U.S. Capitol and Library of Congress Tour with Rotunda & Crypts
Description
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.
Tour Options
Itinerary
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.
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 (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.
Pass by the Supreme Court building
Peace Monument/Peace Circle – commemorates naval deaths of the Civil War; figures “Grief” and “History."
One of the largest equestrian statues in the world; sculptor took 20 years to complete
2-hour Morning guided walking tour through Capitol Hill
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.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important 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.
Reviews(275)
Dwayne was excellent , great guide ! We got all the advantage as our tour started promptly and all explanations were clear and highly relevant . Dwayne asked Danielle to be our guide in the Capitol and she was also fin and clear !
We really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience! We're so glad you had a wonderful time and enjoyed the tour. It would be our pleasure to have you join us again in the future! Malaak.
There is some walking and the Capitol building can be crowded. Can be hard to see the statues, as the room is crowded.
Thank you for choosing us and for sharing your feedback! We hope your next trip to DC includes another tour with us! Malaak.
Dwayne was an awesome guide. He knew lots about various subjects. I learned so much. Be prepared though, these areas get very crowded. I would do this tour again because there was so much to see and absorb.
We really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience! We're so glad you had a wonderful time and enjoyed the tour. It would be our pleasure to have you join us again in the future! Malaak.
Buy online reservations for $1 each have your time set for your visit. Also, go straight to buy your library card and then you can go into the library without a times admission.
Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re truly happy to hear that you had such a great experience with us. It means a lot to know you enjoyed your time exploring DC. We look forward to welcoming you again on your next visit! Malaak.
We had an incredible tour with Dwayne. He is hands down the best tour guide in D.C.!! Loved all of the historical and trivia information he shared!! We were able to visit all of our sights. I told Dwayne that I wish I could do an entire week with him around Washington (yes, he is that good!). It was very much worth the cost! Be aware that the Capital tour guides lead the tour once inside for the Crypts and Rotunda and Statuary Hall and ours was not very good. It was very crowded and hard to see certain statues due to security issues but that is no fault of this tour group. The Library of Congress is AMAZING! I would definitely book with them again!
Thank you for your lovely review! We're delighted to know that your experience met your expectations. We hope to see you again soon for another great adventure in DC! Malaak.
Our guide Duane was so knowledgeable and interesting. We learned so much!
We really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience! We're so glad you had a wonderful time and enjoyed the tour. It would be our pleasure to have you join us again in the future! Malaak.
Take the early tour, that way you have time to visit the gift shop. Use clear bags you make it thru security faster. It was a great tour. Our guide was friendly, personable and very, very knowledgeable, could answer any question he was asked.
We’re so happy to hear you had a great time! Your feedback truly means a lot to us. We can’t wait to welcome you back for another memorable experience! Malaak.
This tour of the Capitol is a must!!! It’s extremely thorough & very informative. Our guide “Lawson” was phenomenal!!!!
Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re truly happy to hear that you had such a great experience with us. It means a lot to know you enjoyed your time exploring DC. We look forward to welcoming you again on your next visit! Malaak.
This "tour" of the Capital Building is total scam. Don't waste your money on it. The tour guide gave us a 15 minute speech about the history of the building. Then we I had to wait 40 minutes in 100 degree heat to go through security. The tour was conducted by an federal employee and my group was abandoned by the Viator guide during the tour. Never saw him again.
Thank you for being with us security have you been for everyone and your guide was looking for you in the us capitol
Our tour guide Dwayne was ver knowlegable about the sites and everything in them. He was very friendly, super clear with the instructions and happy to answer questions during the tour. He was really happy to tell stories about the statues and different areas of historical importance inside the buildings. I would take the tour again with this company and this tour guide. Five stars!
Thank you for your wonderful feedback. We’re truly delighted that you had such an enjoyable experience with us. It would be an absolute pleasure to welcome you back again in the near future. Malaak.
