U Street Black Broadway & Icons Walking Tour in Washington
Discover the vibrant history of U Street, once known as Black Broadway, on this engaging walking tour from Columbia Heights to Shaw. Led by expert guide Dion "13", you'll explore the neighborhood's rich cultural roots, iconic landmarks, and influential figures who helped shape its legacy.
Walk through key sites that tell stories of jazz legends, civil rights activism, and artistic innovation. Along the way, you'll learn about the neighborhood’s evolution from Native American lands to a hub of African American culture and creativity.
This private tour offers an immersive experience, perfect for history buffs, music lovers, or anyone interested in the stories that make U Street so unique. Get ready to see the city through a new lens and uncover hidden gems along the way.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours.
What languages are available?
The tour is conducted in English.
What is the group size?
Groups are limited to up to 18 participants.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children aged 1-8 and youth 9-17 are welcome. Infants under 1 are also accommodated.
Is the tour accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, and transportation options are also accessible.
Is this a private tour?
Yes, this experience is exclusively for your group.
Free cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reserve now
Check a date here, then finish booking with our partner. Payment options are confirmed at checkout.
Duration 2.5 hours
Check availability to see start times.
Live tour guide
English
Key facts
What's included
Included
- Expert guiding from Columbia Heights to U Street
Not included
- Feel free to show your appreciation with a gratuity for your guide.
- Snacks
Itinerary
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Stop 1
Explore Native American Nacotchtank lands, Pleasant Plains plantation lines, and secret bootlegging vaults from the Roaring Twenties, uncovering their stories.
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Stop 2
Learn about Mary Henderson’s architectural visions and visit All Souls Church near the DC meridian, once proposed by Jefferson. Discover the history and structure of this and other historic churches.
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Stop 3
Enter a stunning Beaux Arts building designed by Nathan Wyeth, the architect behind the West Wing of the White House. This site played a role in the placement of embassies on Meridian Hill.
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Stop 4
Stand at Malcolm X Park and explore the history of civil rights activism, including the tradition of Sunday drum circles at this boundary of wealth and working-class neighborhoods.
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Stop 5
Visit a self-contained community center with a significant logistical history, learning about its construction and purpose.
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Stop 6
Map out the shadow economy of numbers runners and see the famous Ben's Chili Bowl mural. Learn about the history of the Minnehaha Theatre that once occupied this space.
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Stop 7
Step inside the longstanding family-run restaurant, learning its history and enjoying a chance to order their famous half smokes.
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Stop 8
Hear about the many performers who graced the stages of Black Broadway over the decades.
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Stop 9
Visit a historic building that was the first African American-designed, financed, built, and owned during Reconstruction.
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Stop 10
Pay homage inside the African American Civil War Memorial, honoring the 209,145 soldiers of the United States Colored Troops who fought for freedom.
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Stop 11
End with a powerful finale: view the rooftop sniper nests from the 1919 Red Summer, see the Duke Ellington Statue, the historic Howard Theatre, and explore the history of DC’s taxi industry.
Meeting point & pickup
Meet at the starting point
Meet your guide at the Columbia Heights station exit.
Open in Google MapsCancellation & confirmation
Free cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- 100% refund if canceled at least 1 day prior
- No refund if canceled within 24 hours of the tour
Instant confirmation
Your booking is confirmed immediately after checkout.
From $115.00 per person
- Free cancellation
- Secure checkout with our booking partner
