Welcome to Dupont Circle
Where Old City D.C. and modernity meet
This iconic D.C. neighborhood is perfect for on-the-go doers who wish to be at the heart of it all. With plenty of eclectic dining and shopping options, abundant nightlife, and some of the city’s most stunning residential streets, Dupont Circle has it all. Designed by architect Pierre Charles L’Enfant, the neighborhood has a distinctly European flair that blends well with its contemporary urban vitality.
What to Love
• Charming European architecture
• Centrally located convenience
• See-and-be-seen nightlife
• Vibrant arts and entertainment
People & Lifestyle
Dupont Circle’s vibrant lifestyle attracts young professionals. Although the area boasts architectural sophistication and sought-after historic mansions, the neighborhood has a laid-back atmosphere and a brilliant artsy personality.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Dupont Circle has no shortage of incredible eateries, so no matter what you’re craving, there is always something on the menu you’ll love. Just east of the circle, a single block of 17th Street packs in some of the neighborhood’s best: Sushi Taro offers high end sushi and a coveted omakase counter; longtime favorite Agora serves Turkish and Mediterranean mezze, fresh baked pita and a buzzy weekend brunch; Astoria, from the team behind H Street’s Copycat Co., pairs Sichuan dishes like chili wontons and walnut shrimp with expertly made cocktails; and around the corner on Q Street, Hank’s Oyster Bar has been shucking oysters and serving lobster rolls for years.
For an intimate dinner, stop by The Riggsby, a moody, low lit dining room serving refined comfort food. The Dupont Circle Hotel offers two standout spots: The Pembroke, known for its brunch and handmade pastas, and The Doyle, an elegant cocktail bar with a patio overlooking the circle. or a cozier nightcap, head up to McClellan’s Retreat on Florida Avenue, a beloved neighborhood cocktail bar with a seasonally rotating menu of creative drinks, some served in playful tiki mugs.
Dupont Circle shopping comes to life on Connecticut Avenue. This primary vein of Dupont Circle is bursting with upscale boutiques, high-end consignment shops, and unique coffee shops and cafes.
Things to Do
Dupont Circle is one of D.C.’s liveliest neighborhoods, so there is always something to mark on your calendar. Art lovers can spend hours browsing America’s first museum of modern art, the Phillips Collection. On date night, head to the subterranean DC Improv Comedy Club for a laugh, or spend a peaceful evening on the Spanish Steps in Decatur Terrace.
For a dose of history, tour the Heurich House Museum, the ornate Victorian “Brewmaster’s Castle” built by one of DC’s great beer barons, then raise a glass of its namesake lager in the 1921 Biergarten out back. A few blocks away, the Mansion on O Street is one of the city’s most unusual attractions: more than 100 rooms packed floor to ceiling with art and memorabilia, and dozens of secret doors waiting to be discovered.
If you want to spend some time in the sun, Dupont Circle’s titular traffic circle is home to a park that boasts chess boards, plenty of green space for playing or picnicking, and the beautiful Dupont Circle Fountain. Take a stroll down Embassy Row, where foreign embassies have moved into historic row houses that previously belonged to the capitol’s wealthiest residents. Have a pup? To the northeast of the circle, the S Street Dog Park is a neighborhood favorite, complete with water stations and cooling spots for dogs in summer.
The FRESHFARM Dupont Circle Market has been a Dupont Circle staple since 1997, bringing artisanal goods and fresh produce to the area on Sunday mornings. Come the holiday season, the DC Holiday Market brings festive stalls of local gifts, crafts and treats to the neighborhood.
