Bookstore Hopping in Washington, DC: 24 Hours to Explore Two Unique Gems
If you’ve ever found yourself in Washington, DC, and you’re a book lover, you know there’s no shortage of amazing bookstores to explore. With only 24 hours in the city, I decided to hit up two of the most iconic spots—*Kramerbooks & Afterwords Café* and *Politics and Prose*. Despite the limited time, I managed to dive into the heart of DC’s literary scene, and I’m so excited to share my quick but magical bookstore tour with you!
1. Kramerbooks & Afterwords Café
My first stop was *Kramerbooks & Afterwords Café*, located in the Dupont Circle neighborhood. I visited in the evening of day one, and I loved that the store was open late—making it the perfect spot to unwind after a busy day. From the moment I walked in, I was struck by the cozy yet bustling atmosphere. It’s the perfect mix of a bookstore and a café, making it a go-to spot for locals and visitors alike. I loved how the bookstore feels like a hidden gem—it’s big enough to explore without feeling overwhelming, but packed with enough books to keep me browsing for hours.
Whether you’re into fiction, nonfiction, or something more niche, *Kramerbooks* has it all. I found myself losing track of time flipping through books I didn’t even know I needed. And with a café right there, I treated myself to a coffee while flipping through the pages of a new novel. I really appreciated that I could browse at my own pace without feeling rushed, and the late hours made it feel like the perfect way to cap off my first day in the city.
2. Politics and Prose
Next up, I headed over to *Politics and Prose*, another beloved DC bookstore that’s definitely worth the visit. Known for its wide selection of books on politics, history, and social issues, this store also offers a fantastic array of fiction, memoirs, and children’s books. The store’s reputation for being a center of intellectual thought in the city definitely lives up to its name. It’s one of those places where you could spend hours browsing—each aisle just feels like a conversation waiting to happen.
Though *Politics and Prose* was a bit out of our way, we were determined to make it, so we hopped into a Lyft to save time. Even with the extra travel, it was totally worth it. What I loved most about the store was the sense of community—it wasn’t just a bookstore; it was a gathering place for thinkers, readers, and people passionate about exploring new ideas. Plus, the café had plenty of space, so I was able to sit down for a meeting without feeling cramped. It was the perfect spot to enjoy a peaceful atmosphere and get some work done, all while still soaking in the bookstore’s vibe. And if you happen to be in town when they have author events (which they often do), you’re in for a treat. Even though I only had a short amount of time, I picked up a couple of thought-provoking books that I can’t wait to dive into back home.
In just 24 hours, I managed to check out two awesome bookstores in DC. *Kramerbooks & Afterwords Café* was the perfect mix of cozy vibes and bookish charm—plus, I loved that it was open late, so we could browse without feeling rushed. On the other hand, *Politics and Prose* had this cool, intellectual vibe with tons of great reads to explore. If you ever find yourself in DC with limited time, definitely make sure to stop by these two spots. They’re perfect for any book lover, whether you're a local or just visiting.
Happy reading, and don’t forget to enjoy the books along the way!