expedia
List your propertySupportTrips
Member discount illustration

Members save 10% or more on over 100,000 hotels worldwide when you’re signed in

Sign in
Learn about Expedia Rewards
Feedback
Historic Alleyways in Washington, DC
Historic Alleyways in Washington, DC
Historic Alleyways in Washington, DC
Historic Alleyways in Washington, DC
Historic Alleyways in Washington, DC

Historic Alleyways of Washington, DC

By Off the Mall Tours
See tickets
Features
  • Mobile voucher
  • Instant confirmation
Overview

*2024 Schedule - Tour is offered the 1st 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.

Activity location

  • Blanche K. Bruce House
    • 909 M Street Northwest
    • 20001, Washington, District of Columbia, United States

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • Blanche K. Bruce House
    • 909 M Street Northwest
    • 20001, Washington, District of Columbia, United States

Check availability

Sorry this activity isn't available on Mon, 3 Jun
Please choose a different date

What's included, what's not

  • What's includedWhat's includedUp to 2 hours of a unique walking tour experience by a knowledgeable guide.
  • What's excludedWhat's excludedCoffee and/or Tea

Know before you book

  • 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

Activity itinerary

Blanche K. Bruce House
  • 10m
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 Northwest
  • 30m
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.
La Colombe Coffee Roasters
  • 15m
  • Admission ticket not included
The tour makes a pit stop at this popular coffee spot.
D.C. Alley Museum
  • 5m
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.
Naylor Court Northwest
  • 30m
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.

Location

Activity location

  • LOB_ACTIVITIESLOB_ACTIVITIESBlanche K. Bruce House
    • 909 M Street Northwest
    • 20001, Washington, District of Columbia, United States

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • PEOPLEPEOPLEBlanche K. Bruce House
    • 909 M Street Northwest
    • 20001, Washington, District of Columbia, United States

Best Deals on Things to Do

Experience the wonders of the world up close with great deals on things to do near and far. Expedia offers one-of-a-kind activities that allow you to explore Washington your way. Whether you love nature, culture, food or a bit of adventure, we have the perfect activity for you.

Top experiences in Washington

With so many things to do in Washington, planning the perfect day out may seem like a daunting task. Expedia is here to take the hassle out of finding the best attractions, tours and activities in Washington. Families, couples and business travellers can all find the perfect activity in Washington to create life-long memories with the help of Expedia.