The Exorcist stairs in DC are one of the most famous film locations you can actually visit. The steep stone staircase in Georgetown drops about 75 steps from Prospect Street down to M Street, and director William Friedkin used it for the film’s climactic final scene in 1973. More than 50 years later, people still make the trip, and it’s free and open 24/7.
Quick Answer
Where Are the Exorcist Stairs?
In Georgetown, connecting Prospect Street NW at 36th Street down to M Street NW, right where M Street meets Canal Road near the Key Bridge. There’s no Metro in Georgetown, so walk from Foggy Bottom, take the D6 bus from Dupont Circle, or rideshare to M Street.
| Top of the stairs | Prospect St NW at 36th St NW |
| Bottom of the stairs | M St NW, where it meets Canal Rd |
| Steps | About 75 |
| Cost | Free, open 24/7 |
| Time needed | About 20 minutes |
| Closest Metro | Foggy Bottom–GWU, about 20 minutes on foot |
| Bus | D6 from Dupont Circle Metro |
| Parking | Garages on M St; residential blocks are Zone 2 RPP |
What the Exorcist Stairs Are
Officially they’re just a public outdoor staircase, sometimes called the M Street Stairs. There’s no sign announcing them and no ticket booth. They’re steep, narrow, and walled in on one side, and they feel genuinely unsettling even if you’ve never seen the film.
When to Visit
- Early morning: quiet, mostly locals, with good light just after sunrise.
- Midday: the best natural light for photos, with moderate tourist traffic.
- Golden hour: the best mix of atmosphere and light, with warm color and long shadows.
- Night: the full cinematic experience. Georgetown is one of DC’s safest neighborhoods, and the area is well lit.
How to Get to the Exorcist Stairs
The easiest way to find them is from M Street. Walk west on M Street toward the Key Bridge. Just past 36th Street, where M Street curves into Canal Road, the staircase rises up the hill on your right, next to the historic Car Barn building. You’ll usually spot at least one person on the steps with a phone out. At the top, you’ll come out at Prospect Street and 36th Street.
By Metro and bus: Georgetown has no Metro station. Walk about 20 minutes from Foggy Bottom–GWU, or take the D6 bus from Dupont Circle Metro. Our DC bus guide covers the routes that serve Georgetown.
By rideshare: drop off on M Street NW near 36th Street and walk to the base of the stairs.
Where to Park for the Exorcist Stairs
The stairs sit on a residential block with no commercial parking right next to them. Don’t try to park on Prospect Street. It’s Zone 2 RPP and fills with residents, and Georgetown’s residential limits are enforced Monday through Saturday until 9pm. Our DC RPP zones guide explains the two-hour rule.
The best move is the Georgetown Park garage on M Street, then about an 8-minute walk. The Canal Square garage on 31st Street NW is another option.
Georgetown parking is tricky: no Metro, narrow streets, and strict RPP enforcement.
Pre-Book Georgetown Parking on SpotHeroFor the full breakdown, see our Georgetown parking guide.
Take a Georgetown Walking Tour
The Original Capitol Hill & Georgetown Small Group Walking Tour covers Georgetown’s history and hidden spots, including the Exorcist stairs. It’s rated 4.8 stars with free cancellation.
Make It a Full Georgetown Evening
The stairs take about 20 minutes. Build the evening around them. Start at Georgetown Waterfront Park on K Street for the Potomac and Key Bridge views. Have dinner on M Street, then climb the stairs after dark for the full effect. End with a walk along the C&O Canal towpath, which runs right through Georgetown and is peaceful and underrated at night.
Where to Stay: Embassy Suites Georgetown
For a Georgetown trip that’s easy on families and groups, Embassy Suites by Hilton Washington DC Georgetown is where we stayed. Despite the name, it’s in the West End, between Georgetown and Dupont Circle. That means it’s about a 25–30 minute walk or a short rideshare to the stairs, and about 10 minutes on foot to the Red Line at Dupont Circle.
Every room is a two-room suite with a separate living room, and breakfast is free and made to order, with an omelet station. There’s also an evening reception, an indoor pool, and a game room. Read our Embassy Suites Georgetown review for the full stay.
Staying near Georgetown?
Check Rates at Embassy Suites GeorgetownTips Before You Go
- There’s no formal signage. Nothing says “Exorcist Stairs.” It’s just a public staircase.
- It’s steeper than it looks. Stand at the top and look straight down before you start.
- Locals use them for workouts. Don’t be surprised if someone runs past you doing repeats.
- Charge your phone. Night photos need all the battery you’ve got.
Free, open 24/7, and genuinely unsettling even if you’ve never seen the film.
DC Parking & Towing Survival Guide
Zone 2 RPP, meter enforcement, and narrow streets that trap first-timers, so your Georgetown evening doesn’t end at the impound lot.
Exorcist Stairs FAQ
Where are the Exorcist stairs in DC?
In Georgetown, connecting Prospect Street NW at 36th Street down to M Street NW, near where M Street meets Canal Road.
Are these the actual stairs from The Exorcist?
Yes. William Friedkin filmed on location in Georgetown, and the stairs appear in the film’s climactic final scene.
Is there a fee to visit?
No. The stairs are a public right-of-way and free to visit anytime.
How do you get to the Exorcist stairs without a car?
Georgetown has no Metro station. Walk about 20 minutes from Foggy Bottom–GWU, take the D6 bus from Dupont Circle, or rideshare to M Street.
Is it safe at night?
Georgetown is one of DC’s safest and best-lit neighborhoods, and night visits are common.
Where should I park?
Use a garage on M Street, like Georgetown Park. The residential streets near the stairs are Zone 2 RPP.
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