Quick Details
This architectural walking tour takes visitors through the political core of Washington, DC. Over the course of two hours, your knowledgeable guide will share stories from the original city plan by Pierre Charles L’Enfant, the tumultuous construction of the U.S. Capitol Building, the rise of the magnificent Beaux Arts Library of Congress, and the backstory of the imposing Supreme Court building. We’ll discuss the influence of prolific designers like Thomas Jefferson, Robert Mills, Frederick Law Olmsted, and Daniel Burnham. Controversy, chaos, and red tape abound!
The tour begins in the massive Great Hall of Union Station, once the largest train station in the world. This gateway to the nation’s capital—where presidents, diplomats, and politicians have all passed through—has hosted inaugural balls, parties, protests, and even a runaway train. After exploring the heights and depths of Union Station, we’ll proceed past the Freedom Bell and Columbus “Fountain” to the steps of the U.S. Supreme Court. Then on to the east façade (the original front) of the U.S. Capitol Building, and inside the breathtaking Library of Congress. Finally, we’ll take an underground tunnel to finish up at the U.S. Capitol Visitors Center—where you can join a free tour of the building’s interior (depending upon timing and availability), or head down to the National Mall to explore a Smithsonian museum or two.
Additional booking times are available as a private tour. Please visit the private bookings calendar to take a look!
For large groups, driving tours, or custom itineraries, please contact us to book.
This tour route is completely flat and easily accessible. The tour covers approximately 1 mile over the course of 2 hours.
We recommend bringing bottled water and wearing sturdy walking shoes and comfortable clothes. Please note that there is no food or liquid allowed inside the U.S. Capitol Visitors Center, so you’ll need to eat any snacks and drink any water before entering. Empty water bottles can be filled once inside. Our tour begins at Union Station, which offers plenty of food and drink options, if you’d like to grab something beforehand.
There are no bathroom breaks on the tour, although we begin the tour at Union Station, which offers restroom facilities. There are also restrooms inside the Library of Congress and U.S. Capitol Visitors Center.
The tour begins inside the Great Hall of Union Station, under the big clock (GPS Address: 50 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002), and ends inside the U.S. Capitol Visitors Center.
This tour does not go inside the U.S. Capitol Building, but we can explain how to join a free building tour at the conclusion of our tour, depending upon timing and availability. If possible, please let us know in advance if you’d like to tour the Capitol.