Madams of DC Walking Tour

Overview

* Tour is offered every Friday, alternating start times of either 4pm or 6pm. Check the website for exact schedule.

The Madams in DC tour gives you a perspective of DC's history that you won't hear anywhere else. The Civil War completely transformed the Capital, and turned Pennsylvania Avenue into a red light district main street lined with bawdy houses, taverns, theaters, and commercial ventures. Hard to imagine, now that it's lined with monolithic government buildings! You'll learn about how the women who worked in these brothels made their way in life, and even had an impact on affairs of government. Tour is held on alternating Friday mornings and evenings.

City: Washington DC

Sun 23 Feb

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $25.58

Make a reservation

Sun 23 Feb

Starting at $25.58

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Two hours of fascinating information by an experienced guide. No entry fees necessary.

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
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Guests must be able to be on their feet for at least 2 hours.
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
Contactless payments for gratuities and add-ons

What To Expect

Freedom Plaza

Where Freedom Plaza is now once used to be the notorious neighborhood known as Murder Bay. As we walk through this spacious open area currently used for festivals and music events, you'll hear all about the taverns, gambling houses, and brothels popular with Northern Arm soldiers that used to stand there.

The National Archives Museum

Continuing in our journey through time, you'll learn about the lives of prostitutes in Civil War DC and the part they played in society, as we pass by the former site of the largest central urban Market in DC.

National Gallery of Art

The former site of Marble Alley, where two of DC's highest paid Madams had a vicious rivalry.

National Museum of the American Indian

An archeological dig discovered the remains of DC most notorious, and yet charitable, Madams. The tour ends at this, the most glamorous of DC's Civil War-era pleasure houses.

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Cancellation Policy

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

Traveler Photos

Reviews (47)

glenncr

Aug 2022

I most appreciated Katie's passion and respect for her subjects, as well as for her work and research to bring these strong, smart women to life for her guests! I'm a history buff myself and I really enjoyed the Q&A the entire tour. Katie was transparent about details she's still researching, or queries that hadn't come up before. Treat yourself to something different about D.C.'s history, and book this or one of her other tours whether you're a resident or a traveler!

davidmc76

Aug 2022

Katie is the best tour guide ever! So full of information and always seeking more to add to the tour. She had many stories that really added to the experience and and put it all together. She is a total history buff and it shows. I’ve done two Off the Mall tours now with Katie and can’t wait to come back and do some more. These are not the typical DC tours as the name implies, they are very unique and focus on the real DC and it’s history. Can’t beat it!!

melissasD34GY

Aug 2022

What a fantastic tour! Katie's knowledge of and love for DC shines through. Even after living in DC for almost 20 years, everything I heard on the tour was new and added layers of color to the DC history I thought I knew. Katie is full of energy and passion for DC and its history, her tour if fun and a great way for anyone to get out and see the city. I highly recommend this tour for DC visitors and locals alike.