Across Washington DC, of the 50 bookstores we list, 47 give a phone number, 10 publish opening hours and 35 have a website. 3 are branches of national chains — Barnes & Noble (2), Books-A-Million (1); the remaining 47 are independent. By what they offer: 5 focus on children's books, 3 are comic book stores, 3 are Christian or religious bookstores. Most often named on their own websites: comics (7), author signings (5) and graphic novels (4). The longest-running is The Lantern Bookshop, in business since 1977.
Top 10 bookstores in Washington DC
Ranked by how complete and owner-verified the listing info is — hours, phone, website, services. No pay-to-play. Full 2026 ranking
-
1The Potter's HouseWashington
Mon-Sun 8:30am-2:30pm
-
2The Lantern BookshopWashington
Thurs. – Sat.: 11 am – 5 pm, Sunday: 12 – 5 pm
-
3Bridge Street BooksWashington
11AM-9 PM MON-SAT, 12-9 PM SUN
-
4Fantom ComicsWashington
Mon-Sun 11am-6pm
-
5Little District BooksWashington
Tue - Fri 11 am to 7 pm, Sat & Sun 11 am to 6 pm
-
6Solid State BooksWashington
Mon-Sun 8am-10pm
-
7Tempo BookstoreWashington
Mon-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 10am-4pm
-
8Big Planet ComicsWashington
-
9Capitol Hill BooksWashington
-
10East City BookshopWashington
Cities
Largest first. Towns with a single bookstore are listed further down this page.
BEFORE YOU GO
Find the book you actually want
Check the ISBN, binding and condition before buying.
Find the right ISBN
Locate the number and confirm the edition before ordering.
Read the guide
Choose your book format
Check binding, size and edition rather than the cover alone.
Read the guide
Identify a first edition
Check the printing statement and publisher’s convention before buying.
Read the guide