Georgetown University

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.

Established fifty years before the Capital, Georgetown began as a gritty port city on the banks of the Potomac River, described by Abigail Adams as a "dirty little hole". Despite its modest start, Georgetown is now home to palatial mansions, elegant cemeteries, stately churches, and a world-class University. We'll explore the highlights and secrets of DC's most exclusive neighborhood, discussing architecture, history, scandal, and more. By the end of the tour, we'll see Georgetown's full transformation in this rags to riches tale. Book directly via DC Design Tours for the best experience and price!

March – May 2025, tour is offered the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month at 2pm. June – August 2025, tour is offered the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month at 10am. Someone visiting Georgetown today may see it as another wealthy enclave in a continuously gentrifying Washington, DC. However, this charming area has a diverse history. Originally a busy port for the export of tobacco, it was also the site of an active slave trade, and at one point African Americans counted as 30% of the Georgetown population. Descendants of those enslaved peoples and black free folk have lived in Georgetown for generations, but their contributions to its history do not often receive the same recognition. This tour will reveal the stories of the black citizens who made their mark on one of DC’s oldest neighborhoods. The tour starts at 3206 O Street NW DC and ends at the Mt. Zion Cemetery, at 2501 Mill Rd. NW. There is a half-way stop at Thomas Sweet Shop for a bathroom break and refreshment.

On the tour you'll explore stories of Civil War-era spirits, the Exorcist stairs, unexplained phenomena in historic buildings, legends surrounding Georgetown University, JFK, and tales of restless spirits said to inhabit the area, to name a few. This tour combines historical facts with local folklore, offering insights into Georgetown's past and the stories that continue to circulate among residents and visitors. We'll discuss the origins of these tales and their significance to the neighborhood's cultural heritage. Go at your own pace, anytime. The tour is guided by our walking tour app and is all outside, so feel free to take it at 3am or 3pm. The tour never expires and you can listen again later.,

On this leisurely walking tour, you will be immersed in one of the most historically significant parts of Washington D.C., known for its wealth of historic buildings and graceful way of life. Delve into Georgetown's colonial and Federal period history with a private guide, who will bring to life stories of long-standing traditions, high society and world politics. Home to world-class shopping, rich history, five-star restaurants and one of the world’s best universities – in fact, the university for anyone looking to enter a career in Washington – Georgetown is a neighbourhood that simply cannot be missed!