Tour the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C., and discover American history, stunning architecture, and the heart of representative democracy.
Washington, D.C.
1 Hour
Spring, Fall
Free
Overview
A tour of the U.S. Capitol Building is one of the best ways to experience the history and government of the United States while visiting Washington, D.C. Whether you are interested in American history, traveling with kids, or simply want to see one of the nation’s most recognizable landmarks, the Capitol tour offers a fascinating look inside this magnificent building. The experience begins at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center and includes a guided tour led by professional tour guides. Along the way, visitors learn about the U.S. Congress, the U.S. House of Representatives, the U.S. Senate, and the important role the Capitol continues to play in our representative democracy.
The history of the U.S. Capitol dates back to September 18, 1793, when George Washington laid the cornerstone for the building. Construction continued through the early years of the new government, and Congress moved into the Capitol in 1800. The south wing, which became home to the House of Representatives, was completed in 1807. However, the Capitol’s early history was not without challenges. British forces burned the building during the War of 1812 in 1814, and reconstruction began soon afterward.
As the United States grew, so did Congress. The Capitol underwent major construction in the 1850s and 1860s, including the addition of its enormous cast-iron dome. The Statue of Freedom was placed atop the dome in 1863, and the dome was completed in 1866. Today, the Capitol remains both a working government building and a powerful symbol of the American people and representative government.
The building also has an important connection to major moments in American history. Presidents are inaugurated at the Capitol, major ceremonies take place here, and the building continues to serve as the meeting place of the nation’s legislative bodies. Even though it is a working office building, public tours allow visitors to experience several of its most historic spaces.
Touring the U.S. Capitol Building Plan
We were planning a trip to visit family in the Washington, D.C., area, so we decided to add a tour of the U.S. Capitol Building to our plans. Since we were already going to be in the nation’s capital, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to experience the Capitol in person rather than simply seeing it from the National Mall. We planned to reserve our tour passes in advance and build the rest of our day around Capitol Hill, giving us time to explore nearby attractions such as the Library of Congress, U.S. Botanic Garden, and Supreme Court.
Justin and Stephanie waiting outside for our tour time
Walking up to the Visitors Center at the US Capitol Building
Getting There
Location
Washington, D.C., is the capital of the United States and is located along the Potomac River between Maryland and Virginia. The city is home to many of the country’s most important government buildings, monuments, memorials, museums, and historic sites. The U.S. Capitol sits on Capitol Hill at the eastern end of the National Mall, making it an easy addition to a day of sightseeing in the nation’s capital.
Washington, D.C., is a particularly convenient destination for history lovers because many major attractions are located within walking distance of one another. From the Capitol, visitors can explore the Library of Congress, U.S. Botanic Garden, National Mall, and other important landmarks.
Best Time to Go
Spring and fall are generally the most comfortable times to visit Washington, D.C. Spring brings pleasant temperatures and the famous cherry blossoms, while fall offers cooler weather and colorful foliage. Washington, D.C., tourism officials describe autumn as one of the city’s best seasons because of its comfortable weather and fall scenery.
Summer can be hot and humid, but it is still a popular time for family vacations. Winter tends to have fewer visitors, although temperatures can be chilly. If your main goal is a Capitol tour, consider visiting on a weekday morning when the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center is usually less crowded.
Keep federal holidays in mind when planning your visit. The Capitol Visitor Center is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and Inauguration Day.
Looking up at the ceiling in the Rotunda
The walls are ornately decorated in the Rotunda
Tour of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C.
Who Can Go?
The U.S. Capitol welcomes visitors from across the United States and around the world. Families, individual travelers, international visitors, school groups, and people with official business appointments can visit the Capitol, although some access and tour arrangements vary depending on the purpose of the visit.
The Capitol Visitor Center is fully accessible, and adaptive tours of the Capitol are available. The Visitor Center also offers services such as wheelchairs, open captioning, and sign-language interpreting services. Strollers are permitted, and baby-changing stations are available in the family restrooms.
International visitors can also find helpful resources, including follow-along Capitol tour handouts in multiple languages.
What You'll See
The standard tour of the U.S. Capitol takes visitors through some of the building’s most impressive historic spaces. The tour route includes the Crypt, Rotunda, and National Statuary Hall, although the exact route can change. Professional tour guides explain the history, architecture, artwork, and significance of the Capitol along the way.
The Rotunda is perhaps the highlight of the Capitol experience. This enormous circular room beneath the Capitol Dome features historic paintings and the famous Apotheosis of Washington painted on the interior of the dome. The Rotunda has served as the setting for important national ceremonies and remains one of the most recognizable spaces in the United States Capitol.
You’ll also visit National Statuary Hall, which was originally the House Chamber. Today, it contains statues representing people important to the history of the states and the nation. The Crypt, located beneath the Rotunda, is another important stop along the tour route.
Before the guided tour begins, visitors can watch Out of Many, One, a 13-minute film explaining the creation of the country’s new form of government and the role Congress plays in the daily lives of Americans.
The Exhibition Hall is another area worth exploring. Its interactive exhibits tell the story of Congress and the Capitol and include hands-on activities, virtual tours, models, and information about how citizens interact with their members of Congress.
One thing to remember is that the standard Capitol tour does not include the House or Senate Galleries. Visitors who want to watch the U.S. House of Representatives or U.S. Senate in session need separate gallery passes, which can be obtained through the offices of their senators or representative.
Inside the US Capitol Building Visitor Center
The ceilings were so pretty inside the building
What to Bring & Wear
Wear comfortable shoes because a visit to the Capitol involves walking, standing, security screening, and potentially walking several blocks between nearby attractions. Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing is also a good idea, especially if you plan to combine your Capitol tour with sightseeing around Capitol Hill or the National Mall.
Bring your tour reservation confirmation or confirmation number, a phone or camera for photos where permitted, and only items that are allowed through security. Be sure to review the official prohibited items list before arriving because all visitors entering the Capitol must go through security screening.
Families traveling with young children will be glad to know that strollers are permitted in the Capitol Visitor Center, and family restrooms include baby-changing stations.
Where to Go
The main entrance for visitors is the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, located underground beneath the East Front Plaza of the U.S. Capitol at First Street and East Capitol Street. This is where you should go for a scheduled tour of the historic Capitol.
Once inside the Visitor Center, head to the lower level and look for the Information Desks in Emancipation Hall. Visitors with advance reservations can use their confirmation information to receive their Capitol tour pass. A limited number of same-day passes may also be available at the Information Desks.
The Visitor Center is conveniently located on the east side of the Capitol and provides direct access to several visitor services. After your tour, you can explore the Exhibition Hall, visit the gift shop, or stop at the Capitol Cafe.
If you want to visit the Library of Congress, there is also direct access from the upper level of the Capitol Visitor Center to the historic Thomas Jefferson Building through the Library of Congress Tunnel.
Public transportation is a convenient way to reach the Capitol. Union Station and Capitol South are the closest Metrorail stops, although visitors should still allow time to walk from the station to the Visitor Center and go through security.
How Long Does it Take?
Plan on about one hour for the guided Capitol tour, including the major tour stops. The experience also begins with the 13-minute orientation film, so you’ll want to allow additional time for the film, security screening, getting your tour pass, and exploring the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center.
If you want to explore the Exhibition Hall, visit the gift shop, or combine the Capitol tour with nearby attractions, plan on spending several hours in the area. A full day on Capitol Hill could easily include the Capitol, Library of Congress, U.S. Botanic Garden, and Supreme Court.
Looking inside the Old Supreme Court Chamber
More views of the Old Supreme Court Chamber
Cost
One of the best things about a tour of the U.S. Capitol is that it is free. Admission to the Capitol Visitor Center and all regular tours, programs, and activities are free of charge. Although tour passes are required, reservations are recommended rather than required, and limited same-day passes may be available.
Advance passes can be reserved through the official Capitol Visitor Center website or through the office of one of your senators or your representative.
Tour of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C.
- Reserve your tour in advance. Advance tour reservations are recommended, especially if you have a specific date and time in mind.
- Arrive early. The Capitol recommends arriving at least 60 minutes before your reservation because security screening can take time.
- Check the tour schedule before you go. The last tour of the day begins at 3:20 p.m., and special events can occasionally change the schedule.
- Don't count on a self-guided Capitol tour. Visitors who want to see the historic Capitol must join a guided tour led by professional tour guides.
- Check the Capitol Visitor Center website before your visit. Tours can be unexpectedly suspended or modified, so checking for updates is important.
- Review the prohibited items list. Everyone entering the Capitol must pass through security screening, so knowing what you can and cannot bring will make the process easier.
- Consider public transportation. Union Station and Capitol South are both convenient Metrorail options and can save you the hassle of finding parking.
- Give yourself extra time. The Capitol tour is only part of the Capitol experience. Leave time for the Exhibition Hall, gift shop, and other areas of the Visitor Center.
- Explore Capitol Hill afterward. The Library of Congress, U.S. Botanic Garden, and Supreme Court are all nearby and make natural additions to your day.
- Look into specialty or adaptive tours. The Capitol offers a variety of other services and programs, including adaptive tours and specialty experiences.
- Families should take advantage of the kid-friendly exhibits. The Exhibition Hall and interactive activities can make the history of Congress and the Capitol more engaging for children.
- Remember that House and Senate gallery passes are separate. If seeing Congress in session is important to you, plan for those passes separately from your Capitol tour.
- Check holiday closures. The Visitor Center is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year's Day, and Inauguration Day.