Where to Start: the 9 Best Washington DC History Tours

1.Guided African American History Tour with Reserved Museum Entry

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,180 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $89Our pick

Spend about three and a half hours tracing African American history in Washington, DC, from Jamestown and the Civil War to the Civil Rights era. Guides such as Dre and Elvis lead the bus and walking portions, ending at the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

“It was an amazing experience to learn about the history of DC and how life changing it has been. Definitely worth it.”

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2.DC Monuments & History Guided E-Cart Tour-Blankets

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 450 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $52

Ride an electric cart from Capitol Hill to the White House, stopping at major memorials and museums along the way. Guides such as Lorenzo, Feyzi, Elmira, and Fernando add stories and photos. Blankets are supplied, but winter riders should dress for wind and confirm the vehicle covering.

“This was a nice way to get some time at the most important monuments without having to spend too much time. If you are a limited time budget, this tour is perfect. They give you adequate time to take pictures and see what you want, one after the other. The guide was knowledgeable and even had a few good jokes.”

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3.African American History Tour with Museum of African American History Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 390 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $90

Guide Kenny leads a 3.5-hour small-group tour through Washington, DC’s Black history, with stops at major monuments, LeDroit Park, Howard University, and historic homes. The tour ends with same-day admission to the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

“We had a great tour. We saw the home of Frederick Douglass which was amazing. We saw some monuments & African American Museum. It was a great day. Very hot during this heat wave, but a great day!!”

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4.Historic Georgetown: History, Gossip, & Architecture Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 321 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $49Top rated

Walk Georgetown with guides such as Vicky, Becca, Wayne, Eli, and Ingeborg, hearing stories about the Kennedys, Lincolns, old taverns, the C&O Canal, and Georgetown University. Groups are capped at 15, and the two-hour route ends near the Exorcist Steps.

“It was a very interesting walking tour of Georgetown. Vicky our guide was very friendly and knew lots of facts about the homes and buildings in the area”

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5.Washington, DC: African American History Tour & Museum Entry

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 312 reviews · 210 minutes - 4 hours · from $89

Travel through Washington, DC with an English-speaking guide, stopping at landmarks tied to Black history and the civil rights movement. Guides such as Dre and Elvis Pate are known for lively, detailed storytelling. Your reserved museum entry follows the bus tour and is self-guided.

“Our guide Dre is very knowledgeable with a good sense of humor. Highly recommend this tour.”

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6.D.C: Monuments & History Guided Open-Air Bus Tour-Day &Night

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 92 reviews · from $40

Ride from the Arlo Hotel DC in a small, climate-controlled van with an English-speaking guide such as Fernando, Breanna, or Sully. In two hours, you’ll see Capitol Hill, the White House, the National Mall memorials, and more, with short stops for photos and a choice of daytime or evening departures.

“Great experience with the tour and with our guide Sully. A smooth temperature controlled van made all the difference in the DC heat! Sully was friendly and well informed. This was a great way to see the major sights in DC, with stops for photos at some of the important monuments.”

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7.DC: Ghosts of Georgetown Haunted History Nighttime Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 80 reviews · from $39Best value

Walk Georgetown at night with an English-speaking guide such as Sonia, Amelia, Sarah, or Trevor. Hear tales of curses, Victorian crime, Civil War hospitals, haunted homes, Haint Blue porches, and the true story behind The Exorcist Steps during this 90-minute tour.

“Sonia was great, from start to finish. Super personality. Well done.”

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8.DC: Georgetown History & Architecture Tour with Local Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 69 reviews · 2 hours · from $39

Spend two hours walking Georgetown’s cobbled streets with guides such as Vicky, Wesley, Becca, or Ingeborg. Expect stories about the C&O Canal, Black Georgetown, the Kennedys, Taylor Swift, historic homes, Martin’s Tavern, and Georgetown University, with plenty of local dining tips.

“Becca was a knowledgeable and interesting guide. We loved our tour”

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9.Washington DC: African American History Museum Private Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 54 reviews · 2 hours

Meet your English-speaking guide at the National Museum of African American History and Culture for a two-hour private visit. Guides such as Nur Ali Gray, Koura, and Michael focus on key exhibits, adapt the talk for children, and explain how African American history shaped Washington and the National Mall.

“This is my second time using this service I really enjoyed it”

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