5 beloved bookstores in Washington DC

You’d be hard-pressed to find a place so filled to the brim with diversity and culture like Washington, DC. In fact, there’s probably very little you can’t find in the nation’s capital. In the past, we’ve given a lot of attention to DC’s museums, parks, and theaters. But that’s far from all the city has to offer in terms of culture. DC’s book scene is rife with talented artists, incredible publishers, and vibrant bookstores. With that in mind, we’ve put together this guide of our favorite bookstores in DC to help you explore the vast literary landscape.

DC’s top bookstores for new, used, and comic books

1. Politics & Prose

Politics & Prose has got it all: ample floor space for a seemingly endless collection of books, a stellar reputation for being a pillar of the book community, a delicious coffeehouse called The Den, and an amazing children’s department that resulted from a merger with the storied Cheshire Cat bookstore. What’s more, Politics & Prose isn’t only in the business of selling books. There’s always an event or a class being held in-house. Upcoming highlights include Acoustic Open Mic in the Den, NERDS! Trivia Night, and the How to Write A Novel class.

When: Monday – Saturday, 9am-10pm | Sunday, 10am-8pm

Where: 5015 Connecticut Avenue NW

2. Kramerbooks & Afterwords

If you’re in the mood for a venue that doubles as a bookstore and eatery, Kramerbooks & Afterwords is just the place for you. There’s nothing quite like shopping for new books and finding an elegant café inside. Taste the delicious upscale American fare at the café, where you can find a meal for every occasion. While you’re there, don’t forget to check to see if any author events or wine tastings are taking place.

When: Sunday – Thursdays, 7:30am-1am | Friday and Saturday, 7:30am-3am

Where: 1517 Connecticut Ave

3. Busboys & Poets Books

When we say Busboys & Poets isn’t your average bookshop, we mean it. It is a veritable cultural powerhouse, home to a restaurant, theater, bookstore, and lounge. The bookstore sales are managed in part by Politics & Prose personnel, so you know you’re in good hands. Busboys & Poets Books’ specialty is books that focus on social issues, such as racial equality, women’s rights, and LGBTQ+ rights.

When: Monday – Thursday, 8:00am-12am | Friday, 8am-1am | Saturday, 9am-1am | Sunday, 9am-12am

Where: 2021 14th Street NW

4. Capitol Hill Books

Capitol Hill Books DC was named one of the best bookstores in DC by the Washington City Paper 2017 Reader’s Choice Award. Their focus is on carefully curating a quality inventory of used books, first editions, and rare works. The charming 2-story house filled with books is manned by experienced booksellers and avid readers that can guide you through their various collections located in specific rooms of the house. Mystery lovers will be delighted to know the Mystery Room is filled with intriguing reads just waiting to be discovered. There is a dedicated Business Closet, Cultural Closet, Weird Section, and more.

When: Monday – Friday, 11:30am-6pm | Saturday and Sunday, 9am-6pm

Where: 657 C Street SE

5. Idle Time Books

Nestled right in the middle of the trendy Adams Morgan neighborhood is this multi-level used bookstore. With over 30 years of experience serving bibliophiles in DC and 50,000 volumes in their inventory, Idle Time Books is a great place to stop by for a spell and explore. You won’t be far from a number of fantastic restaurants when you’re done shopping.  

When: Monday – Sunday, 11am-10pm

Where: 2467 18th Street NW

Whether you’re looking for a soothing bookshop experience or a specialty store that carries quality works on select subjects, you’re sure to find it in DC’s bookstores.