Dupont Circle

Washington

Dupont Circle showing a statue or sculpture and a monument
Dupont Circle which includes a garden, a fountain and a monument
Dupont Circle
Dupont Circle which includes a city, street scenes and heritage architecture
Dupont Circle featuring interior views and heritage architecture

Funky shops, historic houses and fascinating museums have turned this once-exclusive neighbourhood into a fun-loving bohemian district. 

Dupont Circle is one of the hippest neighbourhoods 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 neighbourhood 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 neighbourhood 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 honours 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

Things to do


Top hotels in Dupont Circle

Kimpton Banneker Hotel by IHG

Kimpton Banneker Hotel by IHG

4.5 out of 5
1315 16th St NW, Washington, DC
The price is RM627 per night from 14 Aug to 15 Aug
RM627
RM849 total
14 Aug - 15 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (442 reviews)
"Great stay, great location, friendly knowledgeable and accommodating staff. Cute restaurant!"

Reviewed on 18 Jul 2025

Kimpton Banneker Hotel by IHG
Holiday Inn Washington-Central/White House by IHG

Holiday Inn Washington-Central/White House by IHG

3 out of 5
1501 Rhode Island Ave Nw, Washington, DC
The price is RM538 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
RM538
RM624 total
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star 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! (1,264 reviews)
"Very nice"

Reviewed on 19 Jul 2025

Holiday Inn Washington-Central/White House by IHG
The Dupont Circle Hotel

The Dupont Circle Hotel

4.5 out of 5
1500 New Hampshire Ave Nw, Washington, DC
The price is RM910 per night from 19 Aug to 20 Aug
RM910
RM1,056 total
19 Aug - 20 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,676 reviews)
"The hotel staff are friendly and helpful! The farmers' market, located right next to the hotel on Sunday, is charming! We loved our stay at the hotel!"

Reviewed on 17 Jul 2025

The Dupont Circle Hotel
Lyle Washington D.C.

Lyle Washington D.C.

4.5 out of 5
1731 New Hampshire Ave Nw, Washington, DC
Stay at this 4.5-star 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! (1,500 reviews)
Large flies in the gym
"Service was good and room was clean and comfortable. The gym, though nice, had a lot of big flies all over the place, many were dead and some flying around. That was disappointing but the room itself was clean and no issues."

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Lyle Washington D.C.
Courtyard by Marriott Washington, DC Dupont Circle

Courtyard by Marriott Washington, DC Dupont Circle

3.5 out of 5
1733 N St NW, Washington, DC
The price is RM610 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
RM610
RM707 total
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star boutique hotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
"Excellent top-notch staff and property. Cleaning staff were very professional and courteous."

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

Courtyard by Marriott Washington, DC Dupont Circle
Washington Plaza Hotel

Washington Plaza Hotel

4 out of 5
10 Thomas Circle NW, Washington, DC
The price is RM462 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
RM462
RM535 total
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
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! (4,470 reviews)
"Very good!"

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Washington Plaza 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 National Geographic Museum or K Street, 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 memorial, a city and a statue or sculpture

Foggy Bottom

4.5/5(39 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 featuring a house, a city and street scenes

Georgetown

4.5/5(14 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 Park or Washington Harbour.

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

Downtown Washington D.C.

4.5/5(156 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 Capital One Arena and Smithsonian Institution, and jump on the metro at McPherson Sq. Station or Center Station to see more of the city.

Downtown Washington D.C.
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Penn Quarter

While you're in Penn Quarter, take in top sights like FBI Headquarters and jump on the metro at Archives Station to see more of the city.

Penn Quarter

Dupont Circle