Discover Union Market and all it has to offer. Food, craft beer and liquor, butcher shops, and exotic fruits -- this market will leave you satisfied.
Though Union Market is located only minutes away from Union Station and the Capitol, it will transport you to regions across the world. The transformed brick-enclosed market has changed drastically -- not only since its foundation was created in 1871, but even within the past few years. Once a local hub for all things fresh, this indoor-outdoor market has everything you could need and didn’t even know you wanted! On the outside streets surrounding Union Market, you'll find exotic fruits and vegetables from places like South America and southern Asia. Colorful storefronts house fabrics with vibrant designs and bold jewelry from countries near and far. Don’t be anxious to enter – everyone's friendly and ready to share their culture, history, and stories. Maybe you’ll even get a free dragonfruit to eat while you make your way to the Angelika Pop-Up. As you make your way into the central market, past the ping-pong tables and the picnic benches, you’ll be greeted with aromas from drip coffee shops, fresh oysters, just-baked macaroons, and everything in between. Not only are there old-fashioned fruit and vegetable stands still inside the market, but now there are restaurants, bakeries, locally sourced liquor stands, and even shops and stands featuring artisanal crafts, home décor, and succulent plants. While Union Market may have these new hipster-approved shops, the restaurants, coffee shops, bakeries, and tea fronts are why people from all over flock to this food mecca. The market is now home to D.C.’s newest Burmese dessert shop, Toli Moli. Sip on this sweet street snack, and head to the other side of the world (or really, the other side of Union Market) for the best arepa in D.C. from ArepaZone. This Venezuelan sandwich will fill you up for the rest of the day, so choose your meat carefully!
But before the summer ends, you must try B Doughnut. The current pop-up shop craze has hit Union Market with these Instagram-worthy doughnuts that will literally sell out in a matter of minutes. This doughnut shop hails from Leesburg but has planted roots in Union Market, so check it out before it packs up.
Have you had your fill of food and drinks yet? Walk it all off by checking out one of the most famous walls in D.C. In 2016, famed street artist Mr. Brainwash helped First Lady Michelle Obama ring in International Women’s Day by creating several murals across the back walls of Union Market. These motivational slogans and art splashes have certainly splashed across your phone and computer before. Take your picture in front of the wall, or catch a glimpse of people getting their wedding pictures taken in front of the murals. Either way, you're bound to leave those murals feeling uplifted and feeling more love for your city than when you first entered Union Market.
What's your favorite thing about Union Market? We'd love to hear about it in the comments below!