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From Connecticut Avenue to smaller side streets, Dupont Circle's shopping scene offers a mix of beloved institutions, charming newcomers and unexpected finds.
An indie book shop that has remained one of the city’s most beloved even in the age of Amazon, Kramers (formerly known as Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe) has been holding court in Dupont since the mid-1970s. And this is why: stellar book curation fused with a community-driven approach and a knowledgeable staff, plus a cute late-night cafe perfect for snagging a bite with your nose in a new book.
It’s easy to miss this second-hand consignment shop—the second-floor space sits above a Starbucks and its entrance is slightly north of the corner—but it’s worth finding. Secondi utilizes a well-organized and boutique-style approach to consignment that gets you designer clothes in immaculate condition (and sometimes even with original tags still attached) for way, way less than retail.
Second Story Books is renowned for its immense collection of used and rare books, so your chances of uncovering a treasure are high. Its vast library contains voluminous collections and valuable books from authors both famous and under the literary radar, and don’t miss out on the Rare Book Room and regular sidewalk sales. A special twist: Allan Stypeck, Second Story’s owner, is an accredited appraiser of personal property, fine art and antiquities. Make an inquiry at the Rockville, Md. store and you may realize you’re holding on to a treasure.
Enjoy all of the luxury items and exclusive deals of an airport duty-free shop without ever stepping foot through security. Diplomatic Duty Free Shop, located just off of Embassy Row, offers an only-in-DC experience with an extensive range of sophisticated brands which were formely only available to diplomats and senior foreign dignitaries. Now, shoppers of all kinds can peruse the store for high-end jewelry, watches, fragrances, cosmetics and other premium products.
America’s first museum of modern art is nestled in an elegant Georgian Revival house in Dupont Circle and features a diverse array of artworks, from the mesmerizing Impressionism of Pierre-Auguste Renoir to the enigmatic and abstract Expressionist work of Mark Rothko. The Phillips Collection’s charming gift shop reflects the museum’s aesthetics, serving as a treasure trove of art-inspired books, prints, cards, jewelry and other items inspired by the wonders on display. Decorative pillows, umbrellas and vases adorned with the masterpieces of Miro, Matisse and Kandinsky beckon you to take a piece of art home.
This neighborhood plant shop, tucked into a quintessential Dupont Circle row home on 18th Street, is as aesthetic as it gets, filled to the brim with funky ceramics and decor, colorful artwork and, of course, greenery of every kind. In the second room, you'll find Cafe Cino, a coffee pop-up perfect for picking up coffee beans and tea leaves – or refueling before continuing on your shopping route.
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