Iconic Capitol Hill Architectural Walking Tour

Recommended by 95% of travelers

Badge of Excellence

Washington DC, USA

2 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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Overview

Get an overview of Washington, DC’s architecture, landmarks, and political powerhouses during a small-group walking tour led by a local guide. Learn about the elegant plan that underlies the present-day city as you visit sights from the U.S. Capitol Building to the Supreme Court and Library of Congress.

Architecture tour of Washington, DC
Explore the local streets on a walking tour of the city
See Capitol Hill-area landmarks
Learn about DC history
Small group ensures personal service
Led by a local guide

What's Included

Local guide

Gratuities

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Union Station
50 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002, USA
Our tour begins inside the Great Hall of Union Station under the big clock. When entering the station from the main entrance, turn right and look up to see the clock.

End point

Capitol Hill, Washington, DC 20004, USA
The tour concludes inside the U.S. Capitol Visitors Center, where guests can join a free interior building tour (depending upon timing and availability).

Itinerary

Your tour begins inside the Great Hall of Union Station under the big clock. When entering the station from the main entrance, turn right, and look up to see the clock. Even the meeting point is an architectural gem: after falling into disrepair, Union Station's Classical façade, vaulted interiors, and artwork have been restored to their full glory.

Hear stories about the colorful designers of DC’s cityscape, from Thomas Jefferson to Robert Mills, Frederick Law Olmstead, and Daniel Burnham, and find out how they battled red tape, chaos, and controversy. Follow your guide along a route that includes the U.S. Capitol Building and the Capitol Grounds—look up to see the Statue of Freedom who tops the Capitol dome, and ignited controversies when she was first unveiled. Continue past the imposing Supreme Court of the United States, and learn about the vast collection inside the Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building.

This tour, which covers roughly 1-mile of ground, concludes at the U.S. Capitol Visitors Center, close to National Mall sights and public transport.

Union Station (Pass By)

Columbus Memorial Fountain

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Supreme Court

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

U.S. Capitol

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Library of Congress

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

U.S. Capitol Visitor Center

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Service animals allowed
Near public transportation

Transportation is wheelchair accessible
Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Most travelers can participate
Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough guests to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, an alternative or full refund will be provided.
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers

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Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Reviews

4.9

based on 21 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Great tour!

Michelle_B, Mar 2023

Thanks for a great tour. Sam was personable, informative, and fun! Especially enjoyed the historical nuggets along with the architectural info.

Response from Host, Mar 2023

Thanks so much Michelle! We love historical nuggets too! :)

This tour should have...

Mary_H, Oct 2021

This tour should have been canceled due to the March. It was hard to hear and we were jostled by police and marchers. Couldn’t get close to any of the buildings

Response from Host, Oct 2021

Hi Beth, we're so sorry to hear you didn't have a good experience on our Capitol Hill tour. Protests are almost a daily occurrence in Washington DC, especially around the U.S. Capitol, but they can make for difficult navigation. It's hard to predict how crowded a march will be or how much security will be in place. Nevertheless, we want everyone to enjoy their tour, and we appreciate your candid feedback. I hope you enjoy the rest of your time in Washington!

Excellent All Around

Frank_M, Jun 2021

Sam was an excellent tour guide. Serious information delivered with humor. We loved his explanation of the Grant Memorial. We would do other tours with the company and Sam.