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Intro to DC

Tour Information

Intro to dc highlights.

This name your own price tour introduces you to the Nation's Capitol. Our knowledgeable local guides will take you from the National Mall to the White House and beyond.

What you'll see:

• Smithsonian Museum Overview (we do not enter)
• Washington Monument
• White House
• Treasury Building
• Lafayette Square
• Ride the Metro with your tour guide!
• Old Post Office Pavilion - our favorite view of the city (better than the Washington Monument!)

Tour information

Reservations:  REQUIRED.  Click here to reserve .

Please note this tour cannot accommodate wheelchairs or strollers.

Where: The tour starts at the Washington Monument and ends at the Old Post Office Pavilion.

Duration:  Tour lasts approx. 2 hours. Total walking is about 1 miles.

You will need a SmartTrip card for each person with at least $2 or a travelcard.

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DC's highest rated walking tour company - plus the tours are free to join! DC by Foot presents pay-what-you-like walking tours of Washington, DC - also offering food, bike and bus tours

DC's highest rated walking tour company - plus the tours are free to join! DC by Foot presents pay-what-you-like walking tours of Washington, DC - also offering food, bike and bus tours. These high energy tours will take you through the National Mall, around the Tidal Basin, through Arlington Cemetery, Georgetown, Capitol Hill, and the U Street corridor, with stories, secrets and useful information about our national treasures. We also lead the exciting Lincoln Assassination and ghost tours of both the White House and Georgetown. Please visit our website for updated tours, pick-up and drop-off locations and all other related tour information. DC by Foot is also great with student, family and corporate groups.

• ADA Compliant
• Foreign Language Guides
• Free Admission
• Guided tours available
• Private Tour

Additional Information

Distance to metro, group maximum, attraction rates, length of tour, service type.

Multilingual Guides, Regular Scheduled Tours, Step On, Student Tours

Metro Station

Federal Triangle, Metro Center, Smithsonian

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1740 18th st. nw ste. 304 washington , dc 20009 united states, (202) 370-1830, [email protected].

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25+ Free Things to Do in Washington, D.C.

Washington D.C. is a place I’ve been to many times throughout the years. I love the city: there are people from all over the world, there’s a ton of things to see and do, incredible bars, natural attractions, diversity, and world-class restaurants.

Yet there’s one really big downside to the city: cost.

Washington D.C. is not a cheap city. With all those free-spending politicians, lobbyists, and diplomats floating around driving up prices, costs here are high. Meals, hotels, transportation, parking—they all add up to a lot of money. 

Luckily, there are many great free things to do in the city for the budget traveler. Thanks to all the national monuments, parks, and festivals in the city, you can find a lot of free things to do in Washington D.C.

Here’s a list of the best free things to do in the city:

There are also free 30-minute lectures in the main hall that explain how the court functions. There are no guided tours of the buildings, but you can take advantage of the educational lectures, a visitor film, and special exhibitions. (Definitely try to attend one of the lectures as it’s a very insightful way to learn about how the court works.)

1 First St NE, supremecourt.gov/visiting. Open Monday-Friday from 9am-3pm. To sit in on a lecture, check the court’s calendar . Lectures take place several times throughout the day. Just show up and stand in line.

You can also take one of the more in-depth specialty tours, such as Indigenous Peoples In Capitol Art, Heroes Of Civil Rights, and Votes For Women, to dive deeper into a specific topic. These each take place once per day, Monday-Friday. Check visitthecapitol.gov for the most updated schedule.

Tickets to sit in the gallery and watch Congress in session are also available for free, but you must request gallery passes in advance from the offices of your senators or representatives.

East Capitol St NE & First St SE, visitthecapitol.gov. Open Monday-Friday from 8:30am-4:30pm. Tours take place Mon-Fri (8:40am-3:20pm). Advance reservation is recommended but not required.

If you feel like indulging, the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center has a massive IMAX movie theater that plays both informative documentaries and current releases. The museums and centers include:

• Air and Space Museum
• African American History and Culture Museum
• American History Museum
• African Art Museum
• American Art Museum
• American Indian Museum
• Anacostia Community Museum
• Archives of American Art
• Arts and Industries Building
• Freer Gallery of Art
• National Zoo
• Natural History Museum
• Portrait Gallery
• Postal Museum
• Renwick Gallery
• S. Dillon Ripley Center
• Sackler Gallery
• Smithsonian Castle
• Smithsonian Gardens

+1 202-633-1000, si.edu. Each museum has their own operating hours so be sure to check with that museum.

• Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality National Monument – This building was home to the National Women’s Party for almost 90 years and was designated a national monument in 2016 by President Barack Obama. The building highlights the history and achievements of the suffrage movement, and is named after the former party president Alva Belmont, as well as the founder, Alice Paul. (Temporarily closed for renovations.)
• Constitution Gardens – 50 acres of landscaped gardens commemorate the framers of the Constitution and provide a beautiful place to sit and relax, especially during the summer when everything is in full bloom. Tree-lined paths meander around a tranquil lake and through the gardens, where you will see oak, maple, elm, and more.
• Ford’s Theatre National Historic Site – On April 14, 1865, President Abraham Lincoln was shot at Ford’s Theatre during a theatrical performance. His killer was John Wilkes Booth, a popular young actor and white supremacist. Lincoln was carried across Tenth Street to the Petersen boarding house where he died the next morning. The Theatre commemorates Lincoln’s legacy with a museum and special exhibits detailing his presidency and the aftermath of his death. And it’s still a working theater!
• Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial – This is a beautiful memorial which takes you through Roosevelt’s four terms in office using quotes carved in stone and beautiful bronze artwork. It’s one of my favorite memorials in the city and features a beautiful Japanese Garden as well as calming waterfalls.
• Korean War Veterans Memorial – The most popular memorial on the Mall has nineteen 8-foot-tall statues commemorating the millions who fought during the Korean War. The statues stand in juniper bushes and are separated by strips meant to resemble Korea’s rice paddies. There’s a calm, reflective pool at the end surrounding the Freedom Is Not Free Wall and Alcove. In 2022, a Wall of Remembrance was added with the inscription of the tens of thousands of servicemembers of the Korean Augmentation to the United States Army (KTUSA) who gave their lives in the war. It’s hauntingly beautiful and sad all at once.
• The Lincoln Memorial – This is home to the famous, giant statue of Abraham Lincoln. It’s one of the best…so good, I have an entire section about it below!
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial – A giant carving of Dr. King honors his legacy and quest for freedom, equality, and justice. Opened in 2011, it’s the first memorial on the National Mall to honor a person of color. Quotations from his famous “I Have a Dream” speech are etched into the stone, and there is also an Inscription Wall with 14 quotes from his speeches and writings.
• Thomas Jefferson Memorial – This memorial to Thomas Jefferson is located inside a circular colonnade, opposite a lot of the main memorials and features a great view of the entire mall and the Tidal Basin. It was designed by John Russell Pope in 1925, and resembles the Pantheon of Rome (Jefferson was apparently a big fan of Neoclassical architecture). It’s an amazing place to be when the cherry blossoms are in bloom.
• Vietnam Veterans Memorial – This memorial actually consists of three parts: the Three Soldiers statue, the Vietnam Women’s Memorial, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall (The Wall That Heals). The wall is a striking chronological list of the names of more than 58,000 Americans who served and gave their lives in Vietnam.
• Washington Monument – Standing at 555 feet tall, this marble obelisk at the center of the park was built to honor George Washington. A timed entry ticket is required to enter, which you can reserve up to 30 days in advance online ($1 processing fee) or at the Washington Monument Lodge (same day tickets only, and expect a long line).
• World War II Memorial – A beautiful memorial dedicated to the 16 million people who served in the American armed forces during WWII, including the 400,000 who gave their lives. There’s a lot going on here, including two walls when you first enter the memorial (from the east) depicting scenes from the war in bronze relief. There’s also a really elegant fountain in the middle, and 56 granite columns symbolizing the nation’s unity.

+1 202-426-6841, nps.gov/nama. The National Mall is open 24 hours and admission is free. Check ahead on the website to see if there is a Ranger Walk (free tour) happening during your visit.

As part of the Smithsonian, the zoo is also free to visit, though you must reserve an entry pass. The best way to do this is online (you can reserve up to 4 weeks in advance), though a limited number of same-day entry passes are also available at the entrance.

3001 Connecticut Ave NW, 202-633-2614, nationalzoo.si.edu. Open daily from 8am-6pm in the summer and 8am-4pm in the winter.

Tours are self-guided and last approximately 45 minutes. Be sure to bring the bare minimum with you, as there is a long list of prohibited items. There’s nowhere to store your stuff at the White House, so if you have something that’s not allowed with you, you’ll be turned away and won’t be able to do the tour. (Some common items are cameras, iPads/tablets, bags of any kind, and food/liquids.)

1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW, whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/tours-events. Visitor access is from 8am-12:30pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. To request a tour, contact your member of Congress to submit a request for a tour (21-90 days in advance). You’ll also need to present a government-issued photo ID at the door when you arrive. Currently, only American citizens are able to visit.

Take a free walking tour One of the best ways to take in the city is on a free walking tour. You’ll get to see the city’s main sights, learn about the city’s history, and have an expert on hand to pepper with any questions you have. Two free walking tour companies in D.C. that I like are Free Tours by Foot and Strawberry Tours . You can’t go wrong with either.

If you’d like to splash out on a paid tour, Walks is my absolute favorite tour company. They always have incredibly knowledgeable, local expert guides and offer exclusive behind-the-scenes access other companies can’t get. I can’t recommend them enough!

While the library doesn’t currently offer guided tours, there’s always something interesting going on here. Every Thursday, the library is open late for Live! at the Library, which is basically a happy hour in the Great Hall! There are also different daily lectures, film screenings, performances, and exhibits. Check the website for the current schedule.

101 Independence Ave SE, +1 202-707-5000, loc.gov. The library is open Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm (open until 8pm on Thursdays). Entry is free, but advance timed reservations are required.

Every Saturday and Sunday at 1pm, there’s a 30-minute free Ranger Walk, where you can learn more about the memorial from a Park Ranger.

2 Lincoln Memorial Circle NW, nps.gov/linc/index.htm. Open 24/7. Check ahead on the website to see if there is a Ranger Walk (free tour) happening during your visit.

Don’t forget to check out the six-acre sculpture garden while you’re there. In the summers, there is free Jazz in the Garden every Friday starting at 6pm. Free tickets are available through a lottery system that opens on Monday at 10am the week before each concert. There are a limited number of first come, first served spots available starting at 5pm before the concert too (you’ll want to line up before this to have a chance at getting one).

3rd Street and 9th Street on Constitution Avenue NW, +1 202-737-4215, nga.gov/visit.html. Open daily, 10am-5pm. There are a number of free docent-led tours of varying themes occurring daily, as well as Gallery Talks hosted by museum curators and conservators. Dates and times change frequently. Check the website to find out what’s happening during your visit.

Tidal Basin also serves as a popular hangout spot for locals and visitors. In the spring and summer months, you can rent a paddle boat (not cheap at $38 per hour, though Thursdays are 30% off) and spend the afternoon relaxing on the pond.

701 Constitution Avenue NW, museum.archives.gov. Open daily 10am-5:30pm. While not required, it’s advised to reserve a timed entry ticket online in advance to avoid the line (free, but there’s a $1 reservation fee). All visits are self-guided (there are currently no guided tours).

National Mall, just south of Independence Avenue, SW, between 14th Street and Raoul Wallenberg Place (15th Street). +1 202-488-0406, ushmm.org. Open daily 10am-5:30pm, with extended hours in the spring and summer. Free timed-entry tickets are required for the permanent exhibition (not for temporary exhibitions).

Hang out in Historic Georgetown This area used to be a transit point for farmers selling tobacco in the 1700s. In fact, Georgetown was around before Washington, DC existed. It’s home to the oldest house in DC (built in 1765 and appropriately called the Old Stone House), as well as Georgetown University (one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the United States). While this area is known for its fantastic shopping, food scene, and nightlife, you can simply spend hours strolling the cobblestone streets, taking in the well-preserved Georgian homes and architecture.

There are free guided tours starting every 10 minutes (tours last about 75 minutes) and an interactive exhibit on the role of the arts throughout JFK’s presidency. There’s also an awesome rooftop terrace restaurant with panoramic views over the city.

2700 F St NW, +1 800-444-1324, kennedy-center.org. The center is open daily, 12pm-12am. Tours take place Mon-Fri (10am-4:30pm), and Sat-Sun (10am-12:30pm). There is a free shuttle to the center from Foggy Bottom-GWU-Kennedy Center Metro station (otherwise, it’s around a 10-minute walk).

Enjoy Nature in Rock Creek Park This 1,754 acre park is an awesome place to enjoy nature in the city. It’s a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts, with over 32 miles of trails for hiking and biking. There are picnic areas, tennis courts, and even riding stables too! During the summer, the park offers outdoor events such as star-gazing, Ranger-led nature walks, and outdoor concerts.

The Arboretum is also home to the National Capitol Columns, giant historic columns that once supported the East Portico of the U.S. Capitol from 1828-1958.

There are two entrances: one at 3501 New York Avenue, NE, and the other at 24th & R Streets, NE, off of Bladensburg Road. +1-202-245-2726, usna.usda.gov. Open daily 8am-5pm.

Washington isn’t a cheap place to visit, but with many of the city’s activities available for free, you’ll be able to visit the city without breaking the bank. There is enough here to keep you busy for more than a few days!

Book Your Trip to Washington: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Want More Information on Washington? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Washington, D.C.  for even more planning tips!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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12 best washington, d.c. tours (beyond the monuments).

The nation's capital has more to offer than free museums and tons of history.

The Best Washington, D.C. Tours

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With lots of free attractions and historic sites in a relatively compact area, Washington, D.C., is a tourist's delight. Even so, there's no better way to get to know the nation's capital than with an expert. U.S. News gathered expert recommendations and traveler opinions to create this list of the top tours in Washington. Whether your interests include architecture, history or food, the following tours let you get to know the city like a local.

D.C. By Foot – National Mall Tour

Price: $4 tour reservation fee Duration: 2 hours

D.C. By Foot's National Mall walking tour is a mile-long stroll that includes stories about famous landmarks like the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Washington Monument. Travelers praise the tour, saying it is chock-full of information and that the guides are engaging. D.C. By Foot is a pay-what-you-want tour: it's free, though it is assumed you will tip your licensed, freelance guides.

Tours depart Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 2 p.m. Travelers should note reservations are required for this tour and there is a $4 reservation fee per person for tours. The company also conducts a slightly shorter Scavenger Hunt at the Mall tour geared toward kids and a bevy of other tours around the city.

Check availability on:

Old Town Trolley Tours of Washington D.C.

Price: Adults from $44; kids from $33 Duration: 1.5 hours

According to reviewers, this trolley tour provides an educational and relaxing outing, thanks to informative commentary from the friendly onboard guides. This hop-on, hop-off tour option allows travelers to explore Washington at their own pace and check out the monuments, museums and attractions that they are most interested in. Popular stops on the trolley route include the White House, the U.S. Capitol, the International Spy Museum, the Lincoln Memorial, the National Portrait Gallery and more. In total, the trolley makes 15 stops.

Trollies run hourly from 9 a.m. to about 4 p.m. daily. Old Town Trolley Tours also offers specialized Arlington National Cemetery tours and a Monuments by Moonlight Tour, among others.

Check prices & availability on:

Unlimited Biking DC – Monuments and Memorials Bike Tour

Price: Adults from $65; kids from $55 Duration: 3 hours

A great way to quickly cover a lot of ground is on the Monuments and Memorials Bike Tour from Unlimited Biking DC, which takes you on a guided tour to see the main monuments along the National Mall and the Tidal Basin. What's more, the entire tour takes place on sidewalks, paths and trails, so you never have to worry about navigating city streets. Plus, you can hop off to take photos and explore sites during the roughly 4-mile adventure. Visitors say the tour is perfect for families thanks to the engaging guides and manageable pace of the route.

E-bikes are available for an additional fee. The tour runs at 10 a.m. daily, with an additional 2:30 p.m. tour from April through October. If you can't get enough of the monuments, the company also offers a Monuments at Night Bike Tour as well as cherry blossoms tours, among other options.

Reza Venegas | Courtesy of Mangia D.C.

Mangia DC Food Tours – Georgetown Foodie Tour

Price: Adults from $79; kids from $69 Duration: 3 to 3.5 hours

Eating your way through Georgetown – one of D.C.'s wealthiest and most picturesque neighborhoods – with Mangia D.C Food Tours is a delightful way to get acquainted with the area. On the Georgetown Foodie Tour, you'll visit up to five restaurants for tasty samples, plus a cocktail or mocktail pairing. Your guide will give you an overview of the area's cultural and political ties, as well as point out historic landmarks. Foodies say the tour is both filling and educational.

Mangia D.C. limits tours to 14 people, which makes for an intimate group – another point of praise for reviewers. Tours run Friday through Sunday and start at 1 p.m. Looking for more local eats? Mangia also offers an Italian Food Tour in Washington's Dupont Circle neighborhood.

Capital Segway Tours

Price: From $70 Duration: 2 hours

Seeing all of Washington's landmarks on foot is an ambitious goal, but if you swap walking for riding a Segway, you can glide to most of them. Highlights on this tour include the White House, the National Archives, the Washington Monument and the Capitol. Every rider receives a radio headset, which makes it easy to hear the guide's descriptions. Reviewers say the guides are fantastic and the tours provide the perfect overview of the city, which in turn helps visitors decide where they want to spend more time. Many add that they appreciate the guides spending time to make sure everyone feels comfortable and safe on the Segway before setting off.

Participants must be 16 or older and weigh at least 100 pounds to ride. Tours are not suitable for those who weigh over 250 pounds or women who are pregnant. Capital Segway Tours requires travelers to arrive 30 minutes prior to tour for orientation and training session. Tours run year-round and are offered several times a day, weather permitting.

Blue Fern Travel – Black Broadway — U Street Food Tour

Price: From $105 Duration: 2.5 to 3 hours

This U Street tour run by Blue Fern Travel (formerly Carpe D.C. Food Tours) is purportedly the company's most popular, which makes sense because the U Street neighborhood is one of the liveliest in the city. During the tour, your guide will take you to several locally owned restaurants for hearty samples. As you make your way along U Street, you'll learn about the neighborhood's history, architecture and jazz heritage. Foodies find the history lessons surprising and informative; some love the information almost as much as the food.

Tours depart Thursday through Sunday at 11:30 a.m. year-round; group size is typically around 12 people, according to the company. You can expect to walk about a mile on the tour visiting the different eateries. Tickets cost $105 per person. Blue Fern also offers food tours of Georgetown and Old Town Alexandria.

USA Guided Tours – African American History and Culture Tour

Price: Adults from $89; kids from $79 Duration: 3.5 hours

Travelers heap praise on the guides leading the African American History and Culture Tour, applauding their expertise and storytelling. During the bus ride across D.C., travelers will learn of African American history and perspectives of different D.C. monuments. Sites on the tour include Black Lives Matter Plaza, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial and the African American Civil War Memorial, among other significant locations. Trips conclude at the National Museum of African American History and Culture, where you will have reserved access to the popular site. (Note: Some stops are guided around monuments, while others are quick pauses for photos.)

Tours run daily at 10 a.m. This tour is also available as a private excursion. USA Guided tours operates a variety of bus and walking tours.

Check prices & availability on: 

D.C. Design Tours – Dupont Circle & Embassy Row Tour

Price: Adults from $35; kids from $20 Duration: 2 hours

D.C. Design Tours focuses on Washington's eclectic architecture and design. On the approximately 2-mile Dupont Circle & Embassy Row Tour, you'll explore the area while an experienced guide identifies and describes significant properties, such as The Cosmos Club, the Embassy of Indonesia (Walsh-McLean House) and the Woodrow Wilson House. You'll also hear a good deal of history and some juicy gossip about some of the nation's movers and shakers. Tour-takers rave about the hidden gems and stories the guides share.

Public tours run on Saturdays at 11 a.m. Design Tours also guides visitors through surrounding neighborhoods, such as Capitol Hill and Georgetown.

D.C. Metro Food Tours – Georgetown Food Tour

Price: From $80 Duration: 3.5 hours

During the Georgetown Food Tour, you'll visit up to five local spots in this upscale neighborhood. But you won't just be stopping in for a quick bite. Instead, tour-takers will sit down and be served a specialty of the house – an element foodies love about the tour. Dining highlights might include pie from a family-owned bakery, a Korean dish and Italian-American fare. In addition to tasty cuisine, guides will regale you with stories about local sites and landmarks as you walk between stops.

Tours operate Thursday through Sunday at 3 p.m. D.C. Metro Food Tours offers food tours of other neighborhoods, including Dupont Circle and Virginia's Old Town Alexandria.

City Brew Tours – The DC Signature Brew Tour

Price: From $89 Duration: 3.5 hours

With a motto of "You Drink, We Drive," D.C. Brew Tours sets the stage for a safe yet beer-filled day on its Original Brew Tour. During the outing, you'll be chauffeured around the city in a comfortable van, visit three breweries, get behind-the-scenes tours and enjoy up to 12 local craft beers. This tour also includes a beer-pairing lunch. Participants champion expert guides and excellent beers.

Get your beer fix during the tour, which runs multiple times from Wednesday through Sunday. D.C. Brew Tours limits its excursions to 14 people. The company also offers private tours.

Nonpartisan Pedicab – Smithsonian Museums and Pennsylvania Avenue

Price: $175 per hour Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours

Being chauffeured around town in a private pedicab with Nonpartisan Pedicab is a novel and comfortable way to see the sights in D.C. You can sit back and relax while an expert guide gives you a personalized tour and does the cycling for you. On the company's Smithsonian Museums and Pennsylvania Avenue tour, you'll follow the inaugural route from the Capitol to the White House, passing 24 landmarks along the way. Tour-takers say the guides are excellent and share plenty of fun facts and history during the trip.

Occasionally the company offers discounts and deals on the hourly rate (check its website for details). Nonpartisan Pedicab offers a variety of tours around the city, including a twilight tour of the monuments and an Embassy Row and Georgetown tour, among others.

City Cruises – Monuments and Sightseeing Tour

Price: Adults from $35; kids from $23 Duration: 1 hour

After you've toured the monuments by foot, bike or bus, why not admire them from the water? City Cruises offers one-way and round-trip departures from Alexandria, Virginia and Georgetown. Along the way, you'll see the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the Washington Monument, the Arlington Memorial Bridge and more, all while enjoying prerecorded commentary describing the monuments. Visitors appreciate the narration but note that engine noise sometimes drowns out the recording.

During the warm-weather months, the cruise departs daily. Throughout the rest of the year, cruises usually only operate on the weekends. One-way trips last 45 minutes each way. Round-trip journeys span just under two hours. The company offers several other sightseeing cruises, including one that drops off visitors at Mount Vernon.

You may also be interested in:

• The Best Washington, D.C., Bus Tours
• Best Things to Do in Washington, D.C.
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• The Most Famous Landmarks in the World

Tags: Tours , Washington, D.C. , Travel , Vacations , food and drink , Washington DC Vacations , Southeast Vacations , US Vacations

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The Capitol Visitor Center is open Monday-Saturday from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tours begin every 10 minutes until 3:20 p.m. All tours are led by our professional tour guides and visit the  Crypt , the  Rotunda  and  National Statuary Hall . The tour does not include the  Senate and House Galleries . The tour route is subject to change.

Reservations are recommended, but not required. Visit the  schedule a tour  page to select a day/time for a reservation. Same day passes may be available. Visitors without reservations are encouraged to arrive at the Capitol Visitor Center as early in the day as possible, but no later than 2:30 p.m., to obtain passes.

All tours, programs and activities are free of charge.

Visitors enter through the Capitol Visitor Center, located underground on the east side of the Capitol. Please leave time to go through security and review the U.S. Capitol’s  prohibited items list  before your visit.

You can begin your Capitol experience at the Visitor Center by visiting Exhibition Hall , perusing our Gift Shops or getting a bite to eat at the Capitol Cafe.

For information on tours offered in Mandarin and Spanish, please view the Foreign Language Tours page.

How Do I Cancel My Reservation?

You can cancel your reservation through your account in the Capitol Visitor Center’s online reservation system.

• Go to  https://tours.visitthecapitol.gov  (A new page will open.)
• Beneath the blue banner reading “Reserve a Tour of the Capitol,” click on the link to log in. (A sign in/signup dialog box will open.)
• In the sign in section, log in with your email address and password.
• Search for reservations by clicking “More” in the “My Reservations” tab.
• Once you have located your reservation, click the link to “Cancel.”

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The 26 best things to do in D.C. this weekend and next week

The final weekend of the National Cherry Blossom Festival brings two of its biggest events: a parade with floats, marching bands, giant balloons and Disney characters on Constitution Avenue NW, and the Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival, with multiple stages of music, dancing and martial arts, as well as food and drink vendors and family activities. There’s much more to do: D.C. marks Emancipation Day with a parade, go-go music and fireworks at Freedom Plaza; the Kennedy Center throws a family block party based on the award-winning books of Jacqueline Woodson; Esther Perel brings advice for couples to Constitution Hall; the annual Spring Garden Market returns to the American Horticultural Society’s River Farm; and the Taylor Swift pre-album hype begins with a dance party and trivia night.

Thursday, April 11

Flowers After Hours at the National Gallery of Art

The National Gallery of Art’s popular National Gallery Nights after-hours series returns with a party celebrating “spring and all things floral.” Activities include creating wearable flower art, a blossom scavenger hunt, behind-the-scenes tours, pop-up talks, music by DJ Rustam, and bars serving wine and cocktails. All tickets were distributed in a raffle last week, but more tickets will be given out at the entrance to the East Building beginning at 5:30 p.m. (You don’t need tickets to watch dance performances or artist demonstrations on the Fourth Street plaza.) 6 to 9 p.m. Free; tickets required .

Jigger & Pony pop-up at Allegory

Even cocktail fans who’ve never been to Singapore might have heard of Jigger & Pony . No. 14 on last year’s World’s 50 Best Bars list ? Named best international hotel bar at Tales of the Cocktail’s Spirited Awards? The 12-year-old bar is noted for its playful originals and clever twists on the classics — its Velvet Negroni is so named because the staff tweaks the preparation and dilution to create a smoother texture and mouthfeel. Why are we hyping up a bar that’s almost 10,000 miles away? Because Jigger & Pony creative director Uno Jang and senior bartender Gabriel Gan are taking over Allegory, the bar tucked inside the Eaton. The event runs, the bar promises, “until we sell out of cocktails.” 8 p.m. Free admission .

‘Game Show: Chad and Pharrell’ at Shanklin Hall

Last week, after news broke that Chad Hugo was suing Pharrell Williams over the rights to the name “the Neptunes,” D.C. DJ and “Tiny Desk” producer Cuzzin B tweeted , “I can definitely tell the difference btwn a Pharrell beat vs a NEPTUNES beat.” The observation struck a nerve, and 7,000 likes and 227 quote tweets later, Cuzzin B is bringing his thoughts into a physical space. He’s hosting a panel discussion and listening session at Shanklin Hall, discussing the Neptunes’ legacy — together and apart — with DJs and producers Daniel Biltmore, Marc Nfinit and DJ Geena Marie at the Adams Morgan social club. 8 p.m. Free .

Friday, April 12

‘The Art of the Benshi’ film series at the National Museum of Asian Art

This touring film series stops at the Smithsonian after a run in Brooklyn and before heading to Chicago, Los Angeles and Tokyo. In a five-part series of “benshi” performances, or live orators to silent films, the art form returns more than a century after it began with classic, restored films. Three performers are joined by musicians, who will play new and historical scores. Films include the cult classic “A Page of Madness (Kurutta ichipeiji)” and the earliest surviving Japanese animated film, “The Dull Sword (Namakura gatana).” Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 7 to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 3 to 6 p.m. Free.

WoCo Fest 2024: Evolve at AMP by Strathmore and the Mansion at Strathmore

The three-day WoCo Fest 2024: Evolve celebrates music from female composers at Strathmore with a spate of performances, workshops and discussions. The festivities include Saturday at the Mansion, a day packed with discussions, food trucks and exhibitor booths, geared toward musicians but open to the public as well. (Tickets are pay-what-you-can with a suggested donation of $10.) Pianist Sarah Cahill performs at the end of the day, playing a program based on her “The Future Is Female” album trilogy, showcasing compositions spanning baroque composer Élisabeth-Claude Jacquet de La Guerre and contemporary composer Theresa Wong. Jazz legend Terri Lyne Carrington, a four-time Grammy Award-winning drummer, closes out the festival with a Sunday afternoon show at AMP by Strathmore, a lounge-like club serving food and craft cocktails in North Bethesda’s Pike and Rose neighborhood. Various times. $10-$48.

Commemorating Abraham Lincoln

One hundred fifty-nine years ago this weekend, Abraham Lincoln was assassinated while watching a play at Ford’s Theatre. The National Park Service and the theater remember our 16th president with events including guided walking tours covering the story of the assassination, the Lincolns’ love of theater in 1860s Washington and medical care the president received . Ford’s Theatre and the Petersen House (“The House Where Lincoln Died”) are open all day Sunday and Monday, with special performances of “One Destiny,” a two-man play about the events of April 14, 1865, on Monday morning . Check both organizations’ calendars, as they list events separately. Through Tuesday. Prices vary, though NPS tours are free.

Spring Garden Market at River Farm

River Farm, located on the Potomac River between Old Town Alexandria and Mount Vernon, is a joy to visit at this time of year, but it’s especially nice during the American Horticultural Society’s Spring Garden Market. More than 40 vendors set up to sell native plants, herbs, ceramics, gardening supplies and decor, dog treats, and much more. Beyond stocking up for your yard or windowsill, you can explore the property, which includes 25 acres of formal and wildlife-friendly natural gardens and an indoor art exhibit, or have a picnic overlooking the river. Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. $5 entry for those arriving on foot or bicycle; $20 per car (includes all occupants).

Blossoms and Starlight at Eastern Market

A new Taylor Swift album drops next week, if you hadn’t heard, and we expect there will be plenty of Taylor-themed dance parties and karaoke and trivia in the coming days. (Trivia, in fact, starts Wednesday.) The first event on our calendar is Blossoms and Starlight in Eastern Market’s North Hall. Tunes come from DJ Tony T, a.k.a. Tony Tomelden. He owns the Pug, the H Street bar that’s become ground zero for Swiftie listening parties, so he probably knows a thing or two. There will be a friendship bracelet-making station, though you can also bring your own to trade, and sequined outfits are “highly encouraged.” The event is open to all ages, but adult beverages will be available. Proceeds benefit Eastern Market’s 150th anniversary fund. 6 to 9 p.m. $20-$35 .

Saturday, April 13

National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade

Mickey and Minnie Mouse are the grand marshals of the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade, which fills Constitution Avenue with marching bands, giant balloons, floats and entertainment. The Sugarhill Gang, “American Idol” finalist Colin Stough and D.C.’s own Mambo Sauce are among the performers. The route stretches from the National Archives to the Ellipse, and viewing the parade from the sidewalk is free, though grandstand tickets are available for purchase. 10 a.m. to noon. Free; grandstand seats $25-$40.

Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival

The Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival expanded from one day to two in 2022 to celebrate its 60th anniversary, and the Japan-America Society of Washington D.C. is keeping the expanded format, packing Pennsylvania Avenue NW between Third and Seventh streets. The festival includes multiple stages with traditional and modern music; dance and martial arts performances; a J-pop talent competition; a children’s corner; a traditional marketplace; a “Taste of Japan” section with food and drink vendors, as well as beer gardens and sake pavilions; pavilions dedicated to topics such as technology and the regions of Japan; and hands-on cultural exhibits. Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. $15 for one day or $25 for both days; $20 admission on the day of the event. Free for children 12 and younger.

Pink Beats at National Landing’s Water Park

Pink Beats, the final installment of the Pink in the Park series at National Landing’s Water Park, is essentially a local music festival, starring the wonderfully crafted indie soul of Oh He Dead, the dance-floor-friendly R&B grooves of Wrizzards and the tuneful pop-rock of Broke Royals. Beyond the five acts performing, there are food and drink vendors and other activities. 4 to 9 p.m. Free.

‘An Evening With Esther Perel’ at DAR Constitution Hall

Troubled couples rely on therapist Esther Perel to get to the heart of their problems — and the audience of her “Where Should We Begin” podcast listens in, fly-on-the-wall style, to hear her pearls of wisdom. Now Perel is taking her show on the road for a national speaking tour called “An Evening With Esther Perel: The Future of Relationships, Love & Desire.” Get in the room with Perel at DAR Constitution Hall as she discusses how technology has shifted the nature of relationships in 2024 and how we can embrace and retain our humanity. 8 p.m. $103-$675.

In Style: Esther Perel will see you now

Jacqueline Woodson Block Party at the Kennedy Center

A National Book Award winner, four-time Newbery Honor winner, MacArthur fellow — the Kennedy Center’s education artist-in-residence is gifted with the written word. This weekend, you get to see what happens when Jacqueline Woodson throws a party. Inspired by her book “The Year We Learned to Fly,” this day of family-friendly activities includes double Dutch, break dancing and roller skating demonstrations; a stepping performance and workshop with Step Afrika!; chalk drawing and graffiti demos; music from Eastern High School’s Blue and White Marching Machine; and Woodson reading her book with help from musicians Toshi Reagon and Be Steadwell. Food trucks and vendors will be on-site. 1 to 5:30 p.m. Free.

NEA Jazz Masters Tribute Concert at the Kennedy Center

Each year, the National Endowment for the Arts honors America’s jazz greats with the Jazz Masters Fellowships . The 2024 class includes trumpet player Terence Blanchard, saxophonist Gary Bartz, composer and organist Amina Claudine Myers, and journalist, broadcaster and D.C. Jazz Festival Artistic Director Willard Jenkins. All four are honored during this concert at the Kennedy Center’s Eisenhower Theater: Bartz, Blanchard and Myers will perform with their own groups and make remarks; Jenkins is represented with a performance by the African Rhythms Alumni Quintet. The evening concludes with a tribute to D.C.’s own Duke Ellington. While all free advance tickets have been claimed, standby tickets will be available at the box office beginning at 7:15 p.m. The line for standby tickets begins at 5:30. 7:30 p.m. Free .

DC Brau’s 13th anniversary

Washington’s oldest brewery is now a teenager. DC Brau, which released the Public Ale to a thirsty city in April 2011, marks its 13th anniversary with a day-long party at its brewery in Upper Northeast. Look for a special lineup of beers — including the freshly rereleased Citizen Belgian pale ale — and a menu of tacos from Taco Man Fred. The jammy Americana of the Brahman Noodles and the Celtic tunes of the O’McPub Band provide the soundtrack, while Jinx Proof is on-site for souvenir tattoos. 1 to 9 p.m. Free .

All Hat, No Cattle at Jackie Lee’s

Heaven Forbid are D.C.’s hip urban cowboys: a quintet sporting large hats, bolo ties and boots, mixing original two-stepping tunes with covers of Vince Gill or Bobby Bare, all driven by the sultry or mournful sound of pedal steel. They play country songs, but they’re more likely to strike up “Guitars, Cadillacs” than some radio hit about a pickup. After a residency at the now-closed Public Option, Heaven Forbid is moving its monthly All Hat, No Cattle party to Jackie Lee’s in Brightwood, where the bar is taking out tables and chairs to make more room for dancing. The band’s sets begin at 8 and 10 p.m. Free .

Masters Costume and Cocktail Party at Duke’s Grocery Navy Yard

Break out your green jackets, red Nike Dri-Fit polos and camouflage bucket hats: The Masters are back, and Duke’s Grocery is hosting a viewing party and costume contest. Snack on pimento cheese or egg salad sandwiches and sip John Daly cocktails (an Arnold Palmer with added vodka) while watching the tournament on multiple TVs. Prizes for the best dressed include Duke’s-branded Titleist ProV1 golf balls and gift certificates. 3 to 7 p.m. Free .

Sunday, April 14

D.C. Emancipation Day at Freedom Plaza

In April 1862 — more than eight months before the Emancipation Proclamation — Congress passed the District of Columbia Compensated Emancipation Act, which freed all enslaved people in Washington, compensated their owners and provided funds for them to emigrate if they chose. Since 2005, the city has marked the anniversary with a parade and pomp. Freedom Plaza is again the center of attention, with a parade at 2 p.m.; a concert featuring Ginuwine, Kelly Price, jazzman Marcus Johnson and go-go stalwarts E.U. featuring Sugar Bear at 3 p.m.; and fireworks at 8:30 p.m. 2 p.m. Free.

Pages in the Park at Meridian Hill Park

Grab a book and a picnic for Pages in the Park, where you can spend 30 minutes mingling over a potluck meal before an hour of individual reading time. There’s also a book swap — bring any books you no longer want, and take a new one home. Extras will be donated. The event is hosted in the grassy area at the top of the park. 3 p.m. Free.

‘New Worlds: Women to Watch 2024’ at the National Museum of Women in the Arts

The National Museum of Women in the Arts tapped 28 emerging artists from across the globe for a show based on visions for creating a new world. See their alternative realities in “New Worlds: Women to Watch 2024,” the second major exhibition since NMWA reopened last fall after an extensive renovation. Visitors can tour the new gallery spaces and see seven works created specifically for the museum for its recurring “Women to Watch” exhibition series, including site-specific installations. Through Aug. 11. $16; $13 seniors and D.C. residents; free for ages 21 and younger and visitors with disabilities.

Paws and Petals Yappy Hour at Metrobar

One of the final events of cherry blossom season is this dog-friendly afternoon hang in Metrobar’s beer garden. Bring your four-legged friend for treats like puppuccinos and dog beers, while humans peruse vendors selling dog toys and merchandise, grab snacks from food trucks, and groove to a DJ. 1 to 4 p.m. Free .

Mezcal Night at Bar Charley

The Dupont Circle joint is partnering with Columbia Heights taqueria El Chucho and mezcal brand Siete Misterios for an evening dedicated to the spirit. Instead of usual Bar Charley fare, the ticket price will get you chips and salsa, a mezcal flight, and the first cocktail. 5 p.m. $30.

Monday, April 15

‘Selena’ Movie Night at Rhizome

Takoma Park nonprofit community space Rhizome hosts a free screening of the 1990s classic film “Selena,” complete with themed snacks. Free popcorn and Mexican hot chocolate will be on offer during the biopic of Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, the queen of Tejano music, which is screened the night before the late singer’s birthday. 7:30 p.m. Free; RSVP encouraged.

Wednesday, April 17

Taylor Swift Trivia at As You Are

Think you’re a real Swiftie — the kind who scours the liner notes, knows every Easter egg, finds hidden meanings in Instagram posts and has gone down too many Tumblr rabbit holes? Can you recite the Era Tour’s secret songs? Show how much you really know at As You Are’s Taylor Swift Trivia, which promises to be highly competitive but also a lot of fun. BYO friendship bracelets. 7 to 9 p.m. Free .

Witches Night Party at Dew Drop Inn

Walpurgis Night, the eighth-century celebration of Saint Walpurga held at the end of April, traditionally aimed to banish witchcraft — but Dew Drop is opening its doors to welcome them. Expect a “simple witchy ritual,” magic-themed drinks, tarot readings by Skye Miranda, astrology analysis and a drag performance by self-proclaimed “slasher flick rocker chick” Jane Saw. You can also make your own temporary tattoo — just make sure it complements your witch-inspired outfit. 7 p.m. Free.

De La Senne beer tasting at the Sovereign

De La Senne is one of the most acclaimed craft brewers in Brussels, and the beers that regularly make it to this side of the Atlantic are flavorful — no filtering or pasteurization — and on the lower end of the alcohol spectrum, such as the bitter, hoppy blonde Taras Boulba or the dry, citrusy Zinnebir pale ale. De La Senne’s beers are regulars on tap on the Sovereign, but this is a special night at the Georgetown Belgian beer bar: Brewery co-founder Yvan de Baets is visiting, bringing what the Sovereign calls “hyper-fresh” kegs of beer, plus rare bottles of Saison de la Senne and Wadesa #9 tripel, complex beers blended with lambic ales from Brussels neighbors Cantillon. Tickets include four-ounce pours of eight De La Senne beers and the talk with de Baets. 6 to 9 p.m. $50 .