Summary
Dupont Circle is a cosmopolitan neighborhood featuring some of Washington, D.C.’s finest museums, historical homes, and foreign embassies. Additionally, it boasts a variety of ethnic restaurants, bookstores, and private art galleries. This vibrant area serves as the heart of Washington, D.C.’s nightlife, characterized by a lively community atmosphere. The neighborhood features numerous high-rise apartment buildings, as well as many rowhouses converted into apartments. The Circle itself is a focal point with park benches, greenery, and a unique fountain, making it an exciting spot for exploration.
Getting to Dupont Circle
Dupont Circle is conveniently located north of Downtown Washington, D.C., east of Rock Creek Park, south of Adams Morgan and Kalorama, and west of Logan Circle. Major streets incorporated within the circle include Connecticut Ave., New Hampshire Ave., and Massachusetts Ave.
The Dupont Circle area is quite busy, and parking can be difficult. Consequently, public transportation is highly recommended for ease of access.
- By Metro: The closest Metro station is Dupont Circle.
- By Bus: Metrobus routes include 42, G2, L2, and N2-N6. The DC Circulator Bus runs every 10 minutes connecting Dupont Circle with Georgetown and Rosslyn, with stops located at 19th and N St. NW, Washington, DC.
- By Bike: Using Capital Bikeshare, visitors can take a bike from one of over 180 stations in DC and Arlington and return it to any nearby docking station. The closest docking stations are found two blocks away at Massachusetts Avenue & Dupont Circle, NW and 20th & O Street, NW.
Points of Interest Near Dupont Circle
- Museums: The neighborhood hosts several small museums, including the Textile Museum, Woodrow Wilson House, the Phillips Collection, and Brewmaster’s Castle, among others.
- Embassy Row: The area along Massachusetts Avenue from Dupont Circle toward the National Cathedral is famous for its numerous foreign embassies.
- The Cathedral of Saint Matthew the Apostle: This cathedral church serves as the seat of the Archbishop of Washington and plays a significant role in the Catholic life of the nation’s capital. For more information, visit Saint Matthew’s Cathedral.
- Brookings Institute: Consistently ranked as the most influential think tank in the U.S., the Brookings Institution provides fact-based analysis for decision-makers and opinion leaders. For more details, visit Brookings Institute.
Dining and Nightlife
Dupont Circle is known for its eclectic dining scene, offering various restaurants that range from fast food to unique ethnic eateries. Consequently, it is one of the city’s most popular spots for nightlife, drawing visitors who seek both dining and entertainment options.
Hotels Near Dupont Circle
There are numerous interesting places to stay in this vibrant neighborhood, including accommodations ranging from family-friendly hotels to charming bed and breakfasts. Selecting the right hotel can enhance your visit to this lively area.
