The nation's capital boasts a wealth of monuments, memorials, and museums. That abundance can be overwhelming—but Washington DC tours offer an easier way to see the best of the city. Enjoy a flexible sightseeing experience when you travel by hop-on hop-off bus or trolley, or explore by night to beat the crowds and see landmarks from the Lincoln Memorial to the White House lit up after dark. Then, dig deeper: Whether you visit the US Capitol, explore Smithsonian highlights like the Air and Space Museum, or pay tribute at Arlington National Cemetery, it's worth stopping for a closer look.
Standard 2- to 3-hour sightseeing tours cost US$50–US$100 per person—or sometimes more if you include entry to ticketed sites. Full-day tours that visit more monuments and memorials start at US$120, while private tours range from US$300–US$500.
Q:What do you see on Washington DC tours?
A:
Washington DC tours take you into the political and historical heart of the US capital. See where Congress gathers in the Capitol Building, watch the changing of the guard at the Arlington National Cemetery, and pass by instantly recognizable sites, like the White House and Lincoln Memorial. Some tours include Potomac River cruises, too.
Q:How many days in Washington DC is enough?
A:
Plan to spend three days in Washington DC. Though many of the city’s highlights—including the White House, Capitol Hill, and the memorials and monuments of the National Mall—are located close together, they’re not easy to cram into one day. Plus, you may want time to visit Georgetown, Mount Vernon, and a few Smithsonian museums.
Q:What is the best month to visit Washington DC?
A:
Late October and early November are some of the best times to visit Washington DC. You’ll be able to photograph the city’s marble monuments and moving memorials with an East Coast autumn backdrop of colorful fall foliage. Plus, daytime temperatures hover in the fresh 50s and 60s, and the summer-break crowds are gone.
Q:What is the #1 tourist attraction in Washington DC?
A:
According to traveler reviews, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial is the #1 tourist attraction in the US capital. Completed in 2011, it was the first memorial in the National Mall to be dedicated to a Black public figure. The design was inspired by King’s “Dream” speech, depicting the civil rights leader emerging from the “Mountain of Despair” on a “Stone of Hope.”