The Smithsonian Tours and Tickets
33 results
Auto-translated
Sort by: Featured
What are people saying about The Smithsonian
lsaward77, Sep 2026
Guide was upbeat...
Guide was upbeat knowledgable throughout the tour. The tour itself was a great overview of these three museums where one could spend a week in each one --highly recommend
Timothy_L, Sep 2026
Very good tour
Dash was very enthusiastic, funny, knowledgeable, and concerned about our group. Unable to see majority of exhibits because of time constraints.
Marianne_K, Aug 2026
It’s a great highlight...
It’s a great highlight tour of some of she most important exhibits at the museums! The Smithsonian did not disappoint!
Gary_S, Sep 2026
Really good tour, lived...
Really good tour, lived the museums. Our guide was very knowledgeable and easy to listen to. Seen all the important sights from all 3 museums
teri_n, Sep 2026
The tour was a great way...
The tour was a great way to break down the enormity of the museum! Following the tour you could circle back to a museum for a closer look. We had Evelyn for a tour guide and she was amazing! All the staff start to finish were very nice!
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).
john_k, Sep 2026
Great tour with an...
Great tour with an awesome tour guide. She was very informative and didn’t rush. We would definitely recommend this tour.
Kathy_S, Sep 2026
Museum tour
A good guide makes it all fun. Evelyn was our guide. Very knowledgeable and told fun interesting facts. I recommend this tour 100% when you don’t have days to stay and explore on your own. But would do it just for the extra insight.
Alyson_W, Sep 2026
Skye’s the limit!!!
Skye did a fabulous job of showing us highlights…gave us an idea of things we may want to explore further…very knowledgeable and funny and attentive.
Lorry_B, Aug 2026
Smithsonian tour
This was a great tour of 3 museums. Skye was very knowledgeable with items in the museums and history in general. It is a lot of walking. I recommend this tour to others
suzanne_g, Aug 2026
If this is your first...
If this is your first time in DC, this is an excellent introduction to the three museums. We wish the tour had been longer. Our guide Meg, was very knowledgeable, courteous, and kept us on track. GREAT!
Catherine_D, Aug 2026
Must see tour with our guide Skye
It was amazing! Our guide Skye was so good, very knowledgeable and very personable. Professional yet warm and made it comfortable and fun!
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.
More Tours in Washington DC
Things to do near Washington DC
More attractions near Washington DC










































































































































