The "Madams of DC" Guided Walking Tour
Overview
The Madams in DC walking tour gives you a totally unique side of DC's history that you won't hear anywhere else. The Civil War completely transformed the capital, and turned Pennsylvania Avenue into a red light district lined with bawdy houses, taverns, theaters, and commercial ventures. Hard to imagine, now that it's lined with monolithic government buildings! You'll learn about how the women who worked in these brothels made their way in life, and even had an impact on affairs of government.
What's Included
- 2 hours of fascinating information by an experienced guide. No entry fees necessary.
Meeting Location
1401 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest
Washington, DC 20004, USA
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
Jefferson Dr SW & 4th St SW
Washington, DC 20004, USA
Tour ends at the National Museum of the American Indian, which used to be the site of a notorious brothel. Smithsonian and Federal Center Metro Stations (Orange/Blue/Silver lines) are both only two blocks away.
What To Expect
Book Online
Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free
Freedom Plaza (pass by)
Waldorf Astoria Washington DC
15 minutes Admission Ticket Free
The National Archives Museum
10 minutes Admission Ticket Free
IOOF Temple Building
20 minutes Admission Ticket Free
National Gallery of Art
10 minutes Admission Ticket Free
National Museum of the American Indian
10 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Guests must be able to be on their feet for at least 2 hours.
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (8)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the The “Madams of DC” Guided Walking Tour?
Cancellation Policy
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Activity code: C-268386P1
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 80 traveler reviews collected by Cool DC and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (8)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool DC customers.
Filter by:
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EST).
- This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- 2 hours of fascinating information by an experienced guide. No entry fees necessary.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025The minimum age to participate is 18. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the The "Madams of DC" Guided Walking Tour is as follows:
- Wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Guests must be able to be on their feet for at least 2 hours.
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for The “Madams of DC” Guided Walking Tour will be included in your confirmation email from Cool DC. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- 2 hours of fascinating information by an experienced guide. No entry fees necessary.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Guests must be able to be on their feet for at least 2 hours.
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
