Municipal Fish Market Washington DC
America's original
The oldest continuously operating fish market, DC's Fish Market on Maine Avenue on the Potomac River, has been given a facelift but preserved as the gateway to a new waterfront destination called simply "The Wharf." I'll fill you in on that in another post, but for now, let's give the Fish Market its due, because the fishmongers here offer an iconic local experience that's rare in the city.
Stalls stacked with all manner of fish, shrimp, oysters, clams and crustaceans line three sides of a large square. If you want to take your purchases home to enjoy, buy your shrimp and take it around back to be steamed, or grab a whole fish and stand in line for it to be cleaned and dressed for free (with or without the head). A rebuilt building to the side offers ready-to-eat seafood: fried fish, crab cakes and other delicacies to consume on the spot.
The city has shored up the old buildings and added more parking, though it's still relatively tight with an auto. I think it's a great destination for a hired scooter, or try the water jitney for a ride on the river in fair weather.
Find your way with 101 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Washington DC
The Salsa Room
Dance all night
There are a lot of places to dance salsa in DC, but "The Salsa Room" is one of my favorites. I like how patrons who show up are really here to dance....
by
JR
Denson
East Potomac Golf Links
In the shadow of the Mall
"East Potomac Golf Links" in DC is probably my favorite place to play golf in the whole world. The view is amazing - and it's surprisingly affordable!
by
JR
Denson
Hill Center DC
Events on Capitol Hill(ish)
"Hill Center DC" is an events facility with all kinds of activities, from wine tastings to ASL & cooking classes. It's a real under-the-radar location!
by
JR
Denson
The Bullpen
Chill outdoor hangout
"The Bullpen" in DC is a great outdoor venue to go and hang out. I like going when they have special happy hour during Nationals home baseball games...
by
JR
Denson
DC Brau
The DC beer
Dublin has Guinness. New York City has Brooklyn Brewing. And DC has "DC Brau." It isn't just a local beer. It's the local beer...
by
JR
Denson
NoVA Ultimate Frisbee
Play near the Pentagon
There's an ultimate frisbee pick-up game that's been going on for years in a park across from the Pentagon City Mall in DC. It's so friendly and laid back there!
by
JR
Denson
Port City Brewing Company
Local brew
"Port City" isn't just one of my favorite beer companies locally in Washington DC, it's one of my favorite beer companies ANYWHERE. Try their porter...
by
JR
Denson
Canal Park Ice Rink
Chill ice skating
The "Canal Park Ice Rink" in Washington DC is somewhat of a hidden gem in a quiet neighborhood but w/ plenty of nice things to do around...
by
JR
Denson
Studio Gallery
Longest running artist cooperative
"Studio Gallery" in Washington D.C. is a great place to pop into for a quick dose of inspiration. It's the longest-running artist cooperative in D.C.!
by
Katya
Barannik
Looped Yarn Works
DC's happiest yarn shop
"Looped Yarn Works" calls itself D.C.'s happiest yarn shop, and I can't argue with that. The shop is like your best friend's living room...
by
Katya
Barannik
The Phillips Collection
Modern and contemporary
"The Phillips Collection" in Washington DC praises itself as America’s first museum of modern art, which encompasses art from the 1800s to today.
by
Katya
Barannik
Heading to Washington DC?
101 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 101 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves Washington DC
Get to know our other Spotters from Washington DC
As featured on:
