About this experience
Experience American democracy on this 2-hour guided Capitol Hill tour with entry to the U.S. Capitol and Library of Congress (guests will visit the Capitol Museum on Mondays and 8am tours when Library closed), plus photo stops at the Supreme Court, Senate offices, House of Representative offices and Ulysses S. Grant Memorial.
Inside the U.S. Capitol, join the official guided tour to explore the Crypt, originally intended as George Washington’s burial site, the Rotunda with its historic paintings, the National Statuary Hall, and sometimes the Old Supreme Court or Old Senate Chamber.
Next, enjoy a visit to the Library of Congress’s Jefferson Building, widely considered the most beautiful building in Washington, with timed-entry passes. Highlights include the Gutenberg Bible, the Great Hall, and the Main Reading Room with panoramic overlooks.
This tour delivers a complete experience of Capitol Hill, combining history, architecture, and unforgettable photo opportunities in one tour.
At a glance
- Duration: 2 hr
Plan your experience
Set aside 2 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Compare the available options before choosing: their itinerary, inclusions and pickup arrangements can differ. Check the price for your date and whole group.
Before you go
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Waking: There will be standing and walking during this tour. Please wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather as much of the tour is outdoors. DC can be very hot in the summer and cold in the winter. Umbrellas and layers are recommended.
Local guides to help you plan
Library of Congress Visitor Guide
Open our Library of Congress Visitor Guide for free-entry tips, timed tickets, must-see treasures, and the one detail that makes the visit unforgettable.
United States Capitol Tour Guide
Learn how to tour the United States Capitol with smarter timing, easier entry, and key highlights that most visitors don’t discover.
Capitol Hill Restaurants Guide
META DESCRIPTION]: A Capitol Hill restaurants guide reveals the neighborhood’s best pasta, omakase, tacos, and more, but the first stop might surprise you.
What is included
- Visit the Rotunda, the Crypt, and National Statuary Hall
- Potential to visit the Old Supreme Court or Old Senate Chamber (depends on day of travel)
- See the Gutenberg Bible at Library of Congress, 1 of the 4 institutions with a complete vellum copy
- Admission to U.S. Capitol building with Tour
- 2-Hour Morning or Afternoon Guided Walking Tour of Capitol Hill
- Admission to Library of Congress (or Capitol Museum when Library Congress is closed Mondays or 8am)
- Stop outside Supreme Court, Ulysses S. Grant Memorial, Senate Offices, House of Reps, Peace Circle
- See Thomas Jefferson’s original library
Not included
- Gratuities
Itinerary and highlights
Guests meet directly across the street from the U.S. Botanic Garden Conservatory, one of the oldest botanic gardens in North America, founded by Congress in 1820, located at 100 Maryland Avenue SW.
Inside the U.S. Capitol:
Guests go through security, have a short break, watch the orientation film, and then join the official guided tour with headsets. Typical rooms include the Crypt, Rotunda, and National Statuary Hall; sometimes the Old Supreme Court or Old Senate Chambers. The Rotunda fresco “The Apotheosis of Washington” is 180 feet above the floor; the Crypt was originally intended for Washington’s burial.
*The government has the right to close or to cancel any tour inside the US Capitol without advanced notice to us.
Library of Congress (self-guided after Capitol):
After being escorted to the tunnel, guests use timed-entry passes to walk straight into the Jefferson Building, widely considered the most beautiful building in Washington. Highlights include:
– The Gutenberg Bible – 1 of only 3 perfect vellum copies in existence.
– The Great Hall – a soaring Italian Renaissance-style atrium with marble columns, mosaics, gold leaf, and murals by leading artists.
– The Main Reading Room – viewed from upper observation deck, this is the iconic circular reading room seen in countless films.
– Putti and carvings – cherubic figures representing arts and sciences line the balustrades
– Architectural firsts – the Jefferson Building was the first public building in DC designed for electric lighting and one of the first to use a comprehensive climate-control system.
Pass by the Supreme Court building
Peace Monument/Peace Circle – commemorates naval deaths of the Civil War; figures “Grief” and “History."
One of the largest equestrian statues in the world; sculptor took 20 years to complete
2-hour Morning guided walking tour through Capitol Hill
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.
Meeting and pickup information
- 8am Tours Only: Meets across the street from the Supreme Court on First Street NE. Please arrive 15 min before tour starts.
- 9am, 11:30am, 2pm Tours: Plan to meet 15 min prior to tour start time outside the U.S. Botanic Garden Conservatory at 100 Maryland Avenue SW. Your Guide will meet you next to a large planter located outside the conservatory in the Terrace Garden, which is a paved courtyard located near the entrance.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Signature Tours of DC
Accessibility and practical details
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Waking: There will be standing and walking during this tour. Please wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather as much of the tour is outdoors. DC can be very hot in the summer and cold in the winter. Umbrellas and layers are recommended.
- Animal policy: animals are not permitted on tours.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Questions about this experience
How long is this experience?
Which guide languages are listed?
What ticket format is listed?
What ticket age bands are listed?
What accessibility information is provided?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
What is the cancellation policy?
Traveller reviews and photos
Traveller experiences load when you reach this section.
