WASHINGTON, D.C.
The best way to spend a day in D.C.
The 15 best historical 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.
Guided African American history tour in Washington DC with bus commentary, Lincoln and MLK Memorial stops, and reserved museum entry.
Most Popular“It's informative and educational. Dre is an exceptional tour guide!I gained knowledge about historic events and figures”
See DC’s biggest monuments in 2 hours on an open e-cart with a guide, photo stops, and winter blankets for $52.70.
“Wonderful experience. Enjoyed the sites and took tons of photos. The guide was pleasant and knowledgeable. I would highly recommend.”
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…”
Small-group DC African American history tour to the National Mall, ending with museum tickets for the African American History Museum.
“I learned a lot about the history and contributions of many prominent African American figures in the D.C. area. The museum is incredible with so much to see, read, hear and learn.”
Georgetown history with a licensed guide: canal locks, Old Stone House, and university spires on a 2-hour small-group walk for $49.
“Enjoyable, well-paced tour that gave a lot a historical as well as trivial (and I mean that in a good way) info. Eli was a great guide, injecting humor into his narrative.”
4-hour African American history bus tour with timed Smithsonian entry. See key DC monuments, neighborhoods, and the stories behind them for $89.
“Dre was awesome. Very informative, I learned a lot.”
Walk U Street’s Black Broadway with a guide, sample standout DC favorites, and learn the neighborhood’s history in 3 hours.
“Generally, weaving histoical underpinnings of the neighborhood together with the food samplings. Ethiopian food stop was a new experience for me and my spouse and we really enjoyed it. Also the portions were ample!”
A 2.5-hour guided tour of Smithsonian American History in Washington, DC, covering iconic objects, with an English-speaking guide and free admission.
“Really great guide, Rebecca. Showed us some highlights but did not overwhelm with trying to fit too much in our two hour tour. Liked the small group size.”
Small-group Georgetown food and history walk with multiple tastings, drinks, and local stories. 3 hours, mobile ticket.
“Neka was a fun storyteller with an authentic and lovable spirit. A Howard grad with a passion for history, food, and local heros.”
Small-group history pub crawl near the White House in Washington, DC. 4 bars, real stories, and drinks you buy along the way.
“There were only four persons on the tour but we had a blast. The stories our tour guide Dalton gave were very interesting. I highly recommend this tour!”
Small-group 2-hour guided highlights at the Smithsonian Natural History Museum: Hope Diamond, mummies, and Ocean Hall’s Phoenix whale.
“Informative and time efficient way to see a lot of the museum. Highly Recommended. Worth the investment”
A 2-hour guided sprint through the Smithsonian’s Natural History highlights, including dinosaurs, gems, mummies, and early humans. $75.
“We had a great visit to the Smithsonian natural history museum! Nur was fantastic and had a lot of great knowledge of the exhibits and Washington history! We loved our tour”
A semi-private, up-to-8 Smithsonian American History tour in Washington DC, covering the anthem banner, Washington sword, Dorothy slippers, and more.
“The tour guide was thorough, kind & knowledgeable! She picked great selections in the museum to highlight. She made everyone feel included.”
DC monuments in 2 hours via a small open-air guided minibus, with photo stops, group photos, and expert local context.
“We have been to DC several times already and this is our first time to experience this tour. It was very convenient as it will save you time and our guide was very knowledgable. I highly recommend this tour.”
2-hour small-group van tour of Washington, D.C. with AC, guided stories, and photo stops at top monuments for $40.
“Tour guide was excellent. Enjoyed his stories and explanations. He was friendly and professional. Heat index that day was at 106, so the drive in an open air vehicle was very hot, but the guide did the best he could.”
Every corner of the capital, and every way to see it.
