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Guided Tours: Buildings on Capitol Hill

Guided Tours: Buildings on Capitol Hill

Official Tours of the U.S. Capitol Building are offered Monday through Saturday, 8:50 a.m. to 3:20 p.m.

U.S. Capitol Building

Guided tours of the U.S. Capitol Building are free of charge and are conducted Monday through Saturday, 8:50 a.m. to 3:20 p.m. Tours must be booked in advance and schedules can fill up quickly (particularly in spring), so it is advisable that you book your tour well in advance.

Tours of the historic Capitol Building begin at the orientation theaters with a 13-minute film, "Out of Many, One," which will take you on a journey through our country's struggle to establish the world's first truly representative democracy and introduce you to the magnificent building that houses our Congress.

U.S. residents can book a tour through the office of their Representative or Senator. Tours can also be arranged directly through the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center using the online reservation system.

A number of items are prohibited in the Capitol Building, including food or beverages of any kind. Read the complete list of prohibited items before arrival.

More information: http://www.visitthecapitol.gov

 

U.S. Botanic Garden

Free 45-minute highlight tours of the U.S. Botanic Garden Conservatory may be available on the day of your visit. Check at the Visitor Information Desk upon your arrival. Tickets are not required to visit the Conservatory or Garden; some special programs require advance registration.
 
More information: http://www.usbg.gov/visit
 
 
Library of Congress
 
The Library of Congress offers hour-long, fully accessible docent-led tours of the historic Thomas Jefferson Building. During your tour you will learn about the Building’s symbolic art and architecture and view the grandeur of the Main Reading Room. No advance reservation or tickets are needed for individuals or families. Group information is available at http://www.loc.gov/visit/tours/.
 
More information: http://www.loc.gov/visit/
 
 
Supreme Court of the United States
 
Although the Supreme Court does not offer guided walking tours, visitors are encouraged to tour the building on their own and take advantage of a variety of educational programs including Courtroom Lectures, a visitors’ film, and court-related exhibitions.