The Smithsonian Tours and Tickets
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What are people saying about The Smithsonian
Jessica_M, Jul 2026
Very knowledgeable and...
Very knowledgeable and efficient tour to see the Smithsonian highlights. Came with my husband and 3 kids (15,11, and 8).
Leigh_G, Jul 2026
Museums
Shane was very knowledgeable! We enjoyed the big three. A little more time on your own would be preferred, maybe extend by another hour.
Susan_S, Jul 2026
Our guide was fantastic! ...
Our guide was fantastic! I wish I remembered her name. She was enthusiastic, knowledgeable, funny and patience on the 5th of July in extreme heat.
Tammy_G, Jul 2026
Informative and Entertaining
Dash was a fantastic guide. He was very knowledgeable and he did a great job of explaining since my husband is blind. We were running late and Kirsten went out of her way to connect us with a group. With the National Mall closed due the State Fair, it was a lot of walking from one museum to the next but it was a great introduction to the Big 3. We fully appreciate that they accommodated us with our being late. Great customer service!!!
Vicki_D, Jul 2026
Great tour!
Christina was excellent. Very knowledgeable, not only about the museums, but how to get around the city as well. She was very accommodating for both my husband and I who use walkers. Our tour was on July 4th so the crowds were huge. We truly enjoyed the tour! Thanks, Christina!
Susan_B, May 2026
It’s true the Smithsonian...
It’s true the Smithsonian is overwhelming but this tour- especially at the beginning can narrow things down to a more manageable bite. Shane our tour guide was energetic, knowledgeable and engaging. We had a great time.
I would in general I naturally want to see more because you have to zoom through exhibits and look at only highlights but soooo glad we started with this tour.
Janet_S, Jun 2026
Somewhat difficult to...
Somewhat difficult to hear tour guide , who should carry something so that his tour can find him once inside the museums
Kenneth_W, Jun 2026
Worth every penny and more!
Probably the best tour I’ve ever had!!!
Evelyn was fun, humorous and very nice snd quite relatable. I also learned a few new things.
Highly recommend!
Chuck_K, Jun 2026
Fun tour!
Our tour was great and our tour guide, Christine was very friendly and knowledgeable. We were able to see a great deal of exhibits in the 3 hours.
Tommie_H, Apr 2026
Smithsonian big 3. Was a...
Smithsonian big 3. Was a fun tour. The Smithsonian highlights tour was great. Claudia was very knowledgeable and so nice. We enjoyed it very much. Highly recommend going on this tour. We went to 3 museums. The Air and Space museum was our favorite.
Tammy_M, Jun 2026
Great information!
This tour is a great “taste” of seeing 3 huge museums. Evelyn was a terrific guide and although it was a fast tour the information was great. Be aware this is not a tour for those that can’t walk quickly and there is some long distance between each stop.,
Michael_C, Jun 2026
Smithsonian
Rett was very knowledgeable and we hit all the major attractions!! Perfect tour! Thanks for helping make our trip memorable!
The Smithsonian
5.0
(15,923)
Know before you go
Ways to explore
How to get there
When to visit

Cameras are allowed, but leave the selfie sticks and tripods at home, as they're prohibited.
Avoid bringing large bags and packages, as they'll be subject to a lengthy search process. Lockers are available for small items at some museums.
All museums are wheelchair accessible.
You can grab a cup of coffee at the Smithsonian Visitor Center café.
To avoid crowds when exploring a museum, start on the top floor and move toward the ground floor, rather than starting at the first level.
People Also Ask
Can you do the Smithsonian in one day?
No, you cannot do the Smithsonian in one day. As the world's largest museum and research complex, the Smithsonian encompasses 21 museums, as well as the National Zoo. Most of its museums are in Washington DC (two are in New York). Try picking the ones that interest you most.
How long does it take to go through the whole Smithsonian?
It's hard to quantify how long it would take to explore the Smithsonian, as the institute encompasses 21 museums, as well as the National Zoo. If you dedicated one day to exploring each museum (in Washington DC, New York, and Virginia), visiting them all would require at least 22 days.
What is the best time to visit the Smithsonian?
Many Smithsonian museums—including the Air and Space Museum, African American Museum, and National Zoo—are very popular and crowded on weekends, in the summer, and over school holidays. For a calmer experience, visit early in the day and on weekdays, and otherwise avoid peak times.
Do you have to make reservations for the Smithsonian?
It depends on the museum. Some require free, pre-booked timed entry Smithsonian tickets or passes. Of its 21 museums (and the National Zoo), the only one of the institute's members that charges admission is Cooper Hewitt in New York City. All others are free.
Is the Smithsonian worth it?
Yes, the Smithsonian is worth it. As the world's largest museum and research complex, it is a peerless institution, and its free-entry policy makes it accessible to all. Depending on your interests—from art and history to culture, science, and beyond—you'll likely find several museums that are right for you.
What do I need to know before going to the Smithsonian?
The Smithsonian is a large institution with multiple branches, so plan ahead to visit the museums that interest you most. Upon arrival, you may be subject to a security screening and bag search; firearms and weapons are prohibited. Do bring your camera, as personal photography is permitted at the Smithsonian.
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