Top Washington DC Historical Tours

Historical Tours

300+ results

Best Seller

4.8

(1,979)

Small-Group Tour inside US Capitol & Library of Congress or Court

2 to 3 hoursFree Cancellation

from $79

Take a hop-on hop-off Washington DC trolley tour to explore the nation’s capital at your own pace. The route encompasses the city’s top attractions, including the White House, Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and more. Just hop off at any stop when you want to explore, and then hop back on the trolley to continue around the city. You can also upgrade to include Arlington National Cemetery entry.

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4.1

(2,665)

Washington DC Hop-On Hop-off Trolley Tour with 15 Stops

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

from $55

Special Offer

Discover the US Government’s storied history with this half-day guided walking tour of Capitol Hill and the Library of Congress. Visit the US Capitol’s Rotunda, Crypt, and Old House Chamber before exploring the world’s largest public display of knowledge in the Library of Congress and stopping off at the Supreme Court. All while your guide shares the detailed history of one of the US’s most prestigious locations.

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4.1

(323)

US Capitol & Library of Congress Tour with Supreme Court, Senate

2 hoursFree Cancellation

from

$61

$64

Likely to Sell Out

Follow in the footsteps of the nation's first president on this half-day history tour. Travel to Mount Vernon, George Washington's home in Virginia and one of the nation’s most beloved historic sites. Also enjoy a bus trip around Old Town Alexandria, where you see 17th- and 18th-century homes and discover little-known facts about the landmarks. Upgrade to add a Washington DC night tour to your itinerary, if you wish.

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4.0

(895)

Mount Vernon and Old Town Alexandria Day Trip from Washington DC

5 hoursFree Cancellation

from $99

Likely to Sell Out

4.9

(341)

Smithsonian "Big 3" Highlights Tour (Air & Space Entry Included)

3 hoursFree Cancellation

from $79

Special Offer

Tour guide informs visitors to the Library of Congress in Washington, DC.

Discover the best of Washington DC all in one day on this time-saving, multi-stop tour. Drop by the city’s top landmarks and monuments, from the White House and the US Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial and beyond. Explore on foot and by comfortable bus, or upgrade to travel by glass-topped vehicle for unimpeded views. This tour also includes a seasonal Potomac River cruise for a new perspective on the nation's capital.

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4.7

(3,452)

Washington DC in One Day: Guided Sightseeing Tour

6 hoursFree Cancellation

from

$71

$89

Explore the famous monuments and memorials of Washington DC by night on this small-group (or private) sightseeing tour. Hop aboard an open-air, electric vehicle and enjoy an educational and entertaining narrated history of the nation’s capital. Travel by the wealth of famous attractions, with views of the Washington Monument, the White House, and many other landmarks lit up after dark, and don't forget to bring your camera to capture this magical time of day.

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4.8

(2,725)

Washington DC Monuments by Night: Electric Cart Tour

2 hoursFree Cancellation

from $62

Price varies by group size

Step into one of history's most dramatic nights—tracing Lincoln's final hours through Civil War-era D.C. Unlike rushed, generic museum visits, this guided tour takes you inside Ford's Theatre and the Petersen House with reserved access, revealing hidden details and untold stories. You see the theatre booth where the President was shot, stand in the very room where Lincoln drew his last breath, and more. This 2-hour small-group tour offers an intimate look at these historic sites.

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4.9

(492)

Lincoln Assassination with Ford's Theatre & Petersen House Entry

2 hoursFree Cancellation

from $79

3.5

(3,895)

DC Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus & Arlington Cemetery Audio Tour

1 hour 50 minutesFree Cancellation

from $44

5.0

(202)

Washington DC Monuments and Memorials Night Tour

3 hoursFree Cancellation

from $89

See Washington DC's highlights, whilst beating the crowds, on this customised, private sightseeing tour. Pick a departure time that works best for you, meet your guide at your preferred location, and hop aboard a luxury SUV or Sprinter van. Options of where to visit include the White House, US Capitol, Lincoln Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, and much more—and will learn the stories behind the sights from your guide.

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4.9

(1,576)

Private Washington DC City Tour

4 hoursFree Cancellation

from $550

Per group

4.8

(113)

Private and personalized tour of Washington dc

3 to 4 hoursFree Cancellation

from $343

Per group

Likely to Sell Out

4.7

(548)

No-Wait Washington Monument Direct Entry Tickets & Guidebook

1 hour

from $25

The reflection of the Washington Monument on the reflecting pool!

4.6

(482)

Washington DC Night-Time City Tour

3 hoursFree Cancellation

from $70

Have the opportunity to discover the interiors of the most important and famous buildings of this Nation with a specialized Tour guide who will show you in detail the heart of the Legislative Power (Capitol), Judicial Power (Supreme Court of Justice) and, of course, one of the largest Libraries in the world (Library of Congress). This tour includes reserved entrances with a professional guide. Come and join us to enjoy historical facts behind each place we visit.

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4.9

(52)

Small Guided Tour Inside the Capitol and Library of Congress

3 hoursFree Cancellation

from $79

Special Offer

Maximize your time and sightseeing in Washington DC on this shared or private tour of the city's memorials and major landmarks. Setting out from the United States Navy Memorial, admire DC highlights from the White House to the Lincoln Memorial, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and more. Travel in the comfort of a luxury tour bus, with photo stops and a guide to share the stories behind each destination.

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4.8

(504)

Washington DC Highlights Tour with Top Landmarks and Memorials

4 hoursFree Cancellation

from

$53

$59

Price varies by group size

Likely to Sell Out

Washington DC’s Georgetown neighborhood is considered the historic core of the city, and it offers a wealth of sights for visitors to explore. See the best of the area's past and present—and discover sights and stories you'd miss if exploring alone—on this small-group walking tour. Follow your guide to key sights from JFK's former home to Georgetown University, learning behind-the-scenes stories along the way.

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4.9

(349)

Historic Georgetown: History, Gossip, & Architecture Walking Tour

2 hoursFree Cancellation

from $49

Explore Washington DC's iconic landmarks and monuments on a full-day coach tour. Stop at the White House, U.S. Capitol, Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, and more. Depending on the season, you'll be invited to enjoy a Potomac River cruise or extra memorial stops and Pentagon Mall lunch. Upgrade options include admission to the Washington Monument, National Air and Space Museum, African American Museum, or a guided Capitol Hill walk with U.S. Capitol entry.

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4.7

(1,292)

DC in a Day: 10+ Monuments, Boat Cruise, National Mall, Tickets

6 hoursFree Cancellation

from $70

Enjoy a comprehensive, self-paced tour of Washington DC's top attractions—and even cross the Potomac to discover Arlington National Cemetery—on this hop-on hop-off trolley tour. Choose a start time that works best for you; then, set off to see everything from the Washington Monument and White House to the Jefferson Memorial. Along the way, listen to your guide's on-board commentary, and disembark at any of the 21 stops for a closer look.

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3.9

(421)

Hop-On Hop-Off 21 Stop Trolley Tour + Arlington Cemetery Tour

2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

from $61

Explore the foundation of American democracy on an exclusive tour of the National Archives Museum with skip-the-line access. View the original Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights up close. Learn how these documents shaped a global superpower, and discover personal letters, speeches, and rare artifacts, including the Emancipation Proclamation and the Magna Carta, on a moving journey through U.S. history.

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4.9

(386)

Skip-the-line DC National Archives VIP ALL ACCESS Guided Tour

2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

from $111

Price varies by group size

Discover many of Washington DC’s most significant African-American historical and cultural landmarks on this small-group, half-day driving tour. Meet your guide in the morning at the US Navy Memorial Plaza, hop aboard your vehicle, and set off: you’ll pass highlights ranging from the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial to the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site. At tour’s end, head to the National Museum of African American History and Culture to explore independently.

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4.7

(403)

African American History Tour with Museum of African American History Ticket

3 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

from $90

4.7

(7,043)

DC Monuments by Night: 10+ Landmarks & Open-Top optional upgrade

3 hoursFree Cancellation

from $64

Explore the many famous monuments and memorials of Washington, DC by moonlight on this narrated sightseeing tour. Hop aboard an open-air trolley and get an educational and entertaining rendition of the storied history of the nation’s capital. Take in views of an illuminated Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, the White House, and more. Leave the brochure at home—your guide has way better stories.

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4.6

(4,032)

Washington DC Monuments by Moonlight Tour by Trolley

2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

from $60

Likely to Sell Out

4.8

(655)

Ghosts of Georgetown & The Exorcist Steps Walking Tour

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

from $39

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Top Attractions in Washington DC

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Attractions

What are people saying about Washington DC

Lincoln Assassination with Ford's Theatre & Petersen House Entry

Ron_P, Apr 2026

Outstanding Lincoln Assassination tour by Jim Garrett!

Jim Garrett did an outstanding job as a subject matter expert in the Lincoln Assassination. He answered all my questions and his detailed knowledge of what took place was most impressive! Even though the tour had to be a little rushed due to a matinee performance at Ford’s, Jim more than made up for it with his outstanding work. I applaud his efforts!

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Small Guided Tour Inside the Capitol and Library of Congress

Jena_P, Apr 2026

Excellent Tour

Excellent guide - very knowledgeable and personable. The small size of the group and the ear pieces provided made this tour excellent. It would have been helpful to know that entering the Supreme Court is not possible on weekends. I would have scheduled the tour for another day if I it was clear upon booking.

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Washington DC Monuments and Memorials Night Tour

Marlene_L, Apr 2026

Ken is an excellent tour...

Ken is an excellent tour guide. Personable, knowledgeable, and gets you to just the right places. DC was beautiful at dusk to nighttime. The monuments lit at night was a real sight to see. He gave clear directions of where to go, and where to meet him. Our group had a great time, and made great memories.

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No-Wait Washington Monument Direct Entry Tickets & Guidebook

Dana_P, Apr 2026

Great deal

Incredible views make sure you bring a camera. No need to wait in the ticket lines. Walk up to the monument about 30 minutes to spare, get in the que and enjoy. Make sure to read the security list of items not allowed. No storage lockers. Tickets sell out if you don’t plan. This is the way to go.

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Historic Georgetown: History, Gossip, & Architecture Walking Tour

Laura_S, Apr 2026

Great area history and walk about Georgetown neighborhoods

We all met our guide Vicky at the canal where she began describing the area at the beginning of the Georgetown founding. As we continued to walk about, she stopped to point out small details about the area and how it was used. The stone house, the style of house and local homes of notables like Julia Child, the Kennedy family and others. The walk did entail stairs and up inclines but not strenuous. Care does need to be taken as some walkways are uneven. Overall the walk was enjoyable and informative.

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Small Group National Mall Night Tour with 10 Top Attractions

Angela_T, Apr 2026

Great night tour

Excellent small tour. Our guide, Kyvin, was great. He pointed out to us all the sites and made sure we had plenty of time at the stops which included the capital, the WW2, Jefferson, MLK Jr, and the big three (Lincoln, Korean, and Vietnam). Highly recommend and my kids said Kyvin and the tour was 5 stars!

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Washington DC Night-Time City Tour

Sheila_J, Mar 2026

Tour packed with sites and knowledge

This was a very informative experience curated by Regis. Karim was so knowledgeable and authentic in his story telling of history and relating it to the present. Jay was an incredible driver who demonstrated his understanding of navigating the city during such a busy season (cherry blossom festival, the construction and re-routed pathways for various events). All-in an incredible tour made fun by great guides!

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Smithsonian "Big 3" Highlights Tour (Air & Space Entry Included)

Christopher_Z, Mar 2026

Perfect tasting menu of three great museums

Great experience! Our guide Christina led us from the meeting point through three great museums. She provided interesting and in-depth descriptions and history of the buildings we passed on the way, all while walking backwards. :-) In each museum she led us to key displays of artifacts and provided interesting explanations on their importance. Christina was very knowledgeable, friendly and professional. We highly recommend this tour.

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Capitol Hill, Supreme Court & Library of Congress Exclusive Tour

Elizabeth_B, Mar 2026

Excellent Tour, Exceptional Customer Service

Rebecca was an amazing guide and offered wonderful insights and well-timed humor throughout our tour. Because of the time of our visit, with spring break and so many school group visits, the entry lines for the Capitol, Library of Congress, and the Supreme Court were especially long. Babylon Tours extended a partial refund after our tour. I was so impressed with the superior customer service and communication. We will absolutely use this tour guide and group again when we return to DC!

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Capitol Hill & Library of Congress Highlights Walking Tour (With Tickets)

Peter_G, Nov 2025

Informative and fun tour

Took the three hour Capitol Hill tour with Ingeborg. Really enjoyed this tour and got a lot out of it. Ingeborg was very engaging, really knew her stuff, and I think we all learned some interesting background on the Library of Congress, Supreme Court, and US Capitol. Would definitely recommend this tour. Just the right length of time to see the sites and learn about them, but not get exhausted doing it.

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Haunted DC Night-Time Walking Tour on Capitol Hill

Michelle_S, Nov 2025

Great tour!

We loved it! We had Davey Crockett and he was so realistic! It was more of a history tour than a ghost tour - so definitely family friendly. We have lived in DC our whole lives and learned many new things. It’s also nice to walk around the Capitol grounds at night! A unique experience. Davey is very knowledgeable of the history and it was easy to retain everything he said because of the fun storylines he framed! Definitely recommend this tour and the price is a steal! There are a few more that cost a bit more and I don’t think that’s worth it.

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Not seeing something you are looking for?

You can’t visit the US capital without immediately thinking about the country’s history—there is a museum and monument around every corner, after all. While you can Smithsonian-hop on your own, Washington DC historical tours add both structure and depth to your journey of knowledge. Let knowledgeable guides whisk you past iconic sights like the White House and Capitol Hill, or skip the lines to enter the hallowed halls of the Library of Congress. No matter which tour you choose, you’ll definitely leave with a lot more factoids than when you started.

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Top Washington DC Historical Tours

300+ results

Top Attractions in Washington DC

Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial

U.S. Capitol

The White House

Lincoln Memorial

What are people saying about Washington DC