The capital of the United States is a marvelous city to visit and there are a plethora of great things for you to see and do, with the US Capitol Building being just one of many highlights. Washington DC is full of amazing sights and there are lots of memorials scattered about which are dedicated to some of the most famous people to impact the country – Lincoln, Jefferson, Martin Luther King… the names roll off the tongue. The city is dripping in history as it is the seat of power for the nation.
With loads of lovely monuments and buildings on hand, as well as a range of fantastic museums, Washington DC will astound visitors with all that it has to offer. To give you an idea of what is available to you, here are some of the best tours that will help you to enjoy the city.
1. Monuments by Moonlight: Washington DC Nighttime Trolley Tour
Source: getyourguide.comOne of the most popular tours available, this nighttime excursion takes you past many of Washington DC’s most amazing monuments by trolley. The fantastic sights illuminated in the dark are sure to create lasting memories.
With illustrious monuments such as the Lincoln Memorial and the Martin Luther King Memorial for you to gaze upon, this guided tour will teach you a lot about the history of the capital as well as that of the nation itself.
Beautifully lit, the city’s many monuments look just as good – if not better – at night, and this tour will help you to see the capital in a whole new light.
2. Washington D.C. Classic, Premium or Deluxe Hop-on Hop-off
Source: getyourguide.comWith three different loops for you to choose from, this great tour will help you see all the main sights in the city. The audio commentary will make sure you learn a great deal.
The city is littered with impressive memorials, museums, monuments and more; with over forty stops on the loops, you’ll certainly see most of what Washington DC has to offer.
You can choose from a variety of different options, which either give you access to Madame Tussauds or include an extra day’s access to the hop-on-hop-off sightseeing tour.
3. Washington DC: Capitol Building and Capitol Hill Walk
Source: f11photo / shutterstockOne of the most beautiful neighborhoods in the whole of Washington DC, Capitol Hill is delightful to wander around and there are many amazing sights for you to check out.
With a professional guide to tell you everything there is to know about the area, the city will come alive before your eyes and there is lots of lovely architecture on display.
Visiting the US Capitol Building is the highlight of the tour. It is amazing to think of all the important decisions that have been made within it and how they have impacted the world in general.
4. Washington, DC 3-Hour Bike Tour
Source: getyourguide.comOne of the best ways to see as much of Washington DC as possible is to cycle your way around the city; this tour will take you past all the main sights.
Cycling around the capital is great fun; you’ll be astounded at all the incredible monuments and buildings around, with the Vietnam Memorial and the Jefferson Memorial being among the many highlights.
Culminating with a stop at the imperious US Capitol Building, this bike tour will teach you all about the city and you won’t even have to leave your saddle.
5. Smithsonian National Museum of Air & Space: Guided Tour
Source: Kamira / shutterstockOne of the most popular museums in the United States, the Smithsonian is well worth visiting when you’re in DC. The professional guide will provide you with loads of interesting information and insight into the exhibitions.
An expansive place with an extensive collection, your guide will take you to the most interesting parts and you’ll learn a lot about the history of aviation and space exploration.
With items like Buzz Aldrin’s space suit on display and a huge model of the International Space Station to explore, the museum is captivating to visit and your guide will ensure you make the most of your time.
6. Washington, D.C. Day Trip from New York
Source: Sean Pavone / shutterstockStarting off in New York, this day trip will take you around one of the political centers of the world; you’ll come away tired but happy after a jam-packed day of sightseeing.
With stops at the Arlington National Cemetery, the US Capitol, and the White House included on the tour, your time in Washington DC is sure to be a memorable occasion and your professional guide will tell you all about the ins and outs of the city.
A wonderful trip that is both efficient and well-thought-out, this excursion is a great way to see the main sights in just one day and is a very popular choice amongst visitors to DC.
7. Washington, DC: 3-Hour Segway Tour
Source: getyourguide.comTearing around the city on your segway is a fresh, fun and invigorating way to see the best of Washington DC. It comes highly recommended by people who have been on the tour.
While traveling about town, you’ll see loads of great architecture, as well as numerous monuments and memorials to some of the finest Americans to have impacted the country.
Among the many highlights are the White House, the Navy Memorial, and the Washington Monument, each of which has their own distinctive features and characteristics for you to enjoy.
8. Washington D.C. 6-Hour Sightseeing Bus Tour
Source: getyourguide.comWith Arlington Cemetery, the White House, and the US Capitol Building included in this tour, this six-hour sightseeing excursion will take you to see many of the capital’s most prominent attractions.
The commentary from your guide is invaluable; at each of the stops, you’ll learn about the history and importance of the monument, memorial or museum in question.
With ample time to take photos, this packed itinerary is a fantastic way to see Washington DC in a day.
9. Old Town Trolley Tour of Washington DC & Arlington Cemetery
Source: getyourguide.comTaking a trolley bus around town is a lovely way to see the city. Remarkably, there are over 100 points of interest which you can stop off at and explore at your own leisure.
With two loops for you to choose from, you’ll get to see incredible sights such as the White House, the Smithsonian, and the Supreme Court, among others.
Also included in the combo deal is a visit to the Arlington National Cemetery, which houses the graves of so many famous Americans.
10. African American History Tour
Source: getyourguide.comWashington DC has long been an important center for African-Americans; their history and culture is intricately intertwined with that of the capital.
After visiting the former home of Fredrick Douglass – an abolitionist and famous freed slave – you will head to Howard University, which is the oldest black university in the States.
From then on, you are taken on a whirlwind journey around many important buildings, monuments and museums that document African-American culture and the civil rights movement in the States. It is a fascinating tour and definitely worth checking out.
11. Washington DC Monuments by Night Bike Tour
Source: getyourguide.comAt night, many of the capital’s most impressive monuments and buildings are spectacularly lit up. This nighttime bike tour will take you past the best of them.
Cycling past the National Mall and the Lincoln Memorial, among others, is delightful; they are tastefully illuminated for everyone to enjoy.
An exhilarating experience, this nighttime bicycle ride is a fun way to see the best of what DC has to offer.
12. Washington: Politics & Pints Capitol Hill Tour
Source: getyourguide.comPerfect for those who like a debate over a cold pint, this tour will teach you about the history of Washington DC and American politics in general.
Your guided tour around the US Capitol is fascinating for the light it sheds on how the political process works. The Library of Congress and the Supreme Court are fascinating to visit.
After that, it’s off to Capitol Hill to explore some of the historic sights before heading to one of the local bars for a chat and the opportunity to discuss past and present American policies.
13. Washington DC: Full-Day Tour and Boat Cruise
Source: Andrei Medvedev / shutterstockWith loads of the city’s most prominent landmarks for you to visit, this full-day tour will take you on a whirlwind journey through the nation’s capital, stopping off at the White House, US Navy Memorial and the Lincoln Memorial, among others.
Your guide will inform and entertain you in equal measure and you’ll certainly come away having learned a lot about the city.
The day culminates in a one-hour boat cruise along the Potomac River, the perfect way to end a fantastic tour as the delightful scenery passes by.
14. George Washington’s Mount Vernon & Old Town Alexandria Tour
Source: Frank Romeo / shutterstockAfter exploring the streets of Old Town Alexandria with their historic buildings and plethora of restaurants, it’s time to leave George Washington’s hometown and head to Mount Vernon Estate.
One of the most important and popular tourist destinations around Washington DC, the estate is where President Washington used to live. It is a captivating place to visit, full of history.
The Museum and Education Centre offers an interesting look at the great man’s life. You’re sure to return to DC tired but happy and with a greater understanding of one of the people who so impacted the States.
15. Washington DC 8-Hour VIP Tour with US Capitol Priority Entry
Source: Orhan Cam / shutterstockWith an expert guide on hand to take you around some of the capital’s most important sights, this VIP tour will help you avoid the crowds and make the most of your time in DC.
Visiting the US Capitol and the National Archives Building is very interesting, and the lovely cruise along the Potomac River is a great way to kick back and relax while enjoying the wonderful scenery.
With visits to the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials also included in the package, this tour will take you around the most important attractions in the city. Your guide will ensure that you come away having learned a lot about the nation’s capital.