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U.S. Capitol & Capitol Visitor Center

First St SE, Washington, DC · Washington, DC

Why you should go…

Free guided tours take you beneath the Rotunda's soaring frescoed dome, through the Crypt, and into National Statuary Hall, with real-deal history at every turn. Book passes ahead through the Capitol Visitor Center, they cost nothing, and the goosebumps are included.

  • #government
  • #architecture
  • #guided tour
  • #free

Good to know

General sightseeing guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • The forecast is part of the ticket

    Haze, low cloud, and rain flatten a view. Clear-day visits are worth rearranging your plans for.

  • Golden hour sells out first

    Sunset slots at observation decks and cruises are the first to go, so book those further ahead.

  • Dress a layer warmer

    It is always breezier up high and out on the water than it feels at street level.

  • Timed entry is common

    Plenty of landmarks release tickets in windows rather than at the door, so check before you walk over.

What's around here?

The closest stops to U.S. Capitol & Capitol Visitor Center, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

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    Old Town Trolley Tours of Washington DC

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    0.5 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

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    Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

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    0.7 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

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    Washington Monument

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    Ride 500 feet up the world's tallest stone obelisk for the only aerial panorama of the White House, Capitol, and Mall.

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    1.6 mi awayMore like this

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    Thomas Jefferson Memorial

    Free

    The domed rotunda on the Tidal Basin, a 19-foot bronze Jefferson, his words carved in marble, and DC's best cherry-blossom backdrop.

    1.6 mi awayMore like this