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Historic Alleyways in Washington, DC

29 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 29 reviews collected by Cool Washington DC and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Washington DC, USA

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On average, this is booked 26 (0) days in advance.

90 to 120 minutes (approx.)
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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.

What's Included

  • Up to 2 hours of a unique walking tour experience by a knowledgeable guide.
  • Tea and coffee Coffee and/or Tea
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

M Street Northwest
Washington, DC 20001, USA

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Options & Pricing

What To Expect

Blanche K. Bruce House

Blanche K. Bruce was the first African American to serve a full term as Senator, and rose to his position during the Reconstruction era after the Civil War. The tour starts as the location of his residence while he was serving his Senatorial term.
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Blagden Alley Northwest

Blagden Alley is one of DC's most well-preserved historic alleyways. Once the subject of a study of DC alleyways, it is now the site of art galleries, hidden-away restaurants and coffee shops.
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30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

La Colombe Coffee Roasters

The tour makes a pit stop at this popular coffee spot.
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

D.C. Alley Museum

Beginning in 2015, a series of works were commissioned by artists with a history in the Shaw neighborhood and in Blagden Alley — They created a stunning display of new works painted directly on the garage doors of several buildings in Bladgen Alley.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Naylor Court Northwest

Naylor Court is a former site of alleyway stables, and later old fashioned garages. It is a part of the Blagden Alley - Naylor Court Historic District.
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30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Frequently Asked Questions

(7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Historic Alleyways in Washington, DC?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EDT).This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

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Activity code: C-268386P4

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Reviews

5.00
29 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 29 traveler reviews collected by Cool Washington DC and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
29
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0

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On average, this is booked 26 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

  • Up to 2 hours of a unique walking tour experience by a knowledgeable guide.
  • Tea and coffeeCoffee and/or Tea

Additional Info

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers

Report Product Issue

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

Cancellation Policy

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

Free cancellation
100% refund
No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EDT).
  • This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
  • This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

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American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

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