Georgetown: Food & History Walking Tour with Local Tastings

Summary

Taste James Beard tarts stroll old canal streets hear Georgetown stories

You’ll wander Georgetown’s old streets with a small group, tasting everything from award-winning tarts to wood-fired pizza while your local guide shares stories you won’t find on plaques. Expect plenty for lunch and lots of laughs along the way — plus every ticket helps support Bread For The City.

What’s the experience like?

I nearly missed the first stop because I was so distracted by the smell of baking bread drifting out of a side alley — honestly, Georgetown’s streets do that to you. Our guide, Marcus, waved us over with a grin and pointed at an old brick wall. “That used to be a flour mill,” he said, and suddenly the whole neighborhood felt like it had layers under the cobblestones. There were only eight of us, which made it easy to chat (and joke about getting lost in a cupcake shop — not impossible here).

The first bite was a tart from a James Beard nominee’s bakery — flaky, buttery, something I still think about when I walk past my own sad toaster pastries at home. We ate it on the curb because the place was packed, and honestly that felt right. Between stops, Marcus told stories about Georgetown’s past — how people from everywhere ended up here, how canal boats used to clop by with mules (I tried to picture that over the sound of traffic). We ducked into a pizza place next, where the crust had those perfect charred spots and someone behind the counter called out orders in Italian. I tried to repeat one word back; Li laughed at my accent.

By the third spot, I’d stopped pretending I wasn’t full. But then came this spicy-sweet dish with ginger and scallions — totally different from what I expected on a “classic” Georgetown food tour. The weather kept shifting between sun and drizzle, but nobody cared much since we were busy comparing notes on our favorite bites. At one point, an older couple walking their dog stopped to recommend a coffee shop down the block (we didn’t make it there but maybe next time).

Lunch was more than enough — they weren’t kidding about that in the description — and knowing part of our ticket went to Bread For The City made it feel less indulgent somehow. The last thing Marcus pointed out was some faded graffiti near the canal: “That’s been there since before I moved here.” It stuck with me for some reason. So yeah, if you’re looking for a day trip in DC that tastes like real life instead of just sightseeing, this is probably it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Georgetown food and history

• Meet in Georgetown neighborhood
• Walk through historic Georgetown streets
• Visit local and historic restaurants
• Taste a variety of foods at stops
• Learn about Georgetown's diverse history
• Continue walking between restaurant stops
• Enjoy lunch portions during the tour

Top questions

How long is the Georgetown food tour?

The tour lasts about 3 to 3.5 hours.

Is lunch included on this Georgetown walking tour?

Yes, you’ll have plenty for lunch across several restaurant stops.

Are vegetarian options available?

Vegetarian options are available if requested at booking.

How many people are in each group?

The group size is small, around 8 people per tour.

Does the tour run in bad weather?

The tour operates rain or shine; dress appropriately for conditions.

Can vegans or those with gluten/dairy allergies join?

No, unfortunately vegan diets or dairy/gluten allergies can’t be accommodated due to tasting selections.

Is there public transport nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available close to Georgetown.

What’s included

Your day includes all tastings across several locally owned or historic restaurants in Georgetown as part of your lunch; you’ll walk between stops with your guide sharing stories along the way. Dietary needs like vegetarian can be accommodated if mentioned when booking; every ticket also supports Bread For The City charity work in DC.