Madams of DC Walking Tour

Overview

This tour is offered the first and third Friday of the month. Check website for exact schedule. All tours available for private tours.

The Madams in DC walking tour gives you a totally unique side 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 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.

City: Washington DC

Tue 29 Apr

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $30.00

Make a reservation

Tue 29 Apr

Starting at $30.00

Make a reservation

New York City Tours

Unique Activities (21) Transfers & Transportation (175) Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises (252) Entry Tickets (96) Sporting Events (4) Good for Small Groups (27) Seasonal & Holiday Tours (113) Walking Tours (705) Outdoor Activities (48) Limitied Availability Tours (29) LGBT Friendly Tours (9) Family-friendly Activities (8) Wildlife Activities (6) Solo Travelers' Tours (147) Food & Drinks (96) Travelers recommend (174) Good for Groups (32) Top Activities (75) Guided Audio Tours (10) Art, Culture & History (406) Attractions to explore (43) Sustainable Tours (1) Limousine Transfers (5) Donut Walking Tour (2) Virtual Experiences (1) Additional fees (7) DSA non-compliant (17)

What's Included

2.5 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.

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.

Show 1 more stops

Cancellation Policy

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

Traveler Photos

Reviews (68)

KellyTravels17

Aug 2020

This was a great tour! I’m local to DC and learned a lot- it was fascinating learning the origins of Pennsylvania Ave. in a time when sex work was legal. Bringing awareness to the present climate while highlighting the intriguing history not often discussed in our nation’s Capitol. The amount of walking is very doable (Our guide did it backwards- in heels!) and the pit stop at Hill Country made it all the more enjoyable. Overall this tour presented a fun learning experience with some sassy flair! I would highly recommend for both locals or tourists. ** I went on this tour during July 2020 in the middle of Covid. Everyone on the tour social distanced and wore masks.

SConesaG

Jul 2020

This was FUN! Even more importantly, I found the tour to be a thought provoking experience beyond my expectations, regardless of having been in DC for years. Strongly recommended!

amandacT2688UC

Jul 2020

The Madams of DC tour was intriguing and thought-provoking. I liked how Katie showed us what historical DC looked like while she told us stories. I recommend this tour for both tourists and those who live in the area. It was a fun night out with friends.