If you’re intrigued by stories of spirits lurking around historic neighborhoods, the Georgetown’s Famous Ghosts Smartphone Guided Haunted Walking Tour might pique your interest. This low-cost, flexible experience promises to blend local legends, Civil War-era spirits, and Hollywood tales into a walk you can start anytime, anywhere. It’s designed for those who enjoy a mix of history and folklore, all wrapped up in a ghostly package that’s easy to fit into your schedule.
What we like most about this tour is its accessibility and independence—no need for large groups or scheduled times. Plus, the price point of just $9.75 per person makes it an affordable way to get a taste of Georgetown’s spooky stories without breaking the bank. A potential downside is that it’s completely outside, so if you’re hoping for an indoor, cozy ghost story night, this might not be your best bet. But for curious wanderers who like wandering at their own pace, this tour hits the mark.
This experience is ideal for history buffs, folklore lovers, or anyone eager to explore the City of Georgetown’s haunted reputation. It’s especially great for independent travelers, ghost enthusiasts, or those who prefer to craft their own adventure rather than join a large guided group. If you’re comfortable exploring outside and enjoy a bit of storytelling in scenic surroundings, then this tour offers plenty of value.
Key Points

- Flexible Timing: Do it anytime, 24/7, at your own pace.
- Affordable Price: Just $9.75 per person for an engaging ghostly experience.
- Rich Stories: Combines historical facts with local legends—perfect for curious minds.
- Outdoor Experience: All outside, no indoor admission required.
- Self-Guided: Guided by a smartphone app, offering independence and flexibility.
- Historic and Scary: Features notable sites like the Exorcist stairs, Old Stone House, and Martin’s Tavern.
The Georgetown’s Famous Ghosts Smartphone Guided Haunted Walking Tour offers a unique way to explore one of Washington DC’s most picturesque neighborhoods—through its ghosts, legends, and historic sites. The tour costs only $9.75, making it accessible for budget travelers and those wanting a light, entertaining experience without the need for reservations or fixed times.
How the Tour Works
This isn’t your typical guided tour with a group; instead, it’s a self-paced adventure. You receive a mobile ticket that links you to an app guiding you through the haunted streets of Georgetown. The tour is completely outside, so you’ll be walking along historic streets, stopping at sites, and listening to stories at your convenience. It’s available anytime, 24/7, which means you can do it early in the morning or late at night—whatever suits your mood and schedule.
The tour’s duration is approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, but since it’s self-guided, you can take as much or as little time as you like. Whether you prefer a quick walk or a leisurely exploration, this format allows total control.
You can also read our reviews of more walking tours in Washington DC
The Itinerary Breakdown

Let’s walk through what you’ll experience, starting from the initial point outside the John Carroll Statue near Healy Hall. This spot marks the official beginning of your ghostly journey, where you’ll hear about the haunted stories associated with the site. It’s a fitting start, placing you right in the heart of Georgetown’s academic and historic ambiance.
Next, you’ll descend the famous Exorcist stairs — made legendary by the horror film—and hear tales of the house, the real-life hauntings, and the eerie stories surrounding the filming. This is arguably the most iconic stop, and it’s easy to imagine the chills as you look up at the steps.
From there, the tour guides you to the Old Stone House, one of the oldest structures in the district, with spooky tales involving its past residents. You will also hear about the Halcyon House, notorious for its ghostly legends, adding to the neighborhood’s haunted atmosphere.
A brief stop at Martin’s Tavern reveals its JFK connection—an added layer of intrigue for history buffs—and its own ghost stories. Standing outside, you might find yourself imagining the political gatherings and secret stories that once took place there.
Finally, the tour takes you through the haunted streets of Georgetown, where you’ll encounter stories that span centuries, from Civil War spirits to modern legends. You’ll walk past buildings linked to JFK, descend the Exorcist stairs once more, and stop outside several sites with chilling histories.
What Makes This Tour Stand Out

One of the main draws of this experience is its flexibility. You can start it whenever you want—at any hour—and revisit the stories later as many times as you like since your tour never expires. This is perfect for travelers with unpredictable schedules or those who prefer exploring late at night, when ghost stories feel even more real.
Another highlight is that it’s completely outside. This means no admission fees or indoor restrictions, making it suitable for all weather conditions and for those who prefer open-air strolling. It also keeps the experience light and casual, ideal for those who enjoy walking and storytelling without the formality of a structured guided group.
From reviews, it’s clear that many appreciate how well the stories are woven into the historic context of Georgetown. One reviewer noted, “It’s a fun way to see the neighborhood and learn some spooky stories I hadn’t heard before.” Others mention that the app guided them smoothly from site to site, providing just enough history to enrich the legends without overwhelming.
Practical Details and Value

At just under $10, this tour offers excellent value, especially considering there’s no extra cost for admission or group fees. Since it’s self-paced, you can stretch it out or breeze through, making it adaptable for busy travel schedules. The mobile ticket approach is convenient, and as long as you have your phone, you’re ready to go.
The main limitation is that since the experience is outdoors, it requires good weather and a willingness to walk. If you’re traveling during rainy or very cold days, you might prefer indoor ghost tours or museum visits. However, for clear evenings or mild weather, this can be a charming way to combine history, architecture, and ghost stories.
Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is particularly suited for independent explorers who enjoy wandering at their own speed. It’s perfect for history aficionados interested in Georgetown’s past, as well as those intrigued by local folklore and ghost legends. It’s also a good choice for budget travelers looking for an inexpensive yet memorable experience.
If you’re craving a guided tour with a live guide or indoor storytelling, this might not satisfy entirely, but for those seeking flexibility and outdoor ambiance, it hits all the right notes.
The Georgetown’s Famous Ghosts Smartphone Guided Haunted Walking Tour offers a practical, fun way to explore some of Washington DC’s most scenic streets with a spooky twist. Its self-guided format, combined with captivating stories and historic sites, makes it an excellent option for curious travelers wanting a flexible experience that can be tailored to their schedule.
While it may not replace a traditional guided tour with a charismatic guide, it excels in providing a cost-effective and independent way to enjoy Georgetown’s haunted reputation. It’s especially appealing to those who prefer outdoor exploration, enjoy folklore, and want to control the pace of their adventure.
All in all, this tour is a perfect complement to a day of sightseeing or an evening stroll, adding a dash of ghostly intrigue without the fuss of timed bookings or indoor restrictions.
Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Since it’s an outdoor walk with storytelling suitable for most, it’s generally appropriate for a wide age range. However, parents should consider the spooky nature of some stories if traveling with very young children.
How long does the tour take?
The estimated duration is about 1 to 1.5 hours, but since it’s self-paced, you can take more or less time depending on your interest and schedule.
Can I do this tour at night?
Yes, the tour is available 24/7, so it’s perfect for nighttime exploration when the spooky stories feel even more fitting.
What should I bring?
Bring a charged smartphone with the app, comfortable walking shoes, and weather-appropriate clothing since it’s an outdoor tour.
Are there any indoor components?
No, the entire experience is outside, so no indoor admission or structures are involved.
Is there a group size limit?
Because it’s self-guided, there’s no group size restriction—just use your own device and walk at your pace.
This fully self-guided ghost tour offers an engaging, flexible way to explore Georgetown’s haunted past—perfect for curious minds wanting to walk and wonder on their own terms.
You can also read our reviews of more guided tours in Washington DC
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