Union Station, Washington
Union Station brings together the best of DC under one historic roof.
This landmark building balances its 1907 architecture with modern attractions, from local food vendors to designer stores.
The grand Main Hall still wows visitors, but today you’ll also find popup markets, cultural events, and a sweet rooftop spot overlooking the Capitol.
Here are some of our favorite things to do when we’re in the area.
Spend time people watching
The real excitement of Union Station comes from watching its transportation network in action.
The station links Amtrak, MARC and VRE commuter trains, Washington Metro, DC Streetcar, intercity buses, and local Metrobus services.
You can observe commuters moving through the concourse while Acela Express trains prepare for high-speed trips along the Northeast Corridor.
Even during busy hours, the station keeps everyone moving in an organized way that’s fascinating to watch.
Eat at Capitol Hill’s oldest restaurant
When you want to experience Washington’s political dining scene, The Monocle delivers history and excellent food.
Established in 1960, it’s the closest restaurant to the Capitol building, Senate, and Union Station.
Just steps from the station’s east entrance, it has fed generations of politicians, staffers, and lobbyists discussing legislation over lunch.
The menu offers classic American dishes like crab cakes, fresh fish, and prime steaks.
You can request the private Federal Room for political gatherings or the intimate Wine Room for personal dining.
Shop for everything from luxury items to souvenirs
The shopping options cover all interests with stores like Walgreens, Warby Parker, Lee’s Flower Shop, and Andrew’s Ties.
The East Hall and West Hall connect to the Main Hall, offering luxury accessories, souvenirs, and everything in between.
You can buy a book for your train journey, browse clothing boutiques, or find the perfect DC memento.
Check out an Italian grocery from 1932
A short walk from Union Station in the Union Market District takes you to one of Washington’s food treasures.
A. Litteri, founded in 1932, provides an authentic Italian marketplace and sandwich counter that hasn’t changed much despite the neighborhood’s transformation.
Inside this family-owned shop, you’ll find aisles of imported pastas, olive oils, vinegars, and specialty products rare elsewhere in DC.
The deli counter makes outstanding Italian sandwiches on crusty bread with premium meats, cheeses, and house-made toppings.
Drop by Christopher Columbus’ statue
The Columbus Fountain, designed by Lorado Taft and installed in 1912, sits on the plaza’s central axis as part of the station’s symbolic program.
It rises 45 feet with a 15-foot statue of Christopher Columbus on a ship’s prow, looking toward the Capitol.
Supporting figures show an elderly seafarer and a Native American, while the back depicts Queen Isabella of Spain.
Admire the architectural elements throughout Union Station
Notice the Ionic columns under the portico, topped with Louis Saint-Gaudens’ allegorical statues representing Progress, Electricity, Freedom, Imagination, Agriculture, and Mechanics.
Inside, look closely at the ceiling coffers with their intricate gold-leaf rosettes.
The presidential suite, now a restaurant, shows exceptional woodwork and detail. Even practical areas like stairwells include decorative elements worth noticing.
Board a classic rail trip
You can start one of America’s classic rail journeys right from Union Station’s platforms.
The station serves as the southern end of the Northeast Corridor, an electrified rail line running north through Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston—the busiest passenger route in the country.
Amtrak’s high-speed Acela gets you to New York in under three hours, while the cheaper Northeast Regional offers better views of changing landscapes.
The route follows paths established in the 19th century, passing through tunnels and over bridges that showcase American rail history.
An early morning departure lets you see the sunrise over Chesapeake Bay during your northbound trip.
See the rotating cultural exhibitions
The 1988 restoration reimagined the station not just as a transportation hub and shopping center, but also as a venue for special exhibits.
Past shows have featured dinosaur displays, interactive science exhibits, international art collections, and holiday decorations attracting visitors regionwide.
Presidents from Theodore Roosevelt through Harry Truman used a private entrance suite
A private Presidential Suite offers fascinating Union Station history most travelers miss.
When Congress approved the new terminal in 1903, there had been two recent presidential assassinations in public places, including President James Garfield at the Baltimore and Potomac Station in 1881.
Architect Burnham responded by creating a separate grand entrance only for the President and visiting foreign officials.
This special area included a large reception room, several private offices, and elaborate wooden doorways connecting to both the front portico and passenger concourse.
Presidents from Theodore Roosevelt through Harry Truman regularly used this exclusive entrance when traveling by train.
Enjoy the many food options
You’ll find restaurants for every taste, from quick options like Shake Shack and Cava to sit-down places offering more leisurely meals.
The Food Court on the lower level serves international cuisine, from authentic Mexican tacos to Japanese bento boxes.
For regional American food, several restaurants offer Chesapeake specialties with Maryland blue crab.
Hop on one of the streetcars
Many visitors don’t realize Union Station connects to Washington’s historic streetcar system, revived after decades of absence.
Streetcars played a vital role in DC life starting in the early 1900s, with tracks crossing the city and connecting previously separate neighborhoods.
Today’s DC Streetcar line stops directly north of Union Station on the H Street Bridge, offering a modern version of this historic transportation.
You can board the sleek red and yellow vehicles to travel along H Street’s vibrant corridor, passing historic sites and trendy businesses.
The Capitol dome view from Columbus Circle caps off your visit perfectly
Finish your Union Station visit by stepping outside to Columbus Circle for one of Washington’s most impressive views.
Union Station sits where Massachusetts, Delaware, and Louisiana Avenues meet First and E Streets NE, creating a focal point for these radiating streets.
From the top of the grand stairs, look west past the Columbus Fountain toward the United States Capitol dome rising at the end of Delaware Avenue.
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