The Exorcist Steps
Climb the iconic, steep steps from 'The Exorcist' in historic Georgetown, D.C. A cinematic pilgrimage site.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Atmospheric and less crowded
The Exorcist Steps
Best Time
Atmospheric and less crowded
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Climb the iconic, steep steps from 'The Exorcist' in historic Georgetown, D.C. A cinematic pilgrimage site.
"A must-visit for film buffs and curious passersby alike, the Exorcist Steps are an atmospheric slice of movie history."
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The 75 steps are steep! Good footwear is essential for climbing and exploring nearby streets.
⬆️ Start from the Top
If mobility is an issue, begin at Prospect Street and walk down for an easier experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Exorcist Steps
Georgetown, Washington D.C.
Climb the famous 75 steep steps immortalized in the classic horror film 'The Exorcist'.
The Exorcist House Exterior
Adjacent to the steps
See the exterior of the house featured in the climactic scenes of the movie.
Transformers Statues
Near the top of the steps
Discover surprising Transformers statues just a short walk from the steps.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Steep Steps, Steep Challenge
Beyond the Spooky Vibe
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The 75 steps are steep! Good footwear is essential for climbing and exploring nearby streets.
⬆️ Start from the Top
If mobility is an issue, begin at Prospect Street and walk down for an easier experience.
👻 Embrace the Atmosphere
Visiting after sunset can enhance the spooky, cinematic feel of the location.
🚗 Parking Challenges
Street parking can be difficult; consider public transport or ride-sharing.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The 75 steps are steep! Good footwear is essential for climbing and exploring nearby streets.
⬆️ Start from the Top
If mobility is an issue, begin at Prospect Street and walk down for an easier experience.
👻 Embrace the Atmosphere
Visiting after sunset can enhance the spooky, cinematic feel of the location.
🚗 Parking Challenges
Street parking can be difficult; consider public transport or ride-sharing.
📸 Photo Opportunities
Capture iconic shots from the bottom, top, and even the surrounding charming streets.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Exorcist Steps a fascinating piece of cinematic history, offering a unique photo opportunity and a good workout. While some appreciate the spooky atmosphere, others note the steps are steep and parking can be challenging. The surrounding Georgetown neighborhood and nearby quirky attractions like Transformers statues add to the overall appeal.
"Very fun to see this massive set of steps, just remember they are steep, so walking up them can be challenging. If you are disabled I recommend starting from the street above to look down, then make your way around to the bottom street to view the plaque at the bottom of the steps. Be aware that some streets nearby are similar to cobblestone, which may not be a great shortcut if you have different mobility needs. Can you believe they put rubber on the steps and the stunt actor fell down them TWICE for a good shot. Fun to imagine falling down them while at the top, I wouldn't do it even if there was rubber. Hope you enjoy your visit and you're able to take some good pics. We promise the area isn't spooky or haunted like in the movie, so we hope you'll visit.
If you're at the top of the stairs, walk a bit further down the road and you'll see some cool Transformers statues and a cute little water spout that has a bird on it."
S. R.
"A must-visit for film buffs and curious passersby alike, the Exorcist Steps are an atmospheric slice of movie history tucked into the Georgetown neighborhood. Immortalized in William Friedkin’s 1973 horror classic The Exorcist, these steep, narrow stone stairs were the site of Father Karras’s dramatic final scene. Standing here, it’s easy to see why this location became so iconic — the looming brick buildings, ivy-clad stone walls, and secluded feel create an eerie cinematic energy even in daylight.
We visited on a Saturday evening, and the area was quiet, with just a few other visitors stopping for photos. The bronze plaque at the top tells the story behind the stairs and their role in the film. The steps themselves are long and steep (75 in total), so wear comfortable shoes if you plan to climb. The surrounding streets are charming, with views of brick townhouses and leafy trees framing the Potomac nearby.
It’s located at the corner of 36th Street NW and Prospect Street NW in Georgetown. You can approach from the top (Prospect Street) or the bottom (near the gas station on M Street). Once you climb the stairs, you can see the Exorcist house right next to the steps.
Even if you’ve never seen The Exorcist, the location is a fascinating, photogenic spot with a rich cinematic legacy. For fans of the film, it’s a spine-tingling pilgrimage. We are glad we visited here during our trip to Washington, D.C.!"
Akshat Kumar
"These steps got famous because of the horror movie… so it’s an interesting place to explore while we happen to be around Georgetown.. and we prefer coming here after sunset to have a better feel of the atmosphere 😂😂 Stairs are steep but easy walk.. see some locals jogging up the stairs as well.."
G
What People Like
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Exorcist Steps are located in Georgetown at the corner of 36th Street NW and Prospect Street NW. You can approach from the top (Prospect Street) or the bottom (near M Street). Many visitors use ride-sharing services or public transport due to limited parking.
Parking in Georgetown can be challenging and expensive. Street parking is limited, and garages are available but can be costly. It's often recommended to use public transport or a ride-sharing service.
While possible, it's a significant walk from many central D.C. attractions. Public transportation or a short ride-share is generally more efficient to reach Georgetown.
The most common ways to reach Georgetown are by bus (several routes serve the area) or by ride-sharing services. There is no Metro station directly in Georgetown.
The steps themselves are not wheelchair accessible due to their steepness. However, you can view the exterior of the house and the top of the steps from Prospect Street.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Exorcist Steps are a public outdoor landmark and do not require tickets for entry. You can visit them anytime.
The Exorcist Steps are accessible 24/7 as they are a public outdoor space. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and better visibility.
There is no admission fee to visit or climb the Exorcist Steps. It's a free attraction for all visitors.
While accessible anytime, visiting in the evening can enhance the spooky atmosphere. Weekday evenings are often less crowded than weekends.
A bronze plaque at the top of the steps provides information about their role in the movie 'The Exorcist'.
📸 📸 Photography
Great photo opportunities exist from the bottom looking up, the top looking down, and from the surrounding charming streets. Capturing the house exterior is also popular.
Yes, you can take photos of the exterior of the Exorcist House, which is located right next to the steps.
While visiting at night can be atmospheric, exercise caution due to limited lighting. Be aware of your surroundings.
There are no specific restrictions on personal photography at the Exorcist Steps. However, always be respectful of private property and other visitors.
A smartphone camera is perfectly adequate for capturing memorable shots. If you have a DSLR or mirrorless camera, it can also be used to capture more detailed images, especially in low light.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
A quick visit to take photos and climb the steps might take 15-30 minutes. If you explore the surrounding Georgetown area, you could spend several hours.
Yes, the 75 steps are quite steep and can be challenging for some. Wear comfortable shoes and take your time.
Explore the charming streets of Georgetown, visit nearby shops and restaurants, and check out the Transformers statues located a short walk away.
While famous for a horror movie, the actual location is not considered haunted or particularly spooky by most visitors. The atmosphere is more cinematic.
This is a common point of curiosity. It's a window belonging to a private residence adjacent to the steps, often photographed by visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the steps, Georgetown offers a more family-friendly experience. Look for the Transformers statues nearby for a fun photo opportunity that kids will love. The charming streets are great for a stroll, and there are plenty of places to grab a treat. Consider visiting during daylight hours to keep the experience light and enjoyable.
🎬 Film Buffs & Horror Fans
Take your time to soak in the environment. Consider visiting in the evening for a more atmospheric experience, but always prioritize safety. The nearby Transformers statues offer a humorous and unexpected contrast, adding another layer to your visit.
🚶♀️ Casual Sightseers
Combine your visit with exploring the rest of Georgetown. Enjoy the architecture, browse the shops, and perhaps find the nearby Transformers statues for a quirky photo op. It's a great spot for a quick photo and a memorable anecdote from your trip.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Cinematic Legacy of the Exorcist Steps
+1Today, the steps are a popular pilgrimage site for film buffs and curious travelers alike. Visitors can stand at the top or bottom of the stairs and imagine the intense scenes that unfolded there. A bronze plaque at the top of the steps commemorates their cinematic significance, offering a brief history for those interested. Even for those unfamiliar with the movie, the steps offer a unique and photogenic urban landscape within the charming streets of Georgetown.
While the steps are the main draw, the surrounding area adds to the experience. Just a short walk from the top of the steps, visitors can discover surprising Transformers statues, adding a quirky contrast to the horror-themed landmark. The charming architecture and tree-lined streets of Georgetown provide a picturesque setting, making the Exorcist Steps a memorable stop on any D.C. itinerary.
Navigating Georgetown and the Steps
Parking in Georgetown is notoriously difficult and expensive. Many visitors opt for ride-sharing services or public buses to reach the area, as there is no direct Metro access. Once in Georgetown, the steps are relatively easy to find, situated between residential buildings. It's worth noting that the area around the steps can be busy, especially on weekends, so visiting during off-peak hours or weekdays might offer a more relaxed experience.
Beyond the steps themselves, the Georgetown neighborhood offers a wealth of exploration. Wander through its picturesque streets, browse the boutiques, and enjoy the waterfront. The unexpected discovery of Transformers statues nearby adds a fun, lighthearted element, making the visit more than just a horror movie pilgrimage.
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