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United States Capitol (guided tour)

First Street Southeast, Washington, District of Columbia

Description

The United States Capitol is the meeting place of the US Congress (House of Representatives in the south wing and Senate in the north wing). It was completed in 1800, shortly after the choice of the location of the USA's new capital and the creation of Washington DC in 1791. The neoclassical style of the capitol was inspired by the Paris Pantheon and the east front of the Louvre. The Rotunda was added in 1866. Tours last 45mins and guides take visitors to the Crypt, the Rotunda and the Statuary Hall. Before the tour starts, you’ll see a brief orientation film.

Access & Transport

The building is located on Capitol Hill at the eastern end of the National Mall. Mero station 'Capitol South Station' (Blue, Orange, Silver lines) is 400m to the south and Union Station (Red line and trains) is 800m to the north.

Instructions & Recommendations

Passes are required for tours of the historic Capitol and must be reserved in advance: https://www.visitthecapitol.gov/plan-visit/book-tour-capitol The tour does not include visiting the Senate and House Galleries, which require separate passes.

Meta review

An iconic building that needs no introduction. Visitors describe it as beautiful in the sunshine or when lit up at night. As for the tours, many find them too short but some are just happy to have the opportunity to make a short tour with the rotunda and the Hall of Statues clear favourites. Generally, positive online comments with respect to the guides, but not the security guards.

Environmental & Social

The Capitol Campus has seen a dramatic reduction in energy intensity and rise in recycling in the last 15 years (refer to the Architect of the Capitol report). The tours themselves have no incremental carbon footprint ad have an educational aspect.

Conclusion

A sight not to be missed for a first-time traveller to Washington DC and those interested by the history of the building and keen to learn more about the seat of the legislative branch of the U.S. federal government should definitely book a guided tour.

Key positive

Stunning building in size and design

Free guided tours

Key negative

Not many areas open to visit

Generally need to book several days in advance

Suitability

Accessible to visitors with reduced mobility and no age restrictions.

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

Updated in August 2023

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Last tour starts at 15h20

av. transport time:0h 20m

est. visit time:1h 20m

Regulated hours

Monday08:30 - 16:30

Tuesday08:30 - 16:30

Wednesday08:30 - 16:30

Thursday08:30 - 16:30

Friday08:30 - 16:30

Saturday08:30 - 16:30

Sunday -

Pricing
Free

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