Dupont Circle Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Dupont Circle featuring a monument and a statue or sculpture
Funky shops, historic houses and fascinating museums have turned this once-exclusive neighborhood into a fun-loving bohemian district.

Dupont Circle is one of the hippest neighborhoods in Washington D.C. Explore this eclectic jumble of bistros, bars, embassies, galleries, museums and early 20th-century architecture. The cosmopolitan district is home to young professionals and artists and has a large lesbian and gay community.

The circle started taking shape in the last quarter of the 19th century when members of Washington’s elite built their mansions here. Following a period of decline in the early 20th century, Dupont Circle re-emerged as a bohemian neighborhood in the 1970s, attracting musicians, artists, students and intellectuals.

Take a slow ramble through the streets to appreciate the architecture. In Embassy Row you’ll find many country embassies in mansions and former residences. Visit the Heurich House, also known as the Brewmaster’s Castle, a Victorian mansion with a fortress-like appearance.

At the heart of the neighborhood is the small park where locals hang out and chess players compete at stone tables. Stroll through the leafy open space and rest near the white marble fountain. The area honors Samuel Francis Du Pont, a Civil War naval hero.

On a cultural tour of Dupont Circle’s museums and galleries, visit the Phillips Collection to view works by Cezanne, Van Gogh, Picasso and other towering figures of modern art. Explore the revival-style house where President Woodrow Wilson spent his last few years. The National Geographic Museum offers insights into the diversity of our planet and its cultures.

The area has many other attractions that make a visit worthwhile. Pick up vintage clothing in secondhand stores, find good deals on rare vinyl records and try a bowl of mussels in a casual restaurant. Come back in the evening for the lively nightlife.

To find many of the area’s gay-friendly bars, restaurants and cafes, walk down P Street Northwest toward Rock Creek Parkway along the Potomac River. This park is a great place for walking, biking or simply enjoying green space in the nation’s capital.

Dupont Circle is located just north of downtown Washington D.C. It conveniently has its own metro station. Street parking is limited but you’ll find paid parking garages nearby.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Dupont Circle Hotel Deals

The Darcy Hotel
The Darcy Hotel
4.5 out of 5
1515 Rhode Island Avenue NW, Washington, DC
The price is NZ$263 per night from 1 Dec to 2 Dec
NZ$263
includes taxes & fees
1 Dec - 2 Dec
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,093 reviews)
Perfect stay in Washington D
"Comfortable lodging, attentive and helpful staff, perfect location for my meeting."

Reviewed on 30 Oct. 2024

The Darcy Hotel
The Royal Sonesta Washington DC Dupont Circle
The Royal Sonesta Washington DC Dupont Circle
4.5 out of 5
2121 P St Nw, Washington, DC
The price is NZ$280 per night from 24 Nov to 25 Nov
NZ$280
includes taxes & fees
24 Nov - 25 Nov
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,015 reviews)
"Very clean and staff was very attentive to our needs."

Reviewed on 28 Oct. 2024

The Royal Sonesta Washington DC Dupont Circle
The Dupont Circle Hotel
The Dupont Circle Hotel
4.5 out of 5
1500 New Hampshire Ave Nw, Washington, DC
The price is NZ$484 per night from 5 Nov to 6 Nov
NZ$484
includes taxes & fees
5 Nov - 6 Nov
Book a stay at this boutique aparthotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,432 reviews)
"Great"

Reviewed on 21 Oct. 2024

The Dupont Circle Hotel
Lyle Washington D.C.
Lyle Washington D.C.
4.5 out of 5
1731 New Hampshire Ave Nw, Washington, DC
The price is NZ$445 per night from 1 Nov to 2 Nov
NZ$445
includes taxes & fees
1 Nov - 2 Nov
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,418 reviews)
"This hotel is a gem in Dupont Circle! It’s modern, sophisticated, with art-filled decor, great fitness center, great restaurant with foodie approved food and cocktails, and excellent service by friendly, knowledgeable staff. I highly recommend and will definitely stay there again!"

Reviewed on 28 Oct. 2024

Lyle Washington D.C.
Washington Plaza Hotel
Washington Plaza Hotel
4 out of 5
10 Thomas Circle NW, Washington, DC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$212 per night from 10 Nov to 11 Nov
NZ$212
includes taxes & fees
10 Nov - 11 Nov
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (3,790 reviews)
"Great experience"

Reviewed on 28 Oct. 2024

Washington Plaza Hotel
Omni Shoreham Hotel
Omni Shoreham Hotel
4 out of 5
2500 Calvert St Nw, Washington, DC
The price is NZ$264 per night from 22 Nov to 23 Nov
NZ$264
includes taxes & fees
22 Nov - 23 Nov
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy an outdoor pool, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,628 reviews)
"A beautiful hotel with great service. A small downside was paper thin walls that allowed us to hear _everything_ happening in both adjacent rooms, but otherwise it was great."

Reviewed on 27 Oct. 2024

Omni Shoreham Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Dupont Circle

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Connecticut Ave - K Street

While you're in Connecticut Ave - K Street, take in top sights like Farragut Square or National Geographic Museum, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Farragut North Station or Farragut West Station.

Connecticut Ave - K Street
Foggy Bottom which includes a city, a memorial and a statue or sculpture

Foggy Bottom

4.5/5(21 area reviews)

Important monuments a university vibe and top sights from Potomac River to Chesapeake and Ohio Canal – discover Foggy Bottom, a destination also famous for its historic sites.

Foggy Bottom
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Logan Circle

A noteworthy feature of Logan Circle is its popular shops. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Studio Theatre and National City Christian Church.

Logan Circle
Georgetown which includes street scenes, heritage architecture and a house

Georgetown

5/5(5 area reviews)

Georgetown is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Georgetown Waterfront Park or Washington Harbour.

Georgetown
Downtown Washington D.C. showing street scenes, night scenes and a city

Downtown Washington D.C.

4.5/5(95 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums and important monuments, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Washington D.C.. Check out top attractions like Smithsonian Institution and Capital One Arena, and jump on the metro at McPherson Sq. Station or Center Station to see more of the city.

Downtown Washington D.C.
International Spy Museum featuring interior views

Southwest Federal Center

While you're in Southwest Federal Center, take in top sights like National Mall or Smithsonian Institution, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at L'Enfant Plaza Station or Federal Center Station.

Southwest Federal Center

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