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Harlem Renaissance in DC Walking Tour

Recommended by 97% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Washington DC, USA
  • 2 hours (approx.)
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

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Overview

Revisit the heyday of Washington D.C.’s African-American-led jazz scene during this Harlem Renaissance walking tour. See where Duke Ellington started playing ragtime, learn how U-Street earned its nickname “Black Broadway,” visit a club venue once favored by Billie Holiday, and stop for a snack in an iconic eatery that has kept presidents fed for over three generations.
  • A 2-hour Harlem Renaissance African-American jazz tour of Washington D.C.
  • Learn about the key role the Black community has played in the city’s arts scene
  • Visit multiple historic performance venues and the former home of a jazz icon
  • A stop at Ben’s Chili Bowl is included (refreshments purchased on your own)

What's Included

  • 2 hours of incredible DC History with a knowledgeable guide.
  • Food and Drink purchased at Ben's Chili Bowl or Ben's Next Door

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

  • The Howard Theatre
    620 T St NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA

    The tour will begin in front of the Howard Theater on T Street NW.

End point

  • 1461 S St NW, Washington, DC 20009, USA

    This tour ends at Georgia Douglas Johnson's House or the "Halfway House."

Itinerary

1

Howard Theatre

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

2

Right Proper Brewing Company

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

3

1910 Vermont Ave NW

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

4

Bohemian Caverns

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

5

Lincoln Theatre

3 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

6

Ben's Chili Bowl

25 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

7

1901 14th St NW

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

8

1461 S St NW

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Near public transportation
  • Transportation is wheelchair accessible
  • Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Not recommended for travelers with back problems
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
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Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Reviews

4.9
based on 36 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
We perform checks on reviews

From Harlem to DC

John_A, Nov 2025
Excellent communication from start to finish. My tour was a little lite in numbers but certainly not lite in information. Katie is indeed excellent at her passion and we as a family are certainly more informed on the spillover of the Harlem Renaissance with regards to Washington DC. Moderate walking but at a very good pace…the two hour tour will fly by so make sure you ask your questions because at a blink of the eye the fun will be done. I can’t wait to tour more with Off the Mall Walking Tour…it’s something about getting out and about and learning on the go that works for me.

Response from Host, Nov 2025

It was wonderful meeting you both and taking you on this journey! I hope your son's documentary turns out well. :)

Fun and Enlightening Tour

Diana_D, Oct 2024
This was a great experience! The walking and seeing the actual place where the artist performed made the experience upfront and real. Katie, our tour guide is an awesome commentator and very knowledgeable. The stop by Ben’s Chili bowl was phenomenal. I would recommend this tour to friends and family.

Simply the best

Morris_Y, Apr 2021
Fun, informative, with an unique view of DC. Can’t wait to try the other tours! The host really gets into the role with a period costume and music!
Likely to Sell Out

From $30.00

per person

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

Book ahead!
On average, this is booked 22 days in advance.

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