tours us capitol

Welcome to Washington, DC, the nation’s capital. You will find an abundance of cultural, educational, and just plain fun attractions and events here. Start your trip planning with the useful resources below.

United States Congress

U.S. Capitol Visitor Center Book a tour, look at a Capitol map and find other useful information. The mission of the Visitor Center at the U.S. Capitol is to provide a welcoming and educational environment for visitors to learn about the unique characteristics of the House and the Senate and the legislative process as well as the history and development of the architecture and art of the U.S. Capitol.

Map of Capitol Grounds The Capitol, House and Senate office buildings.

Map of Accessible Transportation at the Capitol Accessible entrances and transportation servicing the Capitol and surrounding buildings.

Virtual Tour of Capitol Explore the nation's Capitol, including the old and current House chambers.

Library of Congress

Each of “America’s Library buildings”, named for a U.S. President (Adams, Jefferson, and Madison), contains millions of cataloged books and other print materials on 530 miles of shelving is a world-renowned research center for scholars easily accessible to both Congress and the public. Special exhibitions —including a permanent display of the Gutenberg Bible, the first book printed with movable type—make the Library a favorite tourist attraction. First Street and Independence Avenue, SE.

Supreme Court of the United States

“Equal Justice Under Law” is the promise on the portals of the Supreme Court building.Court sessions begin the first Monday in October and continue two weeks per month through April. Courtroom seats are available to visitors on a first-come, first-served basis when the Court is in session. Twenty-minute courtroom lectures are available every hour on the half-hour when the court is not in session. Group tours are available and must be made in advance. First and East Capitol Streets, NE.

United States Botanic Garden

Located at the base of Capitol Hill, the conservatory features more than 20,000 plants, including exotic flowers and fruit species. First Street and Maryland Avenue, SW.

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U.s. capitol & capitol visitor center, the capitol visitor center is the main entrance to the u.s. capitol and is located below the east front plaza of the capitol between constitution and independence avenues.

The Capitol Visitor Center is the main entrance to the U.S. Capitol and is located below the East Front plaza of the Capitol between Constitution and Independence Avenues. The Visitor Center is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.mm., Monday through Saturday. It is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year's Day, and Inauguration Day. Guided tours of the Capitol are available Monday through Saturday, 8:50 a.m. to 3:20 p.m. Tours are free, but tour passes are required. Tours may be booked in advance online at www.visitthecapitol.gov , through the offices of your senators or representative, or through the Office of Visitor Services at 202.226.8000. A limited number of same-day passes are available each day. The Capitol Visitor Center also features a 500-seat Restaurant, two Gift Shops, and an Exhibition Hall which tells the story of the U.S. Congress and the Capitol. For a list of items prohibited in the Capitol, and for other information, go to www.visitthecapitol.gov .

• ADA Compliant
• Foreign Language Guides
• Free Admission
• Guided tours available

Additional Information

Length of tour.

Less than 1 hour

Metro Station

Capitol South

E Capitol St. & 1st St. NE Washington , DC 20004 United States

(202) 226-8000.

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U.S. Capitol Visitor Center

Take a tour of the historic Capitol, where you can see the Crypt of the Capitol, the Rotunda, and National Statuary Hall.

Phone number

1-202-226-8000

Main address

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Ask a real person any government-related question for free. They will get you the answer or let you know where to find it.

Explore the Capitol's Rich History

Discover our Capitol’s vast history as you explore the magnificent building where some of the most pivotal moments in American history took place. Led by our knowledgeable and passionate volunteers, this captivating experience offers an insider’s look at this world-famous building. You’ll have the unique opportunity to hear the secrets and stories that have shaped America’s political landscape with fascinating anecdotes and insider knowledge at every turn. 

Iconic Landmark of Democracy

From the intricate workings of Congress to the historic architecture and symbolism woven throughout the structure, you’ll gain a deep understanding of the democratic values that underpin our great nation. Book a tour with one of our historically trained tour guides now and experience history with a personalized and immersive tour tailored to your interests and curiosity.

Join Our Community​

The Society offers historian-led Capitol tours exclusively as a benefit of our membership program.  Become a member today and enjoy a Capitol tour led by one of our expertly trained historical guides, providing you with a fascinating glimpse into the U.S. Capitol’s history, its people, and the surrounding grounds.

Experience the Capitol with a trained historical guide.

Experience Olmsted’s vision during Cherry Blossom season!

Celebrate the cherry blossom season with an historic tour of the Capitol Grounds, led by the U.S. Capitol Historical Society staff and volunteers. Discover the history of the U.S. Capitol’s first landscape architect, Frederick Law Olmsted, explore his designs, and enjoy the cherry blossom beauty. This exclusive tour is a must for history, nature, and design enthusiasts. After the tour, join us for a mixer to mingle and enjoy refreshments inspired by the season.

200 Maryland Avenue NE, Washington, DC 20002

Thursday, March 21, 2024 | 5:30 p.m. ET

Temple of Democracy: History Made Here

Take a step back in time and join the expert staff and historically trained volunteers of the U.S. Capitol Historical Society for an exclusive walking tour of the Capitol Grounds. Delve into the fascinating history of this iconic building, as you gain unique insights and perspectives about Congress, the origins and construction of the Capitol, and the broader concepts of democratic government.

Discover the secrets behind the nearly 40-year construction of the original Capitol Building and gain a deeper understanding of why and how it has been expanded and changed over the years. Hear about famous – and infamous – incidents that took place within its walls and pivotal turning points in the history of the republic that shaped the course of our nation.

With a focus on the daily activities that take place within this monumental complex, you’ll gain a unique perspective on how our government works and how it continues to shape the course of our nation.

This tour is a different, more historically inclined, experience that you won’t find anywhere else. It’s no wonder it has been named “Best Specialty Tour” by Washingtonian Magazine.

Olmsted's Stunning Capitol Landscape

Embark on a one-of-a-kind journey through the stunning Capitol Grounds, led by the U.S. Capitol Historical Society staff and trained volunteers. This exclusive walking tour is focused on the life and work of the legendary Frederick Law Olmsted – the Father of Landscape Architecture – who Congress commissioned to design the new Capitol grounds after its expansion.

Explore the incredibly elaborate and stunning beauty of Olmsted’s careful design, and gain a deeper understanding of how he achieved this monumental undertaking. As you walk through the grounds, you’ll hear captivating stories about Olmsted’s remarkable life, from his early days as a merchant seaman to his later roles as a gentleman farmer, journalist, and landscape architect. Considered a local favorite, this exclusive tour is a must for anyone with a passion for history, nature, and design. 

Members of the Society gain access to a world of historical knowledge and exciting opportunities.  To book your tour, please email: tours@uschs.org o r complete the Tour Request form.

All tours offered are subject to availability. To ensure an exceptional tour experience, we kindly request that tours be scheduled at least one week in advance. This advance notice allows us to arrange for knowledgeable guides for your tour.

For large group tours (exceeding 15 guests), please email tours@uschs.org , addressed to Vincent Gonzalez, for personalized assistance with your booking.

Please note our tour schedule:

• From March 1 through Memorial Day (excluding Federal Holidays): Tours start at 5:30 PM.
• From Memorial Day through September 30: Tours start at 7:00 PM.
• From October 1 through November 30: Tours begin at 5:30 PM.

Meeting Place: Garfield Circle (at the intersection of First Street and Maryland Avenue Southwest)

Public Transit: Easily accessible via Metrorail. If you’re traveling on the Red Line, exit at Union Station. For those on the Blue, Orange, or Silver Lines, the nearest stops are Capitol South or Federal Center Southwest. 

Parking: Public parking facilities are conveniently available at Union Station.

Note: Please provide at least one email and cell phone number from an individual in the tour group. 

Tour Request Form

In addition to our exterior walking tours, the U.S. Capitol Historical Society is happy to recommend the following visitor experiences (Please note: these experiences may be subject to availability):

• Constituent Tours: Many Congressional Offices provide interior Capitol Tours for constituents. These offices may also reserve public tours through the Capitol Visitor Center. You can find and contact your Senators at senate.gov , or your Representative at house.gov .
• Public Tours: Public interior tours of the U.S. Capitol are available through the Capitol Visitor Center, open Monday through Saturday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. Visit their website here for more information and to reserve a tour in advance.
• Seeing Congress in Session: Most sessions of Congress are open to the public. Visitors may see the Senate and House of Representatives when they are in session by obtaining Gallery Passes through the offices of their Senators or Representative. You can find and contact your Senators at senate.gov , or your Representative at house.gov .

United States Capitol Historical Society

200 Maryland Avenue NE Washington, D.C. 20002 p. 202-543-8919 p. 800-887-9318 f. 202-525-2790

All Rights Reserved © 2024

• United States
• Washington, D.C.

9 Best US Capitol Tours Showcasing Washington DC’s Iconic Landmark

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There are so many spectacular things to do in Washington DC that it would take a lifetime to see them all – but let’s face it, the political sites top the list!

And if you want to really understand the big business of this town, then you’ll want to mosey along on some of the best US Capitol tours!

Take in the bustling world of Washington DC from the vantage point of Capitol Hill and the US Capitol itself, and explore the architecture, food, and amazing cultural offerings of this fascinating city.

Want to dive straight in? Browse our catalog now!

• Capitol Hill tours

1 – Small-Group Guided Tour inside US Capitol & Library of Congress

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 667 reviews )

“Very informative walking tour that started outside the Library of Congress, went inside the Capitol and then ended inside the LOC. It was nice to be able to skip the lines while inside and proceed directly to the tour without booking a timed slot.” Morgan. Viator

With this awesome excursion from Guided Tours DC , you’ll get to know some of the country’s most powerful spaces as intimately as your own home – complete with some cool anecdotes!

And whether you’re a bookworm or a policy wonk, you’ll find plenty to love on your stroll.

Step inside the U.S. Capitol, where the laws of the country are developed and debated.

Then explore the endless stacks of the Library of Congress, which holds millions of documents and books – and as the largest library in the world, it’s certainly got a lot to offer!

Between the excellent information, personalized atmosphere, and in-depth glimpses of famous spots, this is the perfect way to really dive into the Capitol!

You’ll be able to ask all the questions you want, and explore all the little details of these remarkable sites.

• Library of Congress tours

Read more: Best Tourist Attractions in Washington DC

2 – Best of DC Plus US Capitol and National Archives Reserved Entry

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 1904 reviews )

“This was an amazing trip and our tour guide Nick was so knowledgeable and funny. I couldn’t ask for a better trip I definitely suggest!!” Theresa. Viator

It’s one thing to hear history… it’s quite another to see it!

And when you’re exploring the Capitol, be sure to save time for some National Archives Museum tours , where you can see some of the country’s most incredible documents up close!

Join USA Guided Tours on a journey into this remarkable resource, home to over 700,000 different documents and files.

And of course, you’ll get plenty of time to visit the archives’ most famous residents: the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Declaration of Independence!

As an added bonus, you’ll get to explore the nearby Congressional halls as well.

• check offer

You can’t go wrong with this tour, because you’ll see just about everything!

The daylong trip to all sorts of monuments and famous buildings certainly makes this one of the best US Capitol tours for ambitious types, giving you all of the highlights in one exciting day.

Read more: Best Museums in Washington DC

3 – DC Monuments and Capitol Hill Tour by Electric Cart

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 1938 Reviews )

“Great way to see the entire group of main monuments & sights up close without having to navigate or park. Comfort of your own cart & driver who provides great history & stories as you zip from one to the next.” Jenifer. Viator

This is both good for the brain and good for the earth, and a fascinating way of getting around!

Electric carts are still fast enough to get around lots of different areas, but also give you the chance to enjoy these iconic spots at closer range.

Hop aboard your Red Roadster and see all that the Capitol Hill area has to offer, with detours to the Smithsonian museums, the FDR and MLK memorials, and more.

Get to know the city inside and out, and enjoy some unique transportation along the way, with Intrepid Urban Adventures – USA !

This zippy little trip is great for visitors of all ages, stopping at the major spots and providing an easy route around the city.

While the views are great, it’s the endless wealth of insider knowledge that makes it such an exciting journey!

Read more: Best Washington DC Monuments Tours

4 – Capitol Hill Food Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 35 reviews )

“So much fun walking around and seeing this re-vitalized area of DC. Enjoyed everything from the sparkling sangria to the home made pop-tarts.” Deborah. Viator

This is one tour where your stomach will be as full as your brain!

Along with all of its other attributes, this part of town is famed for its amazing food scene, and you can nibble and nosh your way through it as you enjoy the nuances of the neighborhood.

Thanks to decades of cultural diversity, you can sample a pretty amazing selection here, with pit stops in India, El Salvador, and different parts of the U.S.

Learn about the different nations and their unique mixes as you savor the flavors!

While this tour offers a great slice of local history, it’s the slices (and bowls, and bites) that make it a sensational adventure!

It’s the perfect way to indulge your taste buds, while also getting to know one of D.C.’s most vibrant communities!

• food tours in Capitol Hill

Read more: Best City Tours in Washington DC

5 – Haunted DC Walking Tour on Capitol Hill

Rating: ⭐️ 4.7/5 ( 142 reviews )

“With a full moon just before Halloween, a ghost tour was a natural fit. We enjoyed our guide, and the opportunities for photos on Capitol Hill were a big bonus feature. A pleasant evening walk.” David. Viator

The buildings around here aren’t just active parts of the present… they have their fair share of spooky remnants from the past!

And there’s nothing like a trip with Scary DC to get to know the supernatural lore of the area, which often includes more than a few former presidents.

And of course, the Capitol itself is said to be one of the most haunted buildings on the planet, making it the perfect place to base your adventure around.

From the troubled spirits of assassins to congressional representatives that took their battles beyond the grave, you’ll find plenty of great anecdotes… and maybe even a mysterious curse or two!

With unique stories, great photo ops, and the intimate atmosphere of a small group, you can be sure of a memorable night of learning and delving into the city’s bizarre legends.

Plus, the guides sport period-appropriate costumes,adding an extra dash of fun to the evening!

• ghost tours in Capitol Hill

Read more: 15 Best Night Tours in Washington DC Showcasing Iconic Monuments

6 – Iconic Capitol Hill Architecture Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 21 reviews )

“Thanks for a great tour. Sam was personable, informative, and fun! Especially enjoyed the historical nuggets along with the architectural info.” Michelle. Viator

These buildings aren’t just places where laws are passed and history is made… they’re awfully pretty to look at!

This is one of the best US Capitol tours if you want to get to know the ins and outs of these iconic structures, from the soaring ceilings of Union Station to the mysterious emblems embedded in the Library of Congress,

Join DC Design Tours for a delightful dive into these jaw-dropping structures, and learn all about the intricate planning process that helped the capital come to life.

History, design details, and a healthy dash of humor make this tour a must, no matter your level of architecture expertise.

You can enjoy some wonderful stories, and get to admire some of the city’s most beautiful buildings from a totally new vantage point.

7 – Bike Tour: Capitol Hill, Lincoln Memorial, National Mall

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 48 reviews )

“Everything was perfect – the bikes; our guide, Beth; the tour route; even the weather. Best way ever to get an overview of the DC Capital area to start our vacation.” PENNY. GetYourGuide

A little bit of cardio, a little bit of steady cruising, and a lot of great views… that’s the recipe for fun with Unlimited Biking Washington DC !

Pedaling past museums and memorials, you’ll get a sense of the city that differs greatly from the norm, combining the up-close views  of walking with the greater distance capacity of a vehicle.

While you’ll get ample time at all of the big sites, you’ll also have the opportunity to really savor the rhythms of daily life, as you roll along the city’s many excellent bike paths.

This is the perfect way to soak up the sights and sounds of the area – ands with a 7 mile route, it’s great exercise too!

It’s open to all sorts of ages and biking abilities, and it welcomes you to the city in a whole new way!

• bike tours in Capitol Hill

8 – Castle to Capitol: Museums of the National Mall Architecture Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 7 reviews )

“Fascinating history. Easy walk. Great value. I’ve recently gotten interested in architecture and decided to take the “Castle to Capitol” tour while I was in town for work. Absolutely fantastic.”  Jesse. Tripadvisor

Museum nerds, rejoice!

This lively trip with DC Design Tours will sweep you up in the amazing stories of the Smithsonian, from the unique construction of the buildings to the treasures that they hold within.

With an emphasis on the actual buildings themselves, it’s also a unique opportunity to learn about the diverse and dazzling structures that hold some of the country’s greatest collections.

You’ll even get to step inside the magnificent Smithsonian Castle, which anchors the whole complex.

It’s ideal for curious minds of all ages, and with a smaller group, you can really get to know the ins and outs of these beloved spots!

Not only is this tour packed with cool cultural tidbits, but it also lets you dip into the often untold stories behind these legendary museums.

It’s an especially good deal for architecture fans, as it takes a nice long look at the buildings themselves – a truly unique vantage point!

9 – Private Tour with US Capitol Or Archives Or Washington Monument

Rating: ⭐️ 3.5/5 ( 3 reviews )

“We had a great time. Sally and our driver were excellent leaders. Sally worked with us to ask what we wanted to see and do and she adjusted her comments at the monuments for the different ages of our group” Victoria. Viator

This is one of the best US Capitol tours if you want to really get to know the city; because not only will you be visiting some particularly important spots, but you’ll be the only ones on the tour!

Enjoy some personalized attention and explore the innermost workings of the National Archives and the Capitol itself, or the towering Washington Monument – it’s a true choose-your-own-adventure!

Just choose the size of your group and what you want to see, then set off to delight in these national gems, with Signature Tours of DC .

This is the ideal trip if you want to see it all and get the rock star treatment – especially if you have a larger group!

With a flexible itinerary and wonderfully attentive staff, it will give you a full insight into the U.S. Capitol and the surrounding area in style.

• private tours in Capitol Hill

How to book US Capitol tours?

There are plenty of companies that offer US Capitol tours, so you can pick and choose with ease. As an added bonus, lots of travel websites will sell these tours directly online!

It’s worth noting that several of them provide discounts, so the price may vary from one site to the next.

Want to make the whole process easier? Use our search engine to compare a whole range of options, complete with prices and reviews, all in one convenient spot!

• compare Capitol Hill tours

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DC Guided Tours

Your passport to adventures in DC

Capitol Hill Afternoon Tour with US Capitol & Library of Congress Admission

tour highlights

• 2 hour Walking tour of Capitol Hill
• Tour of the Capitol
• Visit the inside of the Capitol building
• Visit inside the Library of Congress
• Tour of the Supreme Court
• and more…

Adult: $70 Child: $ 60

Child is 12 & under Children under 2 free

need to know

Meets at the US Supreme Court: 1 1st St NE, Washington, DC . Please arrive 15 min before tour starts. Metro Stop: Capitol South Metro Station – Blue Line, Orange Line, Silver Line.

*Please arrive 15 minutes prior to tour start

Louisiana’s Old State Capitol: Building once used by lawmakers now shows exhibits, offers tours

B ATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) — Louisiana’s Old State Capitol went through many phases in its over 150-year history, surviving major renovations, fires and natural disasters.

The National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form for the building describes its architecture as “one of the finest examples of Gothic Revival” in the United States. The style was described by architect James Harrison Dakin as “Castellated Gothic,” an eight-tower building with a cruciform plan comparable to a Gothic cathedral.

The Old State Capitol, constructed from 1847-49, sits near the Mississippi River on North Boulevard in downtown Baton Rouge. The city, according to the nomination form, “fit the requirement” to become the location of the state’s capital.

The property’s site was chosen by a three-man commission appointed by the governor. The city donated to the state a parcel of land valued at $20,000, documents said.

“Some believe this plot of land is the bluff that marked the site of the red pole (“le baton rouge”) noted by French explorers as an Indian boundary marker or as designating a council meeting site,” according to the nomination form.

Lawmakers met for the first time in the new building on Jan. 21, 1850.

Historic documents about the building noted four major renovations made in the 20th century.

The first major fire reported was in 1862. Historic documents said a cooking fire destroyed the building, leading to its abandonment as the seat of government returned to New Orleans. Baton Rouge became the capitol again in 1882,, and $141,000 was appropriated for restoration, the nomination form said.

During repairs, New Orleans architect William A. Freret added a spiral staircase and glass dome.

Records show years later, in 1928, then Gov. Huey P. Long convinced lawmakers that a new Capitol building was needed. The building was abandoned again for the new one in 1932.

Documents said the Works Progress Administration moved in and $50,000 was spent on repairs. A small fire believed to be caused by a gas heater broke out, causing $700 in damages.

The property’s grounds also received an update in 1938, with 8,000 plants from Avery Island . That same year, the purpose of the Old State Capitol changed, as an act created the Louisiana Art Commission, and plans were made to add a museum.

In 1947, lawmakers passed legislation to create the Old State Capitol Memorial Commission, which would be in charge of the property and another piece of legislation from the same year designated the building as a memorial to veterans killed in World War II.

Safety issues were discovered in 1953 by the fire marshal, who threatened to close the building, saying new equipment was needed, fire escape routes were lacking and insufficient wiring posed a danger, documents said. The Old State Capitol wouldn’t get funding for upgrades until 1956.

The building was almost home to the Louisiana Hall of Fame. Documents said the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution tried to get it placed in the Old State Capitol in 1957 but were unsuccessful.

Today, the building is primarily a museum showcasing exhibits about Louisiana’s political and cultural history. Guided tours are offered on weekdays.

The Old State Capitol accepts bookings for events such as weddings, galas, meetings and corporate luncheons, according to its website .

Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday to Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

Louisiana’s Old State Capitol is at 100 North Blvd., Baton Rouge.

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Virtual Tours

Friday, april 12, 2024.

Join one of our knowledgeable guides for a live, virtual tour of the Crypt, Rotunda, National Statuary Hall, the Old Supreme Court Chamber, and the Old Senate Chamber. Click on the registration links below or change the date in the calendar on this page to see available virtual tours to learn more about these historic spaces.

Registration for online tours closes at 4 p.m. the previous day.

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