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The market is an appetizing source of picnic provisions any day of the week and a swarming carnival of all kinds of arts and crafts vendors on weekends. The big Eastern Market Flea Market is across 7th Street, SE, on Saturdays. Several shops – notably a vintage clothing store and an antiques dealer – and cafés are also located on the same block. On the Eastern Market side of the street (west side) between the market and Pennsylvania Avenue, SE are several shops selling toys and children’s items, books, art and prints, imported goods from Asia and South America.

The Capitol’s design combines ancient tradition and New World innovation, perfectly invoking the spirit of US democracy.

The home of the highest seat of the judicial branch of the US government is a solid and handsome Neo-Classical building designed by Cass Gilbert – the architect of the beautiful Woolworth Building in New York City – and completed in 1935. On its west pediment, above the marble columns of the main entrance, is inscribed in bold letters the famous motto “Equal Justice Under Law” (see Supreme Court).

The Folger has the world’s largest library of printed editions of Shakespeare’s works, and fascinating displays give viewers an insight into Shakespeare and his times. There is also a huge supporting collection of Renaissance works in other fields, as well as playbills, musical instruments, and costumes. The elegant Neo-Classical building, a 1929 design by Paul Philippe Cret, is on the National Register of Historic Places (see Shakespeare Theatre).

The breathtaking interior of the largest library in the world does full justice to its 120 million items, the work fills 530 miles (850 km) of shelves.

The Hirshhorn exhibits the most varied modern and contemporary art in Washington, D.C.: its Directions gallery is known for displaying the newest – and sometimes the most controversial – work in the city. The lower level features a selection of items from the permanent collection, while large temporary shows are housed on the second floor, along with modern European sculpture. The third floor displays innovative paintings and sculptures up to the present day.

The National Gallery’s vast collection makes it one of the greatest art museums in the world.

The Rotunda of the National Archives has recently been reorganized, but still proudly displays the foundation documents of American independence and government: the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States, and the Bill of Rights. The museum also now features exciting interactive activities (see National Archives of the United States).

The view from the 555 ft high (170 m) monument (see Jefferson Memorial) is spectacular. The ride in the elevator is interesting because high-tech windows become transparent or opaque in a wink.

An ingeniously symbolic building houses documents depicting the Holocaust in Europe before and during World War II, grimly detailing the surveillance and the loss of individual rights faced by Jews, political objectors, gypsies, homosexuals, and the handicapped. Moving eyewitness accounts, photographs, and artifacts tell the story, from “Nazi Assault,” to “Last Chapter”.

The amazing Peacock Room is among the finest and most subtle examples of interior design found anywhere in the city. Created for a London home by James McNeill Whistler, and recreated here, the elegantly painted walls and ceiling served as a complement to a collection of blue-and-white porcelain. A discerning collection of works from Asia fills the spacious display areas.

This small downtown indoor mall has a number of boutiques and specialty stores selling gifts, collectibles, leather items, video products, and stationery and cards. Ticketplace, with discount tickets for many same-day performances (see Discount Tickets), is here. The food court on the lower level is extremely popular.

The largest concert hall in the city is in Constitution Hall, the grand performance space operated by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). The cornerstone of this John Russell Pope design was laid in 1928, using the same trowel George Washington used for the US Capitol building cornerstone in 1793. The DAR also has a fascinating museum of early American artifacts, ranging from a simple 17th-century dwelling to an elaborate Victorian parlor. The DAR is a patriotic organization that fosters understanding and respect for the heritage of the United States.

This 1979 bronze by Robert Berks shows the great thinker in front of the National Academy of Sciences.

Ancient and modern come together in this “national house of prayer,” from the Gothic architecture to the Space Window.

Must-see exhibits abound here: the Dinosaur Hall with its 87-ft (27-m) Diplodocus longus ; skeletal remains; the Hope diamond; the Insect Zoo; O. Orkin IMAX® theater; and a stunning mammal exhibit.

Mixing the “America’s Attic” approach with fine contemporary interpretive exhibits, the museum offers a fascinating look at America’s past.

Maps and travel guides detail everything from the streets of Jakarta to the interstates of Iowa. Many are beautiful in themselves, and all are practical.

This shop might as well be an informal museum, considering the quality of many of the hand-made crafts for sale. The quilts, carved wood, pottery, and fabrics would grace any setting.

The gourmet ingredients here are of extraordinary quality, and the selection is astonishing. The wine choice is excellent.

Georgetown has few dedicated bookstores – this one is fertile ground for anyone with a serious interest in literature, history, film, politics, or poetry.

Ceramic teapots in various colors, styles, and sizes. The most popular are the decorative mini teapots. In the National Museum of Natural History.

The Lewis and Clark expedition organized by Thomas Jefferson in 1803 was able to follow rivers much of the way, but depended on a compass like this one for guidance. Formerly in the National Museum of American History.

In Washington there remains an appreciation of the formalities of communication. Copenhaver sells the tools: elegant writing paper, envelopes, and pens.

A bookstore with a large selection of works on politics, culture, and government. A cheerful place, despite its serious selection, with a coffee bar.

A German restaurant in a townhouse setting. Wiener schnitzel , pork loin with sauerkraut, and other hearty dishes. The desserts are tempting.

If you enjoy feeling part of the government scene, this is the place to eat. Lunch only.

This little restaurant in the National Gallery of Art has the choice of a good buffet or a traditional à la carte menu. Surroundings of greenery combine with lofty ceilings.

The Museum Café serves traditional, kosher, and contemporary American favorites.

Pizza, sushi, bagels, ice cream, and cookies are sold in this interesting food court.

This large food court has Texas grill, sushi, and dim sum as specialties. Photo ID is required for adults to enter the building.

The Phillips is internationally celebrated for its ravishing collection of Impressionist works, including Renoir’s Luncheon of the Boating Party , Van Gogh’s Entrance to the Public Gardens in Arles , and Degas’ Dancers at the Barre , among others.

Edgy, creative live music by some of the best national bands and performers, in a straight stand-up-and-play atmosphere. The young crowds are boisterous and know their music.

The building was originally a factory to manufacture torpedoes. Today, the site contains 83 studios where artists and craftspeople create work and offer it for sale on site. Prints, ceramics, photography, painting, and sculpture.