WASHINGTON, D.C.
The best way to spend a day in D.C.
The 15 best guided tours in Washington, with what each one covers, what it costs and how long to set aside. A shortlist for planning real days on and off the National Mall.
A 6-hour Washington DC guided tour with bus-and-walk routing, seasonal Potomac cruise, and an optional glass-top upgrade from $89.
Most Popular“Dion was great as well as the driver highly recommend!! But I accidentally left a bag on the bus how do I get it back ?”
Guided Segway tour in Washington DC: 30-minute training, headset commentary, and fast stops at White House, memorials, and landmarks.
“Great tour, Brandon was an excellent guide. It was nice not to be stuck inside a vehicle looking out at the sights but being able to ride along and get close to them.”
Small-group tour inside the US Capitol plus Library of Congress or Supreme Court, with reserved entry and guided history for $67.
“Meg is very knowledgable and fun. We had a great visit of the Capitol and Library of Congress. Thanks Meg, you are the best!”
See Washington DC’s top memorials and monuments in 4 hours on a small-group van tour from the Grand Hyatt, with exterior views of Capitol and White House.
“The tour hit all of the most important spots you want to see in DC. There is enough time to get off at the different stops and get pictures, walk around ,etc. The tour guide was amazing and accommodating. Would definitely recommend if you are short on time or have mobility issues getting to thr…”
Guided African American history tour in Washington DC with bus commentary, Lincoln and MLK Memorial stops, and reserved museum entry.
“Our guide Dre' was great! Professional and personable. He painted a great tapestry of our history in DC. Ending at the museum is perfect!”
Ride Washington DC’s monuments lit up on an easy 3-hour night bike tour with stops from WWII to Jefferson, plus helmets and lights.
“Informative, great nighttime experience, Jose our guide was great! Easy ride, just the right time at all the attractions.”
Guided Capitol Hill tour with reserved tickets to the U.S. Capitol and Library of Congress, plus tunnels, Rotunda, Crypt, and treasures.
“Hi, i liked the way tour guide Evelyn showed the monuments and made the tour interesting! She has good knowledge on american history, kept the audience engaged and clarified all the questions.”
See DC’s biggest monuments in 2 hours on an open e-cart with a guide, photo stops, and winter blankets for $52.70.
“Don't expect the covered car pictured . If I wouldn't have made this assumption, I wouldn't have booked the tour in 30 degree rainy weather. It was disappointing to see a group actually getting into a covered car and my group directed to the uncovered . All the cars should be covered in the winter…”
A private, 2-hour highlights tour of the Smithsonian Natural History Museum, built around gems, mummies, wildlife, and Ocean Hall.
“The museum has a lot of interesting exhibits. Our tour guide, Brenda did an amazing job walking us thru the geology and gems, mummies, dinosaurs and mammal sections. She was very knowledgeable and helped us maximize our experience by navigating the crowds. Really appreciated her communication prior to the tour with the google map link…”
Skip-the-line expert tour of the National Archives, including the Constitution, Declaration, Bill of Rights, JFK letters, and Magna Carta connections.
“Our guide was great. Very knowledgeable and explained the documents and story behind the documents well. Easily answered any question we had. Great to see history.”
Guided Mount Vernon and Old Town Alexandria tour from DC with air-conditioned transport, live guide, and timed admission in about 5 hours.
“Terry was our guide and she was wonderful! Full of information to share and very patient with all of us.”
One-day Washington highlights from NYC: Lincoln Tunnel, Arlington, National Mall monuments, White House, Capitol time, and photo stops by bus with a guide.
“great fun there was a self- appointed guide , 2 rows before us, who kept talking, very annoying”
Guided small-group tour of the U.S. Capitol and Library of Congress with reserved entry and expert commentary. 3 hours in DC.
“So glad we did this guided tour. Laurel, our guide from Unscripted Tours was brilliant! Without doubt, her knowledge and easy, comfortable manner made it the best thing we did on our trip to Washington. Cannot recommend this experience enough!”
A 2.5-hour guided tour of Smithsonian American History in Washington, DC, covering iconic objects, with an English-speaking guide and free admission.
“Show up early and enjoy the information. Maribeth is an excellent guide. Also she has a great sense of humor.”
A timed, small-group guided sprint through Washington DC aviation and space icons, with spacesuits, moon rocks, and expert stories.
“Air and Space Museum Tour Review with Rebecca If you’re planning a visit to the Air and Space Museum, make sure you take the guided tour — and if you’re lucky enough to have Rebecca as your guide, you’re in for a phenomenal experience. From the moment the tour began, Rebecca brought history to life…”
Every corner of the capital, and every way to see it.
