The Smithsonian Tours and Tickets
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What are people saying about The Smithsonian
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.
Cathy_P, May 2026
Great tour with a great guide, Dash!
This was a great tour! We saw all the key exhibits and learned a lot. Our guide, Dash, was knowledgeable and relatable. He did a great job keeping younger attendees engaged and interested. Highly recommended.
Debbie_S, May 2026
Great time had by all!
Shane was great! He guided us, along with 8 others and kept us well informed and engaged. Thank you!
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.
Brenda_P, May 2026
Smithsonian Tour was Super
Shane was an excellent tour guide. He managed to show us many of the highlights for each museum. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bottled water. We walked more than I thought we would and it was hot. We really enjoyed our time exploring.
Ka_B, May 2026
Tour tour
Great tour . Informative and good pace.
Christina our guide was very pleasant kept tour on time and well paced.
Jeff_C, May 2026
Unscripted Big 3
There is quite a bit of walking, and honestly, 3 hours is (as our guide Meg mentioned at the start) not enough time to truly explore any of the three museums, more of a highlight to some of the most commonly talked about artifacts. I would like to spend an entire vacation on nothing but the museums in the future. Meg was great, knowledgeable, and a pleasure to walk and talk with. She made the most of the time we had allotted.
Barbara_L, May 2026
Great Big3 Tour
We loved Rett, he was a great guide and very informative! Lots of walking so wear comfy shoes! He did a good job attempting to keep us together!
Annette_K, May 2026
May 2026 Family Vacay
Wow! Absolutely loved this walking tour! Christina was amazing and we learned so much from her that made each museum that much more interesting! Not so much walking that a pair of comfy sandals can’t handle. Definitely recommend the earlier tour times so you can spend the day going back to the museum exhibits that peaked your interest from the highlights shown during the tour. 10/10 recommend this tour!
Donna_M, Mar 2026
Nice "sampler" tour of Smithsonian exhibits!
Shane was a great tour guide who was very knowledgeable about the museums and the exhibits highlighted on this tour. For someone who doesn't have days to explore all of the museums of the Smithsonian, this is a great way to see the most popular exhibits!
Carol_S, May 2026
Smithsonian tour
Small group is great. Personalized attention, excellent tour guide, remarkable experience. Loved it!
William_S, May 2026
Great job
The guide Dash was really good. Touch on points of interest, without wasting time. Had a good sense of humor about things. I would ask for him assumed i took another tour.
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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