, D.C.

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You might call Dupont Circle a younger, less staid version of Georgetown—almost as pricey, but with more apartment buildings than houses. Its many restaurants, offbeat shops, and specialty stores give it a cosmopolitan air. The street scene here is more urban than Georgetown's, with bike messengers and chess aficionados filling up the park. The Sunday farmers' market attracts shoppers with organic food, artisanal cheeses, homemade soap, and hand-spun wool. Browsing is an adventure in this neighborhood. Several boutiques offer designer clothing for women, and Dupont shops also include exquisite jewelry from Turkey as well as inexpensive bling and well-designed products for home and baby.

Betsy Fisher

Dupont Circle Fodor's choice

Catering to women of all ages and sizes in search of contemporary and trendy styles, this elegant shop offers one-of-a-kind accessories, clothes, shoes, and jewelry by American, Canadian, and European designers, including popular Montréal designers Marie Saint Pierre, Iris Setlakwe, and Judith & Charles.

Kramers

Dupont Circle Fodor's choice

One of Washington's most legendary independent bookstores has a choice selection of fiction and nonfiction. It also hosts author talks, trivia nights, and comedy shows throughout the year. Kramers features a bar and a restaurant, which are open from morning until night.

Secondi

Dupont Circle Fodor's choice

One of the city's finest consignment stores carries a well-chosen selection of women's designer and casual clothing, accessories, and shoes. Its airy and well-curated second-story space offers Isabel Marant, Louis Vuitton, Donna Karan, Prada, Chanel, and Marchesa labels.

Recommended Fodor's Video

Shop Made in DC

Dupont Circle Fodor's choice
This Dupont Circle shop offers a rotating selection of strictly locally made goods. Find art, books, T-shirts, and even baby onesies made by area designers and artists. An on-site café sells local coffees, teas, beers, and spirits to accompany a rotating selection of fast-casual food. The gift boxes are highly prized.

Studio Gallery

Dupont Circle Fodor's choice
Founded in 1956 by Jennie Lea Knight (whose work is in the collections of many D.C. museums), Studio exhibits contemporary work by local artists, some of whom have also received international acclaim. The spacious gallery occupies two floors in an elegant town house, and exhibitions change frequently. Don't miss the sculpture garden in back of the house.

IA&A at Hillyer

Dupont Circle

Around the corner from the Phillips Collection, this art space features works from local, regional, and international contemporary artists, and also regularly hosts artist talks and other events. With a mission to support emerging artists and to encourage artistic collaboration across the globe, Hillyer offers intellectually stimulating exhibits that provoke and intrigue. Special events take place on the first Friday and third Thursday of the month, with talks and tours available at other times, too.

Second Story Books

Dupont Circle

One of the largest used and rare book stores in the country, Second Story Books has grown along with its neighborhood, and its orderly and classy space houses rare books, signed first editions, maps, posters, manuscripts, CDs, prints, and DVDs. (There are often bargain books for sale, usually outside the store.) A knowledgeable staff is always on hand to help you shop.

The Chocolate Moose

Dupont Circle

This store is simple, sheer fun for adults and kids alike. Looking for clacking, windup teeth? You can find them here, along with unusual greeting cards, whimsical and colorful socks, and unique housewares and handicrafts. If playing with all those fun toys makes you hungry, you can pick up a select line of premium European chocolates.

Not finding what you're looking for?

We've got a few suggestions for nearby spots.
Downtown Fodor's Choice

Tiny Jewel Box0.3 miles away

1147 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20036, USA
We recommend 9 Shopping in Downtown
Adams Morgan

The Chocolate House0.4 miles away

1904 18th St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20009, USA
We recommend 7 Shopping in Adams Morgan
Downtown

J. Press0.4 miles away

1801 L St. NW, Seattle, Washington, 20036, USA
We recommend 9 Shopping in Downtown
Downtown

The Grooming Lounge0.4 miles away

1745 L St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20036, USA
We recommend 9 Shopping in Downtown
U Street Corridor and Shaw Fodor's Choice

Miss Pixie's0.5 miles away

1626 14th St. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20001, USA
We recommend 12 Shopping in U Street Corridor and Shaw