Dupont Circle

Located in Northwest Washington, the borders of the Dupont Circle neighborhood are demarcated by 16th Street NW to the east, M Street NW to the south, 22nd Street NW to the west, and Florida Avenue NW to the north. Main business corridors are Connecticut Avenue NW and New Hampshire Avenue NW, both of which meet in the neighborhood’s eponymous circle.

Stately and stunning are two words to describe the housing stock in Dupont Circle. Multi-story brick townhomes (many of them with brick facades and even turret towers) can come with more than 2,000 square feet of living space, a pervasive sense of local history and charm, and all the modern touches of city living.

Some of Dupont Circle’s larger townhomes have been lovingly transformed into multi-unit buildings. The neighborhood also features more traditional multi-story condominium buildings, including Boston House, Richmond Condominium, Dupont East, and local landmark The Cairo (one of the tallest buildings in the entire city).

THE CIRCLE AT THE CENTER OF IT ALL

It was only in the decades after the Civil War that Dupont Circle began to bloom into the residential area it is today.

One of the neighborhood’s signature landmarks, the eponymous traffic circle that’s become something of a public square for residents and visitors alike, was built in 1871. It’s original name: Pacific Circle. The name was subsequently changed in 1882 in honor of admiral Samuel Francis Du Pont. In 1920, Du Pont’s statue was replaced with the existing marble fountain.

The first half of the 20th century saw the neighborhood at the heart of major changes. Among these were the growth of stately embassies and mansions for the city’s social elite. You can still appreciate these architectural marvels during a casual stroll through Dupont Circle’s streets.

The second half of the 20th century saw the neighborhood slowly bounce back from the devastation of the 1968 riots after the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. Over subsequent decades, stores, bars, restaurants, and shops rose. Soon, Dupont Circle became one of the trendiest spots in the city.

TRENDSETTING-AND HISTORICAL

Dupont Circle’s trendy reputation continues to this day. Its proximity to downtown DC and surrounding neighborhoods like Georgetown and Logan Circle make it one of Northwest’s most accessible spots.

You can find everything you’re looking for on its main avenues and side streets. Dining options range from fast-casual (Shake Shack) to small plates (Iron Gate), and entertainment options including everything from fine arts (at either The Phillips Collection or one of the neighborhood’s smaller galleries) to billiard games (at Buffalo Billiards).

Still, the neighborhood hasn’t lost its historical ties. In fact, it celebrates them. Residents of Dupont Circle are proud to call as neighbors historical sites including The President Woodrow Wilson House, The Society of the Cincinnati, The Mansion on O, and the Heurich House Museum.

Move

Pick up the Red Line at the Dupont Circle Metro station. Hop on a bike at several Capital Bikeshare stations, or take one of the many Metrobus routes that run through the neighborhood. Enjoy a casual walk to the National Mall or Georgetown.

Dine

Savor some delicious steak frites and Belgian beers at the always-popular Bistro du Coin. Barhop along Connecticut Avenue NW at spots like Madhatter and Sauf Haus Beer Hall. Grab homemade empanadas to go at Julia’s Empanadas.

Live

Enjoy leisurely al-fresco afternoons people watching in the neighborhood’s iconic circle. Check out art masterpieces and special exhibits at The Phillips Collection. Have a good laugh with comedians at The Comedy Loft of DC.

Shop

Pick up a new book at Kramerbooks, a used book at Second Story Books, or a comic book at Fantom Comics. Shop for eclectic home goods at Tabletop. Pick up fruits and veggies at the year-round FRESHFARM Dupont Circle Farmers Market.