The Smithsonian Tours and Tickets
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What are people saying about The Smithsonian
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!
Carrie_D, Aug 2026
Tons of great artifacts and info in 3 hours
My 14yo daughter and I went together. Rett was a great guide; so knowledgeable. He took us to the most interesting exhibits and we saw a lot in 3 hours. He had great stories and info on each artifact. Highly recommend.
Timmarie_K, Aug 2026
Amazing tour!
Amazing experience, our guide was very friendly, knowledgeable, and professional! We would definitely book again!
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).
Sarah_m, Aug 2026
Great tour guides
Kristen and Rett were awesome!! Was running late and Kristen walked me over to meet the group. Had a great time
kristina_s, Aug 2026
great experience
christina was a great tour guide. she packed in everything we wanted to know about 3 museums at the perfect pace and depth that we had time to cover.
Tracy_A, Jul 2026
Amazing, incredibly...
Amazing, incredibly informative, prepare for lots of walking. Dash our tour guide was extremely enthusiastic and clearly knowledgeable and passionate!!
Brianna_B, Jul 2026
Big 3 Tour
Great way to hit the highlights of the “big three” Smithsonians. Claudia was fantastic. Very friendly and knowledgeable.
Mariko_P, Jul 2026
Great way to see the highlights
We had a knowledgable guide in Rett and we learnt so much on our tour and my kids really enjoyed it.
Lori_R, Jul 2026
Got to see the 3 museums...
Got to see the 3 museums I wanted to see most. Very happy with tour. Rhett was very personable. And informative.
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.
Bakul_J, Jul 2026
Excellent experience!
I was a bit sceptical about 3 museums in 3 hours. But cristina out guide, did a miraculous job of getting is throught the most important parts and exibits of all 3 museums at very comfortable unhurried pace!
Her passion for the history and her engaging way or oratory simply made the whole experience unique.
Thanks Cristina .
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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