City: Washington, DC

Category: Shopping

Telephone: (202) 289-1908

Description: Housed in the glorious 1908 beaux arts train station, the mall here features national chain clothing boutiques, a bookstore, a music store, a nine-screen cinema, restaurants, and a food court—more than 100 shops in all. A separate section, the East Hall, offers a variety of jewelry and craft stalls, many selling unique ethnic merchandise. You’ll find souvenirs and memorabilia at the U.S. Mint shop (specializing in unique coin-themed items), and Made in America (brass and pewter Washington-themed desk accessories, patriotic gifts, jewelry, and apparel).Despite its additional role as a shopping hub, Union Station chugs on as a working railroad station too, accommodating not only Metrorail but several commuter lines and Amtrak (see the Getting Around the Metro Area chapter). Although the station operates around the clock and the restaurants and theaters stay open fairly late, the stores operate during regular mall retail hours. (So much for that 3 a.m. credit card fix.) Visit during December, when Union Station holds its annual Christmas in Norway celebration and colossal model trains exhibit. (Our Kidstuff chapter’s dining guide describes the mall’s family-oriented restaurants and food court.)