U.S. Capitol and Library of Congress Tour with Rotunda & Crypts

Meeting location for the 9am, 11:30am, and 2pm Tours. Please meet your guide outside the US Botanic Garden Conservatory next to this planter. Additional meeting details are provided on your ticket.

Duration2h

Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before

Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away

TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted

LanguagesEnglish

Group sizeUp to 40 travelers

Overview

Experience American democracy on this 2-hour guided Capitol Hill tour with entry to the U.S. Capitol and Library of Congress (guests will visit the Capitol Museum on Mondays and 8am tours when Library closed), plus photo stops at the Supreme Court, Senate offices, House of Representative offices and Ulysses S. Grant Memorial.

Inside the U.S. Capitol, join the official guided tour to explore the Crypt, originally intended as George Washington’s burial site, the Rotunda with its historic paintings, the National Statuary Hall, and sometimes the Old Supreme Court or Old Senate Chamber.

Next, enjoy a visit to the Library of Congress’s Jefferson Building, widely considered the most beautiful building in Washington, with timed-entry passes. Highlights include the Gutenberg Bible, the Great Hall, and the Main Reading Room with panoramic overlooks.

This tour delivers a complete experience of Capitol Hill, combining history, architecture, and unforgettable photo opportunities in one tour.

Options

11:30am Capitol + Library

Monday Tours: Library of Congress is closed on Mondays, travelers will instead spend extra time at US Capitol and visit the Capitol Museum.
U.S Capitol + Library Congress: 2-Hour Capitol Hill Walking Tour with Admission into both the U.S. Capitol and Library of Congress Buildings.
Starting point:
United States Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, DC 20001, USA

2pm Capitol + Library Congress

Monday Tours: Library of Congress is closed on Mondays, travelers will instead spend extra time at US Capitol and visit the Capitol Museum.
US Capitol + Library Congress: 2-Hour Capitol Hill Walking Tour with Admission into both the U.S. Capitol and Library of Congress Buildings.
Starting point:
United States Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, DC 20001, USA

9am Capitol + Library Congress

Monday Tours: Library of Congress is closed on Mondays, travelers will instead spend extra time at US Capitol and visit the Capitol Museum.
US Capitol + Library Congress: 2-Hour Capitol Hill Walking Tour with Admission into both the U.S. Capitol and Library of Congress Buildings.
Starting point:
United States Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, DC 20001, USA

8am Capitol + Capitol Museum

US Capitol Entry: 2-Hour Guided Walk of Capitol Hill with Entry inside U.S. Capitol. Stop at exterior of Supreme Court and Library of Congress.
Starting point:
Supreme Court of the United States, 1 First St NE, Washington, DC 20543, USA

What's included

Visit the Rotunda, the Crypt, and National Statuary Hall
Potential to visit the Old Supreme Court or Old Senate Chamber (depends on day of travel)
See the Gutenberg Bible at Library of Congress, 1 of the 4 institutions with a complete vellum copy
Admission to U.S. Capitol building with Tour
2-Hour Morning or Afternoon Guided Walking Tour of Capitol Hill
Admission to Library of Congress (or Capitol Museum when Library Congress is closed Mondays or 8am)
Stop outside Supreme Court, Ulysses S. Grant Memorial, Senate Offices, House of Reps, Peace Circle
See Thomas Jefferson’s original library

Gratuities

What to expect

United States Botanic Garden
Pass by

Guests meet directly across the street from the U.S. Botanic Garden Conservatory, one of the oldest botanic gardens in North America, founded by Congress in 1820, located at 100 Maryland Avenue SW.
U.S. Capitol
1h 30m · Admission ticket included

Inside the U.S. Capitol:
Guests go through security, have a short break, watch the orientation film, and then join the official guided tour with headsets. Typical rooms include the Crypt, Rotunda, and National Statuary Hall; sometimes the Old Supreme Court or Old Senate Chambers. The Rotunda fresco “The Apotheosis of Washington” is 180 feet above the floor; the Crypt was originally intended for Washington’s burial.

*The government has the right to close or to cancel any tour inside the US Capitol without advanced notice to us.
Library of Congress
20m · Admission ticket included

Library of Congress (self-guided after Capitol):
After being escorted to the tunnel, guests use timed-entry passes to walk straight into the Jefferson Building, widely considered the most beautiful building in Washington. Highlights include:

– The Gutenberg Bible – 1 of only 3 perfect vellum copies in existence.
– The Great Hall – a soaring Italian Renaissance-style atrium with marble columns, mosaics, gold leaf, and murals by leading artists.
– The Main Reading Room – viewed from upper observation deck, this is the iconic circular reading room seen in countless films.
– Putti and carvings – cherubic figures representing arts and sciences line the balustrades
– Architectural firsts – the Jefferson Building was the first public building in DC designed for electric lighting and one of the first to use a comprehensive climate-control system.
Supreme Court
10m · Admission ticket not included

Pass by the Supreme Court building
Peace Monument
Pass by

Peace Monument/Peace Circle – commemorates naval deaths of the Civil War; figures “Grief” and “History."
Ulysses S. Grant Memorial
Pass by

One of the largest equestrian statues in the world; sculptor took 20 years to complete
Capitol Hill
Pass by

2-hour Morning guided walking tour through Capitol Hill
Senate and House Office Buildings
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.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

8am Tours Only: Meets across the street from the Supreme Court on First Street NE. Please arrive 15 min before tour starts.

Meeting point

9am, 11:30am, 2pm Tours: Plan to meet 15 min prior to tour start time outside the U.S. Botanic Garden Conservatory at 100 Maryland Avenue SW. Your Guide will meet you next to a large planter located outside the conservatory in the Terrace Garden, which is a paved courtyard located near the entrance.

End point

Our Tour Ends at the Library of Congress.

Additional information

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Waking: There will be standing and walking during this tour. Please wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather as much of the tour is outdoors. DC can be very hot in the summer and cold in the winter. Umbrellas and layers are recommended.
Animal policy: animals are not permitted on tours.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

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