Dupont Circle

Washington

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

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

Things to do


Top hotels in Dupont Circle

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 P6,456 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P6,456
P7,486 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
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! (1,272 reviews)
"Central location. Quiet surroundings. Staff goes above and beyond to take care of their guests. Would recommend to family and friends. Thank you for a fantastic stay"

Reviewed on Aug 2, 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 P12,156 per night from Aug 20 to Aug 21
P12,156
P14,095 total
Aug 20 - Aug 21
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! (1,690 reviews)
"This was an excellent location to stay."

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2025

The Dupont Circle Hotel
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 P7,387 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
P7,387
P8,565 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
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! (1,024 reviews)
"This hotel was very nice and quiet overall. My only issue was housekeeping never visited for my 2 day stay. Outside of that amazing hotel."

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2025

Courtyard by Marriott Washington, DC 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 P8,317 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
P8,317
P11,447 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
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! (462 reviews)
Good Stay
"Nice hotel in a great area! Great bikes and brekkies. However, very slow elevators, loud noises and alarms at night, and mixed-bag staff ~"

Reviewed on Aug 1, 2025

Kimpton Banneker Hotel by IHG
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! (1,505 reviews)
Great Hotel in a chic area
"One of the best hotels I stayed in. Would return if in DC. Try the omelette for breakfast, it is delicious."

Reviewed on Jul 31, 2025

Lyle Washington D.C.
Washington Plaza Hotel

Washington Plaza Hotel

4 out of 5
10 Thomas Circle NW, Washington, DC
The price is P5,758 per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
P5,758
P6,677 total
Aug 10 - Aug 11
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! (4,489 reviews)
"The staff was very friendly and helpful. The neighborhood is a decent area but not a lot to offer if looking for going out without walking closer to Chinatown. The hotel interior is dated as well. Overall was good for the money I spent."

Reviewed on Aug 1, 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 the city at Farragut North Station or Farragut West Station.

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

Foggy Bottom

4/5(1 area review)

The important monuments and popular shops are just a few highlights of Foggy Bottom. Make a stop by Potomac River or Chesapeake and Ohio Canal while you're exploring the area.

Foggy Bottom
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Logan Circle

Logan Circle is known for its popular shops, and with sights like Studio Theatre and National City Christian Church, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Washington.

Logan Circle
Georgetown which includes heritage architecture, a house and a city

Georgetown

Georgetown is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Georgetown Park and Washington Harbour while you're in town.

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

Downtown Washington D.C.

4.5/5(3 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