For many newcomers, Union Station is one of their first experiences of Washington, D.C. That should be of no surprise as the District’s Union Station is the second busiest Amtrak station in the nation, with more than 37 million visitors passing through each year. It’s also the busiest Metro station in the city.
In the 1980s, the Urban Land Institute, a professional organization of architects, developers, and other real estate professionals, called Union Station an “embarrassment to the nation, to the federal government, and to Washington, D.C." The National Park Service declared the entire structure unsafe after a leaking roof caused a partial collapse in 1981. After a $160 million renovation, the site’s Main Hall was refitted with marble floors, new HVAC systems, and three new levels of retail space. The station reopened in September 1988.
Nowadays, the historic station is a sight to behold, featuring decorative design elements like ionic columns, chiseled inscriptions, and a myriad of statues inspired by classical Roman architecture. The main Hall was restored again in 2016 and the Amtrak concourse is slated for a multimillion-dollar renovation.
Union Station is truly one of the most beautiful stations in the world as well as one of the most beautiful interior spaces in D.C. There’s so much to see, do, and eat there that we’ve put together this guide to help you navigate the venue.
Where to eat
There are a wide variety of retailers and restaurants inside Union Station. In order to help you choose which places are worth seeing, check out this comprehensive list of must-try dishes, curated by Curbed sister site Eater DC. For a quick list of recommendations, see below.
First off, if you haven’t had Shake Shack, it’s time. The beloved New York-based hamburger chain offers an array of burgers, milkshake flavors, and even breakfast sandwiches.
Craving something sweet? There are a few sites in the station worth a look. Located in the lower level of Union Station, Crepe Lena offers crepes filled with strawberries, Nutella, white chocolate, and more. Ladurée comes with macarons in more flavors than you can imagine. More savory options include a Cava and &pizza.
Where to shop
While D.C. may not be known for being a shopping mecca, Union Station has a pretty good supply of beauty options, including Mac, Kiehl’s, and Blue Mercury. (Pro tip: These retailers are often not nearly as busy as their peers in other locations in the city.) For clothing, there are options like Uniqlo, H&M, and Ann Taylor.
The history behind it all
It all began when Pennsylvania Railroad and the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad said that they would build a union station together. The announcement came in 1901, six years before Union Station officially opened in October 1907. The full construction was completed in April 1908.
Daniel Burnham, a famed Chicago architect and member of the U.S. Senate Park Commission, designed the station. Due to its close proximity to the U.S. Capitol, Burnham chose classical architecture, borrowing from the Roman baths and triumphal arch.
By the mid-1960s, there were talks to demolish the structure. Instead, Congress decided to pay $3.3 million per year to lease the station and convert it into the National Visitor Center. After a lackluster run, the center closed in 1978.
A complete $160 million restoration of the station allowed the station to reopen with three new levels of retail space.
In 2016, a major renovation to the Main Hall was finished after a significant 2011 earthquake. The space was repainted, re-gilded, and saw new gold leafing. The heating and air conditioning systems were also improved.
What’s next?
The next big project expected is a redesign of Union Station’s cramped Amtrak concourse toward the back of the station. A new entrance on First Street NE and a new fare gate area are also planned. The work is part of the station’s multibillion-dollar, second century redevelopment plan. Onward!