(800) 814-2665 Questions? Call Us Now!

Madams of DC Walking Tour

68 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 68 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

Loading Options
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 17 (0) days in advance.

2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation

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.

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.

    Options & Pricing

    What To Expect

    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.
    Read more

    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.
    Read more

    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!
    Read more

    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.
    Read more

    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.
    Read more

    10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Show 4 more stops

    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 Madams of DC 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.
    Live Chat, Text, Call, or Email our friendly customer support with your questions.

    Activity code: C-268386P1

    Traveler Photos

    Reviews

    5.00
    68 reviews

    Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 68 traveler reviews collected by Cool Washington DC and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

    5 stars
    68
    4 stars
    0
    3 stars
    0
    2 stars
    0
    1 star
    0

    Loading Options
    Don't miss out!
    On average, this is booked 17 (0) days in advance.

    Similar Tours & Activities

    Illuminated Icons: Private Evening Tour of Washington’s Monuments

    Illuminated Icons: Private Evening Tour of Washington’s Monuments

    New To The Site!
     3 hours  Hotel pickup offered  Instant Confirmation
    from
    $405.86

    Gastronomic Georgetown Food Tour

    Gastronomic Georgetown Food Tour

     3 hours 30 minutes  Free Cancellation
    from
    $84

    The Lincoln Assassination Walking Tour
    Likely to Sell Out

    The Lincoln Assassination Walking Tour

     2 hours  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
    from
    $49

    Washington D.C. National Mall - Full-Day Private Tour

    Washington D.C. National Mall - Full-Day Private Tour

    New To The Site!
     7 hours  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
    from
    $393.18

    Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought

    Big Bus Washington DC Open Top Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

    Big Bus Washington DC Open Top Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

     2 hours  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
    from
    $49

    DC Monuments and Memorials Night Tour

    DC Monuments and Memorials Night Tour

     3 hours  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
    from
    $69

    Washington DC Moonlit Tour of the National Mall & Stops at 10 Sites

    Washington DC Moonlit Tour of the National Mall & Stops at 10 Sites

     3 hours  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
    from
    $69

    Washington DC Monuments by Moonlight Tour by Trolley

    Washington DC Monuments by Moonlight Tour by Trolley

     2 hours 30 minutes  Free Cancellation
    from
    $52.95

    What's Included

    American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

    American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

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

    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
    • 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

    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.

    Sorting, ranking, and search results

    American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

    American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

    Cool Washington DC wants to make your searches as relevant as possible. That's why we offer many ways to help you find the right experiences for you.

    On some pages, you can select how to sort the results we display and also use filter options to see only those search results that meet your chosen preferences. You'll see explanations of what those sort options mean when you select them.

    If you see a Badge of Excellence label, the award is based on average review ratings, share of bookings with a review, and number of bookings through Cool Washington DC over a 12-month period.

    The importance of any one factor over any other in a sort order varies, and the balance is constantly being reviewed and adjusted. We're always updating our systems and testing new ways to refine and improve your results to make them as relevant as possible to meet your needs.