Iconic Capitol Hill Architecture Tour


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From $48.00

18 reviews   (4.83)

Price varies by group size

Lowest Price Guarantee

Pricing Info: Per Person

Duration: 2 hours

Departs: Washington DC, Washington DC

Ticket Type: Mobile or paper ticket accepted

Free cancellation

Up to 24 hours in advance.

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Overview

Explore the political core of Washington DC! This tour takes visitors through the heart of Federal power in Washington DC, looking at the history of our Nation’s Capital through the lens of architecture and urban planning. From the original L'Enfant city plan to the tumultuous construction of the Capitol and Grounds, the rise of the magnificent Beaux-Arts Library of Congress and imposing Supreme Court, and into the present day. Prolific designers like Thomas Jefferson, Robert Mills, Frederick Law Olmstead, and Daniel Burnham will feature prominently. Controversy, chaos, and red tape abound! A tour not to be missed by architecture and history enthusiasts.

Book directly via DC Design Tours for the best experience and price!


What's Included

Local guide

What's Not Included

Gratuities


Traveler Information

  • CHILD: Age: 1 - 16
  • ADULT: Age: 17 - 99

Additional Info

  • Contactless payments for gratuities and add-ons
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Guides required to regularly wash hands
  • Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough guests to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, an alternative or full refund will be provided.
  • Service animals allowed
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Experience may be cancelled due to Insufficient travelers

What To Expect

Union Station
We'll begin our tour in the massive Great Hall of Union Station, once the largest train station in the world. This crossroads of Presidents, diplomats, and politicians have seen the drastic transformation, from inaugurations to World Wars, and even a runaway train!

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Columbus Memorial Fountain
After exploring the heights and depths of Union Station, we'll proceed past the Freedom Bell and Columbus "Fountain" to the steps of the Supreme Court.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Supreme Court
we'll take in the imposing facade and learn about the architecture, history and design of the home of our Judicial branch of government.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Library of Congress
We'll be examining the outside of the Library of Congress. We'll delve into the elaborate design, secret symbols and fascinating history of this important institution.

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

U.S. Capitol
We'll get great photo opportunities on the East side of the U.S. Capitol Building, and talk all about the tumultuous history of this icon of Washington.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Ulysses S. Grant Memorial
Finish your tour at the foot of Capitol Hill with a beautiful view down the length of the National Mall.

• Admission Ticket Free


Reviews

Fantastic!
Cchristianw, 23-12-2022
DC Design Tours and Carolyn are fantastic . You will not be disappointed. Carolyn had a wealth of interesting information and presented it in a way that we all enjoyed….even my teenagers! She is very personable and fun to spend the day with. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a DC tour!
Worth every penny.
MMagdalenaNavarro, 27-09-2022
Took my parents on this tour and we were very impressed by the guide's deep knowledge and ability to engage our group with fun anecdotes and a sympathetic, well-informed view of the past. It's my second tour with DC Design (I took the first five years ago) and I can't recommend them enough. Plus they were very flexible--when we had to cancel because of Covid, they offered us credit, so we were able to rebook a couple of months later without any problems.
A brilliant tour - highly recommended
christine a, 21-08-2022
This was a brilliant way to spend a couple of hours in the city. Our guide Sam delivered an interesting but fun tour, starting at Union Station and including the Supreme Court, Library of Congress, and Capitol. Interesting features were pointed out and anecdotes told during a leisurely walk with time to take photos and ask questions. Recommended for everyone interested in finding out more about this beautiful city, how it was built and how it works today.
Great tour
049andie, 07-08-2022
Great tour! Our guide was informative and funny. Even my teenager enjoyed it. Highly recommend this tour.
Interesting, fun tour
Ellenfishing, 05-08-2022
Terrific tours from our guide Carolyn at DC Design tours - we did a tour of the main monuments and it was so good we booked again and also did a tour of Arlington Cemetery. Carolyn tweaked the tours to suit our interests and stamina, held the kids (and adults) in rapt attention, answered all our questions and shared lots of details and history we would not otherwise have known with a lot of warmth and humour. Strongly recommended.




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