Bargain Hunters, Unite! The Ultimate Guide To The DMV's Flea Markets
UPDATE: This story was originally published on September 14.
If there’s one thing we love more than a to-die-for sale at a favorite boutique, it’s the hunt for secondhand treasure at one of the DMV's many flea markets. There’s nothing more satisfying than discovering a one-of-a-kind find, and for us, it's worth the sacrifice of some tedious digging. Trust, we’ve happily sifted through many a basket of vintage sweaters to snap up a perfectly worn-in pullover (that's right, we're the gals who are up to their elbows).
So, it should come as no surprise that we've scoured all the best flea markets around Washington to find our own pre-loved loot — and now, we're compiling our expertise into a handy guide that'll make you a flea-market master in no time. Click to see our go-to destinations, and remember: Flea shopping is all about looking for diamonds in the rough. (Translation: Look past the mountain of Beanie Babies, and you might find some gently worn Balenciaga.)
Inside the District
The Georgetown Flea Market has been taking over a parking lot on 35th Street off Wisconsin Avenue since the 1970s. Here, you'll find antique dressers, brass chandeliers, vintage Fendi bags, fine china, and a host of other goodies. It's also a top spot for amazing Persian rugs at a fraction of the retail price. This market is perfect for newbies to the flea scene — it’s small (read: you won't feel instantly overwhelmed), there's a Starbucks nearby for refueling, and most vendors accept credit cards.
Georgetown Flea Market, 1819 35th Street NW; no phone. Open Sundays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. year-round.
If you haven’t been to the Sunday flea market at Eastern Market, it should be on your D.C. bucket list. This bustling, Metro-accessible spot is a Washington landmark, with more than 100 vendors peddling amazing finds, rain or shine. We’ve snagged cowboy boots, wingback chairs, Turkish bath towels, ultra-affordable handmade jewelry, and some fantastic photography here. While you’re in the 'hood, grab a bite at Tortilla Café — it’s an amazing Mexican and Salvadoran grab-and-go spot that has been featured on Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives .
The Flea Market at Eastern Market, 7th and C Streets SE; no phone. Open Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. year-round.
The newest addition to the D.C.-proper market scene is the DC MEETMarket, an exposition of local independent vendors in Logan Square that pops up on the third Saturday of the month. Come for the clothing and crafts, and stick around for the amazing food, live music, and socializing — it's an ideal way to spend a fall Saturday.
DC MEETMarket, 5th and P streets NW; no phone. Open on the third Saturday of the month from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Next market happens Saturday, September 15.
Photos: Photographed by Holly E. Thomas; Courtesy of DC MEET Market; Courtesy of Montgomery Farm Women's Market
Inside the District
The Georgetown Flea Market has been taking over a parking lot on 35th Street off Wisconsin Avenue since the 1970s. Here, you'll find antique dressers, brass chandeliers, vintage Fendi bags, fine china, and a host of other goodies. It's also a top spot for amazing Persian rugs at a fraction of the retail price. This market is perfect for newbies to the flea scene — it’s small (read: you won't feel instantly overwhelmed), there's a Starbucks nearby for refueling, and most vendors accept credit cards.
Georgetown Flea Market, 1819 35th Street NW; no phone. Open Sundays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. year-round.
If you haven’t been to the Sunday flea market at Eastern Market, it should be on your D.C. bucket list. This bustling, Metro-accessible spot is a Washington landmark, with more than 100 vendors peddling amazing finds, rain or shine. We’ve snagged cowboy boots, wingback chairs, Turkish bath towels, ultra-affordable handmade jewelry, and some fantastic photography here. While you’re in the 'hood, grab a bite at Tortilla Café — it’s an amazing Mexican and Salvadoran grab-and-go spot that has been featured on Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives .
The Flea Market at Eastern Market, 7th and C Streets SE; no phone. Open Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. year-round.
The newest addition to the D.C.-proper market scene is the DC MEETMarket, an exposition of local independent vendors in Logan Square that pops up on the third Saturday of the month. Come for the clothing and crafts, and stick around for the amazing food, live music, and socializing — it's an ideal way to spend a fall Saturday.
DC MEETMarket, 5th and P streets NW; no phone. Open on the third Saturday of the month from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Next market happens Saturday, September 15.
Photos: Photographed by Holly E. Thomas; Courtesy of DC MEET Market; Courtesy of Montgomery Farm Women's Market
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