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“Meg, my tour guide was amazing. So very knowledgeable, personable and concerned about my needs. (Knee replacement 10 months ago) my first time to ANC and I would highly recommend unscripted tours.”
Georgetown ghosts at night: Victorian stories, Civil War hospital legends, and the Exorcist Steps finish. $39, about 90 minutes.
“We had a great tour on 11/1 ! Our tour guide was excellent, and the stories were very entertaining. We enjoyed learning about Georgetown, as well as all the interesting and spooky bits of information given. Very fun time.!”
A small-group Georgetown walking food tour with four eateries, vegetarian tastings, and a drink pairing, plus stories tied to local landmarks.
“We had a great time with Jacob on the tour. He was friendly, knowledgeable, and had a funny sense of humor. The Ethiopian restaurant was star of the show! We loved seeing Julia Childs home and the history that went with it. Great job, Jacob!! If you’re reading this, don’t think twice, book the tour.…”
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.
“We booked a last minute tour on Easter day. So glad that Rizzo was available. It was almost a private tour as there was only one other participant. Rizzo has a masters in history and it was apparent during the tour. She definitely did her research! The tour was very informative and as spooky as…”
Georgetown history with a licensed guide: canal locks, Old Stone House, and university spires on a 2-hour small-group walk for $49.
“Superb walking tour with Ingeborg. Extremely knowledgeable and entertaining, with a good dollop of gossip! Learnt so much more than if just walking around with google. Highly recommend”
Smithsonian Highlights walk with reserved Air & Space entry, small-group guiding, and must-see stops like the Hope Diamond and Wright Flyer.
“Very good tour and excellent guide!!!i highly recommend this agency and our guide it is a lot to see”
Walk U Street’s Black Broadway with a guide, sample standout DC favorites, and learn the neighborhood’s history in 3 hours.
“The guide was fabulous, and the history was outstanding. The food was so-so - 4 stops with one being a regular ice cream store. Interesting foods, but not always tasty.”
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.
“Love a tour guide with a personality! She was so fun. I learned a ton of information that I didn’t know!”
A 90-minute haunted night walk on Capitol Hill with costumed guides sharing ghost stories and presidential history near DC’s most iconic buildings.
“We loved it! We had Davey Crockett and he was so realistic! It was more of a history tour than a ghost tour - so definitely family friendly. We have lived in DC our whole lives and learned many new things. It’s also nice to walk around the Capitol grounds at night! A unique experience.…”
Haunted walking tour near the White House with 8 stops, lantern-led ghost stories, and a final recap at the Treasury Building.
“It was very informative and fun! Definitely recommend”
3-hour DC walk from White House gates to the Washington Monument, then reserved entry to the African American History and Culture Museum.
“Nur was great . He was very informative and engaging. 10/10 highly recommend!!!”
Air-conditioned 4-hour DC cherry blossom bus tour with Tidal Basin guided walk, Lincoln to WWII memorials, photo time. $59.
“The guide & driver were very informative. Unfortunately, the booking did not include information/disclaimers on potential changes due to DC traffic. The information stated there would be light walking which is why I booked it. Due to traffic we couldn’t make all the stops & ended up doing more walking than anticipated. When you are…”
See the Capitol, Supreme Court, and Library of Congress highlights in 3 hours, with timed access and a docent-led Capitol tour.
“Eli was a wonderful tour guide. He had good communication on where to meet and giving directions. The 3 areas we visited was wonderful. Eli obtained timed tickets to the Capitol also which made it much easier. I had my 11 year old son who really enjoyed seeing all the architecture. It is quite a…”
Every corner of the capital, and every way to see it.
