Explore the Mysterious Exorcist Steps in DC

Fans of horror films will not want to miss this one! Remember those creepy stairs from The Exorcist? If you love horror movies, you won't want to miss the chance to take your own walk up or down this Georgetown landmark. Other popular uses for the stairs include to take “dead” pictures of your loved ones lying at the bottom, or perhaps a non-horror-related exercise session up and down, which the stairs are also commonly used for. Some ghost tours may finish up here at The Exorcist Steps, but you can just visit them on your own if you want. They are an officially designated tourist landmark of the city and one of the popular attractions in the Washington DC area.

History of the Stairs

When the stairs were first constructed back in 1895, no one was thinking about horror movies yet; that was before they were thinking about movies at all! The stairs were built to provide access between Prospect Street NW and M Street NW, during the time that the adjacent Car Barn was going up. During the filming of The Exorcist, the stairs were padded with ½ inch thick rubber in order for the stuntman to fall down them safely. Evidently, Georgetown University students charged bystanders $5 apiece to watch the filming of the stunt from their rooftops.

Walk Around Georgetown

Though the Exorcist Steps will only take you a few minutes to visit, you might as well make them part of a stroll around Georgetown. It's an adorable, historic neighborhood, full of cobblestone streets and Federal-style townhouses. It's also got the feel of a college town, thanks to Georgetown University, so you'll have fun checking out the shops and cafes. Stroll along M Street and the canal, and treat yourself to apple strudel at Kafe Leopold, or an amazing cupcake at Baked and Wire. Check out the campus itself, and cap off your afternoon with a cocktail from the Bourbon Steak lounge in the Four Seasons hotel. Transit tip: the Metro doesn't come into Georgetown, so if you're using transit, it's either a 10-15 minute walk from the Foggy Bottom station, or ride the comfortable and cheap Circulator bus.

Enjoy your walk around historic Georgetown, but don't fall down The Exorcist Steps! To learn about even more attractions in the Washington DC area and to book your stay in one of our rentals, contact LUXbnb today. We offer homes in DC's best neighborhoods, including Palisades Village, Georgetown, and more!