U.S. Capitol Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience the U.S. Capitol. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• DC Memorials Night Tour: Glass-Roof Convertible Upgrade Option

• National Mall Monuments Night Tour with 10+ Stops, Entry Tickets

• Washington DC Monuments by Moonlight Tour by Trolley

• Washington DC in One Day: Guided Sightseeing Tour

• VIP Best of DC With US Capitol + National Archives Reserved Entry

It’s free to visit the U.S. Capitol in Washington DC, and it’s recommended to book its free guided tours in advance. Many travelers simply pass the Capitol from the outside to admire its architecture. Walking tours that pass by start at around US$30 for a 1–3 hours tour, while hop-on hop-off bus tours and bicycle tours start at around US$50 for a group tour.

Yes, the U.S. Capitol is definitely worth visiting. Taking a guided tour inside is a good way to learn more about the building and its place in US history and politics, but even just passing the building from the outside is a must-do while you're in Washington DC. Guided or self-guided tours also typically include other nearby attractions, such as the National Mall, the White House, and the Lincoln Memorial.

Per one customer who booked the DC Memorials Night Tour: Glass-Roof Convertible Upgrade Option, "The best tour we have taken. George did an awesome job explaining to us everything we were seeing. He was very professional and knowledgeable. Our 11-year-old had many questions, and George took his time to answer every question. I highly recommend this tour."

Tours of the US Capitol typically last one hour, although they can run as long as 90 minutes. If you also want to explore the visitor center, which has an exhibition, gift shop, and café, add another hour. Visiting the voting chambers requires an additional 30 to 60 minutes.

No, you cannot visit the US Capitol without booking a tour. You can, however, visit the Capitol Visitor Center without any prior arrangements. There, you can view exhibits about the history of Congress and the Capitol, and purchase souvenirs from the gift shop.

Tours of the Capitol include the Rotunda (the large, domed, circular room located in the Capitol’s center); the National Statuary Hall (home to a collection of 100 statues contributed by each of the 50 states), and the Crypt, which is filled with Doric columns and more statues.

No. While Capitol workers and staff must follow a dress code, there are no dress regulations for visitors. That said, be mindful that the US Capitol is a place of work: dress appropriately and behave in a respectful manner. Also, large bags and purses are not allowed inside.

Technically, yes. Visitors can walk into the Capitol Visitor Center without booking a tour. Exploring the Crypt, Rotunda, and National Statuary Hall requires booking a free, tour-guide-led tour. These can be booked online or through members of Congress.

There are tons of fun things to do when you're done visiting the U.S. Capitol. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in Washington DC:

• The White House

• Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial

• Washington Monument

• Lincoln Memorial

• Vietnam Veterans Memorial

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in Washington DC.