Washington DC: Small-Group History Pub Crawl & Iconic Bars

Summary

Walk from Lafayette Square to DC’s legendary bars with a guide weaving wild presidential tales

You’ll step straight into DC’s quirky past on this small-group pub crawl near the White House. With an expert local guide leading you between four iconic bars, you’ll swap stories and laughs while tasting local drinks—and probably leave with more friends than you started with.

What’s the experience like?

We started off just across from the White House, which honestly felt a bit surreal—like, you could almost hear the city humming under all that history. Our guide, Mike (who somehow knew every scandalous detail about old presidents), kicked things off in Lafayette Square. There was this faint smell of cut grass and something sweet from the food trucks nearby. I kept glancing at the White House through the trees, half-expecting someone important to walk out. Didn’t happen, but still.

The first bar was dim and creaky in all the right ways. I ordered something with bourbon (seemed appropriate), and Mike told us about George Washington’s distilling adventures—apparently he was way more into whiskey than I realized. Someone from our group tried to guess how many barrels he made a year; we were all wildly off. There was a moment when everyone laughed too loud and I realized how easy it is to make friends over shared weird facts and a pint or two.

We wandered to three more spots, each with its own vibe—one had these old photos on the wall that looked like they’d seen some things. At one point, I caught this whiff of fried food mixing with spilled beer (not as bad as it sounds). The stories kept coming: Prohibition tunnels, wild parties at the White House…honestly I didn’t expect history to feel so alive—or tipsy? Anyway, Mike answered every random question we threw at him without missing a beat.

I still think about that last stop—everyone kind of lingered even after the official tour ended. Something about walking through DC at night with new friends and all those stories rattling around your head just sticks with you. So yeah, if you want your history with a side of laughter (and maybe fries), this small-group history tour pub crawl in Washington DC is worth it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — History tour and pub crawl in D.C.

• Meet across from the White House
• Hear stories of White House parties
• Learn about homemade beer history
• Explore Lafayette Square history

Top questions

Where does the Washington DC pub crawl start?

The tour meets directly across from the White House in Lafayette Square.

How long does the small-group history tour pub crawl last?

The tour lasts approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes.

How many bars are included on this Washington DC pub crawl?

The tour includes stops at four iconic D.C. bars.

Is there a local guide on this pub crawl?

Yes, an expert local guide leads the group throughout the experience.

Is public transportation available near the starting point?

Yes, there are public transportation options nearby Lafayette Square.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this tour.

Do I need to be very fit for this pub crawl?

No, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels.

What’s included

Your evening includes entry to four classic D.C. bars near The White House, guided by an expert local storyteller who brings forgotten history to life—all within easy reach of public transport or rideshare if you don’t feel like walking back after those pints.