Welcome to Dupont Circle

Elegant, cosmopolitan, and historically rich, Dupont Circle is one of Washington, D.C.’s most iconic and cultured neighborhoods.

Centered around its namesake traffic circle and leafy park, this vibrant area blends grand architecture with a dynamic urban lifestyle. From Gilded Age mansions and embassies to buzzing cafés and bookstores, Dupont Circle offers a seamless mix of old-world charm and contemporary flair. Its walkability, artistic energy, and intellectual spirit make it a favorite for residents and visitors alike.

Whether you're exploring the art at The Phillips Collection, lounging in the circle with a coffee, or dining along Connecticut Avenue, Dupont Circle delivers an effortlessly stylish, quintessentially D.C. experience.

What to Love

• Elegant historic homes, including Beaux-Arts mansions and rowhouses
• A bustling café and bookstore culture
• Art and culture at The Phillips Collection and beyond
• Vibrant nightlife with classic bars and modern lounges
• Farmer’s markets and leafy streets made for walking
• Proximity to downtown, embassies, and Metro

People & Lifestyle

Dupont Circle attracts a diverse and dynamic mix—young professionals, international diplomats, artists, academics, and long-time D.C. residents. 

Dining, Entertainment & Shopping

Dupont Circle’s culinary scene is sophisticated and varied. Popular dining spots include Anju (modern Korean), Le Diplomate (Parisian brasserie), and Iron Gate (Mediterranean).
Charming coffee shops like Emissary, Dolcezza, and Kramers (bookstore + café) offer perfect spots for reading or people-watching.
The neighborhood also features global embassies, art galleries, boutique shops, and the weekly Dupont Circle Farmers Market, a favorite for fresh, local goods.

Nightlife includes a mix of relaxed wine bars, craft cocktail lounges, and LGBTQ+-friendly venues, maintaining the area’s vibrant and welcoming vibe.

Things to Do

There’s always something happening in Dupont Circle. Explore The Phillips Collection, the nation’s first museum of modern art, or visit Anderson House, an overlooked gem of historic architecture.

Relax in Dupont Circle Park, a central gathering space for chess players, picnickers, and musicians. Stroll down Embassy Row or take part in cultural events like First Friday art walks and the Capital Pride Parade.

The neighborhood’s central location also puts downtown D.C., the White House, and the National Mall within walking or biking distance.

Schools

While Dupont Circle has fewer traditional schools within its tight urban grid, nearby options within the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) system include:
• Ross Elementary School PK–5
• Cardozo Education Campus 6–12

Highly regarded charter and private schools nearby include:
• Maret School PK–12
• BASIS DC Public Charter School 6–12

With close access to think tanks, universities (like GW and Georgetown), and cultural institutions, Dupont Circle offers a rich intellectual backdrop for students of all ages.