Historic Alleyways in Washington, DC

Overview

*2025 Schedule - Tour is offered the 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month at 2pm.

Check out one of DC's most unique features, less than a mile away from the National Mall, in the historic Shaw neighborhood, near the Convention Center.

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.

Tour is 1.5 hours with a halfway stop at La Colombe Coffee.

City: Washington DC

Sun 01 Mar

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $30.00

Make a reservation

Sun 01 Mar

Starting at $30.00

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

Cancellation Policy

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

Traveler Photos

Reviews (24)

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.

luckymomof5

May 2022

Katie shared a lesser-known history of Washington D.C. and its alleyways. I'm so glad we did this Off the Mall tour, I've been sharing facts with friends who asked about my trip all week! I would definitely recommend catching any of the Off the Mall tours with Katie if you have time while you are visiting DC. Actually, even if you're a native (we had two DC local couples on our tour with us), you will likely learn something you didn't know before. My 13-year-old daughter enjoyed the tour as well.