U.S. Capitol
U.S. Capitol
4.5
Monday
8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Tuesday
8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Wednesday
8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Thursday
8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
About
Please note that tour reservations are required for entry.
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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Plan your visit
The area
Address
How to get there
- Capitol South • 7 min walk
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
7,046 reviews
Excellent
4,705
Very good
1,671
Average
495
Poor
121
Terrible
54
ctimms125
Austin, TX67 contributions
Nov 2022
We were told that there was no way to get in without a reservation but we tried anyway and we got in in just a few minutes. It was really amazing to be in such a beautiful and historic place. The sculptures are fantastic. It is so hard to imagine that anyone would desecrate such an amazing, important, and beautiful place. It was impossible for me not to be furious at the insurrectionists of January 6th. The US Capitol should be treated with reverence.
Written 29 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Tim-1664
Liverpool, UK374 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
Really good tour. Knowledge guide, friendly staff. You need to book in advance (it’s free) but makes it easier. It was quiet when we sent but we got told summer is extremely busy, so make sure you book early.
Definitely recommend
Definitely recommend
Written 19 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Michelle M
Boston, MA39 contributions
Jan 2023
The Rotunda, Crypt, and old Supreme Court chambers were part of our tour. Also love the gallery -- we went first week in January when crowds were very low!
Written 5 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dianna R
3 contributions
Dec 2022 • Family
Tours are well organized, but must be booked in advance. Security is comparable to airport security. Liquids and food are not allowed so plan accordingly. It’s beautiful inside and you’ll learn lots from your tour guide! Definitely recommend.
Written 1 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
dfb260
Staunton, VA352 contributions
Dec 2022
A nice tour and there is much to look at in the exhibits. You must book a free tour in advance! Nice movies explain the functioning of the government in relatively simple terms.
Written 31 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Andrew N
Hendersonville, NC107 contributions
Dec 2022 • Family
It was a great guided tour and our tour guide was very knowledgeable. It was amazing to see the rotunda and statues. There were several tours going on at one time so it was a little crowded. Timed entry tickets were required. Be sure to get there early to allow time to get through security.
Written 31 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Christopher G
Oxted, UK501 contributions
Nov 2022
Well worth booking and taking the free guided tours of this iconic building, the guides are so knowledgeable and bring the USA's political history to life
Written 28 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Leonhkny
Hong Kong, China11,317 contributions
Dec 2022
This is one of the most iconic buildings in Washington DC. The symbol of US legislature, the Capitol has the most recognizable dome in the world. Mired by the riot, part of it is covered in scaffolds. Do book the guided tour well in advance if you really want to get inside (legally).
Written 16 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Tandoori
Saint Paul, MN408 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
We did the basic tour. Short but worth the visit. Our guide Mr Peet was excellent. There is plenty to look at if you arrive early (exhibitions hall just updated).
Written 12 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
quadmw
Canon City, CO17 contributions
Nov 2022 • Couples
I never dreamed the US Capitol was created with such beauty and eye catching design. Wow. Will most definitely have to go see it again and again.
Written 19 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ELKW
United States11,537 contributions
Hi, I see from the official website that no liquid (include water) and food in the capitol, so if we have water and food, then will there be a place for us to put those items? and get them back after the tour? also how long does the line up for security check? if I book the tour at 2pm, when when should I arrive? 15 min or 30 min earlier? thanks
helenandpaul13
Worcester, UK1,538 contributions
If you have a tour pre-arranged, you should arrive about 15/20 minutes early. After the security checks, you need to walk to the ticket booths which are situated downstairs at the end of the main hall to get your tickets and stickers to put on your jacket. As for taking drinks in, you are not allowed to take any in and there are receptacles outside to leave them in. No exceptions apparently. The entrance to the Capitol building is on the East side, which is the opposite side to that seen at the end of the Mall. If you want food, there is a restaurant at the far end of the hall. However, the food, although fine in quality, might be a little expensive. Hope this assists
Mike R
13 contributions
Due to time constraints, are we allowed to visit the Visitor's Center without taking a tour? If so, will we still need to have photo ID's? (My adult son does not drive and does not have one)
RVSVD
Spring Branch, TX301 contributions
You need some sort of government issued I'd. When you sign up online the tour is included, no fees and you cannot tour solo.
Minstrel80
1 contribution
Hi, some of the tours say ‘includes access to capitol building’ but it’s unclear which bits! Could someone please recommend a tour which allows us to see as much as possible inside. We are travelling from the UK. Thank you!
ljkochanowski
Bostic, NC25 contributions
The capital tour is free. It takes off several times per hour. The guides are excellent very knowledgeable. It is the only way to see the Capital. You must be escorted and have special passes otherwise. Highly recommended but does require significant walking & of course security checks
I read somewhere that camera extension arms are not allowed during the whole visit. Aren't grips either allowed? The one that holds my GoPro is about 7.5 inches
241sarnold
Martinsville, IN10 contributions
They mentioned selfie sticks when I went through. Not sure how that may apply in your case.
Jennifer B
Seattle, WA11 contributions
Hi - I'm going next month with my two teenage boys. Do I need to sign up with a tour company ahead of time or do we just go to the capitol and they take us for a tour? Thanks
Summer M
Fort Worth, TX7 contributions
I signed up ahead of time so we didn’t have to wait in line. Just showed up 10 min before our tour time. Definitely do the tour! It’s worth it to learn all of the interesting stories you wouldn’t learn by looking at the artifacts.
All-of-Creation
Monroe, NC765 contributions
Is there parking near the US Capitol building?
krocking123
New York City, NY912 contributions
parking garage near the newseum and walk.. we left are car there all day and walked to all the attractions.
Sharon5212
Louisville, KY5 contributions
I have a tour booked with our state rep, approximately how long does the tour take? Thank you!
mizzou96
Houston, TX86 contributions
Ours was about an hour and a half.
Andher V
22 contributions
hello all, i am a wheerlchair user and have the opportunity to visit DC in october. Is the city wheelchair friendly? thans for the answes and hope to be there!
CarmenL2112
Elk Grove, CA69 contributions
Yes, the city is wheelchair friendly. You can find elevators in Metro, museums, US Capitol,..., for friends that need to use wheelchair. We attended a tour in US Capitol. One man in our group was in a wheelchair. The guide would lead him to use the elevator while the rest of use used the stairs to get up and down the building. No problem at all.
U.S. Capitol, Washington DC
Frequently Asked Questions about U.S. Capitol
- U.S. Capitol is open:
- Mon - Fri 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
- 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 128 U.S. Capitol tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near U.S. Capitol:
- (0.47 km) Capitol Hill Hotel
- (0.79 km) Kimpton The George
- (0.86 km) Phoenix Park Hotel
- (0.86 km) Hilton Washington DC Capitol Hill
- (0.76 km) Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill
- Restaurants near U.S. Capitol:
- (0.17 km) US Capitol Visitor Center Restaurant
- (0.12 km) The Supreme Court Cafeteria
- (0.42 km) sweetgreen Capitol Hill
- (0.50 km) We the Pizza
- (0.49 km) Good Stuff Eatery
- Attractions near U.S. Capitol:
- (0.17 km) Library of Congress
- (0.12 km) Supreme Court
- (0.20 km) U.S. Capitol Visitor Center
- (0.17 km) James A. Garfield Monument
- (0.28 km) Senate and House Office Buildings