United States
District of Columbia (DC)
Washington DC
Washington DC Attractions
U.S. Capitol

U.S. Capitol, Washington DC

See all things to do

U.S. Capitol

See all things to do
See all things to do
U.S. Capitol
4.5
6,969
#16 of 490 things to do in Washington DC
Government Buildings
Monday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
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About
The Capitol is among the most architecturally impressive and symbolically important buildings in the world. The Senate and the House of Representatives have met here for more than two centuries. Begun in 1793, the Capitol has been built, burnt, rebuilt, extended, and restored; today, it stands as a monument not only to its builders but also to the American people and their government.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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The area
Address
How to get there
  • Capitol South • 7 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
2,486 within 5 kms
sweetgreen Capitol Hill
224
0.4 km$ • American • Fast food • Vegetarian Friendly
We the Pizza
947
0.5 km$ • Quick Bites • Italian • Pizza
Sonoma Restaurant + Wine Bar
317
0.4 km$$ - $$$ • American • Wine Bar • Vegetarian Friendly
Good Stuff Eatery
1,012
0.5 km$ • Quick Bites • American • Fast food
The Monocle
207
0.5 km$$ - $$$ • American • Steakhouse • Seafood
Bistro Cacao
370
0.7 km$$$$ • French • European • Vegetarian Friendly
US Capitol Visitor Center Restaurant
138
0.2 km$$ - $$$ • American • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Tortilla Coast
411
0.5 km$$ - $$$ • Mexican • Southwestern • Vegetarian Friendly
Cafe Berlin
369
0.7 km$$ - $$$ • German • International • European
Firehook Bakery
74
0.4 km$ • Bakeries • American • Cafe
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Attractions
363 within 5 kms
Supreme Court
1,484
0.1 kmGovernment Buildings
Library of Congress
9,008
0.2 kmLibraries • Government Buildings
U.S. Capitol Visitor Center
1,010
0.2 kmVisitor Centres
James A. Garfield Monument
3
0.2 kmMonuments & Statues
Senate and House Office Buildings
230
0.3 kmGovernment Buildings
Folger Shakespeare Library
218
0.3 kmLibraries
Florida House
12
0.2 kmHistoric Sites
Capitol Hill
3,443
0.5 kmNeighbourhoods • Historic Walking Areas
Belmont-Paul Women's Equality National Monument House and Museum
53
0.3 kmHistoric Sites • History Museums
Folger Theater
15
0.3 kmTheatres
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Popular mentions
4.5
6,969 reviews
Excellent
4,648
Very good
1,660
Average
489
Poor
120
Terrible
52
TravelQ6492QE
346452,834 contributions
Closed
Oct 2021
Everything was fenced off and blocked. The only access was the front lawn. I was greatly disappointed. Could not get an answer if it was for the women's march, a movie, or other. So, we walked around to the botanical gardens and walked past the massive congressional office building which was also closed (Saturday). A good walk, nice views, but if the Capital is closed, don't bother.
The reflecting pool is gross and mosquito larvae are aplenty. Why can't they figure out to add guppies to eat the larvae and green algae?
Written 3 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Vicky Silve
Abbadia Lariana, Italy328 contributions
The US Capitol
Jun 2021
Seeing the US Capitol was like a dream coming true to me. I’ve always dreamed to see it live and I can say it worths the visit. I lost the count of how many times I’ve seen it on books, magazines, TV and movies… one of the most iconic buildings in the world!
Written 29 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
TRivers142
Boston, Massachusetts203 contributions
United We Stand
Sep 2021
An awe inspiring structure that exudes the power of our nation. At the moment you can only see it from the out side but that will be enough to rekindle you love of this nation.
Written 7 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
HappyPlace61
Bayville, NJ80 contributions
Gave Me Chills
Aug 2021
The U.S. Capitol is a beautiful piece of architecture. See it at night and during the day to get both perspectives. It is chilling to see the damage caused by the Jan 6th insurrection and the repairs that must be done. It is an example of how resilient is our country.
Written 24 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
blairkk25
New Jersey2,465 contributions
Still a lot to see from the outside
Aug 2021
I walked two times to the US Capitol during my August 2021 visit to Washington DC. Although the US Capitol Visitors Center is closed and tours are not being given for obvious reasons, it is still enjoyable to walk around the grounds. I walked around the Reflecting Pool, Grant Monument, Garfield Monument and Peace Monument. I was able to get near the steps but there are fences and you can't go any further. I also walked up Capitol Hill to the back side to the Library of Congress (open to visitors) and the Supreme Court (closed to visitors). It is still enjoyable to walk around the US Capitol - even on a hot and humid day and take photos and admire the building despite the fact that the Visitors Center is closed and tours are not being given.
Written 20 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Tori
Stanford, CA48 contributions
very impressive building
Aug 2021
I would recommend doing the interior tour if offered and the exterior tour. it's pretty for a photo op but there is so much to learn about the building
Written 18 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
JP G
12 contributions
Tourist central must see
Apr 2021
It’s life changing tour you must see if your there. It’s cool that start with a major movie theater per say like Disney show and then takes around to absorb really American history of intellectual educated and considerate white people who care about America and its people regardless of race color and religion. It a place they will really change you and remind you of the founding father original principle of life freedom and pursuit of happiness. Note the founding grand father of press changed it to Life, Freedom, and pursuit of Land.
Written 11 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
jacob w
Long Island, NY41 contributions
incredible design
Jul 2021
so iconic . i truly believe that everyone should go to just admire the building at least once in their lifetime. one of the most memorable moments from our dc trip was taking in the beauty of this building!!
Written 1 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Sandy W
Phoenix, AZ344 contributions
Very impressive building. Not to be missed.
Jul 2021
Beautiful building, and we found it amazing how everything lines up, from the White House, Washington Memorial to the Capitol. Unfortunately one is not allowed to get close, railings preventing visitors from going up the steps. We did sit on the grass though and had a mini picnic. Well worth visiting.
Written 26 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Judy W
Rowley, MA51 contributions
Proud to be an American
Jul 2021
We wanted to visit the Capitol to pay our respect for what had happened in January. The building is grand and stunning. The flags were risen which meant the house was in session. I knew our leaders that we elected were inside making decisions to take care of the American people. Proud is the best word I could use to describe the feeling we got while viewing it.
We took many picture and I also bought a tiny replica for my desk. A memorable moment in our lives. Wished we could have looked inside but many ruined that for us.
Written 26 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Frequently Asked Questions about U.S. Capitol
U.S. Capitol is open:
  • Mon - Sat 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
We recommend booking U.S. Capitol tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 113 U.S. Capitol tours on Tripadvisor