Dupont Circle Travel Guide

Washington

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


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 ₹10,464 per night from 16 Nov to 17 Nov
₹10,464
₹12,133 total
16 Nov - 17 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,329 reviews)
"Everything was okay apart from the male breakfast server who almost demanded we tip him; not good. Won't return."

Reviewed on 19 Oct 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 ₹18,905 per night from 21 Nov to 22 Nov
₹18,905
₹21,921 total
21 Nov - 22 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Washington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,760 reviews)
"The room was cozy and chic, the staff was efficient but not friendly."

Reviewed on 16 Oct 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
The price is ₹12,041 per night from 26 Oct to 27 Oct
₹12,041
₹17,021 total
26 Oct - 27 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Washington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,581 reviews)
"Didn't eat breakfast"

Reviewed on 15 Oct 2025

Lyle Washington D.C.
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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹9,171 per night from 31 Oct to 1 Nov
₹9,171
₹14,202 total
31 Oct - 1 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Washington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,318 reviews)
"Icemaker on the 3rd floor (our floor) was not working. AC/Heating(?) unit made noises in the night. Room was big and clean. Area around hotel is great."

Reviewed on 15 Oct 2025

The Royal Sonesta 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 ₹15,036 per night from 16 Nov to 17 Nov
₹15,036
₹20,160 total
16 Nov - 17 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Washington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (594 reviews)
"Great"

Reviewed on 16 Oct 2025

Kimpton Banneker Hotel by IHG
Dupont Circle Embassy Inn by FOUND

Dupont Circle Embassy Inn by FOUND

2 out of 5
1627 16th Street Northwest, Washington, DC
The price is ₹7,443 per night from 16 Nov to 17 Nov
₹7,443
₹8,630 total
16 Nov - 17 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Washington. Enjoy an in-room coffee maker, housekeeping and air conditioning. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
7.4/10 Good! (401 reviews)
"I loved the experience, it was safe, quiet, peaceful and clean, great neighborhood, friendly staff. Specially Essan, he took care of us the first day we arrived, very kind and sweet person. I would definitely recommend this place 💙⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️"

Reviewed on 15 Oct 2025

Dupont Circle Embassy Inn by FOUND
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 city, a memorial 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 Mary McLeod Bethune Council House.

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

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. showing street scenes, night scenes and a city

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.
International Spy Museum featuring interior views

Southwest Federal Center

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

Southwest Federal Center


Dupont Circle Travel Guide