WASHINGTON, D.C.
The best way to spend a day in D.C.
The 15 best walking 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.
Arlington National Cemetery walking tour with the Changing of the Guards at the Tomb of the Unknowns, plus JFK and other key memorials.
Most Popular“Wow … what can I say … Liam our guide was excellent… very knowledgeable person… the changing of the guard was also excellent to watch (very moving) … well recommended”
Georgetown ghosts at night: Victorian stories, Civil War hospital legends, and the Exorcist Steps finish. $39, about 90 minutes.
“I love a ghost tour, and this one was no exception. The stories were fascinating as well as the peek of talking about how beautiful the homes are in Georgetown.”
A small-group Georgetown walking food tour with four eateries, vegetarian tastings, and a drink pairing, plus stories tied to local landmarks.
“Our tour was canceled at the last minute and we are waiting for a refund still, one month later. Very disappointing.”
A small-group Georgetown walking food tour blending Old Stone House history, C&O Canal stories, and multiple tastings for $84.
“Robert is an amazing tour guide. I have a dairy allergy and he coordinated with each location to ensure there was a substitution. He knows the history and adds interesting stories. I would highly recommend this tour with Robert!”
Haunted Washington DC after dark with a small-group ghost walk from the Supreme Court to the Capitol and Folger Library for $29.99.
“Chris was an excellent guide for this tour. She had a great combination of historical facts and ghostly perspectives. This tour is very family friendly-nothing too gruesome and the walking is about a mile.”
Georgetown history with a licensed guide: canal locks, Old Stone House, and university spires on a 2-hour small-group walk for $49.
“Wayne shared lots of history and saw sites we would have not understood their significance without his insight”
Smithsonian Highlights walk with reserved Air & Space entry, small-group guiding, and must-see stops like the Hope Diamond and Wright Flyer.
“What a great experience on this walking tour of the museum with Shane! He was very knowledgeable of the museums and tailored our visit to the highlights and things we asked to see and were interested. He was patient with us and answered all of our questions and filled the time with everything we wanted…”
Walk U Street’s Black Broadway with a guide, sample standout DC favorites, and learn the neighborhood’s history in 3 hours.
“The black history of the region was very interesting. It was a vibrant community with the blacks helping blacks. Then the riots happened and ruined a good community. We felt like it wasn’t a good value because the food did not justify the high cost. I understand the Ben’s is historical but half smoked dog,…”
Small-group Georgetown food and history walk with multiple tastings, drinks, and local stories. 3 hours, mobile ticket.
“Great energy, great food accompanied by neighborhood history . Our guide Me a was excellent . Highly recommend.”
Dark Nights in D.C. is a 9 pm haunted walking tour through Washington DC’s spooky landmarks, with 90 minutes of true-crime style storytelling.
“Guide was knowledgeable, funny, and well spoken. Tour was fun and recommend to everyone wanting to see a little more of dc than you normally would!”
A 90-minute haunted night walk on Capitol Hill with costumed guides sharing ghost stories and presidential history near DC’s most iconic buildings.
“Our tour guide, Davy Crockett, was awesome. He is very knowledgeable about DC and all things on Capitol Hill. It is clear to see and hear that he loves this country, city, and their history.”
Haunted walking tour near the White House with 8 stops, lantern-led ghost stories, and a final recap at the Treasury Building.
“Mr map was great tour guide and I definitely recommend this tour.”
3-hour DC walk from White House gates to the Washington Monument, then reserved entry to the African American History and Culture Museum.
“This tour and our guide was incredible he was very knowledgeable and kept us engaged the entire time. 10/10 highly recommended!!”
Air-conditioned 4-hour DC cherry blossom bus tour with Tidal Basin guided walk, Lincoln to WWII memorials, photo time. $59.
“Tour guide (Nicholas) was very knowledgeable and friendly. More walking than I expected but that was OK. The cherry blossoms were in full bloom and walking through them was almost a magical experience.”
See the Capitol, Supreme Court, and Library of Congress highlights in 3 hours, with timed access and a docent-led Capitol tour.
“Becca the guide was excellent! Beautiful tours of the Supreme Court, Library of Congress and Capitol.”
Every corner of the capital, and every way to see it.
