Historic Alleyways in Washington, DC

Overview

**Note - This tour is only offered on a private tour basis from mid-December through February. Contact Off the Mall Tours directly to book a private tour.

The Alleyways of DC served a distinct purpose as a city planning feature, but they also provided a hidden safe space where escaped enslaved people and the poor could find inexpensive housing and live their lives away from prying eyes. While city officials condemned life in the alleyways as dangerous, dirty and diseased, they were in fact a place where communities sustained each other and provided security. This fascinating tour takes you through the Blagden Alley/Naylor Court historic district near the Convention Center.

City: Washington DC

Sun 23 Feb

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $25.00

Make a reservation

Sun 23 Feb

Starting at $25.00

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Up to 2 hours of a unique walking tour experience by 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
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Face masks required for travellers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travellers
Hand sanitiser available to travellers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Guides required to regularly wash hands

Cancellation Policy

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

Traveler Photos

Reviews (20)

lmooon

Nov 2022

Don't miss this incredible tour!! I had no idea what it would be going into it, figured it would be looking at some street art in alleyways. It is WAY MORE than that. Katie has done an outstanding amount of historical research to educate us about the communities that lived in D.C. alleyways – at one point about 1/5 of the population of the city! The tour was incredibly engaging the entire time. I learned so much and have told many people about it. One of the best tours I've ever been on in my life!!

DaveSukharan

Oct 2022

Katie was an EXCELLENT tour guide. She tailored the tour to our group, the environment, and our questions and reactions. We wandered and chatted as we walked along the most beautiful alleyways I have ever been in. Katie was well-researched and shared a narrative that had us all hooked. I can honestly say that I mourned the rise and fall of an entire culture/civilization that I hadn't even been aware of until the tour. Are you a DC local? This tour is a must. Are you a tourist who wants something more than the same 12 photos we all take? Do this tour.

M4129GMdebraw

Oct 2022

What a great way to learn about DC beyond the obvious! Katie knows the ins and outs of what makes DC such a fascinating city. The Historic Alleyways tour was eye-opening in how the city started and grew. This is a perfect way to explore and gain a historical perspective on the city's cultural shifts over time. Katie's tour would be the best way to start a first-time visit to DC, but it is also valuable for residents who may not be aware of the city's hidden gems. As a resident, I look forward to taking all of Katie's tours. I see DC in a new light and with an appreciation for its path to the present day. Katie has an effortless, knowledgeable style, answered questions, and set the perfect tone and pace for the tour. Highly recommend.