U Street Black Broadways Underworld and Icons Walking Tour
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Not yet rated
No traveler reviews have been published for this experience yet.
Quick answer
Is U Street Black Broadways Underworld and Icons Walking Tour worth booking?
U Street Black Broadways Underworld and Icons Walking Tour is a 2.5-hour experience in Washington DC, United States, from $115 per person. It scores 48 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 48 / 100
- Rating
- Not yet rated
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- From
- $115 per person
Explore the rich history of U Street, once known as Black Broadway, on this immersive walking tour from Columbia Heights to Shaw. Led by expert guide Dion "13", you will discover the vibrant culture, significant landmarks, and influential figures that shaped this iconic neighborhood. Engage with stories of jazz, arts, and civil rights as you stroll through the streets that once thrived with creativity and activism. - Dive into the history of U Street, a center of African American culture - Walk through key locations in Columbia Heights and Shaw - Learn about the icons of the jazz and arts scene in the area - Guided by Dion 13, an expert on the cultural significance of U Street
What you get
About this experience
Explore the rich history of U Street, once known as Black Broadway, on this immersive walking tour from Columbia Heights to Shaw. Led by expert guide Dion "13", you will discover the vibrant culture, significant landmarks, and influential figures that shaped this iconic neighborhood. Engage with stories of jazz, arts, and civil rights as you stroll through the streets that once thrived with creativity and activism. - Dive into the history of U Street, a center of African American culture - Walk through key locations in Columbia Heights and Shaw - Learn about the icons of the jazz and arts scene in the area - Guided by Dion 13, an expert on the cultural significance of U Street
What's included
Included
- Expert guiding of Columbia Heights to U Street
Not included
- Gratuities
- Snacks
What you'll see and do
Columbia Heights Civic Plaza
Explore the ancient landscapes of the Native American Nacotchtank, the plantation lines of Pleasant Plains, and the hidden bootlegging vaults of two brothers during the Roaring Twenties. You will learn some of their secrets throughout this tour.
10 minutes here
You will hear about Mary Henderson and her elite architectural visions for the area. Our stop, All Souls Church is near the DC meridian. once proposed by Jefferson. You will learn about the history and structural geometry of this and two other historic churches.
10 minutes here
Mexican Cultural Institute
Step inside this beautiful building - designed in the Beaux Arts style. It is part of the story of the placement of embassies on Meridian Hill. Its architect, Nathan Wyeth, also designed the West Wing of the White House.
15 minutes here
Meridian Hill Park
Known as Malcolm X Park, stand at the boundary line of the wealthy and working class to trace the history of civil rights radicalism. Learn about the decades-long tradition of the Sunday drum circles.
10 minutes here
Step into the heart of a self-contained parallel universe. This stop features a critical logistical bathroom stop. Learn about the construction of this center and the goals its placement here accomplished.
10 minutes here
Ben's Chili Bowl Mural
Map out the multi-million dollar shadow economy of the numbers runners and their escapes through alleys such as this one. Notice the stunning Ben's Chili Bowl mural. As you start to enter Black Broadway, learn about the former Minnehaha theatre which once occupied this space.
5 minutes here
Step inside this DC landmark which has been run by the Ali family since its construction. Learn the story of survival and all the restaurant has witnessed. You will hear about the famous patrons who have visited over the years. You will have time to order one of their famous half smokes1
15 minutes here
Lincoln Theatre
As part of Black Broadway, learn of the many performers who have graced the stages over the decades.
Pass by without stopping
This building is significant as the first African American designed, financed, built, and owned by African Americans during Reconstruction.
Pass by without stopping
Stand inside the African American Civil War memorial. Pay homage to the 209,145 courageous soldiers of the United States Colored Troops who underwrote the freedom of the pavement.
10 minutes here
Experience the explosive finale. Trace the rooftop of sniper nests of the 1919 Red Summer, stand before the Duke Ellington Statue, view the historic Howard Theatre, and map out the raw, cash-in-hand history of the DC taxicab industry.
10 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Washington DC
Meet guide at the Columbia Heights station exit.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Meet guide at the Columbia Heights station exit.
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
- Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
- Group size
- Up to 18 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- DC Baltimore Tours
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
Good to know
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 0
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by DC Baltimore Tours, who run 3 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 46.5.
See everything DC Baltimore Tours runsWhy this scores 48
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
U Street Black Broadways Underworld and Icons Walking Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Washington DC.
How much does U Street Black Broadways Underworld and Icons Walking Tour cost?
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Prices start at $115 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 U Street Black Broadways Underworld and Icons Walking Tour take?
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Plan for about 2.5 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 U Street Black Broadways Underworld and Icons Walking Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 48 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (0/5 across 0 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 U Street Black Broadways Underworld and Icons Walking Tour?
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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 U Street Black Broadways Underworld and Icons Walking Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book U Street Black Broadways Underworld and Icons Walking Tour?
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Around 0 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?
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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 2.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does U Street Black Broadways Underworld and Icons Walking Tour start and how do I get there?
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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?
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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 "See the City" Guided Sightseeing Segway Tour, Arlington Cemetery Small-Group Tour & Changing of the Guards, Washington DC Small-Group Sightseeing Experience. 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?
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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?
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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?
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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.
What is included in U Street Black Broadways Underworld and Icons Walking Tour?
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Included: Expert guiding of Columbia Heights to U Street. Not included: Gratuities; and Snacks. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for U Street Black Broadways Underworld and Icons Walking Tour?
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Meet guide at the Columbia Heights station exit. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is U Street Black Broadways Underworld and Icons Walking Tour offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for U Street Black Broadways Underworld and Icons Walking Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is U Street Black Broadways Underworld and Icons Walking Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; and Transportation options are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to U Street Black Broadways Underworld and Icons Walking Tour if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Washington DC. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
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