Washington DC · TOUR REVIEWS

The 15 Best Tours in Washington DC

487 tours  ·  from $8

Three days or a long weekend, the problem is the same: the memorials are free, the museums are free, and the good bits still need a ticket bought in advance. The 15 below are the days worth building around, priced and timed, with the full catalogue underneath.

DC Memorials Night Tour: Glass-Roof Convertible Upgrade Option - World War II Memorial and the meaning of scale
Evening Experiences, Tour Reviews, Tours, Washington DC Monuments & Memorials Tours, Washington DC Monuments Night Tours

DC Memorials Night Tour: Glass-Roof Convertible Upgrade Option

1.DC Memorials Night Tour: Glass-Roof Convertible Upgrade Option

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 6,933 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $69Our pick

Start at the U.S. Navy Memorial at 7:30 pm for a guided ride past DC’s best-known monuments. You’ll stop at the White House, Capitol, Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, and more. Choose a standard coach or a glass-roof bus, which changes to a glass-top vehicle from October through March.

“The tour guide spoke too much- too much information to absorb- should have been quiet at the Vietnam memorial & Lincoln memorial out of respect.”

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National Mall Monuments Night Tour with 10+ Stops, Entry Tickets - The White House Is a Photo Stop, Not a Tour Inside
Evening Experiences, National Mall Tours, Tickets, Tour Reviews, Tours, Washington DC Monuments & Memorials Tours, Washington DC Monuments Night Tours

National Mall Monuments Night Tour with 10+ Stops, Entry Tickets

2.National Mall Monuments Night Tour with 10+ Stops, Entry Tickets

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 4,863 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $65

Ride an air-conditioned coach through Washington DC for three hours, stopping at the Capitol, White House, Lincoln Memorial, MLK Memorial, and more. Guides such as Sally, Tyrone, James, and Trevor add historical context, while optional tickets cover the Washington Monument, Air and Space Museum, or African American History Museum on a later visit.

“Sally, our tour guide, did a great job. She was highly informative about the sites and the history. It was fun to hear just a part of her knowledge of Washington. Our driver, George, was a real professional and certainly knew his job well. Both of them were exemplary.”

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Washington DC Monuments by Moonlight Tour by Trolley - Capitol Hill, the Supreme Court, and the first city views
Tour Reviews, Tours, Washington DC Hop-On Hop-Off Bus & Trolley Tours, Washington DC Monuments & Memorials Tours, Washington DC Monuments Night Tours

Washington DC Monuments by Moonlight Tour by Trolley

3.Washington DC Monuments by Moonlight Tour by Trolley

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3,956 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $48Best value

Ride an open-air, heated trolley through Washington DC after dark, with live stories, history, and ghost tales from guides such as Smiley, MJ, and Hollywood. You’ll stop at the Lincoln Memorial, FDR Memorial, and MLK Memorial, while seeing the White House, Capitol, and Washington Monument from your seat.

“Interesting guide and easy on/offexperience. Tour gave a good general overview of many sites for those who don't have a full day to see DC”

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Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour by Open-top Bus with 18 Stops - Choosing between the one-, two-, and three-day passes
Tour Reviews, Tours, Washington DC Hop-On Hop-Off Bus & Trolley Tours

Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour by Open-top Bus with 18 Stops

4.Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour by Open-top Bus with 18 Stops

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 3,848 reviews · 1 hour 50 minutes (approx.) · from $49

See Washington DC from an open-top double-decker bus with 18 stops covering the National Mall, Capitol, Arlington Cemetery, Georgetown, and more. Choose a 1-, 2-, or 3-day pass, use the Big Bus app for live tracking, and add audio tours of Arlington, the Tidal Basin, and Georgetown.

“The bus allowed us to see many sights in a short time frame. Staff was friendly and accommodating. Would ride again.”

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Washington DC in One Day: Guided Sightseeing Tour - What makes the guides important
1-Day Tours, Guided, Tour Reviews, Tours

Washington DC in One Day: Guided Sightseeing Tour

5.Washington DC in One Day: Guided Sightseeing Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3,360 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $89

Cover Washington DC’s essential sights in about six hours with an English-speaking guide, including the Capitol, White House, Lincoln Memorial, war memorials, and MLK Memorial. Travel by air-conditioned coach or upgrade to a glass-top bus. From April through September, a Potomac cruise replaces the winter Pentagon City stop.

“Great route thru the city to not only view the monuments but a great way to see so many different things.”

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DC Monuments and Capitol Hill Tour by Electric Cart - Starting near the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial
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DC Monuments and Capitol Hill Tour by Electric Cart

6.DC Monuments and Capitol Hill Tour by Electric Cart

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,841 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $55Top rated

Ride through Washington DC in an open-air, seven-passenger electric cart with a local guide. Stop for photos at the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, MLK Memorial, and Vietnam Veterans Memorial, while passing the White House, Capitol Hill, and Smithsonian museums.

“Great way to see the most important Washington, DC, monuments with entertaining history and commentary.”

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Washington DC Moonlight Tour by Electric Cart - The Capitol and the National Mall museums
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Washington DC Moonlight Tour by Electric Cart

7.Washington DC Moonlight Tour by Electric Cart

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,610 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $74

Cruise Washington DC after dark in a seven-passenger electric cart with a local guide. Stop at the Lincoln, MLK, and Vietnam memorials, view the White House and Capitol, and hear stories from guides such as Joel, Sam, Lorenzo, and Amanda. Dress warmly, since the carts are open to the weather.

“loved the xperience for the group and hoping to do it again soon. i will bring as many groups as possoble”

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Washington DC Hop-On Hop-off Trolley Tour with 15 Stops - Stops 1 to 3: Union Station, the Capitol, and the air museums
Tour Reviews, Tours, Washington DC Hop-On Hop-Off Bus & Trolley Tours

Washington DC Hop-On Hop-off Trolley Tour with 15 Stops

8.Washington DC Hop-On Hop-off Trolley Tour with 15 Stops

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 2,599 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $48

See Washington DC by narrated trolley, with 15 stops linking Union Station, the Capitol, the monuments, museums, the White House, and Arlington as an optional add-on. Guides such as Joe Moe, Birdie, Rooster, and Everett bring different personalities to the ride, while a seven-language app helps non-English speakers follow along.

“If you’re looking to enjoy the city without getting a migraine this is not your place. Driver didn’t stop talking not even a minute. The volume was so high that I couldn’t even talk to my wife sit beside me. I understand the necessity of the driver trying to earn a tip but she ruined the experience and the rest of the day because of the headache. Definitely not recommended. Also the stops are not the best either and took an eternity to wait for the bus. Do yourself a favor and uber from one point to another. If you are three or more you will also save money.”

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Arlington National Cemetery Walking Tour & Changing of the Guards - Meeting at the Welcome Center
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Arlington National Cemetery Walking Tour & Changing of the Guards

9.Arlington National Cemetery Walking Tour & Changing of the Guards

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,566 reviews · 2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $55

This 2 to 2.5-hour guided walk covers about two miles through Arlington National Cemetery. You’ll see the Changing of the Guard, Civil War graves, the USS Maine Mast Memorial, and the Kennedy family graves. Small groups of up to 15 make it easy to ask questions, with guides such as Meg, Derrick, Christina, Skye, and Dash.

“Meg was great. She had a vast knowledge of the topic and engaging with the group discussions. Answered all questions thoroughly and was happy to provide advice/recommendations for other activities to do to enhance our experience in DC.”

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VIP Best of DC with US Capitol + National Archives Reserved Entry - Inside the U.S. Capitol before the crowds
National Archives Tours, Tour Reviews, US Capitol & Library of Congress Tours, VIP

VIP Best of DC with US Capitol + National Archives Reserved Entry

10.VIP Best of DC with US Capitol + National Archives Reserved Entry

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,491 reviews · 8 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $129

Spend a full day seeing Washington DC with reserved Capitol and National Archives entry, a live English-speaking guide, coach transport, and a seasonal Potomac cruise or Pentagon stop. Guides such as Nick, Evan, and Brittany are praised for clear stories and humor, but expect a long day with steady walking.

“Brittany was awesome. She had so much knowledge. Her brain must be huge to have stored that much information to share. She was passionate in telling us about the monuments. She was lighthearted, funny and a delight to spend time with. I would definitely go on another DC tour with her. Also, our bus driver, Kiefer was pleasant and polite.”

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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)

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

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

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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DC: Hop-on Hop-off Tour by Open-top Bus with 17 Stops - Starting at Union Station and getting oriented
Tour Reviews, Tours, Washington DC Hop-On Hop-Off Bus & Trolley Tours

DC: Hop-on Hop-off Tour by Open-top Bus with 17 Stops

12.Hop-on Hop-off Tour by Open-top Bus with 17 Stops

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 1,982 reviews · from $49

See Washington DC from an open-top double-decker bus with English commentary, optional multilingual audio, live bus tracking, and flexible hop-on access. The route covers the National Mall, Lincoln Memorial, White House, Capitol Hill, Tidal Basin, The Wharf, and more, with a digital Arlington Cemetery walking tour included.

“I’ve done a lot of city bus tours and this for me was the best one I’ve done. I was underwhelmed by the day tour but the sunset tour more than made up for it. We got to see a lot and stopped next to Lincoln’s memorial so we could go up and see him. Don’t know the driver’s name but he was great and enthusiastic. I wanted to tip him but didn’t have any cash left.”

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Washington DC "See the City" Guided Sightseeing Segway Tour - Starting near Connecticut Avenue and the White House
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Washington DC “See the City” Guided Sightseeing Segway Tour

13.Washington DC “See the City” Guided Sightseeing Segway Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,924 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $70

Ride a personal Segway from 818 Connecticut Ave NW with guides such as Kyle, Sherman, Brandon, and Alex. After 30 minutes of training, you cover 25-plus sights in about 2.5 hours, with headset commentary and photo stops at the White House, Lincoln Memorial, National Mall, and more.

“Great way to see and learn a ton in 2 hours. Segways are fun and easy to ride. They did a great job training is before we left.”

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Small-Group Guided Tour inside US Capitol & Library of Congress - Library of Congress: the best choice for architecture
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Small-Group Guided Tour inside US Capitol & Library of Congress

14.Small-Group Guided Tour inside US Capitol & Library of Congress

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,869 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.) · from $67

Explore Capitol Hill with a guide such as James, Meg, Dash, or Skye, then enter the US Capitol and choose the Library of Congress or Supreme Court. Expect 2 to 3 hours, a maximum of 15 people, timed security, and plenty of walking.

“The tour guide took us around the Supreme Court and The Capital. She was friendly and very knowledgeable.”

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Small Group National Mall Night Tour with 10 Top Attractions - Jefferson Memorial and the Tidal Basin bring quieter views
Evening Experiences, National Mall Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Washington DC Monuments Night Tours

Small Group National Mall Night Tour with 10 Top Attractions

15.Small Group National Mall Night Tour with 10 Top Attractions

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,658 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $99

Ride with a guide such as Dean, Dustin, Corey, or Daniel through Washington DC after dark. Stop at the Capitol, Lincoln Memorial, White House, Jefferson Memorial, war memorials, and more. The van limits long walks, but you still need to walk at each stop.

“Ramon was interesting and entertaining, traffic was terrible and he was so knowledgeable that he filled the time perfectly. Favorite stops were Korean memorial, Washington Monument and the capital.”

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New in Tour 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

Pick a memorial, a collection or a boat.

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

ArlingtonMount VernonDay TripsOld Town AlexandriaCherry Blossom