Washington, D.C. is one of the premier cities to visit in the United States for so many reasons. Whether you are trying to see as many Smithsonian Museums as possible or checking-off some of the fantastic restaurants, the U.S. Capitol Building is a striking feature in the distance. We often hear that a visit to the Capitol, with its over 200 years of history, is a highlight of anyone’s trip.
Booking a Tour
There are multiple ways to book a tour— you can even show up the same day and take the tour on a first-come, first-served basis, but we don’t recommend it!!
- Book a Tour in advance online.
- Contact your Representative or Senator to receive a visitor pass. International guests can make a reservation through the House or Senate Appointment Desks in the Capitol Visitor Center.
Capitol Visitor Center
The visitor center is open from 8:30am – 4:30pm, Monday through Saturday. Tours of the Capitol are scheduled from 8:40am to 3:20pm. There is very little parking around the building, if you choose to park in a nearby garage, your free tour just became expensive. We strongly suggest walking and enjoying the grounds (designed by Frederick Law Olmsted) as you make your way to the visitor center.
The visitor center is located beneath the East Front plaza closest to First Street SE. It can be very busy with hundreds of people queuing for tours every hour. Once you check in for your tour, simply wait for your tour time to be called and walk to your assigned guide. While you wait, the films and exhibits are worth watching, they will also give you a little background prior to the tour.
Tour Highlights
The 45-minute tour moves quickly and is chock full of history and facts. The tours will typically stop in the Rotunda, Crypt, and National Statuary Hall.
- Learn how the US Capitol was built and its significant changes over time
- Hear about George Washington’s connection with the US Capitol
- See famous paintings and murals by Brumidi, Costaggini, Whipple, and Cox
- Try to Find Your State’s statue in the National Statuary Hall
The Galleries – A Bird’s Eye View of U.S. Politics
To visit the galleries, you must have a pass from a Representative or Senator. Both the Senate and House Galleries are open to visitors whenever either body is in session. Check the legislative and events calendars before your visit to confirm whether the elected officials will be present.
Bonus: Once you have completed your tour and have explored the visitor center, don’t miss your chance to visit the Library of Congress. The entrance to the Library of Congress Tunnel is on the second level of the visitor center. There are a lot of great libraries in the United States, and this one is truly amazing!
The US Capitol Building
Capitol Visitor Center
First Street / East Capitol Street
Washington, DC 20515
