Washington, DC runs on history, and some of it lingers after the museums close. Beyond the monuments is a city of haunted squares and storied houses, and its ghost tours are among the most atmospheric in the country. This guide compares seven of them, from Capitol Hill and Georgetown walks to a haunted pub crawl and an app-led ghost hunt, with booking links for each. Prices, ratings, and review counts below were checked on Viator on July 29, 2026, and the Georgetown, Capitol Hill, and Booze and Boos walks were re-checked on August 3, 2026; the rest keep their July numbers.
Unveiling Washington D.C.’s Haunted History
Washington D.C. is not just the political heart of America; it is also a city whose ghost stories are attached to buildings you were going to see anyway. The city’s historical significance, combined with tales of tragedy, betrayal, and mystery, makes it a prime destination for ghost tours. From haunted pubs to landmarks you have seen on the news, each tour takes a different angle on the supernatural side of the nation’s capital.
1. Ghosts of Georgetown and The Exorcist Steps Walking Tour
The deepest review record we found in the capital belongs to Georgetown: 4.8 stars across 742 reviews, 90 minutes from $49, run by DC by Foot. The walk meets outside the Old Stone House at 3051 M St NW and works the city's oldest neighborhood, mixing supernatural reports with true-crime history, before ending at the steps from The Exorcist at 36th and Prospect St NW. The group is capped at 15, and the listing carries a Likely to Sell Out chip. It does not offer wheelchair access, and the finish is a flight of steps.
2. Haunted DC Night-Time Walking Tour on Capitol Hill
Of the listings in this roundup that publish a price, this is the lowest: 90 minutes from $25, 4.4 stars across 177 reviews, run by Scary DC, with the group capped at 10. Its 8:30pm start and meeting point are July 29, 2026 records our August 3, 2026 re-check did not return, so take both from the booking page. It passes the United States Capitol Building and the Supreme Court Building, covering the feuding ghosts of past lawmakers, the trial of the Lincoln assassination conspirators, and the curse the guides argue about. Wheelchair and stroller accessible, and the listing operates in all weather conditions. One term to read twice: booked inside 7 days of travel, it confirms within 48 hours subject to availability.
3. Haunted Washington D.C. Booze and Boos Ghost Walking Tour
Two after-dark activities in one, and the one route here built around going indoors: 2 hours 30 minutes from $34.68, 4.5 stars across 55 reviews, run by Nightly Spirits; its 7:30pm start is a July 29, 2026 record our August 3, 2026 re-check did not return, so take the departure from the booking page. The listing promises a costumed guide, Lafayette Square's stories, and four haunted pub stops with a drink at each, beginning at the lobby bar inside the Hotel Washington at 515 15th St NW and finishing at the Round Robin Bar inside the Willard. The door policy is the only age threshold in this roundup: all guests must be age 21+ with a valid photo ID.
4. Dreaded Dead Descent of the District: DC Ghost Tour
The one hour version, from $26, 4.2 stars across 466 reviews, supplied by DC Ghosts By Us Ghost Adventures. It gathers on the steps behind the Treasury Building at 15th St NW and F St NW, which the listing is careful to distinguish from the Treasury Annex, and it takes groups of up to 35. It publishes no start time, offers wheelchair and stroller access, operates in all weather conditions, asks that children be accompanied by an adult, and sets a dress code of smart casual.
5. DC Ghosts Ultimate Dead of Night Haunted Ghost Tour
The late-night walk through downtown Washington D.C., from $30, 4.6 stars across 20 reviews. It covers the haunted history of the city and the stories of people who gave their lives to serving the nation, at sites of national and personal significance. The rating is strong and the record behind it is short, so treat the 20-review count as the caveat.
6. DC Ghosts By US Ghost Adventures
The thinnest review record of the guided walks here: 4.1 stars across 12 reviews, supplied by Junket. It works downtown's dark history on foot, from a tabernacle said to be packed with ghosts to historic homes where the spirits of notable figures are reported to linger. With a dozen reviews behind it, check it last, once the better-reviewed walks are sold out.
7. An Epic Scavenger Hunt: The Ghost Hunt of Washington D.C.
Not a guided tour at all: an app-led scavenger hunt you run yourself, walking to the landmarks and hidden gems while answering trivia and solving challenges, which makes it the pick for team building, a birthday, or a group that wants to compete rather than listen. It carries two reviews and no rating block, so there is no review record to lean on.
Exploring Washington D.C.'s Haunted Sites
Washington D.C. is home to numerous haunted sites, each with its own history and ghostly legends. From the historic Capitol Hill to the charming yet eerie streets of Georgetown, the city offers plenty of opportunities to encounter the supernatural.
Lafayette Square
Known for its beautiful architecture and historical significance, Lafayette Square is also one of the most haunted spots in Washington D.C. Visitors have reported sightings of ghostly figures and unexplained phenomena, making it a must-visit on any ghost tour.
The Treasury Annex
The Treasury Annex is another hotspot for paranormal activity. Tales of ghostly apparitions and eerie occurrences abound, adding to the building’s already fascinating history.
Dolley Madison House
The Dolley Madison House is named after the famous First Lady who is said to still linger in the home. Visitors have reported seeing her ghostly figure, making it one of the spookiest spots in D.C.
The Best Time to Visit Washington D.C. for a Ghost Tour
While Washington D.C. is a great destination year-round, the best time to visit for a ghost tour is during the cooler months. The evening tours, in particular, are properly eerie as you explore the city's haunted locations under the cover of darkness.
Evening Ghost Tours
Evening departures are when these routes work best. As the sun sets and the shadows lengthen, the city’s ghostly inhabitants are said to become more active, making for a thrilling adventure.
What to Bring on Your Washington D.C. Ghost Tour
To make the most of your ghost tour in Washington D.C., it’s important to come prepared. Here are a few essentials to bring with you:
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Washington D.C.’s historic streets are best explored on foot, so be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes.
Camera
Bring a camera to capture any ghostly apparitions or strange occurrences you might encounter.
Flashlight
A flashlight can be useful for navigating the darker areas of the tour and adding to the spooky atmosphere.
Open Mind
Finally, come with an open mind and be ready to experience the paranormal side of Washington D.C.
Why Choose a Washington D.C. Ghost Tour
With so many ghost tours to choose from, you might be wondering why a Washington D.C. ghost tour is the best option. Here are a few reasons why these tours stand out:
Expert Guides
The tour guides are knowledgeable about Washington D.C.’s history and paranormal activity, providing a rich and informative experience.
Landmark Locations
The tours take you to some of the most haunted and historically significant locations in Washington D.C.
Thrilling Stories
The stories shared on the tours are both thrilling and educational, offering a deep dive into Washington D.C.’s haunted past.
Small Group Size
With small group sizes, the tours provide a more intimate and personalized experience.
Picking the right DC ghost tour
DC's ghost tours reward the curious. Pick Capitol Hill for the marble-and-curses version, Georgetown for the old-money hauntings, or the pub walk if you would rather meet the city's ghosts with a drink in hand. Planning the rest of the trip? Our Washington, DC guide covers tours, hotels, and things to do.
For the record, we do not run tours in Washington, DC. Freaky Foot Tours leads ghost and history walks in Flagstaff, Tucson, and Prescott, Arizona; find every city we cover on our locations page.
Questions people ask
Which DC ghost tour covers Capitol Hill?
The Haunted DC Night-Time Walking Tour on Capitol Hill, which passes the United States Capitol Building and the Supreme Court Building while covering the feuds, hauntings, and the curse said to hang over the Hill.
Is there a ghost tour of Georgetown?
Yes. The Ghosts of Georgetown and The Exorcist Steps Walking Tour winds through the city's oldest neighborhood, mixing supernatural reports with true-crime history.
Can you combine a DC ghost tour with a pub crawl?
The Haunted Washington D.C. Booze and Boos Ghost Walking Tour does both, and its listing promises a costumed guide, Lafayette Square's stories, and stops at four haunted pubs along the way.
When is the best time for a DC ghost tour?
Cooler months and evening departures. The stories land differently once the crowds thin and the squares go quiet.
