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.
What's Included
- Up to 2 hours of a unique walking tour experience by a knowledgeable guide.
- Tea and coffee Coffee and/or Tea
Meeting Location
M Street Northwest
Washington, DC 20001, USA
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Blanche K. Bruce House
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Blagden Alley Northwest
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
La Colombe Coffee Roasters
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
D.C. Alley Museum
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Naylor Court Northwest
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- 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
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
Traveler Photos





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
Additional Info
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