Georgetown Architecture Tour: Explore Historic Mansions
4.9
64 Ratings
Washington
Discover the captivating history and stunning architecture of Georgetown on this exclusive tour. Uncover the secrets of this rags to riches neighborhood and book your experience with DC Design Tours today!
Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights

Our tour begins outside the favorite coffee/dessert shop for Georgetown locals, Baked & Wired. Grab a snack and let’s go exploring! We’ll start at the C&O Canal, getting an overview of the storied history of Georgetown. Then we’ll peek inside the oldest building in Washington DC, before leaving the main drag to explore the neighborhood. We’ll stroll along cobble stone streets, discussing the homes of movers and shakers like Jackie Kennedy and Ben Bradley. We’ll see imposing mansions, stately churches, and a formerly salacious establishment, before crossing Wisconsin Avenue to the west side of town. Making our way over to Georgetown University and down the Exorcist Steps, we’ll wrap up on the banks of the Potomac River at the beautiful Georgetown Waterfront.

Sights we discuss include:

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal

Old Stone House

Laird-Dunlop House

Newton D. Baker House

Lydia English Seminary School for Girls

Grafton Tyler Double House

Christ Episcopal Church

Hyde-Addison School

Yellow Tavern

Pomander Walk

Volta Labratory

Georgetown Prepatory School

Georgetown University Healy Hall

Georgetown University Library

The Tombs

Georgetown Car Barn

Francis Scott Key Memorial

Cady’s Alley

Georgetown Waterfront

Points of Interest

  • Baked & Wired

  • Georgetown Park

What's Included
  • Local guide
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

Georgetown, founded half a century earlier than the Capital, originated as a rough-and-tumble port town on the shores of the Potomac River. Abigail Adams once referred to it as a ‘dirty little hole’. Despite its humble beginnings, Georgetown has transformed into a district brimming with grand mansions, upscale cemeteries, dignified churches, and an elite University. We will uncover the well-known and hidden gems of DC’s most prestigious neighborhood, diving into topics such as architecture, history, controversy, and more. By the culmination of the tour, we will have witnessed the full metamorphosis of Georgetown in this tale of ascendancy from poverty to wealth.

For optimal experience and pricing, book directly through DC Design Tours!

Location
Baked & Wired
Thomas Jefferson Street Northwest
Meet your guide outside local favorite coffee shop, Baked & Wired.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(64 Ratings)
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Excursion682083
Apr 8, 2024
Historic Georgetown Tour was GREAT! And so was Kim! - Our tour guide was named Kim. She was fantastic! We chose this tour based on previous reviews and it didn't disappoint. Kim expertly lead us all over town. She took great care to make sure to answer all questions. She was informative, thoughtful and thought provoking in her words about this historic place in the history of our country. We were a mid-sized group of maybe 14 or so, I didn't count. Everyone was able to hear when she spoke. She managed to entertain and educate too! I'd take friends and do it again! I'm not sure why TripAdvisor calls this a Historic Georgetown Architecture Tour because on the DC Design Tour website this is a Historic Georgetown Tour which is more accurate. Sure we looked at architecture but the tour was all about the history of Georgetown.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Gregg
Mar 3, 2024
Fabulous, informative tour of Georgetown with Sam - This is our 5th tour with DC Design Tours and they are 5 for 5!!! Sam was a wealth of knowledge, sharing fascinating facts about the Georgetown neighborhood, architecture, and famous inhabitants. Sam the guide was engaging, funny, and we thoroughly enjoyed listening to him share his knowledge with the group. We’re worldwide travelers and our DC Design Tours are some of the top tours we’ve taken anywhere!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Marybeth_l
Nov 27, 2023
We enjoyed the historical... - We enjoyed the historical clarifications and the local color aspect of the tour. Caroline= excellent
Review provided by Viator
Alessandra_s
Nov 6, 2023
Sam, was an excellent... - Sam, was an excellent tour guide, was very engaging. Enjoyed learning of Georgetown through his narration.
Review provided by Viator
Littleilene
Oct 23, 2023
Fabulous walking tour of Georgetown. - This was a fabulous tour. We had never been to Georgetown and this walking tour was the perfect way to see it. Our guide focused on the architecture and history, telling us fabulous stories about the houses, their styles, residents, and history of the times. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable, with a great sense of humor and ability to communicate with the group. This was definitely a highlight of our visit to Washington. Highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jukeboxrs
Sep 18, 2023
Friendly, knowledgeable and the right amount of walking - Christine was knowledgeable, professional and patient. She answered all my questions and gave a good ice cream recommendation nearby for afterwards. I have already recommended this to family. Thank you!
Review provided by Viator
Rhonda_s
Sep 15, 2023
Walking Tour! - Christine was great! Knowledgeable and interesting. Nice to see the quieter Georgetown after a week in busy DC.
Review provided by Viator
Travelingpossum
Jul 25, 2023
Excellent tour - The tour was excellent. Our guide, Christine, was very knowledgeable about the architecture and history of Georgetown. The group included only seven people. It was well worth doing and one of the best things we did on our trip to DC.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Wendy
Jul 3, 2023
Magic Georgetown - Beautiful and Charismatic guide. She was amazing providing us with interesting historical and architectural information. Lots of gossips and inspiring stories. Georgetown is super beautiful but it wouldn’t have being the same without the guide who walked us around .
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Patricia_l
Jun 7, 2023
Our guide, Ellie was... - Our guide, Ellie was friendly and very knowledgeable and engaging . Her style of presenting facts was interesting, entertaining and informative.!
Review provided by Viator
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1 Adult
April 2024
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