DuPont Circle lies at the intersection of Connecticut Avenue, Massachusetts Avenue, New Hampshire Avenue, P Street and 19th Street NW. The neighborhood is a mix of residential and commercial properties. The DuPont Circle Metro stop is on the popular Red line. Metrobuses frequent this corridor as well. Dupont Circle’s real estate, central location, and lively nightlife make it a very attractive neighborhood for househunters.

Dupont Circle History

The circle, originally called Pacific Circle, was renamed in 1882 after a statue of Samuel Francis DuPont was erected there. The DuPont statue was moved to Wilmington, DE in 1920 and was replaced by a double-tiered fountain created by the architects of the Lincoln Memorial. Dupont Circle is located in the heart of the “Old City,” the part of Washington, DC planned by famed architect Pierre Charles L’Enfant. This area was once home to a brickyard and slaughterhouse. After the Civil War, Dupont Circle saw a large influx of new residents.

Dupont Circle Real Estate

Dupont Circle real estate boasts many row houses built in the Queen Anne and Richardsonian Romanesque revival style on beautiful tree-lined streets. During the 1870s and 1880s, mansions were built along Massachusetts Avenue, one of Washington’s grand avenues, and townhouses were built throughout the neighborhood. There are now many larger condo buildings built in the early to mid-1900s, some of which were converted from large mansions and townhomes.

Dupont Circle Community

The circle that anchors the neighborhood is truly the heart of the Dupont Circle community. It serves as a gathering spot for performers, artists, picnickers, sunbathers, and much more.

A weekend farmers market takes place on 20th Street NW between Massachusetts Avenue and Hillyer Place. Just before Halloween, 100+ costumed drag queens race down 17th Street for thousands of spectators in the Dupont Circle High Heel Race. The historic Heurich House Museum is home to an authentic German Christmas market.

Dupont Circle Entertainment

The Phillips Collection, America’s “first museum of modern art,” offers far more than just art. Enjoy its lineup of live music, food, and entertainment at “Phillips After 5” or one of its Sunday concerts. Kramerbooks & Afterwords, the District’s original bookstore and café/bar, offers a fabulous lineup of literary events in addition to its full menu.

Dupont Circle Favorites

Start your evening at Bistro du Coin, a French bistro with a fabulous selection of French wines, Champagne, authentic cocktails and apéritifs. The also have an amazing mussels menu! Visit Floriana Restaurant, one of DC’s 10 Most Romantic Restaurants (WTOP), for its Italian meals made with seasonal and local ingredients. Indulge your sweet tooth with authentic gelato from Dolcezza Gelato.

• Discover more DC favorites in:

  • Things to Do Indoors with Kids in the DC Area
  • Best Museums for Kids in DC
  • Summer Things to Do in Alexandria and DC
  • Events and Things to do this Spring in the DC Area
  • Winter Activities in DC And Beyond
  • Moving to Washington, DC: What You Need to Know!
  • The Best Bagels in the DC Area
  • Bottomless Brunch in DC & Beyond
  • Beer in the DC Area
  • The Best Hikes Around DC
  • Top 25 Things to Do with a Dog in Washington DC & Beyond
  • The Best Outdoor Bars in DC
  • The Best Coffee Shops in DC
  • Music Venues in DC – And Beyond

Want to know what it’s like to live in Dupont Circle? Let’s go on a neighborhood orientation tour!