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Offered languages
- English
Discover the heart of American government on a 2-Hour Guided Capitol Hill Walking Tour. Travelers will visit inside the iconic U.S. Capitol building with guided entry. See highlights such as the Rotunda and Crypt, and the opportunity to step inside one of the historic House or Senate chambers (dependent on day of week). Along the way, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how Congress works and the stories behind this symbol of American democracy.
The experience continues with a visit to the Library of Congress (Capitol Museum on Mondays and 8am tours when Library is closed), home to the world’s largest collection of knowledge, where you’ll see Thomas Jefferson’s original library and Gutenberg Bible.
As you walk along Capitol Hill with your guide, you will also stop outside the Supreme Court, Senate Offices, and House of Representative Office building. This tour offers an insightful and memorable introduction to the institutions that shape the United States.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Our Tour ends at the Library of Congress
Itinerary
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Capitol Hill (Pass by)
Explore the heart of American democracy on our 2-Hour Capitol Hill walking tour! Visit the U.S. Capitol and see the Rotunda, Crypt, and National Statuary Hall, then step into the Jefferson Building of the Library of Congress (note: closed Mondays and 8 AM tours, guests will visit the Capitol Museum instead). Along the way, pass by the U.S. Supreme Court as well as other notable landmarks, including the Senate and House of Representatives office buildings, while learning about their history, landmark cases, and key facts from your live guide.
Admission ticket free -
1U.S. Capitol
Inside the U.S. Capitol: Step inside one of the most iconic buildings in the country and experience the history of American democracy up close. After a brief orientation and film, you’ll join an official guided tour. Explore highlights like the Crypt, the grand Rotunda, and National Statuary Hall, with occasional access to the historic Old Supreme Court or Old Senate Chamber. Look up to admire “The Apotheosis of Washington,” a breathtaking fresco soaring 180 feet above, and stand in the Crypt, originally intended as George Washington’s final resting place. This immersive visit offers a powerful glimpse into the stories, architecture, and legacy at the heart of the United States. *The government has the right to close or to cancel any tour inside the US Capitol without advanced notice to us.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket included -
2Library of Congress
Library of Congress (closed Mondays; 8 AM tours, guests will visit Capitol Museum instead): Step inside the Jefferson Building, widely celebrated as the most beautiful building in Washington, D.C. Using timed-entry passes, guests are escorted through a tunnel and right into a world of art, history, and architectural splendor. Highlights of the tour include: The Gutenberg Bible – one of only three perfect vellum copies in existence. The Great Hall – a soaring Italian Renaissance-style atrium adorned with marble columns, intricate mosaics, gold leaf, and murals by leading artists. The Main Reading Room – viewed from the upper observation deck, this iconic circular space has appeared in countless films. Putti and carvings – charming cherubic figures representing the arts and sciences line the balustrades. Architectural firsts – the Jefferson Building was the first public building in D.C. designed for electric lighting and among the first to feature a comprehensive climate-control system.
20 minutes • Admission ticket included -
3Supreme Court
Stop outside the U.S. Supreme Court with a live guide who brings the building and its history to life. Learn about landmark cases, notable justices, and fascinating facts that have shaped the highest court in the nation.
10 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
Senate and House Office Buildings (Pass by)
Pass by the Senate and House office buildings and learn about the workings of Congress. Your guide will share insights into the history, architecture, and role these iconic buildings play in shaping American legislation.
Admission ticket free -
Washington Monument (Pass by)
See views of the Washington Monument from a distance.
Admission ticket free -
Peace Monument (Pass by)
Peace Monument/Peace Circle – commemorates naval deaths of the Civil War; figures “Grief” and “History."
Admission ticket free -
Ulysses S. Grant Memorial (Pass by)
One of the largest equestrian statues in the world; sculptor took 20 years to complete.
Admission ticket free -
United States Botanic Garden (Pass by)
Pass the United States Botanic Garden
Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- U.S Capitol is closed on Sundays
Additional info
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- U.S Capitol is closed on Sundays
- Library of Congress is closed on Mondays and 8am Tours (travelers will visit the Capitol Museum on this day of the week and tour time instead)
- Outside food and beverages are not permitted inside the US Capitol building
- Bags larger than 18" wide x 14" high x 8.5" deep are not permitted inside the US Capitol building
- Animal policy: animals are not permitted on tours.
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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