Washington Dc Embassies and Mansions Walking Tour

Gilded Age mansions, high-stakes diplomacy, and sordid scandals converge in Dupont Circle, once on the rural edge of the capital and later a playground for Washington’s wealthy. Today, its tree-lined streets showcase some of the city’s most striking architecture, from stately Neoclassical residences to eclectic Arts & Crafts homes.
On this two-hour walking tour, we’ll trace the evolution of Embassy Row and the surrounding Dupont neighborhood, uncovering the stories behind the grand façades. Meet the city’s social climbers, power brokers, and eccentric residents—from influential socialite Alice Roosevelt Longworth to Evalyn Walsh McLean and her infamous Hope Diamond. Here, architecture and ambition intertwine with the story of Washington’s dramatic turn-of-the-century transformation.

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Meeting Point

Dupont Circle

Dupont Circle, Washington, DC 20036, USA

Look for your guide at the Dupont Circle Fountain in the center of Dupont Circle.

What's included:

• Local guide

What to expect:

Duration: 2 hours

Dupont Circle

Washington DC, District of Columbia

Dupont Circle is the heart of this historic neighborhood, with a photogenic fountain at it's center by the designers of the Lincoln Memorial.

10 minutes

Embassy Row

, , Washington DC, District of Columbia

Walk along Embassy Row and see some of the city's most impressive properties, spanning the architectural gamut from Neo-classical to Beaux-Arts to Queen Anne and more. Meet the city’s social climbers, power brokers, and eccentric residents—from influential socialite Alice Roosevelt Longworth to Evalyn Walsh McLean and her infamous Hope Diamond.

1 hour

Embassy of Indonesia

2020 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036, USA

Hear the story behind the the opulent Indonesian Embassy, once home to the Hope Diamond.

5 minutes

Anderson House

2118 Massachusetts Ave NW, , Washington DC, 20008-3640, District of Columbia

This imposing mansion was the former home of the wealthiest power couple in Washington DC, now headquarters to the the Nation's oldest patriotic organization.

5 minutes

Residence of the Turkish Ambassador

1606 23rd St NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA

A gorgeous beaux-arts mansion off Sheridan Circle, where music legend Ahmet Ertegun got his start.

5 minutes

Sheridan Circle Northwest

Sheridan Cir NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA

A Civil War monument with a bizarre backstory, designed by the sculptor of Mount Rushmore.

5 minutes

Kalorama

Kalorama, Washington, DC, USA

A quiet residential neighborhood off Embassy Row who's name means "Beautiful View" in Greek. Now home to some of Washington's most influential characters.

15 minutes

The President Woodrow Wilson House

2340 S St NW, , Washington DC, 20008-4016, District of Columbia

Former post-presidency home of Woodrow Wilson

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Spanish Steps

22nd St NW, South of S Street NW, Washington DC, 20008, District of Columbia

Washington's own modest version of the famed European landmark makes for a quiet hidden oasis in the middle of the city.

5 minutes

The Phillips Collection

1600 21st St NW, , Washington DC, 20009-1003, District of Columbia

The first modern art museum in the United States

5 minutes