U.S. Capitol and Library of Congress Tour with Rotunda & Crypts

241 Reviews 4.54 out of 5 stars Based on 241 reviews collected by Cool Washington DC and TripAdvisor | Washington DC, USA
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 63 (53) days in advance.

2 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

Experience American democracy on this 2-hour guided Capitol Hill tour with entry to the U.S. Capitol and Library of Congress (guests will visit the Capitol Museum on Mondays and 8am tours when Library closed), plus photo stops at the Supreme Court, Senate offices, House of Representative offices and Ulysses S. Grant Memorial.

Inside the U.S. Capitol, join the official guided tour to explore the Crypt, originally intended as George Washington’s burial site, the Rotunda with its historic paintings, the National Statuary Hall, and sometimes the Old Supreme Court or Old Senate Chamber.

Next, enjoy a visit to the Library of Congress’s Jefferson Building, widely considered the most beautiful building in Washington, with timed-entry passes. Highlights include the Gutenberg Bible, the Great Hall, and the Main Reading Room with panoramic overlooks.

This tour delivers a complete experience of Capitol Hill, combining history, architecture, and unforgettable photo opportunities in one tour.

What's Included

  • Visit the Rotunda, the Crypt, and National Statuary Hall
  • Potential to visit the Old Supreme Court or Old Senate Chamber (depends on day of travel)
  • See the Gutenberg Bible at Library of Congress, 1 of the 4 institutions with a complete vellum copy
  • Gratuities
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Meeting Location

Meeting point
End point

101 Independence Avenue Southeast
Washington, DC 20540, USA

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Safe & secure • Easy breezy • Hassle-free

United States Botanic Garden (pass by)

Guests meet directly across the street from the U.S. Botanic Garden Conservatory, one of the oldest botanic gardens in North America, founded by Congress in 1820, located at 100 Maryland Avenue SW.
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U.S. Capitol

Inside the U.S. Capitol: Guests go through security, have a short break, watch the orientation film, and then join the official guided tour with headsets. Typical rooms include the Crypt, Rotunda, and National Statuary Hall; sometimes the Old Supreme Court or Old Senate Chambers. The Rotunda fresco “The Apotheosis of Washington” is 180 feet above the floor; the Crypt was originally intended for Washington’s burial.*The government has the right to close or to cancel any tour inside the US Capitol without advanced notice to us.
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1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Library of Congress

Library of Congress (self-guided after Capitol): After being escorted to the tunnel, guests use timed-entry passes to walk straight into the Jefferson Building, widely considered the most beautiful building in Washington. Highlights include:– The Gutenberg Bible – 1 of only 3 perfect vellum copies in existence. – The Great Hall – a soaring Italian Renaissance-style atrium with marble columns, mosaics, gold leaf, and murals by leading artists. – The Main Reading Room – viewed from upper observation deck, this is the iconic circular reading room seen in countless films. – Putti and carvings – cherubic figures representing arts and sciences line the balustrades – Architectural firsts – the Jefferson Building was the first public building in DC designed for electric lighting and one of the first to use a comprehensive climate-control system.
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20 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Supreme Court

Pass by the Supreme Court building
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Peace Monument (pass by)

Peace Monument/Peace Circle – commemorates naval deaths of the Civil War; figures “Grief” and “History."
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Ulysses S. Grant Memorial (pass by)

One of the largest equestrian statues in the world; sculptor took 20 years to complete
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Capitol Hill (pass by)

2-hour Morning guided walking tour through Capitol Hill
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Senate and House Office Buildings (pass by)

Pass by the Senate and House office buildings and learn about the workings of Congress. Your guide will share insights into the history, architecture, and role these iconic buildings play in shaping American legislation.
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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the U.S. Capitol and Library of Congress Tour with Rotunda & Crypts?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EDT).This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

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Activity code: C-6766P22

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.54
241 reviews

Average 4.54 out of 5 stars based on 241 traveler reviews collected by Cool Washington DC and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
187
4 stars
27
3 stars
8
2 stars
7
1 star
12
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 63 (53) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • Visit the Rotunda, the Crypt, and National Statuary Hall
  • Potential to visit the Old Supreme Court or Old Senate Chamber (depends on day of travel)
  • See the Gutenberg Bible at Library of Congress, 1 of the 4 institutions with a complete vellum copy
  • Admission to U.S. Capitol building with Tour
  • Admission to Library of Congress (or Capitol Museum when Library Congress is closed Mondays or 8am)
  • Stop outside Supreme Court, Ulysses S. Grant Memorial, Senate Offices, House of Reps, Peace Circle
  • See Thomas Jefferson’s original library
  • 2-Hour Morning or Afternoon Guided Walking Tour of Capitol Hill
  • Gratuities

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Waking: There will be standing and walking during this tour. Please wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather as much of the tour is outdoors. DC can be very hot in the summer and cold in the winter. Umbrellas and layers are recommended.
  • Animal policy: animals are not permitted on tours.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 40 travelers

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