Historic Alleyways Guided Walking Tour of Washington DC

5.0 (41 reviews) 1 h 30 min – 2 hours Free cancellation

out of 5

41 reviews

5.0

Historic Alleyways Guided Walking Tour of Washington DC — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Historic Alleyways Guided Walking Tour of Washington DC, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Fall 2026 Schedule: Tour is held the 2nd and 4th Sundays at 2pm.

Check out one of DC's most unique features! Less than a mile away from the National Mall lies a hidden historic district showcasing one of DC's mot interesting features.

The historic 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.

Private and Luxury Cultural Tours Historical Tours Walking Tours Excellent Quality Short term availability Weather Dependent - Low Agent Low Quality Product

At a glance

Duration: 1 h 30 min – 2 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 20 people
People per booking: 1–10
Guide: English
Operated by: Off the Mall Tours

Ages: Infants (0–1 years) · Children (2–12 years) · Youth (13–17 years) · Adults (18–65 years) · Seniors (66–100 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Up to 2 hours of a unique walking tour experience by a knowledgeable guide.

Not included

Not included: Tea and coffee: Coffee and/or Tea

Itinerary

Stop 1

30 min

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.
Stop 2

15 min Admission not included

The tour makes a pit stop at this popular coffee spot.
Stop 3

5 min

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.
Stop 4

30 min

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.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

The northwest corner of M Street and 9th Street NW

End point

Cancellation

Free cancellation

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

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.