Historic Georgetown: History, Gossip, & Architecture Walking Tour

4.9 (420 reviews) 2 hours Free cancellation

out of 5

420 reviews

4.9

Your guide will walk with you through the neighborhood full of stories! — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Walk the brick tree-lined sidewalks of this colonial neighborhood. — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Take a guided walking tour of a historic neighborhood older than DC itself. One of our guides (Canden Schwantes) wrote the book(s) on Georgetown. See the colonial charm of canals, cobblestoned streets, historic homes, & intriguing history.

You will see and hear stories of:

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal - a waterway through the industrial part of the neighborhood.

Old Stone House - oldest residential building in the district, now a National Park site.

Homes of Jackie & John F. Kennedy - hear about their time in Georgetown before and after his assassination

18th and 19th Century Homes - learn about the diverse, historic architecture of the houses and the stories of those who have lived here. Look for original firemarks, coal chutes, ironworks, and gas lanterns.

Hear stories of the Black Georgetown community, immigrants who shaped the neighborhood, and women who bucked social norms.

Georgetown University - see the famous campus and learn how the neighborhood influenced it.

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At a glance

Duration: 2 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 15 people
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English
Operated by: DC by Foot

Ages: Youth (5–15 years) · Adults (16–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Access to the side yard of the neighborhoods oldest building
Included: Professional, Licensed Guide
Included: Entrance to Georgetown University Campus (we can't get you admission!)

Not included

Not included: Gratuities

Itinerary

Georgetown

10 min

The port Georgetown goes back centuries and is today know for its cobblestone streets, historic homes and gardens, and is seen as a shopping and dining district. Exploring the area on foot is the best way to go back in time and enjoy the park like atmosphere with all of its old brick and greenery.
C & O Canal

10 min

The historic canal through the industrial section of Georgetown, guests will learn about the canal boats and see a working "lock" (gate) the helped the boats travel to and from along the canal.
Old Stone House

10 min

Certainly one of the oldest buildings in the entire city, this quaint spot is run by the National Parks Service and has a lovely garden to sit and take a rest in. Built in 1766, it was a car dealership by 1953 when it was taken over for historic preservation. Now it is ours to enjoy and remember a simpler time when tobacco and tall tales traded at the nearby port.
Stop 4

5 min

See one of many homes associated with the Kennedy family, who lived in nearly a dozen different homes in the neighborhood.
Georgetown University

5 min

Founded in 1789, this prestigious Jesuit University is know far and wide for its medical, legal, and undergraduate programs. See the towering spires of the Patrick Healy building and the statue of founder John Carrol. On a warm day students will lounge in the grass out front throwing frisbees, reading, and socializing.
"The Exorcist" Steps

Passing by

We end the tour near the Exorcist Steps, a historic stairway that became famous thanks to the 1970s film of the same name.
Stop 7

5 min

A Georgetown institution, this restaurant has been locally owned since 1933. The dark wood panels, black and white photos on the wall, and the regulars at the bar give this place a certain sense of nostalgia and ambiance. The classic American fare keeps people coming back year after year with both indoor and outdoor seating

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Tour begins at the Chesapeake And Ohio Canal Historical Park In Georgetown

by Lock 3 between Thomas Jefferson and 30th St NW - there is a large park on the north side of the canal. Look for your guide in orange.

End point

Tour ends near Georgetown University at the intersection of 37th and O St NW.

Using your ticket

Please arrive at least 5 minutes prior to departure for check-in
Comfortable shoes and clothes recommended
Not wheelchair accessible
If you are running late, you can likely meet the group outside the Old Stone House at 3051 M St NW (the third stop). Keep in mind, the tour must start on time.
There are no public restrooms on the tour but there is one near the start at Baked & Wired and some at the end of the tour.

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%

Good to know

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Options

Private Georgetown Tour

Private Customizable Tour

Additional Stops: We can customize the tour to include additional or different stops if there is a specific theme or location.
Georgetown Walking Tour