Harlem Renaissance in DC Historical Tour

Overview

* Starting February 2025, tour is offered the second Saturday of the month at 4pm.

This amazing walking tour will take you on a journey to an era in which U Street NW DC was the center of African American music and intellectualism. The sounds of jazz was everywhere, Langston Hughes and Jean Toomer were being established as the future writers of the day, and an effort to document the history of African Americans was underway. Take a journey through the Harlem Renaissance as it started in DC! Tour stops mid-way at the famous Ben's Chili Bowl, for optional refreshments and a bathroom break.

City: Washington DC

Fri 20 Jun

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $30.00

Make a reservation

Fri 20 Jun

Starting at $30.00

Make a reservation

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What's Included

2 hours of incredible DC History with a knowledgeable guide.

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

What To Expect

Howard Theatre

Howard Theater was the first theater in DC to offer a stage for African American performers, established in 1910. It has played a key part in the DC music and arts scene ever since.

Bohemian Caverns

Former Jazz icon, Bohemian Caverns was a must visit during U Street's period as DC's "Black Broadway."

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Traveler Photos

Reviews (34)

Diana_D

Oct 2024

This was a great experience! The walking and seeing the actual place where the artist performed made the experience upfront and real. Katie, our tour guide is an awesome commentator and very knowledgeable. The stop by Ben’s Chili bowl was phenomenal. I would recommend this tour to friends and family.

L6416TOsusanw

Oct 2023

Fun and interesting tour. Katie was so knowledgeable and shared many bits of history I did not know about the era and neighborhood. Perfectly timed pit stop at Ben’s Cili Bowl. Great way to see a DC neighborhood!

992alishak

May 2023

I am a college professor who has taken her students on walking tours in Harlem. I decided to try the Harlem Renaissance in DC tour for a change of pace, and I'm very glad that I did. I couldn't bring my class along as planned, but I took the tour anyway with my family. My 12-year old remained attentive if not engaged throughout the tour. Katie is very professional and knowledgeable about the period and the neighborhoods along the tour route. She dressed in 1920s attire and played jazz music during our walk. Instead of sticking to a prepared script she responded to questions and elaborated on different points based on our interests. Many historic sites in NYC related to the Harlem Renaissance have been repurposed or torn down. There are a significant number of sites still standing in DC, however. Overall, it was a great experience, and I highly recommend this tour for everyone. Curious tourists, history buffs, students, and scholars can all learn something long the way.