Northwest DC is the northwestern quadrant of the city, located north of the National Mall and west of North Capital Street. It is the largest section of the city, and it includes neighborhoods such as Dupont Circle, Georgetown, Adams Morgan, Tenleytown, Foggy Bottom, Cleveland Park, Mount Pleasant, the Palisades, Shepherd Park, Crestwood, and Friendship Heights.

Northwest DC has a reputation for being predominantly affluent and white, as opposed to the other three quadrants, which are predominantly black. In reality Northwest is the most diverse quadrant of the city. Northwest contains many college campuses, including American University, George Washington University, Georgetown University, Howard University, and the University of the District of Columbia. The MCI Center, home of the Washington Wizards, the Washington Capitals, and the Georgetown Hoyas as well as many concerts and other events, is located in Northwest, as are the National Cathedral, the White House, and Rock Creek Park.

Politically, Northwest is made up of Wards 3 and 1, parts of Wards 2, 4, and 5, and a small part of Ward 6.

Northwest is the only quadrant accessible via all lines of the Washington Metro