Thing to do
The Wharf
A mile-long waterfront district on the Washington Channel, with public piers, restaurants, music venues and the long-running Municipal Fish Market.
Eastern Market
Capitol Hill's historic public market, trading since 1873, with an indoor food hall all week and outdoor produce and craft stalls at weekends.
At a glance
- Type
- Historic public market
- Area
- Capitol Hill, Washington DC, United States
- Opening
- Open 6 days a week (closed Monday)
- Official site
- easternmarket-dc.org
Good to know
- Indoor food hall
- Weekend farmers and craft market
- Free entry
Why we recommend it
Eastern Market has been a public market on Capitol Hill since 1873, in a hall designed by Adolf Cluss. The Center and North Halls were added in 1908, designed by Snowden Ashford. The market is still run as a working community market rather than a tourist attraction, which is much of its charm. It is a good way to see everyday life in one of the city's oldest residential neighbourhoods.
The building has had a difficult recent history. A serious fire on 30 April 2007 caused a partial roof collapse in the South Hall, and the traders moved to a temporary hall across 7th Street while the market was rebuilt. It reopened in June 2009 after a restoration paid for by the District of Columbia government, and the market now describes itself as a community hub for more than 150 years.
Inside, the indoor market's traders sell fresh food all week, and it is a good place to put together a picnic or pick up a casual breakfast. At weekends the outdoor market spreads along the pavements around the building, with local farmers selling produce and makers selling art, crafts and other handmade goods.
The indoor market is open from Tuesday to Saturday, 8am to 6pm, and on Sunday from 8am to 5pm. The outdoor market runs on Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 4pm, with a smaller Tuesday market from noon to 4pm. The whole market is closed on Monday. Saturday and Sunday mornings are the liveliest time; go early for the best choice and fewer people.
The market suits families, food lovers and anyone looking for souvenirs that are not mass-produced. Allow an hour or two to browse, longer if you sit down for lunch. Bring cash as a back-up, as some smaller outdoor stalls may prefer it, and a bag for shopping.
Eastern Market Metro station, on the Blue, Orange and Silver lines, is a short walk away. The surrounding residential streets of Capitol Hill are pleasant for a walk, and Rose's Luxury and other restaurants on 8th Street SE are close by. The US Capitol and the Library of Congress are within walking distance, so the market fits well into a day on the Hill.
Eastern Market FAQs
When is Eastern Market open?
The indoor market is open Tuesday to Saturday 8am to 6pm and Sunday 8am to 5pm. It is closed on Monday.
When is the outdoor market?
Saturday and Sunday 9am to 4pm, plus Tuesday noon to 4pm.
What can I buy there?
Fresh food from indoor traders, and farm produce, art and handmade crafts from outdoor vendors at weekends.
How old is Eastern Market?
It has operated as a public market since 1873 in a building designed by Adolf Cluss.
Was the market damaged by fire?
Yes. A fire in April 2007 badly damaged the South Hall. The market reopened after restoration in June 2009.
What is the nearest Metro?
Eastern Market station on the Blue, Orange and Silver lines.
When is the best time to visit?
Weekend mornings, when both the indoor and outdoor markets are running.
Is it free to visit?
Yes. There is no charge to enter the market.