The History of Black Georgetown in Washington DC
Washington DC, United States

The History of Black Georgetown

Outty Ranking 74 5.0 · 29 traveler reviews2 hoursFrom $21

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September 2026

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Adults

Age 13 and over

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Outty Ranking

74/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 29 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is The History of Black Georgetown worth booking?

The History of Black Georgetown is a 2-hour experience in Washington DC, United States, from $21 per person. It scores 74 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended, based on a 5/5 rating across 29 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
74 / 100
Rating
5/5 (29)
Duration
2 hours
From
$21 per person

Fall 2026 schedule: Tour is held the 2nd and 4th Saturdays at 2pm. Someone visiting Georgetown today may see it as another wealthy enclave in a continuously gentrifying Washington, DC. However, this charming area has a

What you get

    About this experience

    Fall 2026 schedule: Tour is held the 2nd and 4th Saturdays at 2pm. 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.

    What's included

    Included

    • Over 2 hours of historic information offered by an experienced guide.

    Not included

    • Tea and coffee

    What you'll see and do

    1. The gothic-style Healy Hall was built at the direction of, and named for, Georgetown University's only black President, Patrick Healy.

      10 minutes here

    2. Pomander Walk used to be Bell's Court, owned by Alexander Graham Bell. Bell's Court was characteristic of alleyway communities throughout DC, where you had a close-knit black community.

      10 minutes here

    3. The tour takes a half-way stop at Thomas Sweet for refreshment and a bathroom break.

      15 minutes here

    4. The row houses at this address used to serve as holding pens for the enslaved. The pens were torn down by an Irish entrepreneur who had themselves spent their childhood as an indentured servant in the West Indies.

      10 minutes here

    5. The house of Emma Brown, who was one of the first black teachers in DC to reach the level of Principal.

      Pass by without stopping

    6. The Mount Zion United Methodist Church is one of the oldest black congregations in Georgetown.

      10 minutes here

    7. Rose Park

      This historic park was the site of numerous political rallies and community gatherings for the black community in Georgetown.

      10 minutes here

    8. This is the oldest cemetery in Georgetown, which contains the remains of enslaved and free black citizens.

      10 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Washington DC

    Guests will meet in front of Masala Street Food.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Returns to the starting point

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Sat
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Off the Mall Tours

    Know before you go

    • 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
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

    Photos

    The History of Black Georgetown in Washington DC, photo 2The History of Black Georgetown in Washington DC, photo 3The History of Black Georgetown in Washington DC, photo 4The History of Black Georgetown in Washington DC, photo 5The History of Black Georgetown in Washington DC, photo 6The History of Black Georgetown in Washington DC, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 29 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    8 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    The guide

    5 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Traveler reviews

    29 verified traveler reviews for The History of Black Georgetown. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    29
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
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    1 star
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    Sort
    William_C · April 2026

    Vibrant!

    The tour was leisurely paced and relaxed. The guide was very friendly and well-versed! It was a very enjoyable time!

    via Viator

    874landonw · February 2026

    Incredibly thorough and passionately delivered tour of little known stories

    We had our tour with Katie and I had highly recommended her to my partner, having been on two other tours previously. Per usual, this did not disappoint. The tour was incredibly well-researched and thoughtfully planned and flowed as a cohesive narrative despite covering over three hundred years of history. As always, Katie was incredibly passionate about her work and her love of what she does and the stories she tells is evident. New to DC or longtime resident, you won’t be disappointed on this tour and will most certainly learn something new and enjoy the beautiful sights of Georgetown. Highly recommended!

    via Tripadvisor

    Lynda_L · December 2025

    If you think Georgetown...

    If you think Georgetown is just the home of presidents and congress people, there's a fascinating world of new stories from the Civil War era on in this tour.

    via Viator

    Kathryn_Y · November 2025

    Hidden History Gen

    Katie was well read, personable with great pacing and extra pearls of information. The group in general had a wonderful friendly open atmosphere

    via Viator

    151leighb · September 2025

    Another fabulous tour from Off the Mall Tours!

    Another fabulous tour from Off the Mall Tours. As a long-time DC resident, I value Katie's tours as a way to learn more about my city in a fun and engaging way. This tour took us along the back streets of Georgetown to learn about when it was a center of African American life in Washington, DC, and how that shifted over time. I went alone, as I usually do, so that I could have interesting conversations with the other tour participants.

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    2 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Sat
    Price range
    $21 to $32
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    10
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Why this scores 74

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)88
    Review evidence (18% weight)43
    Booking momentum (14% weight)35
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)79
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    The History of Black Georgetown: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Washington DC.

    How much does The History of Black Georgetown cost?

    +

    Prices start at $21 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Washington DC usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does The History of Black Georgetown take?

    +

    Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Washington DC is not rushed.

    Is The History of Black Georgetown worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 74 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 29 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Washington DC, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule The History of Black Georgetown?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is The History of Black Georgetown suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book The History of Black Georgetown?

    +

    Around 10 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Washington DC can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Washington DC and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does The History of Black Georgetown start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Washington DC within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Washington DC?

    +

    Washington is the rare city where the headline attractions cost nothing and the scarce resource is access. Timed entry to the Smithsonian museums, Capitol and White House tours, and the night monument runs by bike or bus are what fill up. Our ranking rewards operators who secure the passes themselves rather than telling you to sort it out at the door. On Outty we rank every Washington DC experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Washington DC Small-Group Sightseeing Experience, Washington DC "See the City" Guided Sightseeing Segway Tour, Arlington Cemetery Small-Group Tour & Changing of the Guards. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Washington DC?

    +

    Late March to April for cherry blossom, or September to November for cool museum weather. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Washington DC?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

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