Summer 2026 Schedule: This tour is held the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month at 5pm.
This amazing walking tour will take you on a journey to an era in which U Street NW DC was the center of African American music and intellectualism. The sounds of jazz was everywhere, Langston Hughes and Jean Toomer were being established as the future writers of the day, and an effort to document the history of African Americans was underway. Take a journey through the Harlem Renaissance as it started in DC! Tour stops mid-way at the famous Ben's Chili Bowl, for optional refreshments and a bathroom break.
Highlights
2 hours
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
2 hours
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
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 Points
Departure
The Howard Theatre
The tour will begin in front of the Howard Theater on T Street NW.
Return
1461 S St NW
This tour ends at Georgia Douglas Johnson's House or the "Halfway House."
Important Information
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Wheelchair accessible
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Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
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Service animals allowed
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Public transportation options are available nearby
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Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
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All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
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Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
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Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
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If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
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This experience 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.
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Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
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Summer 2026 Schedule: This tour is held the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month at 5pm.
This amazing walking tour will take you on a journey to an era in which U Street NW DC was the center of African American music and intellectualism. The sounds of jazz was everywhere, Langston Hughes and Jean Toomer were being established as the future writers of the day, and an effort to document the history of African Americans was underway. Take a journey through the Harlem Renaissance as it started in DC! Tour stops mid-way at the famous Ben's Chili Bowl, for optional refreshments and a bathroom break.
Highlights
2 hours
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
2 hours
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
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 Points
Departure
The Howard Theatre
The tour will begin in front of the Howard Theater on T Street NW.
Return
1461 S St NW
This tour ends at Georgia Douglas Johnson's House or the "Halfway House."
Itinerary
1
Howard Theatre
Howard Theater was the first theater in DC to offer a stage for African American performers, established in 1910. It has played a key part in the DC music and arts scene ever since.
10 minutes
2
Right Proper Brewing Company
The site of the Frank Holliday's Pool Hall where Duke Ellington first started dabbling in ragtime and jazz piano.
5 minutes
3
1910 Vermont Ave NW
The former house of African American Opera Singer Lilian Evanti, who earned acclaim abroad before returning to her native Washington DC to make her mark on black contributions to classical music.
5 minutes
4
Bohemian Caverns
Former Jazz icon, Bohemian Caverns was a must visit during U Street's period as DC's "Black Broadway."
5 minutes
5
Lincoln Theatre
Major theater and show house during the Black Broadway era.
3 minutes
6
Ben's Chili Bowl
Iconic eatery for three generations that has been the destination of Presidents and tourists alike, this is where the tour takes a refreshments break.
25 minutes
7
1901 14th St NW
Former site of Club Bali, a favorite performance spot of Billie Holiday.
5 minutes
8
1461 S St NW
This home is where the Saturday Nighter's Club would meet to discuss poetry, social justice, and black culture.
