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The "Madams of DC" Guided Walking Tour

75 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 75 reviews collected by Cool Washington DC and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 100% of reviewers
100% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
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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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from $30 per person

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The "Madams of DC" Guided Walking Tour Image 1
Nothing like a stroll down Pennsylvania Avenue while learning about harlots.
The "Madams of DC" Guided Walking Tour Image 3
The "Madams of DC" Guided Walking Tour Image 4
The "Madams of DC" Guided Walking Tour Image 5

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On average, this is booked 17 (0) days in advance.
2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
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Offered in: English

Overview

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.

What's Included

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

    Meeting Location

    Meeting point

    Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest
    Washington, DC 20004, USA

    Show on Google Maps

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

    End point

    Jefferson Dr SW & 4th St SW
    Washington, DC 20004, USA

    Tour ends at the National Museum of the American Indian, which used to be the site of a notorious brothel. Smithsonian and Federal Center Metro Stations (Orange/Blue/Silver lines) are both only two blocks away.

    What To Expect

    Book Online

    Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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    Safe & secure • Easy breezy • Hassle-free

    Freedom Plaza (pass by)

    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.
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    Waldorf Astoria Washington DC

    On the block where the Trump International Hotel, formerly the Old Postal Office building, currently stands, was the 11th Street strip, a subsection of the Red Light district on Pennsylvania Avenue where the Military Provost Guard harassed and arrested some of the raucous Madams in the neighborhood.
    Read more

    15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    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.
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    10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    IOOF Temple Building

    We'll stop for a drink at Hill Country BBQ (*cost of beverage not included), across the street from the International Order of Odd Fellows Temple. The IOOF supported the arts, and the art of having a good time. It was common to see the higher class working girls walking into a grand party hosted by the Odd Fellows, on the arm of an Army Officer. Scandalous!
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    20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    National Gallery of Art

    The former site of Marble Alley, where two of DC's highest paid Madams had a vicious rivalry.
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    10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    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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    10 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
    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Guests must be able to be on their feet for at least 2 hours.
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Frequently Asked Questions

    (7)

    Q: What is the cancellation policy for the The “Madams of DC” Guided Walking Tour?

    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.

    Still have questions?

    We're here to help.
    Activity code: C-268386P1

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    Reviews

    5.00
    75 reviews

    Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 75 traveler reviews collected by Cool Washington DC and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

    5 stars
    75
    4 stars
    0
    3 stars
    0
    2 stars
    0
    1 star
    0

    Loading Options
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    On average, this is booked 17 (0) days in advance.
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    Frequently Asked Questions (7)

    Activity name

    The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Washington DC customers.

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    Q: What is the cancellation policy for the The “Madams of DC” Guided Walking Tour?
    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.
    Apr 2025
    Q: What's included in the price?
    A:
    The following is included:
    • 2 hours of fascinating information by an experienced guide. No entry fees necessary.
    Apr 2025
    Q: What is the weather cancellation policy?
    A:

    This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

    Apr 2025
    Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
    A:

    The minimum age to participate is 14. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..

    Apr 2025
    Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
    A:

    If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

    If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

    Apr 2025
    Q: Is this an accessible tour?
    A:

    Accessibility information for the The "Madams of DC" Guided Walking Tour is as follows:

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
    • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Guests must be able to be on their feet for at least 2 hours.
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    Apr 2025
    Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
    A:

    Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for The “Madams of DC” Guided Walking Tour will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Washington DC. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

     

     

    Mar 2024

    What's Included

    Activity name

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

    Additional Info

    Activity name

    • 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
    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Guests must be able to be on their feet for at least 2 hours.
    • 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

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    • If you find a lower retail or prepaid rate for the same tour, offered on the same date, time and priced in the same currency as your original purchase, on any other website between the time you book on Cool Washington DC and 48 hours before your trip starts, we will refund the difference.
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    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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