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Places (POIs) visited during this tour

Place #1
Distance: 0.33mi , Attraction : Start
Map Pin
1743 22nd St NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
POI 1 Tour Image
Let's Begin!
Looks like you found me! Listen up for a few seconds before we walk down to the Spanish Steps.

We are in the Kalorama neighborhood of Washington, DC, which is known for its elegance, historic architecture, and its many famous residents. Over the years, Kalorama has attracted presidents, diplomats, business leaders, and cultural icons, making it one of the city's most prestigious and storied areas.

Among its most well-known recent residents are Barack and Michelle Obama, who moved to Kalorama after leaving the White House in 2017. Their home on Belmont Road quickly became a landmark of interest. Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner also lived in the neighborhood during Donald Trump’s presidency, just a few blocks away.

Earlier in the 20th century, President Woodrow Wilson made Kalorama his home after leaving office. His house on S Street NW is now a museum and remains the only presidential residence in Washington that is not operated by the federal government.

Other notable residents have included Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon, who purchased and renovated the historic former Textile Museum into a grand private residence, and Henry Kissinger, who lived there while serving as Secretary of State.

With its quiet, tree-lined streets, stately homes, and close proximity to downtown and Embassy Row, Kalorama continues to be one of the most exclusive and historically significant neighborhoods in Washington, DC.

Just walk to the end of this street and start heading down the steps.

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Place #2
Distance: 0.52mi , Attraction : Landmark
Map Pin
2211 R St NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
POI 2 Tour Image
The Spanish Steps
Here we are at Spanish Steps. This is a true hidden gem in the city. It’s an example of the contributions from the height of the City Beautiful movement in Washington D.C. back in 1911. It is an homage to the original Spanish Steps in Europe. Not sure why the ones in Europe were built, but these ones were originally built to provide pedestrians a link between S St NW and Decatur Pl on an area too steep for vehicles and carriages to climb at the time.
The Spanish Steps were designed by architect Robert E. Cook. He was born, raised and died in Washington DC. Hey, did you see the oval shaped basin and the lion head fountain at the top of the steps? Notice all of the magnolia trees, eastern red cedars, oaks, and other flowering trees and pretty flowers that have been planted here. It really is a peaceful little escape from the city. Relax and enjoy before we kick it into touring gear. Then, head south on 22nd and meet me at the corner of Decatur Place.

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish_Steps_(Washington,_D.C.)
Tour itinerary stops | Additional places you'll see on this self-guided tour

Map Pin Place 1 Let's Begin!
Map Pin Place 2 The Spanish Steps
Map Pin Place 3 Directions
Map Pin Place 4 Friends Meeting of Washington DC
Map Pin Place 5 Friends Garden
Map Pin Place 6 Directions
Map Pin Place 7 Roosevelt Home
Map Pin Place 8 Embassies
Map Pin Place 9 Embassies
Map Pin Place 10 Embassies
Map Pin Place 11 Sheridan Circle
Map Pin Place 12 Embassy of Ireland
Map Pin Place 13 Directions
Map Pin Place 14 Tomas Garrigue Masaryk Statue
Map Pin Place 15 The Society of Cincinnati
Map Pin Place 16 Gandhi Statue
Map Pin Place 17 Embassy of Indonesia
Map Pin Place 18 Saraswati Statue
Map Pin Place 19 James G. Blaine Mansion
Map Pin Place 20 Directions
Map Pin Place 21 Second Story Books
Map Pin Place 22 Directions
Map Pin Place 23 More UCPlaces Tours
Map Pin Place 24 The Mansion on O Street
Map Pin Place 25 Sonny Bono Park
Map Pin Place 26 Christian Heurich Mansion
Map Pin Place 27 Toy Theater Mural
Map Pin Place 28 Directions
Map Pin Place 29 Directions
Map Pin Place 30 Surfside Restaurant
Map Pin Place 31 John Witherspoon Statue
Map Pin Place 32 Tabard Inn
Map Pin Place 33 Embassy of the Philippines
Map Pin Place 34 Daniel Webster Statue
Map Pin Place 35 Directions
Map Pin Place 36 Peruvian Embassy
Map Pin Place 37 Consulates of Columbia and Chile
Map Pin Place 38 Embassy of Uzbekistan
Map Pin Place 39 Directions
Map Pin Place 40 Directions
Map Pin Place 41 Dupont Circle Fountain



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How to take a UCPlaces tour
Taking a UCPlaces tour is fun and easy.
Download the app (Android or iOS), purchase the tour (either here on the website, or from within the app).
That's it, you're ready to go!
When you want to start the tour, find the tour in the app (via a quick in-app search or by clicking the tour link received in your confirmation email) and click "Start Tour" (headphones recommended for best experience.)
* After purchasing a tour you will receive a purchase confirmation email including the tour link and instructions on how to take the tour, so you don't have to remember anything now.
How does the tour work?
UCPlaces acts as your personal tour guide, providing self-guided audio tours fully navigated within our app using GPS-based navigation. You won't need to switch between external navigation apps.
Whenever you approach a point of interest (POI) on the tour, our app will automatically play the relevant audio story at the right time and place.
If you start the tour before reaching the first POI, the app will navigate you to the starting point and then begin the tour.
How is this more convenient than a traditional tour?
UCPlaces offers an innovative and flexible way to explore exciting destinations on your terms.
Here are some key advantages over traditional tours:
  • No need to commit upfront or purchase in advance; buy a tour only when you're ready to go.
  • Walk at your own pace.
  • No waiting for groups; go on your schedule.
  • Take the tour in your preferred language.
  • Start, stop and continue the tour whenever you want.
  • Returning to the same destination? Take the tour again, and again, and again... And bring a friend!
  • Enjoy preferred prices.

What's included?
  • A self-guided audio tour taken via the UCPlaces app [Android / iOS (iPhone) / Apple CarPlay].
  • Tour route map and in-app GPS navigation (via the UCPlaces app).
  • Audio stories for places visited during the tour.
  • Apple CarPlay connection (for iOS users); for a seamless driving tour experience.
What's NOT included?
  • Earphones (highly recommended).
  • Smartphone.
  • Any kind of transportation (including tickets and passes).
  • Tickets to the attractions on your tour.
  • Food and drinks
  • Physical tour guide.

Have any questions about this tour? Or a general travel / self-guided tours question? That's completely natural

+ How long does this tour take?
Most travelers complete this tour in approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on pace, time spent at each stop, and optional detours. Having said that, please remember that self-guided tours are extremly flexible (you can start, pause, continue anytime) and everyone has their own pace.
+ What does this tour include?
This self-guided walking tour includes 41 stops, covering top attractions such as Let's Begin!, The Spanish Steps, Directions, Friends Meeting of Washington DC, Friends Garden.
+ Where does the tour start?
The tour starts at Let's Begin! (Address: 1743 22nd St NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA). You can begin the tour there or join from any stop along the route.
+ What type of tour is this?
This is a self-guided walking tour designed to be completed on foot through walkable areas and city highlights.
+ Can I do this tour at my own pace?
Yes, this is a self-guided walking tour, so you can start anytime and explore at your own pace. You can pause, skip stops, or spend more time at places that interest you. You can even split it into multiple days. Explore however feels right for you.
+ Is this a walkable tour?
Yes, this tour is fully walkable and designed to follow a comfortable route through pedestrian-friendly areas.
+ Do I need anything in order to take the tour?
There is one thing that you need - A mobile phone (with the UCPlaces app installed and active location services, and a cellular data plan with a decent signal for downloading the tour) and comfortable walking shoes! But here are some recommendations for a great experience: 1. Make sure your phone is fully charged and bring a mobile charger/battery. 2. Bring earphones for the best experience. 3. Bring a bottle of water and dress appropriately according to the weather forecast.
+ How will I navigate from point to point during the tour?
The tour uses GPS-based navigation through the UCPlaces app, with automatic audio playback and step-by-step directions between stops. Just follow the route (cross streets carefully using crosswalks) and listen to the audio guide. Use the resume feature to continue the from where you recently stopped (or closed the app). Easily skip or go back to stops.
+ Is this tour suitable for families or groups?
Yes, self-guided tours are ideal for families and small groups, allowing everyone to explore comfortably without being tied to a fixed schedule.
+ What makes a self-guided tour better than a guided tour?
Self-guided tours are more flexible, affordable, and personalized. You can avoid crowds, choose your pace, and focus on the stops that interest you most.
+ I installed the app and it's now asking for GPS and media access permissions, why?
The app is your tour-guide, it needs to know where you are located on the map to be able to trigger the points of interest. It also needs access to audio and media files to provide you with this experience.
+ What happens if there are unexpected roadblocks or navigation issues?
We have been working hard to deliver a great experience. Though you may run into unexpected obstacles (the world is constantly changing), our app has multiple features and mechanisms in place to help you overcome them, including: AI assistance, force play an audio if you can't reach the stop, skip or return to stops, automatic rerouting and more.
+ Can I take the tour in my language?
Though all of our tours are primarily in English, many tours are muyltilingual (including: Spanish, German, Portuguese, French, Japanese, Hebrew, French, Arabic and more...). The tour language options depend on the specific tour - You can easily check which languages are available in the tour screen!