Georgetown: Ghosts Walking Tour & Exorcist Steps Night Visit

Summary

Ghost stories flicker in Georgetown’s shadows every night

You’ll walk Georgetown’s shadowy streets after dark with a local guide who knows every rumor and legend. Hear true ghost stories at DC’s oldest house, see Civil War secrets come alive by lantern light, and test your nerve on the real Exorcist Steps—all in one family-friendly night out.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was how quiet Georgetown gets after dark. You can still hear distant laughter from M Street bars, but walking up those old brick sidewalks with our guide—her name was Tasha, I think—the air felt heavier somehow. She stopped us outside the Old Stone House, pointing to its warped windows. “This is the oldest home in DC,” she said, and for a second I thought I saw something move behind the curtains. Probably just headlights from a passing car, but you know how your mind wanders when someone starts talking about ghosts.

I didn’t expect to laugh as much as I did. Tasha told us about a Civil War hospital turned apartment building where tenants never last long—she called it “the most polite haunted house in America.” Someone in our group asked if she’d ever seen anything herself, and she just grinned: “I’ll tell you after we pass by.” The smell of wet leaves mixed with something sweet from a bakery nearby. It was weirdly comforting between all the talk of curses and flickering lights.

We walked past row houses with iron fences, some of them so perfectly kept it almost made the ghost stories feel out of place. But then there were little things—a porch light that blinked off as we passed, or an old woman peeking through her blinds (maybe curious, maybe just bored). My favorite part was when we reached the Exorcist Steps. They’re steeper than they look in photos. Standing at the top at night, with everyone daring each other to go down first… honestly, my heart was pounding for reasons that had nothing to do with movies.

I still think about that stretch near Georgetown University—the spires lit up against the sky, cobblestones underfoot. There’s something about hearing these stories right where they happened that sticks with you longer than you’d expect. We ended up lingering at the bottom of those steps longer than planned, nobody really wanting to be the first to leave.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Nighttime haunted Georgetown walking tour

• Hear stories at Old Stone House
• Visit Civil War hospital apartments
• Walk spooky streets with ghost stories
• Stroll old high street shops
• See haunted 18th-century house
• Walk Georgetown University cobblestones
• Visit the Exorcist Steps

Top questions

Is this Ghosts of Georgetown tour suitable for kids?

Yes, it's described as family-friendly and suitable for all ages.

How long does the walking tour last?

The tour lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Does the tour include access inside haunted buildings?

You’ll have access to the yard of the oldest (and reportedly most haunted) building in Georgetown but not inside private homes.

Where does the tour end?

The tour ends at the famous Exorcist Steps featured in The Exorcist movie.

Are guides licensed or local experts?

Yes, tours are led by licensed guides familiar with Georgetown's history and legends.

Is there public transportation nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available close to Georgetown.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this walking tour.

What’s included

Your evening includes a 90-minute guided walking tour through historic Georgetown with stories told by a licensed guide, access to the yard of DC’s oldest (and most haunted) house, and a chance to walk down the legendary Exorcist Steps before heading back into modern city lights.