About this experience
Step onto Washington D.C.'s U Street corridor, once celebrated nationwide as 'Black Broadway.' Discover how segregation birthed a self-contained world of pioneering theaters, banks, and social hubs, and explore how MLK-era unrest, decades of neglect, and modern gentrification reshaped these historic blocks.
- A 1.4 km self-guided tour with 6 stops over 75 min
- Ideal for travelers interested in Power, Protest & Civic Spaces and History & Memory
- Immersively told in a podcast style by experts and locals
- Matching audio content, AI guide and navigation through the app
At a glance
- Duration: 1 hr 15 min
Plan your experience
Set aside 1 hr 15 min for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Local guides to help you plan
Washington DC Murals and Street Art Guide
Pick a path through Washington DC murals and street art, from NoMa walls to Shaw alleys, and discover which neighborhood tells the city’s boldest story.
U Street Washington DC Guide
Meet U Street Washington DC’s jazz roots, murals, nightlife, and must-stop eats—then discover the one turn that changes the whole night.
U Street Food Tour Guide
Plan a U Street food tour with practical details on the Black Broadway experience, U Street’s food traditions, Metro access, parking, timing and booking questions.
What is included
- Verified facts woven into an engaging story
- Interactive in-app guide for questions about the story and surroundings
- Precise navigation between the stops
- Immersive podcast-style audio featuring experts and locals
Itinerary and highlights
Opened in 1910, this grand venue predated Harlem’s Apollo and served as the premier stage for Black entertainment during Jim Crow segregation.
Designed in 1903 by pioneer African American architect John A. Lankford, this structure represents the pinnacle of Black civic organizing and financial self-reliance.
An iconic D.C. eatery founded in 1958 that famously remained open during the 1968 unrest, serving as a peaceful refuge for the community.
Opened in 1922, this grand theater and ballroom served as a premier cultural cathedral for Black moviegoers and legendary jazz performers.
Constructed in 1919 by Black developer John Whitelaw Lewis, this hotel offered luxury lodging for Black travelers barred from white-only establishments.
Opened in 1926 as the Crystal Caverns, this subterranean jazz venue hosted legends like Miles Davis and John Coltrane before closing in 2016.
Meeting and pickup information
- Plan your journey from your arrival point in Washington to Howard Theatre. Use the local journey planner for public transport options and the final walking section. Check the current connection on the day of travel.
Languages and tickets
- German — Audio
- English — Audio
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Red Thread
Meeting points and locations
Accessibility and practical details
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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