Historic Alleyways Guided Walking Tour of Washington DC
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Check out one of DC's most unique features, less than a mile away from the National Mall, in the historic Shaw neighborhood, near the Convention Center.
The 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.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Blanche K. Bruce was the first African American to serve a full term as Senator, and rose to his position during the Reconstruction era after the Civil War. The tour starts as the location of his residence while he was serving his Senatorial term.
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.
What‘s Included
Up to 2 hours of a unique walking tour experience by a knowledgeable guide.
Coffee and/or Tea
Options
Historic Alleyways Guided Walking Tour of Washington DC
Reviews
35 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Historic tour rich in details.
Anne B,,Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did the “alleys” tour with a group of friends and family. Katie is a well-prepared and articulate guide. In addition to story telling, she provided maps and historic photos to give a fuller context. This tour is along a flat and easily walkable area. We cover a vast amount of history in a small area. If you want to get outside and experience the city, but distance and ability are factors you need to consider, this might be a tour to explore.
I learned so much!
michelle s,,Aug 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I learned so much! Guide was full of well researched facts, including historic photographs with an engaging presentation.
My favorite off-the-mall tour!
Y4834TAkarenl,,Aug 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I recommend Katie's tours to all my friends. As a local, I appreciate that she's knowledgeable and passionate about DC history. She finds and shares stories and factoids that's fascinating, fun and educational. This is my third and favorite tour. I am excited to do more of them.
Through the back alleys of history
Odyssey488145,,Aug 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Katie was so knowledgeable and fun, informative and entertaining. She knew how to keep the tour moving so we didn’t get bored, but also gave us time to rest. She had so many great stories about the alleyways of Washington, DC. I’m a local, so I’ll definitely be taking more of her tours!
Great tour!
235wendyt,,Jul 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00So interesting and engaging. I loved getting to know a part of the city I wasn't very familiar with before. We will definitely be taking more tours with Off the Mall.
10/10
brittanymarie919,,Jul 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Who knew there was so much history in a block or two? Katie knew. She did an amazing job researching the nuanced history of the DC alleys and educating us in a culturally informed way. This is my second tour with Katie (my first tour was punk, and it was equally as informative). I am truly impressed how much diligence Katie puts into her research— she doesn’t just skim the surface, she goes to the archives, reads the old papers and deeds and such, interviews folks, and even dresses in period costume (or plays you a curated punk playlist) to enhance the experience. Truly excellent!
Fantastic Tour
LizzieL73,,Apr 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Brilliant tour. Different from the norm and really interesting. Katie knew her stuff and answered lots of questions. I loved getting to see a part of DC that tourists would usually walk right past. I hope to be back soon to try one of her other tours.
Great tour of an interesting part of DC!
jeandV3470QJ,,Apr 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It's an interesting slice of DC history. Tour guide was very knowledgeable and open to multiple questions. It was a great tour!
Engaging, well-researched, fascinating
Odyssey488145,,Apr 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Katie gave a fascinating tour of a little-known part of Washington history — its alleyways. She painted a picture of the life of the working-class, mostly African-American residents who lived in makeshift dwellings behind the fancy row houses. I can’t wait to take more of her tours!
Fun and informative tour about a hidden side of DC!
R3359VWmattheww,,Apr 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did the Alleyways tour -- learned a lot and had a great time! Plus, Katie was stellar. I strongly recommend the tour to visitors and locals alike.
Related Experiences
Operated by Off the Mall Tours