Capitol Hill and Library of Congress Tour with Tickets Washington DC

The US Capitol

The US Capitol has housed the Congress since 1800, and it is the most recognisable building in Washington DC. George Washington laid the cornerstone in 1793, British troops set fire to it in 1814, and the cast-iron dome that dominates the skyline was completed in 1866. The Statue of Freedom on top was placed in 1863, in the middle of the Civil War, which your guide explains as you stand outside.

Your entry ticket includes a docent-led Capitol tour, taken by a separate Capitol guide who leads you through the Crypt, the Rotunda and the Old House chamber, now the National Statuary Hall. Anyone searching for US Capitol tour tickets should note that this tour includes the ticket and the guide, so there is no separate booking to manage.

The Library of Congress

The Library of Congress is the largest library in the world, and its Jefferson Building, opened in 1897, is one of the most richly decorated buildings in the city. The Great Hall has marble stairways, mosaics and painted ceilings, and the octagonal Main Reading Room rises under a high dome. Reserved entry means you avoid a long wait at the door.

Your guide leads you inside and explains the collections, including the Gutenberg Bible and the library that Thomas Jefferson sold to Congress in 1815 after the British burned the earlier collection. Many visitors ask whether the Library of Congress is worth visiting; with a guide, it is often the highlight of the tour.

The Supreme Court

Across the street from the Capitol stands the Supreme Court, a white marble building completed in 1935, with the words Equal Justice Under Law carved above the columns. It is a working court, so it is often closed to visitors. This tour includes a photo stop outside, with entry only on selected days when the building is open.

Even from the outside, the stop helps you understand how the judicial branch fits with the legislature. Your guide explains what the court does, how cases arrive and why the building was designed like a temple. Bring your camera; the steps and the columns make a good photograph.

Capitol Hill: the grounds and the Visitor Center

Capitol Hill is a neighbourhood as well as a legislative complex, with tree-lined streets, historic row houses and the grounds of the Capitol designed in the nineteenth century. The tour begins with a walk around the grounds, with commentary on the buildings, the statues and the views. The nearby Senate office buildings and the House Triangle are also part of the story.

The underground Capitol Visitor Center, opened in 2008, is where you gather for the Capitol tour, and it contains exhibits, a plaster model of the Statue of Freedom and a selection of statues from the National Statuary Collection. Ask your guide for the best angle to photograph the full Capitol.

Planning your visit: security, timing and how to get there

Everyone must pass security screening to enter the federal buildings. No ID is required, but strict limits apply: no liquids, food, sprays, sharp objects or large bags. Please travel light. The meeting point is on Capitol Hill, and the exact spot is on your voucher.

To reach Capitol Hill, most visitors take the Metro to Capitol South or Union Station and walk. The tour is offered at 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM and lasts about three hours. The tour is in English, and opening hours and schedules change, so buildings may close for special events.