Washington DC · PRIVATE

15 Private Tours in Washington DC to Build a Day Around

113 tours  ·  from $42

Good private tours fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.

National Mall Night Tour with 10+ Monuments (Public or Private) - The Capitol begins the evening
Evening Experiences, National Mall Tours, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours, Washington DC Monuments & Memorials Tours, Washington DC Monuments Night Tours

National Mall Night Tour with 10+ Monuments (Public or Private)

1.National Mall Night Tour with 10+ Monuments (Public or Private)

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,207 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $68Our pick

Join DC Guided Tours at 7:30 pm for a three-hour ride and walking circuit through Washington’s glowing monuments. Guides such as Sally, James, and Dwayne add history and humor, while Chris and other drivers handle the city roads. Expect 10 photo stops, limited bathroom time, and optional next-day attraction tickets.

“We learned so much about our history. Duane was amazingly informative and explained everything with such great details.”

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Private Washington DC City Tour - The Capitol and the National Mall from above
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Private Washington DC City Tour

2.Private Washington DC City Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,508 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) Top rated

See Washington DC with a private guide and luxury Cadillac Escalade or Mercedes Sprinter. Walk at the White House, Capitol, Lincoln Memorial, Arlington Cemetery, and more. Guides such as Cliff, Sebastian, Melinda, Nick, and Mark are praised for tailoring the route, explaining the stories, and helping families see a lot in four hours.

“Melinda was a great tour guide. She provided many things we didnt know and perfect guidance on length.”

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Private Night-Time Monuments Tour of DC for up to 10 Guests - The Capitol and White House set the tone
Evening Experiences, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours, Washington DC Monuments & Memorials Tours, Washington DC Monuments Night Tours

Private Night-Time Monuments Tour of DC for up to 10 Guests

3.Private Night-Time Monuments Tour of DC for up to 10 Guests

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 326 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.)

Ride in a private, air-conditioned vehicle with guides such as Christopher, Brittany, or Nick, stopping at Washington’s best-known monuments after dark. You can tailor the route, linger for photos, and avoid the hassle of parking. Pickup and drop-off are included in Washington DC and nearby areas.

“Our guide Nick was great. Very comfortable ride to all the monuments, Capitol and White House. He was knowledgeable and fun to ride with. Made for a great evening seeing DC.”

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Private Multilingual DC City Tour (Spanish, Portuguese, English) - The White House, a photo stop with no entry
City Tours, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours

Private Multilingual DC City Tour (Spanish, Portuguese, English)

4.Private Multilingual DC City Tour (Spanish, Portuguese, English)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 225 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $275

Travel by private vehicle with a driver-guide such as Pedro, Jorge, or George, stopping at Washington DC’s major monuments and memorials. You get hotel pickup, bottled water, and a flexible route for up to six people, though the guide explains sites from the vehicle rather than escorting you inside.

“Lincoln, Jefferson, FDR, & MLK memorials. This tour with Pedro (excellent tour guide)introduced us to the great memorials & buildings of Washington. Now we can plan a more in depth tour.”

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National Archives Skip the Line Guided Tour Semi-Private 6ppl Max - Reading the Public Vaults through American lives
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National Archives Skip the Line Guided Tour Semi-Private 6ppl Max

5.National Archives Skip the Line Guided Tour Semi-Private 6ppl Max

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 196 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours (approx.) · from $105

Spend 1.5 to 2 hours inside the National Archives with a guide and a group capped at eight. See the Constitution, Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights, Magna Carta, presidential letters, and civil rights documents, with guides such as Brenda, Donna, Richard, Bess, and Maribeth bringing the displays to life.

“Donna was knowledgeable and made the history come alive. An educational experience. Would definitely recommend her and this tour.”

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Private Washington DC City Tour | Monuments Tour - The White House is a photo stop, not an inside visit
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Private Washington DC City Tour | Monuments Tour

6.Private Washington DC City Tour | Monuments Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 190 reviews · 3 to 4 hours (approx.)

Explore Washington DC in a private limousine for three to four hours, with pickup from a hotel or residence in the metro area. Driver-guides such as Khalid, Gee, Gligor, and Maaz tailor the route around your priorities, stopping at major memorials while you avoid a long day on foot.

“This was the best tour I've done. We did not feel rushed at all. Saw more sights than would have on a bigger tour. Our driver was very Knowledgeable and polite”

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Private Washington DC Tour with Changing of the Guard Ceremony - Lafayette Square and the White House
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Private Washington DC Tour with Changing of the Guard Ceremony

7.Private Washington DC Tour with Changing of the Guard Ceremony

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 184 reviews · 4 hours (approx.)

Ride in a private vehicle with a licensed DC guide such as Louie, Frank, or Angela, stopping at major monuments before the solemn Changing of the Guard at Arlington’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The route can be adjusted for your group, with hotel pickup, WiFi, charging stations, and bottled water included.

“Angela was a great tour guide. Very knowledgeable about the history of DC. And the areas of interest. A private guide is the way to go.”

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Smithsonian Air & Space Museum Guided Tour Semi-Private 8ppl Max - The Wright Flyer and the beginnings of flight
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Smithsonian Air & Space Museum Guided Tour Semi-Private 8ppl Max

8.Smithsonian Air & Space Museum Guided Tour Semi-Private 8ppl Max

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 154 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $89

Explore Washington’s Air and Space Museum with an English-speaking guide and no more than eight people. See the Wright Flyer, Spirit of St. Louis, Apollo 11 objects, moon rocks, and more. Morning and afternoon departures are available, though construction may change the route.

“Brenda is a wonderful tour guide! She made the museum come alive with riveting stories and fascinating anecdotes about key displays and exhibits. We were visiting with our teenage kids and she worked hard to keep them engaged and spark their interest. She is very knowledgeable, very experienced and clearly enjoys her job. Her "local knowledge" of the museum also made our visit very efficient. With her leading the way we likely got a full days worth of benefit from just a 2 hour tour. We recommend her without reservation.”

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3-4 Hour Private DC City Moonlight Tour by Van - The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial adds a modern voice
City Tours, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours, Washington DC Monuments Night Tours

3-4 Hour Private DC City Moonlight Tour by Van

9.3-4 Hour Private DC City Moonlight Tour by Van

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 142 reviews · 3 to 4 hours (approx.)

This 3 to 4-hour private evening tour covers the National Mall, Jefferson, Lincoln, MLK, World War II, Supreme Court, Library of Congress, Washington Monument, and White House. Your driver-guide, such as Tunde, Bernard, or Fisseha, handles the driving while you set the pace.

“Victor was very nice and accommodating. Unfortunately it was pouring rain during our tour, but he still made it personable and memorable. I would do this again when it’s warmer and not raining to get the full private “hop on, hop off experience””

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Smithsonian Museum of American History Semi-Private 8ppl Max - Dorothy’s ruby slippers and America on screen
Historical Tours, Museums, Private, Smithsonian Museum Tours, Tour Reviews

Smithsonian Museum of American History Semi-Private 8ppl Max

10.Smithsonian Museum of American History Semi-Private 8ppl Max

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 135 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $89

Spend 2.5 hours inside the National Museum of American History with a guide and no more than seven other people. Expect major objects, First Ladies’ gowns, Civil Rights history, pop culture, and useful stories from guides such as Mary Beth, Rebecca, Brenda, and Tony.

“Super organized, expert guide, made it easy getting through crowds to next site plus being g thoughtful that our group stay as a group as a courtesy for other visitors. So polite and checked if we had any questions after he shared stories made us feel warm abd wel one of we had other questions”

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Private & Custom Guided City Tour of Washington DC - Arlington National Cemetery and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
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Private & Custom Guided City Tour of Washington DC

11.Private & Custom Guided City Tour of Washington DC

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 126 reviews · 4 to 15 hours (approx.)

Build your Washington DC day around the places you care about most with guide Alan of Concierge Tours. Choose 4 to 15 hours, travel privately with pickup available, and combine major sights with personal stories, photo stops, and practical local help.

“Alan was awesome! Our group was age 5 to 71 and Alan kept us all engaged. Even the locals in the group learned a lot. Really can't say enough for the tour.”

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3-4 Hour Private DC Highlight Tour by Van - Lincoln Memorial: the tour’s strongest stop
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3-4 Hour Private DC Highlight Tour by Van

12.3-4 Hour Private DC Highlight Tour by Van

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 120 reviews · 3 to 4 hours (approx.)

Spend about three to four hours touring Washington DC in a private van for up to 12 people. Your guide handles the driving, parking, and route while you visit the White House, Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, National Mall, World War II Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, Supreme Court, and Washington Monument.

“Tunde was excellent and very knowledgeable. He made sure we got to see the sights and made it a great day”

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Arlington Cemetery & Changing of the Guard Semi-private 12ppl Max - Arlington House and Robert E. Lee’s connection to the cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery Tours, Changing of the Guard Tours, Private, Tour Reviews

Arlington Cemetery & Changing of the Guard Semi-private 12ppl Max

13.Arlington Cemetery & Changing of the Guard Semi-private 12ppl Max

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 118 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $51Best value

Meet your guide at Arlington National Cemetery for a 2.5-hour walking tour limited to 12 people. Visit JFK’s grave, Joe Louis and Audie Murphy’s graves, space shuttle memorials, Arlington House, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, with a chance to see the Changing of the Guard.

“First time visiting Arlington Cemetery. Enjoyed Kate's historical narratives. Very informative along our walking tour.”

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Customized Private Bike Tour of DC - Starting at the White House
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Customized Private Bike Tour of DC

14.Customized Private Bike Tour of DC

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 114 reviews · 3 hours (approx.)

Ride through Washington DC with a private cycling guide, such as Jeff or Charlie, on a route shaped around your interests and pace. In about three hours, you can connect the White House, Capitol Hill, Lincoln Memorial, tidal basin, Smithsonian, and war memorials, with bikes, gear, snacks, water, and hotel pickup included.

“Did this ride with my family which included 50 years old to 12 years old. It was a great cross between education, sightseeing, and exercise. Jeff was an amazing guide. He rode at our pace and customized the route to suite our interests and to spend time where we had not previously in our trip to DC. I highly recommend this activity!”

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Washington DC: Multilingual Private Day or Evening SUV Tour - From Capitol Hill to Union Station
Evening Experiences, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours

Washington DC: Multilingual Private Day or Evening SUV Tour

15.Multilingual Private Day or Evening SUV Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 107 reviews · 4 hours

Ride through Washington DC in a private SUV for up to six people, with hotel pickup, bottled water, and guidance in English, Spanish, or Portuguese. Jorge and Pedro are among the guides who have led past tours. Choose a daytime route packed with monuments or an illuminated evening tour.

“We wanted to see as much of DC as we could. We chose the best option! Pedro was professional, courteous and very friendly. It was like an old friend was showing us his city. If you have limited time and want an enjoyable and professional tour, book this guide!!”

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New in Private

★ 4.1Washington DC Day Tour – Private Tour3 reviews
★ 5.0private Ronald Reagan, Washington National Airport transfer9 reviews
★ 4.0Private Transfer Washington Airport DCA to Washington DC HotelsFrom $413 reviews
★ 4.5Semi-Private Evening Tour of Washington D.C.From $809 reviews
★ 4.5Private Washington DC Virginia Winery Wine Tasting TourFrom $2558 reviews
★ 4.5Washington DC Sight Seeing Private Tour-English or Spanish Option6 reviews
★ 5.0Washington DC Legend Private Cart Shuttle Tour8 reviews
★ 4.0Private Washington D.C. Monuments Tour6 reviews
★ 3.5Private U.S. Capitol and Library of Congress Tour3 reviews
★ 5.0America’s Main Street and White House Private Full-Day TourFrom $6663 reviews
★ 5.0Sunset Cruise (Private) aboard Geronimo in DC – Reflections DC4 reviews
★ 5.0Roberts Luxury Transportation Shuttle Private Sightseeing Tour14 reviews
★ 5.0Half-Day Private Guided Bike Tour in Washington7 reviews
★ 4.0Private Tour of Museum of African American History and Culture6 reviews
★ 4.5Private Vacation Photoshoot with Photographer in Washington DCFrom $1547 reviews

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National Mall ToursArlington National Cemetery ToursSmithsonian Museum ToursUS Capitol & Library of Congress ToursGeorgetown Walking ToursPotomac River Cruises
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Explore Washington DC

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The Mall

National MallMonuments & MemorialsAfter DarkLincoln MemorialWashington Monument

Inside the buildings

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On foot and on the water

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Out of town

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