Historic Georgetown Walking Tour

Overview

Take a guided walking tour of a historic neighborhood older than DC itself. One of our guides (Canden Schwantes) wrote the book(s) on Georgetown. See the colonial charm of canals, cobblestoned streets, historic homes, & intriguing history.

You will see and hear stories of:

- Chesapeake & Ohio Canal - a waterway through the industrial part of the neighborhood.

- Old Stone House - oldest residential building in the district, now a National Park site.

- Homes of Jackie & John F. Kennedy - hear about their time in Georgetown before and after his assassination

- 18th and 19th Century Homes - learn about the diverse, historic architecture of the houses and the stories of those who have lived here. Look for original firemarks, coal chutes, ironworks, and gas lanterns.

- Hear stories of the Black Georgetown community, immigrants who shaped the neighborhood, and women who bucked social norms.

- Georgetown University - see the famous campus and learn how the neighborhood influenced it.

City: Washington DC

Thu 12 Feb

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $49.00

Make a reservation

Thu 12 Feb

Starting at $49.00

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Professional, Licensed Guide

Additional Info

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

What To Expect

Georgetown

The port Georgetown goes back centuries and is today know for its cobblestone streets, historic homes and gardens, and is seen as a shopping and dining district. Exploring the area on foot is the best way to go back in time and enjoy the park like atmosphere with all of its old brick and greenery.

C & O Canal

The historic canal through the industrial section of Georgetown, guests will learn about the canal boats and see a working "lock" (gate) the helped the boats travel to and from along the canal.

Old Stone House

Certainly one of the oldest buildings in the entire city, this quaint spot is run by the National Parks Service and has a lovely garden to sit and take a rest in. Built in 1766, it was a car dealership by 1953 when it was taken over for historic preservation. Now it is ours to enjoy and remember a simpler time when tobacco and tall tales traded at the nearby port.

Georgetown University

Founded in 1789, this prestigious Jesuit University is know far and wide for its medical, legal, and undergraduate programs. See the towering spires of the Patrick Healy building and the statue of founder John Carrol. On a warm day students will lounge in the grass out front throwing frisbees, reading, and socializing.

"The Exorcist" Steps

We end the tour near the Exorcist Steps, a historic stairway that became famous thanks to the 1970s film of the same name.

Show 2 more stops

Cancellation Policy

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

Traveler Photos

Reviews (223)

Tour36504880875

Nov 2024

Katherine was an absolutely phenomenal guide for our Georgetown tour! Her depth of knowledge, engaging storytelling, and passion for the area made the entire experience unforgettable. She effortlessly blended history, culture, and fun anecdotes, bringing Georgetown’s rich heritage to life in a way that was both informative and entertaining. Katherine was also incredibly personable and attentive, ensuring everyone felt included and comfortable throughout the tour. She went above and beyond to answer questions and share hidden gems of the area, making the experience feel truly unique. If you’re looking for a guide who is professional, friendly, and genuinely loves what they do, Katherine is the perfect choice. Highly recommended!

Response from Host

Dec 2024

Thank you for the amazing review! We're so glad Katherine's passion, knowledge, and personal touch made your Georgetown tour unforgettable and truly unique.

Stephanie_Z

Nov 2024

Katherine was great - informative about both the neighborhood and the history of the area. Just enough gossip to be fun but not over the top and tabloid-y. Did a great job of including everyone and their backgrounds.

Response from Host

Dec 2024

Thank you for your kind words! We're thrilled that Katherine's balance of history, local insights, and fun gossip made the tour enjoyable for everyone.

F1495IBlauraw

Nov 2024

A super interesting tour, highly recommended! Our guide Becca was knowledgeable and clear and even though there were no headphones, it was not a problem, I could hear perfectly well.

Response from Host

Dec 2024

Thank you for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear that Becca made the tour enjoyable and that you had no trouble hearing despite not having headphones.