P
So interesting
Colin, our very knowledgeable guide, was loud and clear about the whole of Georgetown’s interesting life. Excellent
Historic Georgetown: History, Gossip, & Architecture Walking Tour
+6 photos
At a glance
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Price from
- $49 / person
- Location
- Washington DC, United States
- Rating
- 4.9 / 5 · 419 reviews
- Languages
- EN
- Group
- Small group, up to 15
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Confirmation
- Instant
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operator
- DC by Foot
- Meeting point
- Tour begins at the Chesapeake And Ohio Canal Historical Park In Georgetownby 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.
Description
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.
Schedule & prices
- Runs
- Every day
- Start times
- 11 times a day, 9:00 AM–7:00 PM
- Next available
- Mon, Oct 12
- Adult (ages 16+)
- $49
- Youth (ages 5–15)
- $29
Prices change with the date; the lowest is shown.
Larger groups pay less per person.
Out at sunset: the 5:00 PM departure is under way when the sun sets, around 6:18 PM in the coming weeks.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 11.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Georgetown
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
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
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.
See one of many homes associated with the Kennedy family, who lived in nearly a dozen different homes in the neighborhood.
Georgetown University
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
We end the tour near the Exorcist Steps, a historic stairway that became famous thanks to the 1970s film of the same name.
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
What's included
Included
Access to the side yard of the neighborhoods oldest building
Professional, Licensed Guide
Entrance to Georgetown University Campus (we can't get you admission!)
Not included
Gratuities
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
4.9
419 reviews
How it compares in Washington DC
- No. 40 by number of reviews among 761 tours in Washington DC
- Starting price $49 is 23% below the typical $64 for tours of similar length in Washington DC
Excurgo comparison of 761 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
- 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
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does this tour take?
Historic Georgetown: History, Gossip, & Architecture Walking Tour lasts about 2 hours. The itinerary has 7 stops.
How much does this tour cost?
Prices start at $49 per person for this Washington DC experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There are 2 booking options, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does this tour run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, with 11 departures a day between 9:00 AM and 7:00 PM.
Can I cancel this tour for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is 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. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is this tour offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 15 participants.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is this tour worth it?
Travellers rate it 4.9 out of 5 across 419 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by DC by Foot.
Reviews(419)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
H
Great introduction to Georgetown
Georgia was a phenomenal tour guide! Thoroughly enjoyed our experience on the Georgetown tour. Great mix of architecture, history, politics, and local government.
K
So very enjoyable!
This was such a good experience, Georgia our guide was very witty and so informative! I would highly highly recommend this tour!
A
Highly recommend this tour
Katherine was a wealth of knowledge and an amazing guide. She made the tour fun, interesting and educational.
J
A very interesting tour...
A very interesting tour of the historic area of Georgetown. Ingeborg, our tour guide, was very knowledgeable and friendly. She told some amusing stories of some of the inhabitants of the historic homes in the heart of Georgetown.
D
Georgetown
Georgia did a great job! She was very knowledgeable about the area. We did walk for about 2 hours but nothing too difficult!
Operator response
Thank you! We're so glad you enjoyed the tour with Georgia and appreciated her knowledge and easy-going pace. We truly appreciate your kind words!
J
Georgetown ramble
It was great to have a guide show us around this lovely neighborhood. Good walk and a nice introduction to DC.
Operator response
Thank you! We're glad you enjoyed the walk and getting a great introduction to DC. We appreciate your kind words!
R
Ingeborg was a great...
Ingeborg was a great guide. She walked us through much of Georgetown and was able to retell so much of history.
Operator response
Thank you! We're so glad you enjoyed exploring Georgetown with Ingeborg and her fascinating storytelling. We appreciate your kind words!
C
Houses
Vickie was very knowledgeable and made the for fun.
Operator response
Thank you! We're so glad you enjoyed the tour with Vickie and appreciated her knowledge and fun approach!
7
Really enjoyed this tour,...
Really enjoyed this tour, this is a beautiful area and Vicky was a very knowledgeable and entertaining guide; it was a great way to get to know Georgetown!
Operator response
Thank you! We're so glad you enjoyed discovering beautiful Georgetown with Vicky. Her knowledge and entertaining style made it extra special!
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from$49
4.9(419) Free cancellation