Under $100: Dupont Circle, Washington, D.C.

One of the more well-known traffic circles along D.C.’s Massachusetts Avenue is Dupont Circle, a thriving area with a long history of bustling restaurants, bars and shops. When passing through the namesake park in the center of the circle, you’re surrounded by countless opportunities to dive into D.C. culture.

First, pop into Kramerbooks & Afterwords to browse the latest book titles and sip on a coffee in the bookstore’s adjacent café. Open from 7:30 a.m. until 1 a.m., the bookstore/café can occupy visitors for hours with a full food menu and wine and beer lists.

Carve out an hour to walk west on P Street toward the bottom section of Rock Creek Park, nestled between Dupont Circle and the beginning of Georgetown. Walking paths flank the roadway and provide a semi-natural respite from the city.

Stop by the Phillips Collection on 21st Street to view the latest modern art exhibits as well as a few post-Impressionist collections.

For a woodfire pizza dinner with beer flights to match, visit Pizza Paradiso and, after sunset, head to Connecticut Avenue on the southside of the circle for desserts at Un Je Ne Sais Quoi, some salsa dancing at Cafe Citron or late-night dancing at Madhatter.