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Self-Guided Walking Tours of Georgetown

Updated: September 21, 2026
 By Stephen

If our Historic Georgetown or Ghosts of Georgetown walking tours don't fit into your schedule, or if you're interested in learning more about a particular theme in Georgetown history, we've developed a few self-guided tours of Georgetown!

Any of these tours are available as a guided private tour option! If you'd like a guide to take you on one of these themed tours, please email us.

Georgetown University - the oldest Catholic/Jesuit university in the nation—Georgetown is nearly older than the nation itself. Founded in 1789, Georgetown University has seen many pass through its halls.

Our self-guided tour takes you through the historic grounds and is meant for outside viewing, as we cannot guarantee the buildings will be open when you visit!

Civil War History of Georgetown - Technically part of the Union during the Civil War, Georgetown was a hotbed for secessionists during the Civil War. Most of the population were Southern supporters.

From the mansion home of relatives of Robert E. Lee to a supposed summer home of General Grant; a Civil War hospital, and a church that refused to pray for Union - this tour will transport you back to the 1860s.

East Side of Georgetown - there was a thriving black-American community of freedmen in the northeastern part of Georgetown known as Herring Hill, populated by doctors, lawyers, churches and schools. You'll also find grand and historic estates on this side of Wisconsin Ave NW.

Check out our other Self Guided Walking Tours of Washington, DC

About The Author

Stephen

Stephen is the founder of Free Tours by Foot and Tours by Foot and has overseen the transformation of a local walking tour company into a global tour community and traveler’s advice platform. He has personally led thousands of group tours in the US and is an expert in trip planning and sightseeing, with a focus on budget travelers in the US as well as in Europe. Stephen has been published and featured in dozens of publications including The Wall Street Journal, BBC, Yahoo, Washington.org, and more.
Updated: September 21st, 2026
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