Capitol Hill Walking Tour - Private
About this activity
Explore Capitol Hill on a 2.5-hour private guided walking tour. Visit the Library of Congress and, when open, the Supreme Court; receive House and Senate gallery passes for unguided visits after the tour. Your guide can adapt the route to your interests.
Highlights
- U.S. Capitol Building exterior
- Supreme Court visit when open
- Library of Congress Main Reading Room
- Gutenberg Bible
- Thomas Jefferson’s Library
Full description
Discover the institutions of American democracy with your own guide. See the Capitol exterior, step inside the Library of Congress for its Great Hall, Main Reading Room view, Gutenberg Bible and Thomas Jefferson collection, and visit the Supreme Court when it is open. At the Capitol Visitor Center, receive passes to the House and Senate galleries for unguided visits after the guided walk. A guided tour inside the Capitol Building is not included.
This 2.5-hour private walking tour begins near Capitol South Metro Station. Your guide shares the history and architecture of the U.S. Capitol, Supreme Court and Library of Congress, with time for questions and route requests. Inside the Library, admire the Great Hall, view the Main Reading Room and see treasures such as the Gutenberg Bible and books from Thomas Jefferson’s collection, subject to access. The Supreme Court visit depends on public opening and may include its museum or courtroom when available. At the Capitol Visitor Center, your guide provides House and Senate gallery passes so you can continue unguided after the tour. The guide does not lead a tour inside the Capitol Building. The standard route is roughly 1.25 miles and includes security checks; discuss any pacing or accessibility needs before departure.
Included / Excluded
- 2.5-hour private guided walking tour
- Guide exclusively for your party
- Guided visit inside the Library of Congress
- House and Senate gallery passes for unguided visits
- Route requests and pacing with your guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Gratuities (optional)
- Food and drinks
- Guided tour inside the U.S. Capitol Building
Itinerary
Capitol South Metro Station
Meet your private guide outside Capitol South Metro Station at C Street SE and First Street SE, 10 minutes before departure.
Library of Congress and Capitol Hill
Explore Capitol Hill with your private guide and visit the Library of Congress. See the Supreme Court when open. The route may reflect your interests, subject to security and access; this is not a guided tour inside the U.S. Capitol.
Meeting point
Start Location
Capitol South Metro Station meeting point
355 First Street Southeast, Washington, DC, USA
Meet outside Capitol South Metro Station at C Street SE and First Street SE, Washington, DC 20003. Arrive 10 minutes early.
Get directions →Important information
Know before you book
- Provide a mobile phone number with country code when booking.
- Full refund when cancelled at least 24 hours before departure.
- Private tour is wheelchair friendly; share accessibility needs before departure.
Know before you go
- Meet outside Capitol South Metro Station at C Street SE and First Street SE, Washington, DC 20003.
- Arrive at least 10 minutes before your reserved departure.
- Bring ID or a clear photo of it; wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather.
Cancellation policy
Up to 24 hours before the beginning of the activity: full refund Less than 24 hours before the beginning of the activity or no-show: no refund
Accessibility
- Wheelchair Accessible
Reviews
We booked this tour to get as much as possible out of our time at The Met. What we didn’t know we were getting was a personalized experience full of captivating stories about the artists' lives and the people who brought the art to the museum. Robin was a wealth of knowledge and a highlight of our trip to New York!
Spent a great day with Charlie he was very engaging and shared lots of information and entertaining stories with us. He took great care of us and we would recommend him for any future tours.
Mark, tour guide for the Metropolitan Museum is an outstanding teacher: engaging; entertaining; professional; personable; experienced and deeply knowledgeable as a result of a lifelong passion and relationship with the Met. He loves what he does and cares deeply about sharing his knowledge and insight to spark curiosity and inspire his clients--his students--to understand context and meaning of each piece or work of art reviewed. My wife, a retired professor emeritas and myself both left thoroughly impressed and grateful to have been taught by best and most captivating guides we have had the privilege of meeting on one of our many travels and adventures. Hire the best. Hire Mark. Worth every penny and every minute of your time you can afford at the Met. Like us, you will look forward to coming back for another teaching session from Mark. In my case, hopefully we will be back on my birthday next year! (Thanks again Mark!)
Frequently asked questions
FAQs
Additional information
This 2.5-hour outdoor walk covers about 1.25 miles. Security screening applies at the Library of Congress and Supreme Court. Do not bring large bags; food is not permitted inside. The Supreme Court can close without notice. House and Senate gallery passes allow unguided visits after the tour; a guided visit inside the Capitol Building is not included. This private route can be adapted to your pace and is wheelchair friendly.