CityBuddy
Ručak na tržnici Union Market
Best time to visit
Sunday lunchtime (11am-2pm) for the communal dining experience and the fullest vendor turnout. Weekday mornings are quieter and better for browsing without crowds.
Budget tips
Entry is free, and most hearty plates cost $8-15 from the hot food vendors. Bring cash: several smaller vendors don't accept cards, and you'll get better deals at the produce stalls with cash in hand.
Recommended for
Food lovers, Budget travelers, Culture seekers, Families
Plan your visit
1.5-2 hours
About
Quick facts: Every Sunday, the market transforms into a giant community lunch table where strangers share dishes and swap stories. Over 40 different vendors pack the hall selling everything from fresh produce to handmade pierogies and smoked meats.
Highlights: Locals don't just shop here; they show up at noon on Sundays with their own home-cooked dishes to share at a communal table that runs the length of the market hall. The smoky scent of grilled kielbasa mingles with fresh dill and warm cabbage rolls, and you're just as likely to hear Polish, Ukrainian, and Spanish conversations as English.
Insider tips
- Arrive hungry and share plates with a friend so you can try the pierogies from one stall and the grilled kielbasa from another.
- Look for the old-school Polish bakery stall near the back that sells paczki (Polish donuts) they disappear by noon on Sundays.
- Park in the free lot behind the market building rather than the metered street spaces out front.
- Bring a cooler bag if you're buying smoked meats or fresh farmer cheese they travel better than plastic bags.
Where to Stay in Washington
Selected by City Buddy based on guest reviews and proximity to top attractions
Search all hotels in WashingtonPowered by agoda
Have you heard of free walking tours?
After traveling to 30+ countries, there's one thing I wish someone had told me from day one, and it completely changed how I experience new cities.
Free walking tours. Yes, actually free. No credit card needed. No catch.
Local guide, 2-3 hours
Major sights, hidden gems, local stories
100% tip-based
Guides earn only tips, so they give their absolute best
You tip what feels right
At the end, just tip whatever you feel is right
I've done these in dozens of cities and they've been the highlight of almost every trip. If you're visiting Washington, United States, do this on your first day. You'll thank me later.
More attractions in Washington
All attractions in Washington →
Most popular itineraries!
Browse trip plans created by other travelers