Georgetown: Tours and Guided Visits
4.7The picturesque district of Georgetown in Washington D.C. offers plenty of historical sights, cultural charm and delicious restaurants. Georgetown is one of the oldest parts of the city, with buildings dating back to 1751.
The delightful mix of cobblestone pavements and quaint 18th-century rowhouses along tree-lined streets make this neighborhood well worth a visit. Georgetown is also a well-known college town as it’s home to the main campus of the illustrious Georgetown University.
The picturesque district of Georgetown in Washington D.C. offers plenty of historical sights, cultural charm and delicious restaurants. Georgetown is one of the oldest parts of the city, with buildings dating back to 1751.
The delightful mix of cobblestone pavements and quaint 18th-century rowhouses along tree-lined streets make this neighborhood well worth a visit. Georgetown is also a well-known college town as it’s home to the main campus of the illustrious Georgetown University.
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The picturesque district of Georgetown in Washington D.C. offers plenty of historical sights, cultural charm and delicious restaurants. Georgetown is one of the oldest parts of the city, with buildings dating back to 1751.
The delightful mix of cobblestone pavements and quaint 18th-century rowhouses along tree-lined streets make this neighborhood well worth a visit. Georgetown is also a well-known college town as it’s home to the main campus of the illustrious Georgetown University.
A guided Georgetown tour in Washington D.C. provides a great introduction to the city as you can discover hidden gems and visit famous local landmarks.
To learn more about Georgetown, continue reading our guide and find out how you can spend a day at one of the most iconic locations for sightseeing in Washington D.C.
Where is Georgetown located?
Georgetown, which has long been known as the heart of the city, is found in Northwest D.C. This cosmopolitan neighborhood is located at the confluence of the Potomac River and Rock Creek, and it’s also just a 10-minute drive from Capitol Hill.
However, driving can be difficult due to heavy traffic, and parking can get expensive. Instead, Georgetown is pedestrian and bike-friendly and offers excellent public transportation options.
Getting to Georgetown is quick and easy; simply hop on the red and yellow-striped D.C. Circulator bus, which links cultural, entertainment, and business destinations within the city. The Circulator bus has two free lines in Georgetown, making public transport easy to navigate. You can also use a ride-sharing app or the metro trains and buses.
What are the highlights in Georgetown?
There are countless ways to explore Georgetown, whether you want to bask in the city’s historical beauty and architectural splendor, cruise down the Potomac River, or indulge in a shopping spree. Satiate your curiosity and hunger by eating your way through the numerous culinary delights on offer at trendy bars, Michelin-starred restaurants, or French-style cafes and cupcakeries.
Check out the architecture
Georgetown delivers when it comes to exceptional homes and architectural masterpieces.
The neighborhood has also been home to numerous celebrities, so take a stroll down the cobblestone streets where they once lived to get a feel for their lives. Most Georgetown tours walk by celebrity homes; for example, you can see where famous chef Julia Child once gave cooking lessons and tested recipes for her first cookbook.
Fans of John F. Kennedy will relish the chance to learn more about the rich history of the Kennedy family in Georgetown. The former president and his wife, Jacqueline Kennedy, were big fans of Georgetown as they both lived in the neighborhood individually and as a couple. You can also see where they lived while he ran for president.
Visit Georgetown University
Stroll through Georgetown University’s sprawling grounds and be dazzled by the impressive and iconic architecture.
Established in 1789, Georgetown is the nation's oldest Catholic and Jesuit university. The magnificent Gothic and Georgian architecture are a sight to behold, and it’s easy to see why this is one of the most alluring college campuses in the world.
Located in the heart of Washington D.C., just a few blocks from the Capitol Buildings, Georgetown is ranked among some of the top universities in the United States. The university is well known for its distinguished international relations, business, law, and nursing academic programs.
Explore the Old Stone House
Nestled between modern shops sits the stately Old Stone House, a pre-revolutionary Colonial home, which is also the oldest unchanged building in Washington D.C.
The house has a colorful history; it was once a tavern, a brothel, and a boarding house – now it’s a museum and provides a fascinating glimpse into Revolutionary War-era life.
Built in 1765, when the U.S. was still a British colony, the house is a great example of local architecture at the time, as builders only locally available resources. There are also several exhibits inside that share more about the house's history, its significance, and previous owners.
The lush English-styled garden is a relaxing and scenic spot to soak up the ambiance of a long-ago era.
What are the best tours to visit Georgetown?
Georgetown foodie tour and neighborhood walk
One of the best and tastiest ways to explore Georgetown is with a combined walking and food tour. Get off the beaten path and find those hidden gems locals love visiting. This 3.5-hour-long walking tour offers the best of both worlds; you'll get a delicious taste of Georgetown and work off those calories with a guided walk.
Learn more about Georgetown's early iconic years, from the town's flour mills to the meatpacking district, and the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal ( C&O Canal). You’ll also have a chance to check out famed chef Julia Child's house as you walk towards your next delectable treat. Get some fresh air as you pass the C&O canal on your way to a mix of eateries, delis and bakeries.
You'll have a chance to savor as many as five tantalizing food samples with a wine or spritz pairing. There are also vegetarian and non-alcoholic options available. You’ll also get some special deals and discounts to use at select locations.
Note that the drinking age is 21 and you will need to show a valid photo ID to drink alcohol.
Historic Georgetown walking tour
This 2-hour-long historic Georgetown walking tour hits all the right spots. Walk along the pretty cobblestone streets as you make your way to see famous homes owned by the Lincolns and Kennedys.
Check out the historic C&O Canal and learn more about canal boats, including a chance to see a working lock gate that once helped the boats travel to and from along the canal.
You’ll be amazed by the gorgeous Old Stone House, one of the oldest buildings in the city, which also has a lush garden where you can sit and enjoy the house's charming yesteryear appeal.
The tour also includes a visit to Martin's Tavern, a Georgetown institution that offers classic American fare and an old-world charm. Finally, soak up that old college feeling as you wander around the stately Georgetown University campus.
Potomac cruise and Georgetown walking tour
Experience Georgetown’s charms from the water with a sightseeing cruise along the Potomac River and a walking tour of Georgetown.
This 3-hour tour cruises past many of the district's key landmarks. On the cruise you'll see the Titanic Memorial, which pays tribute to the brave men who died after giving up their spot on the lifeboats to the women and children. Admire the Lincoln Memorial, and get a closer view of Teddy Roosevelt Island.
The walking part of the tour starts at Georgetown Port. Stretch you legs with a stroll to the C&O Canal. Then, boost your energy levels with the delectable cupcake stop at a popular family-run bakery with some of the best cupcakes in town. This stop is the perfect way to fuel up as you continue your Georgetown explorations.
Other attractions include the oldest house in Washington D.C., learning more about the Kennedy family and checking out the Exorcist Steps at Georgetown University.
What are the prices of Georgetown tours?
Georgetown tours range in price depending on the type of tour and what is included.
Getting a taste of Georgetown with a foodie tour and neighborhood walk will cost US$80 per person. This small group tour takes a maximum of 9 guests. You can expect to walk for about 2.5 kilometers.
The Potomac cruise and Georgetown walking tour costs US$70 for children between the ages of 2 and 14. Adults can expect to pay US$80 each. The cruise takes around 45 minutes, and the rest of the time is spent walking.
A historic Georgetown walking tour costs US$70 per person. There are just under 2 kilometers of walking, and this includes some hills. This tour caters for a maximum of 20 participants.
Where do Georgetown excursions start?
Georgetown tours have a central meeting point, often at a popular tourist destination close to where the excursion starts. Most tours will require you to meet your group at the starting point; for example, for the Potomac cruise and Georgetown walking tour, you'll meet the group at the water taxis in front of the Anthem Theater.
You can find the starting point for your tour on your booking form. If you need help figuring out where to go, you can contact the tour provider for more information.
Are Georgetown tours wheelchair friendly?
Most of the Georgetown tours involve a lot of walking, so not all excursions are wheelchair friendly. However, some tours, like the foodie tour with a neighborhood walk, are accessible for wheelchair users.
Contact the tour service provider to ensure an activity is accessible for all participants.
When is the best time to visit Georgetown?
The best time to visit Georgetown is in the spring (March to May) or fall (September to November). In spring, the famous cherry blossoms offer a stunning backdrop, while in fall, the autumn foliage paints a breathtaking picture. Both seasons offer cooler weather in comparison to summer, ideal for exploring on foot.
Tips before you go
- Weather in D.C. can be quite variable depending on the season, so pack accordingly.
- Make sure to wear comfortable shoes, as you'll spend much of your Georgetown tour walking and on your feet.
- Bring water to stay hydrated and some snacks if you're not taking part in a food tour.