Welcome to Dupont Circle
An elegant and artistic haven.
Dupont Circle was developed during the Gilded Age as a home for Washington’s elite and moneyed class. Stately mansions built around the elegant circle and along Massachusetts Avenue were showpieces for many of the nation’s wealthiest industrialists, earning the stretch the nickname “Millionaires Row.” It became Embassy Row after the stock market crash emptied the mansions and foreign governments moved in. The neighborhood next became a center of the city’s bohemian and alternative scene, and it still knows how to let its hair down today with a mix of popular galleries, restaurants, bars, and clubs.
With its leafy streets, numerous green spaces, and stately row homes, Dupont Circle has earned its reputation as the city’s most beautiful neighborhood. Despite a high concentration of embassies and historic mansions, it bucks formality for a more artsy and intellectual sensibility.
What to Expect
Old-world charm with new-world vitality.
The picturesque streets of
Dupont Circle exude European charm and display a treasure trove of architectural delights, including
Victorian-era row houses, Beaux-Arts mansions, and Romanesque Revival townhomes that line its historic streets. The neighborhood’s tree-lined avenues create a serene, walkable urban oasis, while its vibrant mix of shops, cafés, and cultural institutions ensures a dynamic energy.
The Lifestyle
Effortless living with arts and entertainment at your doorstep.
Dupont Circle is an effortless blend of old-world elegance and contemporary urban living. Residents enjoy an abundance of everyday conveniences, from locally owned markets and bakeries to high-end grocers like
Trader Joe’s and
Whole Foods, all within walking distance. Whether grabbing a coffee at
Dolcezza Gelato & Coffee or sipping wine at a cozy bistro, the area maintains a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere.
Art and culture thrive in this vibrant neighborhood. First Fridays, a monthly tradition, transforms the area into an open-air art district as galleries welcome visitors for evening exhibitions. Cultural hotspots such as the Phillips Collection, America’s first modern art museum, and the historic Anderson House, home of the Society of the Cincinnati, offer enriching experiences for history and art lovers. The neighborhood also hosts embassy events, literary readings, and film screenings, ensuring that there’s always something happening.
For those who enjoy the outdoors,
Dupont Circle Park is a favorite meeting place. On weekends, locals gather here for chess matches, outdoor yoga sessions, and impromptu performances. During major sporting events like the
World Cup, large crowds come together for public screenings, turning the area into a lively and festive hub.
Unexpected Appeal
European lifestyle in the nation’s capital.
Dupont Circle offers an urban European-inspired lifestyle, where the line between work, leisure, and community seamlessly blends. Sidewalk cafés, pedestrian-friendly streets, and mixed-use spaces create an atmosphere reminiscent of
Paris or Barcelona. It’s one of the few places in D.C. where residential and commercial areas coexist harmoniously, making errands and outings an enjoyable part of daily life rather than a chore.
Many residents choose to go car-free, relying on the extensive public transit network,
Capital Bikeshare stations, and even electric scooters to get around. With the
Dupont Circle Metro Station just minutes away and multiple bus routes connecting the neighborhood to other parts of the city, car ownership feels like an unnecessary expense. The ease of transportation, combined with the area’s thriving café culture and vibrant nightlife, makes Dupont Circle an attractive place for young professionals, creatives, and international residents.
You'll Fall in Love With
Browsing the neighborhood’s bookstores and small shops after work.
Dupont Circle is home to independent bookstores, vintage boutiques, and specialty retailers, perfect for leisurely after-work browsing.
Kramerbooks & Afterwords Café, a local institution since 1976, offers a literary escape with its cozy reading nooks and late-night dining options.
Strolling down Connecticut Avenue to the bustling Sunday farmers' market, where local vendors offer organic produce, fresh pastries, and artisanal goods, is a favorite weekend ritual. The Dupont Circle FRESHFARM Market is one of the largest and most popular in D.C., attracting chefs and food lovers alike.
For a quieter moment, the Spanish Steps, an intimate staircase tucked between S Street NW and Decatur Place NW, provides a charming hideaway. Whether it’s sipping an espresso, reading a novel, or simply watching the world pass by, this tucked-away spot offers a peaceful retreat amid the city’s energy.
From its architectural beauty and vibrant arts scene to its cosmopolitan atmosphere, Dupont Circle embodies a sophisticated, yet relaxed way of life. Whether you’re enjoying a glass of wine at a European-style café, cycling to work through its leafy streets, or attending an embassy soirée, this neighborhood’s unique blend of history, culture, and community makes it an unparalleled place to call home.
The Real Estate
Historic charm meets modern luxury.
Dupont Circle’s real estate market is as diverse as its residents, offering charming row houses, luxury condos, and historic co-ops. The neighborhood is known for its 19th-century townhomes with ornate facades, grand staircases, and intricate moldings, as well as contemporary apartment buildings with high-end amenities.
Buyers and renters can find everything from studio apartments perfect for urban dwellers to multi-million-dollar mansions steeped in history. Many buildings boast pre-war architecture, high ceilings, and European-style courtyards, while newer developments provide rooftop terraces, concierge services, and state-of-the-art fitness centers. Due to the prime location and high walkability, real estate in Dupont Circle tends to be competitive, with demand consistently high.
The Dining Scene
A global culinary experience within walking distance.
Dupont Circle is a food lover’s paradise, offering an eclectic mix of fine dining, casual eateries, and international flavors. Whether you're craving authentic French pastries from Un Je Ne Sais Quoi, a lively brunch at Firefly, or Ethiopian cuisine at Dukem, the neighborhood provides a diverse culinary landscape.
Locals love the outdoor patios lining 17th Street, where they can sip craft cocktails at Doyle Bar or enjoy a farm-to-table meal at Iron Gate, one of the city’s most romantic restaurants. From artisanal gelato at Dolcezza to the legendary half-smoke at Ben’s Chili Bowl, there’s something to satisfy every craving.
Parks and Green Spaces
Urban oasis with hidden gems.
While Dupont Circle is a bustling urban neighborhood, it also offers plenty of green spaces for relaxation. The central Dupont Circle Park is a hub for locals and tourists alike, where you’ll often find chess players, artists, and community events.
Nearby, the Spanish Steps provide a quiet escape, while Mitchell Park is a local favorite for dog walkers and picnickers. The Rock Creek Park Trail, just a short walk away, offers a scenic retreat for joggers, bikers, and nature lovers.
Cultural Landmarks and Institutions
A hub for history, art, and diplomacy.
Dupont Circle is a cultural epicenter, home to historic mansions, embassies, and world-renowned museums. The Phillips Collection, known as America’s first modern art museum, features works by Renoir, Rothko, and Van Gogh. The Anderson House, a stunning Beaux-Arts mansion, showcases the legacy of the American Revolution.
Embassy Row, stretching along Massachusetts Avenue, is a global showcase of diplomacy, where international embassies host cultural events, open houses, and art exhibits. The annual Passport DC festival allows visitors to step inside these historic buildings and experience cultures from around the world.
Properties in Dupont Circle
