
NoMa Murals
Discover vibrant street art along the Metropolitan Branch Trail and Union Market District, showcasing local and international talent.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light for photos

NoMa Murals
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light for photos

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover vibrant street art along the Metropolitan Branch Trail and Union Market District, showcasing local and international talent.
"A great hidden gem if you want to experience what's cool about DC outside the traditional monuments."

Wear Comfy Shoes! :athletic_shoe:
You'll be doing a lot of walking along the Metropolitan Branch Trail to see all the art.
Daylight is Your Best Friend 🌅
Murals are best viewed and photographed in natural light. Plan your visit accordingly.

Quick Facts
Rating
5 · 7 reviews
Website
dcmuraltour.comHighlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Metropolitan Branch Trail Murals
Metropolitan Branch Trail
A vibrant outdoor gallery showcasing diverse street art, constantly evolving with new pieces.

NoMa in Color Mural Festival Art
Alethia Tanner Park & Metropolitan Branch Trail
Witness fresh, dynamic murals created annually by talented local artists.

Union Market District Street Art
Union Market District
Discover a rich tapestry of murals, blending local and international artistic talent.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Mural Hunters
Explore Beyond the Canvas
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Comfy Shoes! :athletic_shoe:
You'll be doing a lot of walking along the Metropolitan Branch Trail to see all the art.
Daylight is Your Best Friend 🌅
Murals are best viewed and photographed in natural light. Plan your visit accordingly.
Check for Festivals :confetti_ball:
The NoMa in Color Mural Festival brings fresh art and artists to the area annually.
Consider a Guided Tour 🚶
Learn about the artists and stories behind the murals from local experts.
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Comfy Shoes! :athletic_shoe:
You'll be doing a lot of walking along the Metropolitan Branch Trail to see all the art.
Daylight is Your Best Friend 🌅
Murals are best viewed and photographed in natural light. Plan your visit accordingly.
Check for Festivals :confetti_ball:
The NoMa in Color Mural Festival brings fresh art and artists to the area annually.
Consider a Guided Tour 🚶
Learn about the artists and stories behind the murals from local experts.
Protect Your Art (for artists!) 🛡️
Anti-graffiti coatings can help preserve murals from vandalism.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the NoMa murals for their vibrant artistry and the engaging experience of exploring them, especially via guided tours. The murals are seen as a unique way to discover DC beyond traditional landmarks, highlighting local talent and revitalizing the neighborhood. Some note the transient nature of street art and the importance of revisiting to see new works.
"I’m a native Washingtonian & this is my second time taking the DC Mural Tour. Jason is a great tour guide with a genuine passion for murals and street artists. I highly recommend this tour as a great way to see a different part of DC and experience first hand the creativity and talent of various street artists or if you’re into photographing street art. The tour is a little over 2 hrs and spans from what is NoMa to Union Market. You can certainly find some good places to eat and fun things to do after the tour. It’s a win/win/win on all fronts. I’d say the DC Mural Tour is a great hidden gem💎 if you want to experience what’s cool about DC outside out the traditional monuments and museums. It’s a perfect way to support local artists and businesses."
Wendy M.
"I've lived in DC for over 15 years, and I'm sad to admit I don't know this city very well. This tour was my intro to the NoMa area. Our guide, Jason, was amazing and gave us a lot of inside info on the artists and the area. Well worth it!"
Danielle Wills
"One couldn't ask for a better guide: Jason knows everything there is to know about the NoMa murals. He curates the process, scouts new artists, negotiates with the wall/building owners, manages the painting projects and occasionally even helps paint the artwork! I really appreciated how the artists' collective gives this rapidly gentrifying and rather generic-looking neighborhood a unique character, preserving the spirit of what used to be there before, and keeping it interesting, dynamic and special. Thanks for a great tour! Jason is an excellent storyteller. I highly recommend this tour to anyone interested in street art and curious about DC "off the beaten path"."
Ellen Todres
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The NoMa murals are primarily located along the Metropolitan Branch Trail, accessible from the NoMa-Gallaudet U Metro stop. You can also reach them via bus or ride-sharing services. Many murals are also concentrated around the Union Market District.
Parking can be found in garages around the NoMa and Union Market areas. However, walking or using public transit is often recommended due to potential parking costs and availability.
Yes, many murals are clustered along the Metropolitan Branch Trail, making them easily walkable. The DC Mural Tour covers a walkable area spanning NoMa to Union Market.
Focus on the murals along the Metropolitan Branch Trail near the NoMa-Gallaudet U Metro stop or join a guided tour that covers key areas efficiently.
The Metropolitan Branch Trail is generally paved and accessible. However, some murals might be on private property or in areas with uneven terrain. It's best to check specific locations if accessibility is a concern.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the NoMa murals are an outdoor public art installation and are free to view.
There are no entrance fees for viewing the murals themselves. Access to the Metropolitan Branch Trail and public spaces is free.
As outdoor art, the murals can be viewed at any time. However, for the best experience and safety, visiting during daylight hours is recommended.
While murals are present year-round, the NoMa in Color Mural Festival (typically in September) brings new art and a vibrant atmosphere.
Yes, photography is encouraged! Many visitors come specifically to photograph the street art.
🎫 🎨 Onsite Experience
Wander along the Metropolitan Branch Trail, take a guided mural tour, or explore the Union Market area. Allow ample time to appreciate the details and stories behind each piece.
Yes, the DC Mural Tour offers guided experiences focusing on NoMa and Union Market murals, led by knowledgeable guides.
Comfortable walking shoes, water, sunscreen, and your camera or smartphone for photos are essential.
This depends on your pace and how many murals you want to see. A guided tour is typically around 2 hours. Exploring independently could take half a day or more.
While the murals are primarily visual art, some artists use chalk that can be wiped away, offering a temporary interactive element. The experience is largely about observation and appreciation.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Union Market District, located near many murals, offers a wide array of food options, from food stalls to restaurants. The Metropolitan Branch Trail also passes by breweries.
Absolutely! Union Market is a popular spot with diverse culinary choices perfect for lunch after a tour.
Yes, you'll find coffee shops in both the NoMa neighborhood and around Union Market, perfect for a break.
Indeed, the Metropolitan Branch Trail is sometimes referred to as the 'Metropolitan Beer Trail' due to the presence of breweries.
Union Market boasts a vibrant food scene with everything from artisanal cheeses and baked goods to international cuisine and seafood.
📸 📸 Photography
Daylight hours are crucial for good lighting. Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer light and fewer crowds.
Many murals along the Metropolitan Branch Trail and in the Union Market District are highly photogenic. Look for vibrant colors and unique designs.
Use a wide-angle lens to capture the full mural. Adjust aperture for depth of field and ensure good exposure to bring out colors.
Generally, flash is not necessary or recommended as it can create glare. Natural light is best.
Drone usage is subject to FAA regulations and local ordinances. It's advisable to check current rules before flying a drone in the area.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit