WASHINGTON, D.C.
The best way to spend a day in D.C.
The 15 best private 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.
Washington DC at night: a 3-hour bus tour with 10+ lit monument photo stops, guided narration, and optional museum upgrades.
Most Popular“Our guide was knowledgeable, considerate, and very friendly. She made the experience more than just seeing the sights.”
Private 4-hour Washington DC tour with hotel pickup, luxury van rides, key memorials and Arlington, plus flexible stops for up to 5.
“Oh my goodness, if you go to DC do this tour! We saw so much in four hours! Jeik was incredible and very accommodating. We got to spend extra time at the memorials we wanted to see (Jefferson, WW2, Arlington), less at the ones that were not as much of a priority for our family.…”
Private 7:30pm DC night monuments tour with hotel pickup, photo stops at iconic memorials, flexible timing, and an expert guide for up to 10.
“Great tour with multiple stops at specific locations. Our guide picked us up at our Airbnb on time. He was very knowledgeable and professional. The evening was as expected and enjoyed by all four of us.”
Private multilingual DC monument tour with hotel pickup, a comfortable SUV, and photo stops at Lincoln, Jefferson, Capitol, and more in 4 hours.
“Super knowledgeable and friendly driver. Gilberto was awesome! I highly recommend him! Thanks for a great trip.”
A semi-private National Archives skip-the-line tour in Washington DC. See the Constitution and other originals with small-group storytelling.
“Meribeth was very sweet and knowledgeable. We had a wonderful experience. So glad we did it. Would do it again.”
Private DC monuments tour by limousine with hotel pickup, photo-friendly stops, and flexible timing to see the Mall and memorials without leg burnout.
“This was such a great experience! Fully customizable. Maaz was so informative and courteous. Very clean and nice vehicle. Very professional!!! Would do this again!!!”
Private Washington DC tour with White House views, National Mall memorials, and Arlington changing of the guard, customized in a 4-hour loop.
“Wonderful experience. Louie was a great guide, sharing historical facts and keeping interesting for teenagers!”
Semi-private Smithsonian Air & Space guided tour for up to 8 people, covering iconic aircraft and Apollo-era space artifacts in 2.5 hours.
“Really great tour with Ryan, moved at a really good pace and great to have his expertise to guide you through such an incredible museum… Thanks Ryan”
Private DC moonlight monuments tour by van with hotel pickup, free stops at major memorials, and a relaxed evening pace.
“Bobby was a fantastic tour guide with an overview of history in an entertaining manner. Our family of 5 all had great views of the sites in the comfy van with great A/C. Seeing the town in the evening was cooler on a hot summer day, plus less crowded. The lights of the monuments made…”
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.”
Private custom guided Washington DC tour for up to 4, with Arlington, Capitol, National Cathedral, Mall monuments, Ford’s Theatre, Archives.
“Alan is prompt, courteous & very knowledgeable. There's simply no way to see everything we did in a day on your own in DC. We also learned so much new information about the history of DC. A great experience that is worth the time and investment. Thank you Alan! From the 87, to the big…”
Private DC highlights in a comfortable van with pickup and smart routing to see the White House, Lincoln, Jefferson, National Mall, and more.
“Great way to see the monuments! We would never have covered this much in a morning by ourselves. The tour guide was interesting, knowledgeable and friendly.”
Semi-private Arlington walk with a guide, JFK and Unknown Soldier highlights, possible Changing of the Guard, plus Lee House and shuttle memorials.
“Rebecca was a great guide! She has over 14 years of experience giving tours in the DC area and she had a wealth of information to share with us. Loved the history of the cemetery as well as what the future holds for the now limited space available.”
Private 3-hour bike tour of Washington DC with hotel pickup, snacks, and a custom route through the White House, Capitol Hill, and memorials.
“If there’s one thing you do while visiting DC with 11-year-old kids it’s Jeff tour. We spent the day with him and had truly the greatest time if we left the day after our trip to DC would be complete. He was patient knowledgeable, and wonderful company for the day. I can’t wait to book…”
Private 4-hour Washington DC SUV tour for up to 6 with multilingual guides. See major monuments, plus Virginia stops. Day or night.
“Very pleasant gentleman, and very informative day.”
Every corner of the capital, and every way to see it.
