The Circle: Channel. April 2023
1 / 10

Uptown Station and Circle

4.5
·42 reviews·Normal, United States

Discover a hidden art world in abandoned metro tunnels and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Dupont Circle, a historic DC hub.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekends

Vibrant atmosphere, live music

CrowdMedium
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The Circle: Channel. April 2023

Uptown Station and Circle

Best Time

Weekends

Vibrant atmosphere, live music

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover a hidden art world in abandoned metro tunnels and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Dupont Circle, a historic DC hub.

4.5
(42 reviews)

"A lovely place with nice art, many restaurants, right next to metra station, and even has a science museum for kids."

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TIP

🎨 Explore Hidden Art

Don't miss Dupont Underground for a unique art experience in abandoned metro tunnels!

🚗 Parking Challenges

Parking can be tricky; consider biking or using the metro for easier access.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Dupont Underground Art Gallery

Dupont Underground Art Gallery

Beneath Dupont Circle

Explore a vast 15,000 sq ft art space in historic abandoned metro tunnels. A truly unique DC experience.

Dupont Circle Fountain

Dupont Circle Fountain

Center of Dupont Circle

A beautiful landmark offering a relaxing ambiance and enjoyable views, especially with live music.

McPherson Metro Station

McPherson Metro Station

Near Thomas Circle

A convenient transit hub offering easy access to the city and nearby attractions.

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Planning Your Visit

Explore the Underground Art Scene

Discover Dupont Underground, a unique art gallery housed in abandoned metro tunnels. It's a fascinating glimpse into DC's hidden history and a vibrant space for contemporary arts. Check their schedule for current exhibitions.

Navigating Dupont Circle

Dupont Circle is a lively hub with a central metro station, making it easy to access. Be aware that parking can be challenging, so consider biking or using public transport for a smoother experience.

Best Times

When
Weekends
Why
Vibrant atmosphere, live music
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday evenings
Why
Less crowded, art exhibitions
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Did you know you can visit this abandoned metro station below DC? 🚊🚈 Dupont Underground is transforming 15,000 sqft of open abandoned space under Dupont Circle into a platform for creative exchange and contemporary arts in our vibrant city. 🎨 You can visit the exhibition highlighting martial arts, drumming, and lion and dragon dancing for FREE until November 9th! 🐉 find all the details via 🔗 in b...
joyraftdc
580 likes • 19K views

🎨 Explore Hidden Art

Don't miss Dupont Underground for a unique art experience in abandoned metro tunnels! TikTokInstagram

🚗 Parking Challenges

Parking can be tricky; consider biking or using the metro for easier access. Reddit

A quick trip to @visitwashingtondc 🏛️💫🚊🥂 I had a great stay at @hotelzena with a beautiful view of Thomas Circle and an excellent central location It’s also very close to the McPherson @metroforward station 🚉
capturedbykhaliq
492 likes • 10.1K views
👀 Beneath the busy streets of Dupont Circle, DC hides a secret history. Built in 1949 as the city’s only underground streetcar station, these tunnels later served as Cold War fallout shelters and even a quirky trolley-themed food court in the ’90s—before being abandoned for decades. Today, @dupontunderground is a 15,000+ sq ft art gallery and creative hub, hosting immersive installations, live pe...
emilygoesplaces
11.8K likes • 303K views

🎶 Enjoy Live Music

Catch live music performances for a wonderful, relaxing experience. Reddit

🚇 Convenient Metro Access

The McPherson Metro station is centrally located and great for getting around. Instagram

reddit.com

Reposting of a lot of links and places to go/things to do in Bloomington-Normal

Tips

from all over the internet

🎨 Explore Hidden Art

Don't miss Dupont Underground for a unique art experience in abandoned metro tunnels! TikTokInstagram

🚗 Parking Challenges

Parking can be tricky; consider biking or using the metro for easier access. Reddit

🎶 Enjoy Live Music

Catch live music performances for a wonderful, relaxing experience. Reddit

🚇 Convenient Metro Access

The McPherson Metro station is centrally located and great for getting around. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.5
(42 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the unique art installations at Dupont Underground and the relaxing ambiance of the circle itself, often enhanced by live music. The convenience of the nearby metro station is a plus, though parking can be a significant drawback for some.

"I was waiting for the pink bus, but it never stopped at the station, but instead passed through it as a "not in service" bus"

Legend of Zelda Fan

"Lovely place with nice art, many restaurants, right next to metra station, and even has a science museum for kids. Overall a lovely place with great scenery and places to sit. It also has a record store and various other shops which I appreciate. During wintertime they even decorate the lights and it is beautiful. I just wish they had better parking places."

Potato King

"Nice relaxing ambience. Enjoyable views. Parking is becoming a bit of a chore of late but not completely impossible. Biking down is still an awesome option!"

Darrell Looney

What People Like

Unique underground art
Relaxing circle ambiance
Live music performances

What People Dislike

Difficult parking

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Uptown Station and Circle is easily accessible via the McPherson Square Metro station on the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines.Instagram Many visitors also find biking to be a great option due to the scenic surroundings and potential parking difficulties.Reddit

Parking at Dupont Circle can be challenging, especially during peak times. While not impossible, it's often recommended to explore alternative transportation methods like biking or using public transit to avoid hassle.Reddit

Walking around Dupont Circle is a great way to soak in the atmosphere. For exploring the unique underground art scene, head to Dupont Underground, located beneath the circle itself.TikTokInstagram

Yes, hotels like Hotel Zena are located near Thomas Circle, offering convenient access to Dupont Circle and other DC attractions.Instagram

Ride-sharing services are a convenient option for reaching Uptown Station and Circle, especially if you're coming from further afield in the city.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Dupont Underground often hosts free exhibitions, but it's best to check their official website or social media for current event details and any potential ticketing requirements.TikTok

Operating hours for Dupont Underground can vary depending on the exhibition. It's advisable to check their website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.TikTok

Dupont Circle, as a public park and landmark, does not have an admission fee. You can enjoy the fountain and ambiance freely.

The area often hosts events, including live music and seasonal decorations during wintertime.Reddit Keep an eye on local listings for upcoming happenings.

The abandoned metro station tunnels are transformed into Dupont Underground, an art gallery. Access is typically through scheduled exhibitions.TikTokInstagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

For unique dining, consider exploring local recommendations. One traveler suggested 'Pop Up Chicken' as a great option away from chains.Reddit The area around Dupont Circle offers a variety of restaurants.

Yes, the area has a science museum for kids,Reddit suggesting a family-friendly atmosphere. Many restaurants in Dupont Circle cater to various tastes, including families.

Absolutely. The area around Dupont Circle has a mix of dining experiences, from upscale restaurants to more casual eateries and cafes.

You'll find several cafes and delis around Dupont Circle that are perfect for a quick lunch or snack.

Dupont Circle boasts a diverse culinary scene, offering everything from American and international cuisines to specialized cafes.

📸 📸 Photography

The Dupont Circle fountain is a classic spot for photos.Reddit The architecture around the circle and the vibrant street life also offer great opportunities. Don't forget the unique underground art at Dupont Underground.TikTokInstagram

Photography is generally encouraged in art spaces, but it's always good to check for any specific rules within Dupont Underground. The unique setting offers incredible photographic potential.TikTokInstagram

Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, can provide beautiful lighting for the circle and its surroundings. Weekday evenings might offer fewer crowds for unobstructed shots.Reddit

Drone usage is typically restricted in urban areas and near public landmarks. It's best to assume drones are not permitted without special authorization.

Photography inside active metro stations can sometimes have restrictions. It's advisable to be discreet and respectful of other passengers and station rules.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Families visiting Uptown Station and Circle will find a welcoming environment. The area boasts a science museum for kids, making it an engaging destination for younger visitors.Reddit The open spaces around the circle are great for a stroll, and the fountain provides a visual point of interest. While exploring Dupont Underground, consider the age appropriateness of current exhibitions, but the unique setting itself can be captivating for older children interested in history and art.TikTokInstagram

🎨 Art Enthusiasts

For art lovers, the Dupont Underground is an unmissable experience. This unique gallery in abandoned metro tunnels offers a chance to see contemporary art in an unconventional setting.TikTokInstagram Beyond the underground, the Dupont Circle neighborhood itself is home to numerous galleries and cultural institutions, making it a hub for artistic exploration in D.C.

🚶‍♀️ Pedestrian Explorers

Dupont Circle is a fantastic area for those who prefer to explore on foot. The circle itself is a lively hub, and the surrounding streets are filled with interesting shops, cafes, and historic buildings. The proximity of the McPherson Metro station Instagram makes it easy to arrive without a car, and walking is the best way to discover hidden gems and soak in the neighborhood's atmosphere.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History and Art of Dupont Underground

Beneath the bustling streets of Dupont Circle lies a fascinating piece of DC history: the abandoned streetcar station that has been transformed into Dupont Underground.TikTokInstagram Originally built in 1949, this subterranean space served various purposes over the decades, including as a Cold War fallout shelter and even a quirky trolley-themed food court in the 1990s, before falling into disuse for many years.

Today, @dupontunderground is a dynamic 15,000+ square foot art gallery and creative exchange platform. It hosts a variety of contemporary art exhibitions, performances, and cultural events, offering a truly unique and immersive experience. Visitors can explore the cavernous tunnels, appreciating the raw industrial aesthetic juxtaposed with vibrant artistic expression. It's a testament to adaptive reuse and a hidden gem for art lovers.TikTokInstagram

Recent exhibitions have highlighted diverse themes, from martial arts and drumming to drumming and lion and dragon dancing, showcasing the breadth of creativity fostered within this unusual venue. It's a space that breathes new life into forgotten infrastructure, making it a must-visit for those seeking something beyond the typical tourist attractions.

Experiencing Dupont Circle

Dupont Circle itself is a vibrant and historic neighborhood in Washington D.C., centered around a prominent traffic circle and fountain.Reddit It's a popular gathering spot, known for its lively atmosphere, diverse community, and proximity to numerous embassies, cultural institutions, and dining establishments.

The Dupont Circle fountain is a focal point, offering a pleasant place to relax, people-watch, and enjoy the urban scenery. During warmer months, you might encounter street performers or live music, adding to the area's energetic vibe.Reddit The surrounding streets are lined with beautiful architecture, independent shops, and a wide array of restaurants catering to every palate.

For transportation, the McPherson Square Metro station is conveniently located nearby, providing easy access to other parts of the city.Instagram While the circle is a wonderful place to explore on foot, be aware that parking can be a challenge, making public transport or biking attractive alternatives.Reddit

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