Capitol Hill Walking Tour - Semi-Private 12ppl Max
About this activity
Explore Capitol Hill on a 2.5-hour semi-private guided walking tour with no more than 12 guests. Visit the Library of Congress and, when open, the Supreme Court; receive House and Senate gallery passes for unguided visits after the tour.
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 a guide and a group of up to 12. 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 walking tour starts near Capitol South Metro Station and follows a set route through the Capitol Hill district. Your guide explains the architecture and work of the U.S. Capitol, Supreme Court and Library of Congress. 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 is subject to public opening and may include its museum or courtroom when available. The guided portion reaches the Capitol Visitor Center, where House and Senate gallery passes let you continue on your own. The Capitol Building itself is not toured with your guide. Expect roughly 1.25 miles of walking and security checks at multiple buildings.
Included / Excluded
- 2.5-hour semi-private guided walking tour
- Professional tour guide
- Group of no more than 12 guests
- Guided visit inside the Library of Congress
- House and Senate gallery passes for unguided visits
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Gratuities (optional)
- Wheelchair access on the semi-private route
- Guided tour inside the U.S. Capitol Building
Itinerary
Capitol South Metro Station
Meet outside Capitol South Metro Station at C Street SE and First Street SE, 10 minutes before departure. Your guide begins the Capitol Hill walk here.
Library of Congress and Capitol Hill
Walk Capitol Hill with your guide and enjoy a guided visit inside the Library of Congress. See the Supreme Court when open. Stops depend on security and building 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
- Semi-private group size is no more than 12 guests.
- Provide a mobile phone number with country code when booking.
- Full refund when cancelled at least 24 hours before departure.
- The semi-private walking route is not wheelchair accessible.
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
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 and follows a set route. 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. The semi-private route is not wheelchair accessible.