Eastern Market

The Basics

Head to the historic market on a guided tour—both private and small-group tours are available—to get a local guide to show you around the otherwise overwhelming South Hall Market. The warehouse-style building houses stalls brimming with produce, flowers, cheese, meat, fish, and more alongside deli and bakery counters. As you stroll the isles, your guide can help you find the top local crafts, antiques, and canned goods. On weekends, the market expands outside into the streets, where local farmers and craftsmen set up stands for produce and handmade wares.

Things to Know Before You Go

*Eastern Market is a great place for Washington DC visitors to pick up authentic, non-generic souvenirs.

• Be prepared for crowds and waiting in line, the market is popular amongst locals and visitors alike.
• Don’t miss the crab cake sandwiches and the blueberry pancakes at Market Lunch—the most famous food vendor in the market.
• While the market is wheelchair and stroller accessible, narrow isles combined with crowds can make it difficult to navigate. If traveling by wheelchair, arrive early to beat the crowds.

How to Get There

With its own Metro stop just a block from the market’s entrance, riding the Metro is easily the most convenient way to reach Eastern Market—take the Blue, Orange, or Silver lines to the Eastern Market stop. Public parking is limited, so it is best to avoid driving to the market.

When to Get There

The market is open every day except Mondays. For an expanded open-air market with additional farm stands, crafts stalls, and live music, visit on the weekend. If you want to get some shopping done without the crowds, arrive early in the morning.

The Best Farmers Markets in Washington DC

Washington DC boasts so many farmers markets that it is possible to visit a different neighborhood market every day of the week. The Dupont Circle Farm Fresh Market is a must on Sundays—enjoy the neighborhood’s eclectic flare. Looking for a Saturday market, try 14 and U Farmers Market or the Arlington Farmers Market. Midweek, head to Foggy Bottom for a Wednesday afternoon market.

What makes Eastern Market so special?

Eastern Market in Washington DC’s leafy, tree-lined Capitol Hill district is a popular place to shop for locally sourced goodies, including meats, cheeses, and produce. The Eastern Market building is listed as a National Historic Landmark and has been in continuous use since 1873.

Can I visit Eastern Market on a guided tour?

Yes. Several walking tours of Capitol Hill include stops at Eastern Market. Designed by a German-born immigrant, the market is an important part of Washington DC’s melting pot history. Food tours also stop at Capitol Hil to allow you to visit individual vendors for exclusive tastings.

Can I reach Eastern Market using public transportation?

Yes. Eastern Market has its own metro stop on the Orange, Blue, and Silver lines. You can also reach the market by bus—a half-dozen lines stop here. If you want to use Washington DC’s Capital Bikeshare, you'll find docking stations nearby. Drivers can benefit from free 1-hour parking.

What is the best day to visit Eastern Market?

That depends. The indoor market is open every day except Monday. If you’re looking for a buzzier vibe, come on Saturday or Sunday. That’s when Eastern Market hosts an outdoor marketplace with a local farmer’s market and vendors selling arts and crafts. For a quieter experience, try a weekday morning.

What kinds of foods can I buy at Eastern Market?

Vendors run the gamut from local butchers and dairy farmers to florists and kosher pastry makers, plus a family-run business specializing in Maryland seafood. Other unique finds include locally roasted coffee beans and handmade pasta. Eastern Market is home to a pottery studio that offers classes to aspiring ceramicists.

Does Eastern Market serve prepared meals or only produce and dry goods?

The Eastern Market serves prepared meals as well as selling produce and dry goods. Visitors can find a global selection of tasty eats, from Mexican street food and home-cooked Filipino classics to Southern comfort food and small-batch soups. Walk off your meal at the National Mall, located about 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) away.