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 08 Mar

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $30.00

Make a reservation

Sun 08 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)

BK1986here

May 2022

I received vouchers for Off the Mall Tours as a gift and it was an incredible experience. Katie was the best tour guide we could have asked for and was able to show us a part of Washington DC that I never knew existed. I highly recommend the Alleyway tour to learn more about the history of the Blagden Ally area.

Kirsy1

Apr 2022

We had a wonderful walking tour with Katy. The history of alleys in DC is so interesting. We’re thinking about our next tour with Katy already.

moiraj182

Mar 2022

I got this tour for my husband as a birthday present. We both had a great time, and Katie was very informed and explained the significance of each place very well!