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Historic Alleyways in Washington, DC

24 Reviews5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 24 reviews collected by City Boat Tours and TripAdvisor |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Washington DC, USA

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90 to 120 minutes (Approx.)
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Overview

*2025 Schedule - Tour is offered the 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month at 2pm.

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.

What's Included

  • Up to 2 hours of a unique walking tour experience by a knowledgeable guide.
  • Tea and coffee Coffee and/or Tea

Meeting Location

Meeting point

Blanche K. Bruce House, 909 M St NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA

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The northwest corner of M Street and 9th Street NW

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Start Time • 2:00 PM

What To Expect

Blanche K. Bruce House

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.
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Blagden Alley Northwest

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.
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30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

La Colombe Coffee Roasters

The tour makes a pit stop at this popular coffee spot.
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

D.C. Alley Museum

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.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Naylor Court Northwest

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.
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30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Show 3 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

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Activity code: C-268386P4

Reviews

5.00
24 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 24 traveler reviews collected by City Boat Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
24
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0

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