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The U.S. Capitol reserves the right to suspend scheduled tours at any time and for any reason.  To cancel your tour of the United States Capitol, please have your confirmation number available.  You may cancel your tour at visitthecapitol.gov or by calling 202-226-8000.

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Take a tour of the historic Capitol, where you can see the Crypt of the Capitol, the Rotunda, and National Statuary Hall.

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8 Best US Capitol Tours

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There are so many spectacular things to do in Washington DC that it would take a lifetime to see them all – but let’s face it, the political sites top the list! That’s why US Capitol Tours are a must when visiting Washington DC .

Take a look at my top picks below, offering something for everyone. Whether you want to explore Capitol Hill on foot or by electric cart or hear all about its spooky past, we’ve got you covered. Alternatively, read on to discover more US Capitol tours.

Want to dive straight in? Browse our catalog now!

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1 – DC Monuments and Capitol Hill Tour by Electric Cart

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 1938 Reviews )

“Great way to see the entire group of main monuments & sights up close without having to navigate or park. Comfort of your own cart & driver who provides great history & stories as you zip from one to the next.” Jenifer. Viator

This is both good for the brain and good for the earth, and a fascinating way of getting around!

Electric carts are still fast enough to get around lots of different areas, but also give you the chance to enjoy these iconic spots at closer range.

Hop aboard your Red Roadster and see all that the Capitol Hill area has to offer, with detours to the Smithsonian museums, the FDR and MLK memorials, and more.

Get to know the city inside and out, and enjoy some unique transportation along the way, with Intrepid Urban Adventures – USA!

Summary of the tour:

• Capitol Hill and Washington DC’s monuments tour by electric cart
• Enjoy up-close views of DC’s most famous landmarks such as Jefferson Memorial, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, the White House, U.S. Capitol and more
• Entertaining commentary about DC’s history and get the chance to explore Capitol Hill by foot

This zippy little trip is great for visitors of all ages, stopping at the major spots and providing an easy route around the city.

While the views are great, it’s the endless wealth of insider knowledge that makes it such an exciting journey!

Read more: Best Washington DC Monuments Tours

2 – Small-Group Guided Tour inside US Capitol & Library of Congress

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 667 reviews )

“Very informative walking tour that started outside the Library of Congress, went inside the Capitol and then ended inside the LOC. It was nice to be able to skip the lines while inside and proceed directly to the tour without booking a timed slot.” Morgan. Viator

With this awesome excursion from Guided Tours DC, you’ll get to know some of the country’s most powerful spaces as intimately as your own home – complete with some cool anecdotes!

And whether you’re a bookworm or a policy wonk, you’ll find plenty to love on your stroll.

Step inside the U.S. Capitol, where the laws of the country are developed and debated.

Then explore the endless stacks of the Library of Congress, which holds millions of documents and books – and as the largest library in the world, it’s certainly got a lot to offer!

• Small-group walking tour of Capitol Hill: visit the U.S. Capitol and Library of Congress, pass by the Supreme Court
• Admission to the Library of Congress and the U.S. Capitol included
• Reserved access to a Capitol guide led tour of historic areas
• View part of Thomas Jefferson’s collection of over 6000 books

Between the excellent information, personalized atmosphere, and in-depth glimpses of famous spots, this is the perfect way to really dive into the Capitol!

You’ll be able to ask all the questions you want, and explore all the little details of these remarkable sites.

Read more: Best Tourist Attractions in Washington DC

3 – Haunted DC Walking Tour on Capitol Hill

Rating: ⭐️ 4.7/5 ( 142 reviews )

“With a full moon just before Halloween, a ghost tour was a natural fit. We enjoyed our guide, and the opportunities for photos on Capitol Hill were a big bonus feature. A pleasant evening walk.” David. Viator

The buildings around here aren’t just active parts of the present… they have their fair share of spooky remnants from the past!

And there’s nothing like a trip with Scary DC to get to know the supernatural lore of the area, which often includes more than a few former presidents.

And of course, the Capitol itself is said to be one of the most haunted buildings on the planet, making it the perfect place to base your adventure around.

From the troubled spirits of assassins to congressional representatives that took their battles beyond the grave, you’ll find plenty of great anecdotes… and maybe even a mysterious curse or two!

• Visit the U.S. Capitol Building, one of the most haunted places in the world
• Hear ghost stories about past presidents and learn about DC’s spooky past
• Pass by the Supreme Court, the Senate and House Office Buildings and the Scariest Place in DC
• All taxes, fees and handling charges included

With unique stories, great photo ops, and the intimate atmosphere of a small group, you can be sure of a memorable night of learning and delving into the city’s bizarre legends during this ghost tour .

Plus, the guides sport period-appropriate costumes,adding an extra dash of fun to the evening!

Read more: 15 Best Night Tours in Washington DC Showcasing Iconic Monuments

4 – Best of DC + US Capitol and National Archives Reserved Entry

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 1904 reviews )

“This was an amazing trip and our tour guide Nick was so knowledgeable and funny. I couldn’t ask for a better trip I definitely suggest!!” Theresa. Viator

It’s one thing to hear history… it’s quite another to see it!

And when you’re exploring the Capitol, be sure to save time for some National Archives Museum tours , where you can see some of the country’s most incredible documents up close!

Join USA Guided Tours on a journey into this remarkable resource, home to over 700,000 different documents and files .

And of course, you’ll get plenty of time to visit the archives’ most famous residents: the Constitution , the Bill of Rights , and the Declaration of Independence !

As an added bonus, you’ll get to explore the nearby Congressional halls as well.

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You can’t go wrong with this tour, because you’ll see just about everything!

The daylong trip to all sorts of monuments and famous buildings certainly makes this one of the best US Capitol tours for ambitious types, giving you all of the highlights in one exciting day.

Read more: Best Museums in Washington DC

5 – Capitol Hill Food Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 35 reviews )

“So much fun walking around and seeing this re-vitalized area of DC. Enjoyed everything from the sparkling sangria to the home made pop-tarts.” Deborah. Viator

This is one tour where your stomach will be as full as your brain!

Along with all of its other attributes, this part of town is famed for its amazing food scene, and you can nibble and nosh your way through it as you enjoy the nuances of the neighborhood.

Thanks to decades of cultural diversity, you can sample a pretty amazing selection here, with pit stops in India, El Salvador, and different parts of the U.S.

Learn about the different nations and their unique mixes as you savor the flavors during this food tour !

While this tour offers a great slice of local history, it’s the slices (and bowls, and bites) that make it a sensational adventure!

It’s the perfect way to indulge your taste buds, while also getting to know one of D.C.’s most vibrant communities!

Read more: Best City Tours in Washington DC

6 – Bike Tour: Capitol Hill, Lincoln Memorial, National Mall

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 48 reviews )

“Everything was perfect – the bikes; our guide, Beth; the tour route; even the weather. Best way ever to get an overview of the DC Capital area to start our vacation.” PENNY. GetYourGuide

A little bit of cardio, a little bit of steady cruising, and a lot of great views… that’s the recipe for fun during this bike tour offered by Unlimited Biking Washington DC!

Pedaling past museums and memorials, you’ll get a sense of the city that differs greatly from the norm, combining the up-close views  of walking with the greater distance capacity of a vehicle.

While you’ll get ample time at all of the big sites, you’ll also have the opportunity to really savor the rhythms of daily life, as you roll along the city’s many excellent bike paths.

This is the perfect way to soak up the sights and sounds of the area – ands with a 7 mile route, it’s great exercise too!

It’s open to all sorts of ages and biking abilities, and it welcomes you to the city in a whole new way!

7 – Castle to Capitol: Museums of the National Mall Architecture Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 7 reviews )

“Fascinating history. Easy walk. Great value. I’ve recently gotten interested in architecture and decided to take the “Castle to Capitol” tour while I was in town for work. Absolutely fantastic.”  Jesse. Tripadvisor

Museum nerds, rejoice!

This lively trip with DC Design Tours will sweep you up in the amazing stories of the Smithsonian, from the unique construction of the buildings to the treasures that they hold within.

With an emphasis on the actual buildings themselves, it’s also a unique opportunity to learn about the diverse and dazzling structures that hold some of the country’s greatest collections.

You’ll even get to step inside the magnificent Smithsonian Castle, which anchors the whole complex.

It’s ideal for curious minds of all ages, and with a smaller group, you can really get to know the ins and outs of these beloved spots!

Not only is this tour packed with cool cultural tidbits, but it also lets you dip into the often untold stories behind these legendary museums.

It’s an especially good deal for architecture fans, as it takes a nice long look at the buildings themselves – a truly unique vantage point!

8 – Private Tour with US Capitol Or Archives Or Washington Monument

Rating: ⭐️ 3.5/5 ( 3 reviews )

“We had a great time. Sally and our driver were excellent leaders. Sally worked with us to ask what we wanted to see and do and she adjusted her comments at the monuments for the different ages of our group” Victoria. Viator

This is one of the best US Capitol tours if you want to really get to know the city; because not only will you be visiting some particularly important spots, but you’ll be the only ones on the tour!

Enjoy some personalized attention during this private tour and explore the innermost workings of the National Archives and the Capitol itself, or the towering Washington Monument – it’s a true choose-your-own-adventure!

Just choose the size of your group and what you want to see, then set off to delight in these national gems, with Signature Tours of DC.

This is the ideal trip if you want to see it all and get the rock star treatment – especially if you have a larger group!

With a flexible itinerary and wonderfully attentive staff, it will give you a full insight into the U.S. Capitol and the surrounding area in style.

How to book US Capitol tours?

There are plenty of companies that offer US Capitol tours, so you can pick and choose with ease. As an added bonus, lots of travel websites will sell these tours directly online!

It’s worth noting that several of them provide discounts, so the price may vary from one site to the next.

Want to make the whole process easier? Use our search engine to compare a whole range of options, complete with prices and reviews, all in one convenient spot!

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Capitol Hill Tour

What to Expect on a Tour of the US Capitol

There are two places in Washington DC that are on the top of most tourist’s bucket list: The US Capitol and the White House. Getting a tour of both of these takes a little preplanning but is worth the extra effort. On our recent road trip to Washington DC, we were able to take a guided tour of the US Capitol and have a few things to share about what to expect on a tour of the US Capitol.

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Although it is possible to get same day tickets when you arrive in Washington DC, it’s definitely recommended to reserve a tour before you arrive. There is no fee to visit the Capitol but you must have tickets.

Book your Tour

There are two ways to book a tour of the US Capitol .

• You can contact the office of your Representative or Senator and request a tour. Most Congressional offices offer their own staff-led tours to groups of up to 15 people and can assist you in reserving a general tour.
• You can also arrange a tour directly through the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center using an online reservation system. You simply create an account and reserve your tour date and time.

*Note that tours fill up quickly and must be reserved as soon as possible. You should make reservations as soon as you know the dates you plan to be in Washington DC.

We contacted our State Representative through their website and requested a tour. On the day of our tour, we met our tour guide in the Representative’s office. They will send you email directions so you know where to meet and what time to arrive. If you are unsure, just reply and ask!

The tour takes you through some of the original chambers where the early leaders of our country met.

The tour guide is typically a staff member or intern who lives in your own state and can personalize your tour so you will see the things that specifically pertain to your home area.

Remember that you will not be allowed to carry ANY drinks or most snacks in any backpacks or purses. So plan accordingly and drink or consume any snacks before you arrive.

You will pass through security and then have the opportunity to take your guided tour of the US Capitol building.

The tour takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour and will give you the opportunity to see some of the Capitol highlights.

Statuary Hall

One of the most fascinating places for us was Statuary Hall. It’s a unique feeling to be standing in the Hall where daily news briefings occur, the Inauguration Luncheon and so many Presidents have walked.

National Statuary Hall is a chamber in the United States Capitol devoted to sculptures of prominent Americans. The hall, also known as the Old Hall of the House, is a large, two-story, semicircular room with a second story gallery along the curved perimeter. It is located immediately south of the Rotunda.

There are restrooms along the tour in case you need it and of course, a gift shop at the end of your tour.

Don’t forget the back of the Capitol!

When you are done with your tour, don’t forget to walk around and enjoy the view from the back.

Today I’m thinking about Washington DC and the best kept secret places to visit. What are your favorite places to visit that tourists usually miss? . . . #WilliamsOnTheGo #Travel #WashingtonDC #USCapitol #DCCool #USCapitolBuilding #visitwashingtondc #wheredowegonext #traveling #travelusa #usa #travelblogger #traveldc #RoadTrip #familytravel #explore #exploredc A post shared by Sharon (@hobbiesonabudget) on Jun 22, 2017 at 10:19am PDT

Have you ever toured the US Capitol? What is your favorite place to visit in Washington DC? I’d love to hear!

Heading to Washington DC? Check out these other articles to help you plan your visit.

• 20 Things to See Near Washington DC
• How much does a trip to Washington DC cost?
• Free Walking Tour of Washington DC Monuments

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The statues look amazing.

I haven’t visited in a long time! I wonder if after spending a half a billion dollars on that place they still have those clippity-clop cement tiles outside that rattle as you walk on them!

I went to Washington D.C. on my senior trip and would like to take my granddaughters there.

I’ve been to DC a few times and still haven’t seen it all. Lots to see!

I have never visited DC — would love to go and see the Capitol, statutes, memorials, cemetery and more.

Such BEAUTIFUL photos! I would love to go!

I would love to visit the Capitol. I was there on a field trip way back in middle school. However, I really don’t remember much about it. I have never been to Washingto DC but would love to tour the White House.

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Newly revealed surveillance footage from Jan. 6, 2021 , shows two Capitol Police officers escorting Jacob Chansley, the behorned so-called “QAnon Shaman” who has come to symbolize the riot, through the halls of the Capitol and to the very door of the US Senate.

The footage aired on Tucker Carlson’s Fox News show Monday night shows the officers closely following Chansley as he wanders the corridors of the Capitol, bare-chested and wearing face paint and a luxuriant fur hat with Viking horns.

“Virtually every moment of his time inside the Capitol was caught on tape,” says Carlson, who was granted exclusive access by House Speaker Kevin McCarthy to 40,000 hours of surveillance footage from that day inside and around the Capitol, which has never been seen before by the public.

“The tapes show the Capitol Police never stopped Jacob Chansley. They helped him. They acted as his tour guides.”

At one point, the officers are seen walking Chansley past seven other police officers milling around outside the Senate chamber, who barely give him a second look.

Then they escort him to various entrances of the chamber that appear to be locked. Eventually, they help him open a door, and he enters the chamber.

Chansley, a 33-year-old Navy veteran from Arizona, has been jailed for almost four years for “obstructing an official proceeding.”

In a jailhouse interview played by Carlson, he says: “The one very serious regret that I have [is] believing that when we were waved in by police officers, that it was acceptable.”

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In a statement, the Capitol Police suggest that one of the officers with Chansley was trying to “de-escalate” the situation because he was outnumbered.

But that does not explain why Chansley, who was unarmed, was able to walk past seven more officers without being apprehended.

“Not one of them even tried to slow him down,” says Carlson.

He “understood that the Capitol Police were his allies. … If he was in the act of committing such a grave crime, why didn’t the officers standing right next to him place him under arrest ?”

And yet in the narrative formed that day by Democrats and much of the media, “Jacob Chansley became the face of January 6 , a dangerous conspiracy theorist dressed in an outlandish costume who led the violent insurrection to overthrow America’s democracy,” says Carlson.

McCarthy (R-Calif.) has been criticized for releasing the footage to Carlson, who plans to air five stories based on the footage over two nights that he says “demolishes” the Democratic narrative of January 6.

As well as Chansley’s story, Carlson will air footage that he says debunks the claim that Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick was murdered by rioters.

Other accusations against Republicans that were promoted by the heavily partisan January 6 committee are shown in a strikingly different light by footage to be aired by Carlson, including viral video of Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) running away from rioters on the day that appears to have been taken out of context.

Claims that Rep. Brian Loudermilk (R-Ga.) guided “insurrectionists” around the Capitol to help them disrupt Senate proceedings contrast with footage of him showing constituents around the next-door Rayburn Building the previous evening.

“Taken as a whole, the video record does not support the claim that January 6 was an insurrection,” says Carlson.

“In fact, it demolishes that claim, and that’s exactly why the Democratic Party and its allies in the media stopped you from seeing it.”

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“By controlling the images you were allowed to view from January 6, they controlled how the public understood that day. They could lie about what happened and you would never know the difference. Those lies had a purpose. They created a pretext for a federal crackdown on opponents of the uni-party in Washington.”

Democratic lawmakers such as Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland have warned that Carlson poses a “serious security risk” and have accused the Fox News host of being a “pro-Putin, pro-Orban, pro-autocrat propagandist.”

“There’s thousands of hours of footage that are out there already,” Raskin told MSNBC. “But the reason all of it wasn’t released is precisely because it lays out floor design, it lays out evacuation routes, it lays out where the vice president went, it lays out where the senior members of Congress were evacuated, and so on.”

Carlson’s team says their footage has been vetted by congressional authorities to ensure it does not pose a security risk.

They further point out that the January 6 committee aired footage of the evacuation routes of VP Mike Pence and Hawley.

Having failed to stop the release of the footage last week, Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) criticized Carlson in a tweet as “a weak, weak man.”

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Amtrak NYC to DC: Why Taking the Train is the Best Way to Go

U nlock the advantages of traveling by train from the bustling Big Apple to the nation’s capital Washington DC with Amtrak. Say goodbye to airport security lines and traffic congestion as you embark on a relaxing journey from New York’s new Moynihan Train Hall.

With frequent departures, a generous baggage policy and the ability to move around during the under four-hour trip, Amtrak offers flexibility and convenience. Sit back and enjoy the ever-changing scenery while enjoying the onboard amenities that make your trip comfortable and enjoyable.

Amtrak Advantages: Travel Time

Anyone who has ever tried to drive out of New York City on a summer weekend, holiday or random gridlock alert day knows that the soul-crushing traffic can put a damper on the trip.

A journey from New York City to Washington DC by car can take anywhere from four to seven hours.

There are two Amtrak options:

• Amtrak Acela  takes 2 hours and 46 (to 54) minutes. It stops at Newark Penn Station; Metropark, NJ; Philadelphia, Wilmington and Baltimore Penn Station, and the train can speed along at 150 miles an hour in some spots.
• Northeast Regional  takes three hours and 20-40 minutes. It makes all of the stops the Acela makes, plus stops at the Newark and Baltimore airports, and it travels at slower speeds.

You can save almost an hour on the high-speed train, and up to four hours of hair-tearing hysteria by taking the train rather than your car.

Plus, the Acela has a First Class option, with free meals and drinks served to you at your seat. Philadelphia celebrity chef Stephen Starr curated the menu. The food in the Acela cafe car also has more interesting options than the cafe car on the Northeast Regional.

Read More: 15 Fun Things to Do in Alexandria VA: More Than Just a DC ‘Burb

Price: Amtrak vs Car

On a recent summer weekend, we paid about $40 for our roundtrip Amtrak tickets, bought well in advance. Had we waited to buy our tickets at the last minute, or planned to travel during the holidays, it would have been far more expensive.

When we realized we could take a morning train, getting us into Washington DC much earlier in the day than our ticketed departure, we learned that we would have to pay the difference in price. The morning train would have cost us more than five times the price we originally paid.

Driving to DC, the tolls can be $40, depending on route. And the gas? Let’s say you have a car that gets 25 miles per gallon. Gas will cost about $30 for the trip.

This is, of course, just one way, so you’ll spend another $70 to get back to NYC from Washington DC. But if 2 of you are in the car, the price per person drops. And three or four along for the ride? Even less.

But you have to weigh your sanity versus potential road rage. You do you.

Comfort in Coach

This is not your average airplace seat! Even in coach class on the slower Northeast Regional trains, there is plenty of legroom. You can put your bags up above, or in luggage areas at the end of cars.

Business class seats have the advantage of being assigned, so you don’t have to worry about dragging your suitcases through the train, looking for an available seat.

There is something weird with Amtrak train seats: If you have an aisle seat and don’t know the person sitting next to you, you have to run a cord across their seat to reach the power outlets.

And the free wifi isn’t really strong enough to do work on the train.

Quiet Car vs Other Seats on Amtrak Train

Now that my children are out of the house, I am a fan of the quiet car on Amtrak. Phone calls aren’t allowed and you have to use headphones if you use electronic devices, with the volume turned low.

But don’t take the quiet car with young children. Although you are allowed to talk in the quiet car, no one appreciates a loud child here. We once took this car because there were no other seats on the train. We were glared at until Philadelphia, when we escaped to the boisterous regular car.

Amtrak Pet and Baggage Policies

If you are bringing a dog, you might have to drive. Amtrak charges $26 for a dog, and it has to weigh under 20 pounds. My Labrador Retriever has plumped up to 70 pounds, so she is banned from the train, even though she works as a comfort dog. [Therapy dogs of any size are allowed].

Driving can also be the perfect option if you are schlepping a lot of stuff. Amtrak allows you to bring two pieces of luggage, and charges for oversized items like bicycles. On the Northeast Corridor, it costs $20 to bring a bicycle.

Though when I brought my daughter a folding bike, I didn’t have to pay extra.

Moynihan Train Hall, New York City

One of the best things about taking Amtrak anywhere from NYC is the new Moynihan Train Hall.

This glorious transformation of the historic Farley Post Office has transformed the former Amtrak area in Penn Station, which is across the street, to one of beauty and wonder.  You also have access to great food.

If you take the subway to Moynihan Train Hall, the walk from the filth of the MTA to the shiny new Amtrak station is like the change from black and white to color in the Wizard of Oz . Light streams in from above, brass gleams and the air is – or at least seems – fresher.

Moynihan Food Hall

The centerpiece of Moynihan Food Hall, the Bar at Moynihan, has lots of local craft beer on tap and classic cocktails. Sit at the wood bar while you wait for an evening train.

The food hall has easy to eat or carry out food, like sushi, chopped salad, pizza and burgers. Alidoro makes Italian sandwiches that travel well and Naya has Mediterranean inspired bowls, wraps and salads. A ramen shop is coming, but ramen is best slurped up before the train.

If you are visiting someone – say, your daughter – in Washington DC, and you’ve forgotten to bring her bagels, you can pick some up at H & H, along with a few cupcakes at Magnolia or chocolates at Maison du Chocolat.

Exclusive Access: Metropolitan Lounge

If you have treated yourself to an Acela train ticket, or you have elite Amtrak status, you get access to Metropolitan Lounge. Business class passengers can also buy a day pass to the lounge.

This expansive sanctuary has lots of clean, comfortable places to sit, and free (non-alcoholic) drinks and food. There is also a bar, but you have to pay for drinks.

Even if you don’t have access to the Metropolitan Lounge, The Amtrak waiting area at Moynihan, for ticketed passengers only, has very clean bathrooms and power outlets at every seat.

Getting to Your Amtrak Train

One issue the fabulous Moynihan Train Hall hasn’t addressed is the chaos that ensues when a train track is announced. There is only one escalator to the track and it’s a bloodsport to get on the line before it resembles a Black Friday queue.

But there are 2 semi-secret ways to avoid the line.

• When the train is announced, go to the elevator and take it to the track. Very few people do this.
• Passengers in the Metropolitan Lounge get an early announcement of the track number and can take the elevator before the line even forms.

Union Station Washington DC

When you walk into Union Station in Washington DC, you are in a beautiful historic train station. Unfortunately, the Amtrak area, while not as grim as Penn Station in Manhattan was, is still pretty dismal.

There is an Acela Lounge at Union Station. For ‘regular’ passengers, there is a dim seating area and the usual scrum when the track is announced. One advantage here over Moynihan Train Hall is that the trains are on the same level as the waiting area. No crowded escalators, stairs or elevators to navigate.

Picking a Train

Some trains originate in NYC, which means finding a seat on the train going to DC is pretty easy. It also means that the train is cleaner. If the Amtrak is coming from Boston, people might be getting off in NYC. But they are not taking their garbage with them and no one is cleaning the train.

On our recent Amtrak ride, someone did come around collecting trash, but the guy next to me left a mess in his seat and no one addressed that.

And don’t even get me started on the bathrooms. I can’t imagine what the bathrooms look like on the trains going all the way to Miami or Chicago.

Before Going to DC, Ask Yourself…

A lot of considerations go into a trip from New York City to Washington DC.

Q: Do you want to see the cherry blossoms ?

A: Go mid-March to mid-April

Q: Do you want to take long walks around the National Mall?

A: Go late September to November or March to May

Q: Do you want to avoid tourists?

A: Don’t go to Washington DC

What to Do in Washington DC

Tour the us capitol.

The  US Capitol visitors center has an interactive gallery. There are also tours of the Capitol building, including the Crypt, the Rotunda and National Statuary Hall. Tours and exhibits are all free.

The rest of the National Mall includes the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument,  the White House and Smithsonian museums. Again, everything is free.

Stop and See the Flowers

See the green side of Washington DC at Tregaron Conservancy. It has walking trails, gardens, fields, meadows and a lily pond. The conservancy, between the Woodley Park and Cleveland Park, is free. You can also see the free  National Zoo, near the conservancy

Read here for more things to do in and around Washington DC.

The post Amtrak NYC to DC: Why Taking the Train is the Best Way to Go appeared first on She Buys Travel .

Mercer high schooler tours US Capitol to see her art on display

by: Abigail Cloutier

Posted: Jun 27, 2024 / 09:23 PM EDT

Updated: Jun 27, 2024 / 09:23 PM EDT

WASHINGTON, D.C. (WKBN) – On Thursday, a Mercer High School student got to see her art on display in the U.S. Capitol Complex.

Braiden Douds is the winner of Rep. Mike Kelly’s Congressional Art Competition .

She met with the congressman and received a tour of the Capitol.

Her work will be displayed at the U.S. Capitol Complex for 11 months.

It was picked out of 73 entries from 13 schools across Kelly’s district.

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How to buy Capitol Hill Block Party tickets: Festival dates and prices compared

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While the words "music festival" usually conjure up images of fans filling an empty grassy area, the Capitol Hill Block Party instead takes over the streets of the Capitol Hill area of Seattle for three days of music from multiple genres. This year, Capitol Hill Block Party fills the streets with music from multiple stages from July 19 to 21 in Seattle.

The 2024 Capitol Hill Block Party brings headliners like the Grammy Award-winning Kaytranada, singer-songwriter Remi Wolf, and alternative acoustic and electric artist Still Woozy to eight stages. The rain-or-shine event fills the streets with music, fans, food, and other events and activities.

While some tickets are already sold out for the July event, Capitol Hill Block Party still has some original tickets , including three-day passes and VIP tickets. Single-day tickets are sold out for the initial day, with a few tickets available from verified resellers like StubHub and Vivid Seats .

If you want to be one of the fans taking over the streets of Seattle, here's what you need to know about the event and how to buy tickets to the Capitol Hill Block Party.

• See also: Lollapalooza tickets | NASCAR Chicago Street Race tickets | HARD Summer Music Festival tickets  | Burning Man tickets

Capitol Hill Block Party 2024 festival schedule

The Capitol Hill Block Party is a three-day music festival scheduled for July 19 through 21. Single-day tickets, two-day passes, and three-day passes are available. For each date, there are both general admission and VIP options, while returnable original tickets are also available at a higher price point. Times for each day's performances are to be determined.

How to buy tickets for Capitol Hill Block Party 2024 festival

While original tickets are sold out for the first date of the festival, the Capitol Hill Block Party still has some two-day, three-day, or one-day Saturday or Sunday passes available. The festival's website also lists some VIP passes, which include perks like access to the VIP lounge. The festival also offers combo tickets for both The Capitol Hill Block Party and Day in Day Out festival, the latter of which takes place from July 12 to 14.

While the original tickets are the best value, verified resellers like StubHub and Vivid Seats may have some options for the sold-out Friday-only tickets. Three-day passes hold the best value at $225 for original tickets for all three days.

The festival does not offer on-site parking. Ticket holders should arrive early, and either take public transit or plan to park off-site and walk into the festival grounds. Festival-goers should also plan for the weather, as the outdoor event is held rain or shine.

How much are Capitol Hill Block Party tickets?

Original three-day general admission passes for The Capitol Hill Block Party go for $225, while the single-day tickets are $115. However, prices jump quickly for the festival's sold-out days, which only have tickets available at verified resellers. Tickets for July 19 are sold out on the original website but are available from $339 at StubHub and from $518 at Vivid Seats. That's higher than the cost of picking up an original three-day pass.

In addition to the general admission tickets, the Capitol Hill Block Party offers a number of VIP experiences. A VIP ticket includes a separate entrance for shorter lines, a 21-and-over VIP lounge, complimentary food, daily DJs, and photo booths. VIP ticket holders can also access multiple indoor and outdoor lounge areas throughout the festival grounds, including VIP bathrooms.

The festival also offers returnable tickets at a higher price point. These tickets can be canceled by July 15 at 12 p.m. local time for a refund, minus a restocking fee. General admission tickets are nonrefundable.

Finally, the festival is offering a two-event combo ticket with three-day passes to Capitol Hill Block Party and Day In Day Out Festival. These combo tickets are available for $399 for general admission or $599 for VIP passes to both events.

Who is performing at the Capitol Hill Block Party?

All three days of Capitol Hill Block Party are packed with popular artists from various genres. Here's a breakdown of each day's lineup:

Friday, July 19

• Remi Wolf, Chappell Roan, Becky Hill, Mindchatter, Show Me the Body, Bunt, Annie Dirusso, Alice Longyo Gao, Chokecherry, Them, Akira Galaxy, Oble Reed, Juliette, King Sheim, Jaiden Grayson, The Rayes, Balcony Bridge, Mold Mom, Dark Chisme, Camille

Saturday, July 20

• Still Woozy, Elderbrook, Girl Talk, Flyana Boss, Vandelux, Tkay Maidza, Dreamerisioma, Late Night Drive Home, Corook, Nourished By Time, Carol Ades, Cherry Ferrari, Princess Pulpit, Tezatalks, Tinsley, Anna Thompson, Blksknn, Linda From Work, Aryana Leon, Jaywop, Swamp Wife, Fleetwood Snack, JNA, Terra Nobody, Jaymyloni, Power Strip

Sunday, July 21

• Kaytranada, Cannons, Cobrah, The Beaches, Slow Pulp, Joey Valence & Brae, Vansire, Mette, Frost Children, Maeta, Fiji Blue, Livt, Instant Crush, Colatura, Zookraught, Nobi and the Force, Seichi, Lovely Colours, Saint Deon, Warren Dunes, Caspian Coberly, Fcon, Sister Swimmer

The exact performance times have not yet been announced. You can view the festival's full lineup here .

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A Capitol Fourth (2024)

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