Washington, D.C. Guide

Washington D.C. Capitol Hill Tours

Tour the U.S. Capitol, Supreme Court, and Library of Congress!

64+ tours
From $0
2-4 hours
Washington D.C. Capitol Hill Tours

Discover Capitol Hill - seat of American legislative power! Capitol Hill tours explore U.S. Capitol Building (dome and Rotunda!), Supreme Court (highest court!), Library of Congress (largest library in world!), and surrounding historic district. Tour Capitol interior seeing Rotunda, National Statuary Hall, Crypt, and learning about legislative process. Visit Supreme Court chamber (when court not in session!), explore Jefferson Building with stunning architecture, and walk historic Capitol Hill neighborhood. Tours include free Capitol tours (advanced booking!), building access, and civic education. It's American government center!

Featured Capitol Hill Tours Tours

Discover our top picks for capitol hill tours in Washington, D.C.

DC Monuments and Capitol Hill Tour by Electric Cart
From $61.79
Free Cancellation🔥Likely to Sell Out

See Washington DC’s major sites in a fun, unique way – aboard an electric cart! As you explore Capitol Hill, see famous monuments and landmarks including the White House, US Capitol Building, Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Smithsonian and more. These eco-friendly, all-electric vehicles let you enjoy the fresh air while admiring great up-close views of DC's major locations and off-the-beaten-path areas. You'll also hop off your cart to explore some areas by foot. This is a small group experience, with each electric cart limited to a max of 7 people. Whilst we do our best to seat groups together, we aren’t able to guarantee to seat together and at times groups may be asked to sit on separate carts.

4.8(2,842)
2h
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Capitol Hill, Supreme Court & Library of Congress Exclusive Tour
From $51.94
Free Cancellation👤Private Tour

Visit the buildings and institutions that define this city during a 2.5-hour private guided walking tour with just you and your guide. We’ll talk politics and history as we trace Washington DC’s evolution from a swamp to the capital of one of the world’s most influential nations. Tour of the Capitol Building NOT INCLUDED. We do provide entry passes House & Senate at the end of the tour (unguided)

4.8(127)
2h 30m
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Guided Capitol Hill with US Capitol and Library of Congress Entry
From $64
Free Cancellation

Get your chance to discover the famed Capitol Hill with an experienced personal guide who will walk with you, detailing the historical facts related to each building and landmark. In this walking tour, you’ll explore the seat of the legislative and judicial branches of the US Government and its supporting facilities, collectively known as Capitol Hill.

4.1(63)
2h
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Capitol Hill & Library of Congress Highlights Walking Tour (With Tickets)
From $75
Free Cancellation🔥Likely to Sell Out

A grand walking tour of Capitol Hill to explore the Supreme Court, Library of Congress, and US Capitol. Learn about the country's legislative & judicial branches and step inside with the included entry tickets. Supreme Court: The tour does not enter, but you will get a full understanding of the judicial branch. Library of Congress: See an original Gutenberg Bible, view Jefferson's original library collection. Take a peek in the main Reading Room and admire items such as a draft of the Gettysburg Address, handwritten lyrics for “The Sound of Music,” Maya Lin’s drawings for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, original artwork by Stan Lee for the Spider-Man comic. Capitol Building: Learn about the Burning of Washington and find the best angle for a photo. See the original plaster model of Freedom. Your guide will secure hard-to-get tickets for the docent-led tour, which brings you into the Crypt, the Rotunda, and the Old House.

4.8(143)
3h
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Capitol Hill Walking Tour with U.S. Capitol Tickets
From $59
Free Cancellation

Unlock the full Capitol Hill experience with this immersive tour through the heart of U.S. democracy. This experience takes you to Capitol Hill's top three sites—the Capitol Building, Supreme Court, and Library of Congress—you can focus on enjoying these pivotal sites without the stress. See where historic decisions are made at the Supreme Court building (subject to closure due to hearings), explore the treasures of the Library of Congress—including the breathtaking Great Hall, Gutenberg Bible, and Reading Room—and take a secret underground passage to the Capitol Visitor Center. You'll say goodbye to your local DC guide and wrap up your tour in the capable hands of an expert Capitol guide as you visit the Rotunda and other historic chambers.

4.0(24)
3h
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Capitol Hill, Supreme Court & Library of Congress Tour 12ppl Max
From $51.94
Free Cancellation

Visit the buildings and institutions that define this city during a 2.5-hour, semi-private (12 Guest Maximum) guided walking tour welcoming up to 8 guests. We’ll talk politics and history as we trace Washington DC’s evolution from a swamp to the capital of one of the world’s most influential nations.

5.0(174)
2h 30m
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Haunted DC Night-Time Walking Tour on Capitol Hill
From $25
Free Cancellation

Delve into a world of spooks, ghouls, and haunted souls on a 1.5-hour walking tour of Washington DC’s Capitol Hill. Set out with your group and guide along local streets and into one of America's most haunted neighborhoods. Learn how ghosts of past continue to feud in the afterlife, associate with the spirits of former presidents, and hear about the demon cat, which continuously casts its powers. Enjoy this fascinating look into DC’s dark past and spooky present.

4.3(172)
1h 30m
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Presidential DC: Capitol Hill + DC Bus Tour, US Capitol Entry
From $59
Free Cancellation

Join our expert live guide on this 3-Hour Washington DC Guided Bus & Walking Tour with Grounds Access to US Capitol, Supreme Court, and Library of Congress as well as a narrated Bus Tour of DC. Your day includes DC's important monuments and memorials including the White House (exterior), the Lincoln Memorial and more. Tour starts with a 1.5hr outdoor walking tour of the top spots on Capitol Hill to include the Library of Congress, U.S. Capitol Building and East Grounds and the Supreme Court. Guests will get an exclusive insider's view of life in DC, as well as great opportunities to take photos and hear the exciting history of this important part of DC. Afterwards, they will be picked up to meet the rest of the group for a city tour. Tour ticket upgrades are reserved according to availability. Washington Monument Tickets are typically reserved for 3:30pm however time slots provided may vary. Customer must honor time reserved on their ticket. Any questions please call before reserving.

4.6(17)
3h
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2 Hour Guided Bike Tour of Capitol Hill
From $55
Free Cancellation

Learn your civics by cycle on this 2 hour guided bike tour that takes you around Capitol Hill! Visit the three branches of the U.S. Government - Executive (White House), Legislative (Congress), and Judiciary (Supreme Country). See the Capitol Building from all angles and take a photo in front of the majestic Supreme Court Building. Learn about the movers and shakers of American politics, past and present on Capitol Hill! You'll see where America's most important political decisions get made before cruising down Capitol Hill towards the most famous avenue in the city, Pennsylvania Avenue, where there is a special protected bike lane all the way to the White House! Where do presidents go out to eat? Where do foreign dignitaries stay when they come to DC? Who put the Capitol on that hill? Find out the answers and more! Your guide will share insider anecdotes and fun facts as you explore! Attachments are available for children 12 months and older.

5.0(10)
2h
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Capitol Hill Food and Walking Tour
From $81
Free Cancellation🔥Likely to Sell Out

Located within earshot of the US Capitol and the Mall, Capitol Hill is one of the earliest, historically diverse, and most beautiful areas in Washington DC. Enjoy a variety of food on this 3.5-hour, small-group walking tour that follows the culinary history of this diverse Washington DC neighborhood. All dishes served are included in the tour and there is a maximum of 12 participants.

4.4(42)
3h 30m
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Iconic Capitol Hill Architectural Walking Tour
From $48
Free Cancellation🔥Likely to Sell Out

Explore the political core of Washington DC! This tour takes visitors through the heart of Federal power in Washington DC, looking at the history of our Nation’s Capital through the lens of architecture and urban planning. From the original L'Enfant city plan to the tumultuous construction of the Capitol and Grounds, the rise of the magnificent Beaux-Arts Library of Congress and imposing Supreme Court, and into the present day. Prolific designers like Thomas Jefferson, Robert Mills, Frederick Law Olmstead, and Daniel Burnham will feature prominently. Controversy, chaos, and red tape abound! A tour not to be missed by architecture and history enthusiasts.

4.9(21)
2h
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Dark History: Scandals of Capitol Hill Evening Walking Tour
From $59
Free Cancellation🔥Likely to Sell Out

Follow your guide to the Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building, where you will learn about the largest library in the world, its oddest collections, and the dark stories that reside within. Hear stories about the Old Brick Capitol, the prison that once stood on the location of the Supreme Court. Learn about the architecture of the highest court in the land and its history. Hear stories of death, bloodshed, and false-imprisonment in the hallowed halls of Congress in DC's most iconic building. Continue on to the House Office Building where tales of scandalous acts of smuggling, trysts, and backdoor deals are told. Learn about the residents that called Capitol Hill home in stories of saucy escapades to corruption to cannibalism! This is a fully outdoor tour

5.0(8)
1h 30m
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Private Walking Tour in Capitol Hill Stroll
From $30
Free Cancellation👤Private Tour

World class private tour, completely controlled by you! Welcome to Washington, D.C.! "Capitol Hill Stroll" will take guests on a walking tour of Capital Hill, a very important neighborhood where the legislative and judicial branches are situated and where various other elements of political, social, and economic culture are present. This Tour is designed by the expert guide Peter Smeallie Don't worry about other people, this tour is completely tailored to you with the Pintours App! With our app, you can pause the tour, and check out the locations as long as you want! You can skip a stop you don't like, and you have all the best information about each stop at your fingertips.

2h
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2 Hours Book Store Tour in Capitol Hill
From $79.99
Free Cancellation

Discover literary treasures by walking through Capitol Hill. The tour will also include passing by sites like the U.S Capitol and Library of Congress. The tour begins on H St, a vibrant neighborhood for restaurants and entertainment. We will begin with a visit to Solid State, a black-owned independent bookstore featuring a diverse selection of fiction and non-fiction titles. Grab a coffee or tea (included), and we will take a 25 minute walk (or Uber based on weather conditions, which will be included in the price). Next, East City -Is an independent women bookstore founded by local bibliophile Laurie Gillman, followed by Capitol Hill Books, a quaint bookstore with many rooms, including rooms like the Mystery Room, the Cultural Closet and the Weird Section Lastly, you can continue to enjoy vendors and food at DC’s landmark, Eastern Market. The tour will end here, and you will have time to enjoy the market on your own.

2h 15m
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Capitol Hill with US Capitol, National Mall Bus Tour, Boat Cruise
From $125
Free Cancellation

Explore Washington DC on this Full Day Guided Bus, Walking, and Boat Tour. Start your day with a 2-hour Guided Walking Tour through Capitol Hill where you'll pass by the Supreme Court, Library of Congress, and Senate Office buildings. Travelers will be provided Entry into US Capitol to see a minimum of 3 rooms which may include the Crypt, Rotunda, National Statuary Hall, Old Supreme Court Chamber, or Old Senate Chamber. Following Capitol Hill, enjoy a guided Bus Tour and make stops outside 10+ top monuments including the White House, Lincoln Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and pass by sites including Washington Monument, Tidal Basin, and more. There is a lunch break roughly halfway through the day (own expense). Tour also features a scenic seasonal boat cruise along the Potomac River (typically mid March to mid October). When the boat is not operating, extra stops will be added to Jefferson Memorial, Air Force Memorial and Pentagon Mall.

5.0(1)
8h
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Why Choose Capitol Hill Tours in Washington, D.C.?

U.S. Capitol

Iconic dome - where Congress meets, laws made!

All FREE Tours

Capitol, Supreme Court, Library all offer free tours!

Library of Congress

Most beautiful library - stunning Jefferson Building!

Active Government

See democracy in action - working government buildings!

Types of Capitol Hill Tours in Washington, D.C.

Capitol Tour

Official free tour of Capitol Building interior.

90 minutesRotundaStatuary HallFreeMust-book

Library of Congress

Self-guided or docent tour of Jefferson Building.

1-2 hoursBeautifulFreeArchitectureImpressive

Supreme Court

Tour highest court and watch oral arguments.

1 hourSupreme CourtFreeLegal historyInteresting

Complete Capitol Hill

Visit all three buildings in half-day.

4-5 hoursAll buildingsComprehensiveFreeEducational

What to Expect on Your Washington D.C. Capitol Hill Tours

Duration

Capitol: 90 min. Library: 1-2 hours. Supreme Court: 1 hour. All three: 4-5 hours.

Capitol Rotunda

Massive dome interior, historic paintings, National Statuary Hall!

Library Jefferson Building

Most beautiful library - ornate architecture, Main Reading Room stunning!

Supreme Court

Courtroom when not in session, "Equal Justice Under Law" inscription!

Capitol Grounds

Beautiful Capitol grounds with gardens - free to explore!

Security

Strict security at all buildings - no large bags, arrive early!

Expert Tips for the Best Experience

1

Capitol tours FREE but MUST book online weeks ahead (visitthecapitol.gov).

2

Library of Congress FREE, no reservations - most beautiful building in D.C.!

3

Supreme Court oral arguments (Oct-April, Mon-Wed mornings) - line early!

4

All three buildings walkable - do in one morning or afternoon.

5

Security strict - no large bags, allow 30+ min for entry.

6

Capitol visitor center has exhibits - worth exploring.

7

Congressional gallery passes from representative's office - watch House/Senate!

8

Free but competitive - plan ahead and book early!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:How do you tour the U.S. Capitol?

A: FREE tours but MUST reserve online weeks ahead at visitthecapitol.gov! 90-minute tour of Rotunda, Statuary Hall, Crypt. Same-day tickets rare. Congressional office tours more extensive (contact rep!). Book early - popular!

Q:Can you visit Supreme Court?

A: Yes! FREE entry, no reservation. Court in session Oct-April. Oral arguments public (line early!). When not in session: Self-guided tour, lectures. Beautiful building, important history. 1 hour sufficient. Fascinating!

Q:Is Library of Congress worth visiting?

A: ABSOLUTELY! Most beautiful building in D.C. - Jefferson Building stunning! Main Reading Room gorgeous. FREE, no reservation (except tours). 1-2 hours. Even non-readers amazed. Don't miss it!

Q:Are Capitol tours free?

A: YES! Completely free but advance online reservation required (weeks ahead!). Tours fill fast. Alternative: Contact your representative's office for congressional tour (more extensive). Plan ahead!

Q:Can you watch Congress in session?

A: Yes! House and Senate galleries open to public. Congressional gallery passes from your representative's office (email/call ahead). Watch democracy in action! Session times vary - check schedule. Unique experience!

Q:What is in Library of Congress?

A: Library of Congress is world's largest library - 173 million items! Jefferson Building has Main Reading Room (stunning!), Gutenberg Bible, Jefferson's library. FREE to visit. Research library but public tours available. Architecture alone worth visit!

Q:How long for Capitol Hill?

A: Capitol tour: 90 min. Library: 1-2 hours. Supreme Court: 1 hour. All three: 4-5 hours with security/walking. Budget half-day for complete Capitol Hill experience. Don't rush government!

Q:When is the best time for Capitol Hill?

A: Weekday mornings for Supreme Court oral arguments (Oct-April). Book Capitol tours as soon as available (weeks ahead!). Avoid Cherry Blossom crowds. Year-round operation. Plan based on what's in session!

Don't Miss the Perfect Washington, D.C. Experience

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Why Visit Washington, D.C.?

Iconic National Mall and historic monuments

World-class Smithsonian museums

Capitol Hill and political significance

Rich American history and culture

Beautiful architecture and memorials

Perfect blend of politics and culture

Best Time to Visit

Weather

Washington, D.C. enjoys four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid (75-90°F/24-32°C), winters are cold (30-45°F/-1-7°C), and spring/fall offer pleasant temperatures.

Best Months

March to May and September to November offer the best weather with mild temperatures, beautiful cherry blossoms in spring, and perfect conditions for sightseeing.

Peak Season

June to August brings peak tourist season with hot, humid weather, larger crowds, and higher prices.

Off Season

December to February offers lower prices and fewer crowds, though with cold weather and occasional snow.

Plan Your Washington, D.C. Trip

Transportation Tips

Excellent public transportation with Metro rail and buses. Walking is perfect for exploring the National Mall, and ride-sharing services are widely available.

Car Rental Deals in Washington, D.C.

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Where to Stay

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Best Hotel Deals in Washington, D.C.

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