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    5. Madams of DC
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    Madams of DC

    Explore the History of DC's Civil War-era Red Light District

    From$29/ person

    Duration

    2 hours

    Includes

    Guided tour, Local historian

    Highlights

    Walk Pennsylvania Avenue with a local historian to uncover Washington’s Civil War-era red-light district. Hear stories of notorious madams and the rise of the "female lobbyist" as the city transformed.

    • Start at the Willard Intercontinental and follow Pennsylvania Avenue
    • Discover the "boarding houses" of Murder Bay and pleasure houses of Marble Alley
    • Explore the Federal Triangle with historical context
    • View visuals that help imagine mid-19th-century DC
    • End at the National Museum of the American Indian

    What's Included

    • 2 hours with a knowledgeable guide

    Things to know

    This is a 2-hour walking tour on city sidewalks, some uneven. Tours run rain or shine; dress for the weather, and arrive 10 minutes early. For adults 18+.

    Cancellation policy

    Cancellations more than 48 hours before start receive a full refund. Cancellations 24 to 8 hours before start receive a 50% refund. No refunds for cancellations less than 8 hours before start.

    Meeting location

    1401 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, DC 20004

    Experience provided by Off the Mall Walking Tours
    Experience provided by Off the Mall Walking Tours

    How can we help?

    We are here to assist with special requests, large groups, last minute needs, and any questions you may have.

    Call or text (650) 414-7338

    Reference #KCFXGN

    Adult

    $29.73

    18+

    0

    Why book through Greetwell?

    • Greetwell Approved

      This experience meets our quality and safety standards

    • Includes Concierge Support

      Our team is here to help with questions, timing, or special requests

    • Flexible Cancellation

      Plans change? Most experiences offer flexible cancellation

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    Discover what we've curated for you

    5.0 stars• 43 reviews

    Review summary

    5.0
    Excellent
    43 reviews•Google Maps

    Katie has built something special here with these DC walking tours that dive into stories you won't find anywhere else. Multiple reviewers mention taking three, four, or even more tours and coming back for different themes like Historic Alleyways, Madams of DC, District of Punk, and Socialites & Spies. The research runs deep, with Katie doing her own historical digging rather than recycling standard tourist information. She brings period costumes, an iPad with historical photos, and genuine relationships with the neighborhoods she explores. The enthusiasm is infectious. People consistently praise her storytelling abilities and how she makes forgotten history come alive, from alleyway residents who built dignified lives away from genteel society to the hidden brothels of old DC. Tours work well for various groups, including one family who brought their parents in their 80s and found the two-block Historic Alleyways tour perfectly manageable. The intimate group sizes allow for questions and conversation, making it feel more like a journey through time than a standard tour. Both locals and tourists report learning completely new perspectives on the city.

    What people are saying

    Review 1 of 5
    5/5

    Such a knowledgeable, kind, and wonderful person to lead our tour! Thank you Katie! Won’t use anyone else!!

    Photo of Zach and Sarah MacAllister

    Zach and Sarah MacAllister

    November 29, 2025

    Review 1 of 1
    5/5

    Such a knowledgeable, kind, and wonderful person to lead our tour! Thank you Katie! Won’t use anyone else!!

    Photo of Zach and Sarah MacAllister

    Zach and Sarah MacAllister

    November 29, 2025

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