★★★★★ Rated Excellent on TripAdvisor | Small groups | Library of Congress & Capitol Building tickets included | Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
You can walk past the Capitol Building on any tour of DC. On this one, you go inside – and so does everyone else on the Hill that actually matters. Your tickets to the Library of Congress and the US Capitol Building are included and arranged in advance. No queuing hoping for availability. No missing out.
This is Capitol Hill the way most visitors never see it – from the inside, with a licensed historian who knows where to stand, what to look for, and why it all matters.
Check Dates & Book Your Spot
This is a small-group tour. Spots fill up fast. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before, so there’s no risk in reserving your spot now.
⏱ Duration: Approximately 2 hours for our tour. Allow an additional hour for the US Capitol docent-led tour that follows.
📍 Meets at: Intersection of 1st Street NE and Constitution Ave NE.
🚇 Getting here: Metro Red, Blue, Orange, or Silver Line — Union Station or Capitol South Station. Parking available nearby with street parking.
👟 Physical level: Easy – less than 1 mile of walking. This tour includes stairs and is not accessible for wheelchairs, scooters, or strollers unless on a private tour.
We don’t just show you the sites.
We tell you the stories.
Every stop on this tour has a story most visitors never hear. Our guides bring them to life.
Library of Congress – Interior Tour
Your guide takes you inside the Jefferson Building – one of the most beautiful interiors in all of Washington DC. See the stunning mosaics and artwork of the Main Hall, a rare copy of the Gutenberg Bible, and Thomas Jefferson’s original library collection. Most visitors walk past this building without ever going in.
US Capitol Building – Included Tickets
After our tour concludes, your pre-arranged courtesy tickets get you into the US Capitol Building for a docent-led tour. Visit the Crypt, the Rotunda, and National Statuary Hall – featuring over 100 statues contributed by US states and territories. Allow approximately one additional hour for this experience.
Supreme Court Building
Stand outside the highest court in the land and hear the stories behind its history, its architecture, and the landmark decisions that shaped the country. One of the most photographed and least understood buildings in DC.
The Four Quadrants of DC
Stand at the exact point where the four quadrants of Washington DC intersect and hear the story behind L’Enfant’s original plan for the city – why it was designed this way, how it nearly fell apart, and what it looks like today.
The Best Capitol Photo Spot
After nearly two decades on Capitol Hill, our guides know exactly where to stand for the best photograph of the US Capitol Building. It’s not where most visitors end up. You’ll know it when you see it.
Gutenberg Bible & Jefferson’s Library
One of only a handful of complete Gutenberg Bibles in the world is housed in the Library of Congress and you’ll see it up close. You’ll also see the collection Thomas Jefferson sold to Congress after the original Library was burned by the British in 1814.
Why tour with a guide?
Capitol Hill is open to the public. Getting the most out of it isn’t.
The buildings on Capitol Hill are technically free to visit. But navigating the ticketing, the security procedures, the timing, and the sheer scale of three major federal buildings on your own takes most of a day and most visitors still leave without seeing the best of it.
- Tickets arranged in advance. Library of Congress entrance and Capitol Building courtesy tickets are included and pre-arranged. No showing up and hoping for availability.
- A licensed historian, not a script. Our guides know the history, the architecture, and the stories that don’t appear on the plaques. The Library of Congress alone could take an entire day — we show you what matters most.
- We know the best photo spots. After years on Capitol Hill, our guides know exactly where to stand for the best views and photographs of each building.
- Your questions get answered. See something that catches your eye? We stop and talk about it. No audio guide ever did that.
Everything before you book.
Meeting point
The intersection of 1st Street NE and Constitution Ave NE. Look for your guide in DC by Foot attire. You will receive your guide’s name and phone number in your reminder email the day before.
Getting there
Metro Red Line → Union Station, or Metro Blue/Orange/Silver Line → Capitol South Station. Street Parking is available nearby.
What to bring
- Comfortable walking shoes – less than 1 mile of walking
- Water bottle
- Camera – the Library of Congress interior is one of DC’s most photogenic spaces
- Weather-appropriate clothing – tours run rain or shine
Accessibility
This tour includes stairs and is not accessible for wheelchairs, scooters, or strollers. Please do not bring strollers due to security procedures at federal buildings. For accessible options, please contact us to discuss a private tour.
What’s included
- Licensed professional historian and tour guide
- Entrance tickets to the Library of Congress for a guided interior tour
- Courtesy tickets to the US Capitol Building docent-led tour
- Restaurant, museum, and DC experience recommendations from your guide
Ready to Walk With Us?
This small-group tour fills up fast – especially on weekdays when the Capitol is in session. Your Library of Congress and Capitol Building tickets are reserved when you book. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before, no risk.
Are the Library of Congress and Capitol Building tickets really included?
Yes! Both are included in your tour price and arranged in advance. The Library of Congress tickets cover a guided interior tour with your DC by Foot guide. The Capitol Building courtesy tickets are for the docent-led tour that follows our tour and are separate from our guide’s time with you.
Do I need to bring ID to enter the federal buildings?
No – you will not need to show ID to enter these buildings on our tours.
What can I not bring into the federal buildings?
Standard security restrictions apply at all federal buildings. Though there are stricter requirements at the Capitol building where you are not allowed to bring in food or water. You will need to pass through a metal detector and your bag will be screened. Prohibited items typically include weapons, large bags, tripods, and food or drink. Strollers are not permitted on this tour due to security procedures – please do not bring them. Your guide will brief you on what to expect at each building before you enter.
Can I take photos inside the Library of Congress and Capitol Building?
Yes – photography is permitted in most areas of both buildings. The Library of Congress Jefferson Building is one of the most photographed interiors in Washington DC and you will have plenty of opportunity to take photos during the tour. Your guide will let you know if there are any restricted areas inside the Capitol Building.
Is the Capitol Building docent tour separate from the DC by Foot guide?
Yes. Our DC by Foot guide leads the outdoor portion of the tour and the Library of Congress interior visit. The US Capitol Building tour that follows is led by a Capitol Building docent – a separate guide employed by the Capitol for which we have arranged your courtesy tickets in advance. Allow approximately one hour for the Capitol Building portion after our tour concludes.
What if Congress is in session during my visit?
The Capitol Building public tour operates regardless of whether Congress is in session – you will not be entering the chamber floors. However, heightened security measures may be in place on certain days. Your guide will keep you informed of anything that might affect the tour timing or route.
Can I visit the Capitol Building on my own instead?
Yes – free public tours of the Capitol Building are available, but they require advance booking. Our courtesy tickets are a convenient alternative that removes that process entirely.
What happens if I arrive late?
We do our best to accommodate late arrivals but our tours depart on time out of respect for all guests. If you are running late, call your guide directly; their number will be in your reminder email from the day before. Late arrivals who have not contacted us may find their reserved spot has been given to a walk-up guest.
How do I cancel or reschedule?
Reply to your confirmation email to cancel or reschedule. Full refunds are available up to 24 hours before the tour. We offer flexible rescheduling and can often accommodate you on another date with short notice. Guests who booked via a third-party platform must cancel through that platform.
Are there restrooms on the tour?
Yes, but there are NO restrooms at the tour start or on the tour. There are some options during the tour inside the Library of Congress or US Capitol Building.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Library of Congress and Capitol Building tickets really included?
Yes – both are included in your tour price and arranged in advance. The Library of Congress tickets cover a guided interior tour