US Capitol & Library of Congress Tour
About this activity
Highlights
- Explore the iconic US Capitol building
- Discover the historic Library of Congress
- Stroll through the vibrant Capitol Hill area
- Learn about American legislative history
- Enjoy guided insights from expert historians
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Guided tour of the US Capitol
- Visit to the Library of Congress
- Access to Capitol Hill
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
Pass by: Explore the heart of American democracy on our 2-Hour Capitol Hill walking tour! Visit the U.S. Capitol and see the Rotunda, Crypt, and National Statuary Hall, then step into the Jefferson Building of the Library of Congress (note: closed Mondays and 8 AM tours, guests will visit the Capitol Museum instead). Along the way, pass by the U.S. Supreme Court as well as other notable landmarks, including the Senate and House of Representatives office buildings, while learning about their history, landmark cases, and key facts from your live guide.
Inside the U.S. Capitol: Step inside one of the most iconic buildings in the country and experience the history of American democracy up close. After a brief orientation and film, you’ll join an official guided tour. Explore highlights like the Crypt, the grand Rotunda, and National Statuary Hall, with occasional access to the historic Old Supreme Court or Old Senate Chamber. Look up to admire “The Apotheosis of Washington,” a breathtaking fresco soaring 180 feet above, and stand in the Crypt, originally intended as George Washington’s final resting place. This immersive visit offers a powerful glimpse into the stories, architecture, and legacy at the heart of the United States. *The government has the right to close or to cancel any tour inside the US Capitol without advanced notice to us.
Library of Congress (closed Mondays; 8 AM tours, guests will visit Capitol Museum instead): Step inside the Jefferson Building, widely celebrated as the most beautiful building in Washington, D.C. Using timed-entry passes, guests are escorted through a tunnel and right into a world of art, history, and architectural splendor. Highlights of the tour include: The Gutenberg Bible – one of only three perfect vellum copies in existence. The Great Hall – a soaring Italian Renaissance-style atrium adorned with marble columns, intricate mosaics, gold leaf, and murals by leading artists. The Main Reading Room – viewed from the upper observation deck, this iconic circular space has appeared in countless films. Putti and carvings – charming cherubic figures representing the arts and sciences line the balustrades. Architectural firsts – the Jefferson Building was the first public building in D.C. designed for electric lighting and among the first to feature a comprehensive climate-control system.
Stop outside the U.S. Supreme Court with a live guide who brings the building and its history to life. Learn about landmark cases, notable justices, and fascinating facts that have shaped the highest court in the nation.
Pass by: Pass by the Senate and House office buildings and learn about the workings of Congress. Your guide will share insights into the history, architecture, and role these iconic buildings play in shaping American legislation.
Pass by: See views of the Washington Monument from a distance.
Pass by: Peace Monument/Peace Circle – commemorates naval deaths of the Civil War; figures “Grief” and “History."
Pass by: One of the largest equestrian statues in the world; sculptor took 20 years to complete.
Pass by: Pass the United States Botanic Garden
Meeting point
Start Location
Unknown location
Important information
Know before you book
- Tour operates rain or shine; dress appropriately for the weather.
- Security screenings are mandatory; expect possible delays.
- Large bags and backpacks are not permitted inside the Capitol.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes for the 3-hour tour.
- Bring a valid ID for entry into government buildings.
- Photography may be restricted in certain areas; follow guide instructions.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Infants Required On Laps
- Service Animals Allowed
- Easy Public Transport
- Stroller Accessible
Good to know
- U.S Capitol is closed on Sundays
- Library of Congress is closed on Mondays and 8am Tours (travelers will visit the Capitol Museum on this day of the week and tour time instead)
- Outside food and beverages are not permitted inside the US Capitol building
- Bags larger than 18" wide x 14" high x 8.5" deep are not permitted inside the US Capitol building
- Animal policy: animals are not permitted on tours.
Traveler reviews
Disappointing
Unfortunately, this was not a great experience. We were unable to get to the meeting point easily due to street closures around the botanical garden and the Capitol. I was put in touch with the guide who told me we should just wait in the security line to get in to the Capitol and he would meet us there. What he didn’t tell us was that half the tour was before getting on to the security line so we missed seeing the Supreme Court, a main reason I wanted to go on the tour. Then we ended up waiting an hour before the guide caught up with us in the Capitol. After the Capitol tour which was probably the best part, we were directed to go to the Congressional Library on our own. There was confusion trying to get in to the Library and we were told we had to have tickets. The guide did not tell us anything about downloading additional tickets to get into the Library. I believe he should have escorted us there to avoid this experience. I definitely don’t feel we got our money’s worth for this tour and was very disappointed.
Capital tour with the crypt & rotunda and Library of Congress tour.
Awesome experience. Our guide Dwayne was excellent. He was very knowledgeable, very personable, kind and thoughtful.
Capitol and Library of congress
There is only guided tour of the capitol. This part of the experience was wonderful. The library of congress is a self guided tour. Our guide Dwayne was very knowledgeable, friendly, and patient. I wish there was a separate entrance to the capitol for groups. It took a long time waiting in line to get into the building.
Capitol done well
Dwayne was an excellent guide, extremely knowledgeable, polite , approachable and friendly , had time to answer questions
Excellent tour of the...
Excellent tour of the Capital Building and the Library of Congress! Our guide Vernon was very knowledgeable and was able to speak from his experience from working at the Capital. His stories were interesting and he also was very humorous! Definitely recommend this tour!!