USA · WASHINGTON DC TOURS

The 15 Best Washington DC Tours & Tickets

28 tours  ·  from $21

The Mall is free and enormous, which is exactly why a guide pays for itself. The 15 below cover the monuments after dark, the museums, the Capitol and the trips out to Arlington and Mount Vernon.

DC Memorials Night Tour: Glass-Roof Convertible Upgrade Option - Choosing the standard bus or glass roof
Evening Experiences, Night Tours in Washington DC, Tour Reviews, Tours, Washington DC 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 three-hour ride past DC’s illuminated monuments. You’ll stop at the White House, Capitol, Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, and more. Choose a standard bus or upgrade to a glass-roof vehicle for clearer night views. Guides such as Dion, George, and Deion are known for lively history and helpful photo stops.

“Wonderful tour experience. This is the most I have ever learned on a guided tour. Dion was so knowledgeable and engaging! Highly recommend.”

Check availability →Read our full review

National Mall Monuments Night Tour with 10+ Stops, Entry Tickets - The Capitol stop gives the evening a strong start
Evening Experiences, Night Tours in Washington DC, Shopping Tours, Tickets, Tour Reviews, Tours, Washington DC 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 around Washington DC after dark, stopping at the Capitol, White House, Lincoln Memorial, MLK Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, and more. Guides such as Sally, Tyrone, and James add history and humor while the driver handles city traffic. Optional tickets for the Washington Monument and museums are used on the next available day.

“Sallie and Mike were great!!! I absolutely love history and Sallie made it so easy to understand for my little one. Whenever I come back I will definitely book Sallie and Mike again”

Check availability →Read our full review

Washington DC Monuments by Moonlight Tour by Trolley - Starting at Union Station or the Washington Welcome Center
Tour Reviews, Tours, Trolley Tours, Washington DC 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 trolley through Washington DC after dark, with live narration, ghost stories, and photo stops at Lincoln, FDR, MLK, Vietnam, and Korean War memorials. Guides such as Smiley, MJ, Bill, and Hollywood are known for lively storytelling. The trolley is heated in winter and accessible vehicles are available by request.

“What a great way to see all of the monuments lit up at night! Our guide, Smiley, was informative, fun, and upbeat! 3 hour tour was well worth the price!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour by Open-top Bus with 18 Stops - Smithsonian museums and the Air and Space Museum
Hop-On Hop-Off Tours, Hop-On Hop-Off Tours in Washington DC, Sightseeing Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Washington DC 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 unlimited hop-on hop-off access for one, two, or three days. Ride past the White House, Capitol, memorials, museums, and Georgetown, using digital commentary and the Big Bus app for routes and tracking. Optional audio tours cover Arlington Cemetery, the Tidal Basin, and Georgetown.

“It was awful. The trip commentary delivered via tinny earbuds rarely matches the points of interest which the bus passes by. Over and over again, we passed a major museum a block ago when the dialogue kicked in to describe what we had already passed. Make sure you book a tour with a live person describing the great sites in DC.”

Check availability →Read our full review

From NYC: Guided Day Trip to Washington DC by Van or Bus - The early ride through New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland
1-Day Tours, Tour Reviews, Washington DC Tours

From NYC: Guided Day Trip to Washington DC by Van or Bus

5.From NYC: Guided Day Trip to Washington DC by Van or Bus

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 3,418 reviews · 15 hours · from $104

Travel from New York to Washington DC by air-conditioned bus or van with an English or Spanish-speaking guide. You’ll visit Arlington Cemetery, the Iwo Jima Memorial, the National Mall, the White House, and the Capitol, then get 90 minutes for lunch, photos, or a museum visit. Guides such as David, Jose, and Augustin are known for lively explanations.

“It was a perfect trip! Augustin and Enrique are the best! Nothing to improve!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Washington DC in One Day: Guided Sightseeing Tour - Starting at the Navy Memorial
1-Day Tours, Sightseeing Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Washington DC Tours

Washington DC in One Day: Guided Sightseeing Tour

6.Washington DC in One Day: Guided Sightseeing Tour

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

Cover the White House, Capitol, National Mall, and major war memorials in about six hours with an English-speaking guide and driver. You will walk at several stops, ride an air-conditioned coach, and cruise the Potomac from April through September. The glass-top bus upgrade helps with city views, but the tour does not enter the monuments.

“US Capitol was closed due to government shutdown, should’ve informed us ahead of time so I can reschedule for another time. But nick was great, and weather was fabulous”

Check availability →Read our full review

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

DC Monuments and Capitol Hill Tour by Electric Cart

7.DC Monuments and Capitol Hill Tour by Electric Cart

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

Ride a quiet, open-air electric cart through Washington DC with a local guide. In about two hours, you’ll see the Capitol, National Mall, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, MLK Memorial, war memorials, White House, and Pennsylvania Avenue, with stops for photos.

“Very efficient way to do a lap around the mall, while learning the history of the city and other cool facts along the way. Great way to start a trip so that you can continue to explore monuments and museums that you learn about along the way. Would definitely recommend for out-of-town guests.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Washington DC Moonlight Tour by Electric Cart - The Capitol and the Mall museums from the cart
Tour Reviews, Tours, Washington DC Tours

Washington DC Moonlight Tour by Electric Cart

8.Washington DC Moonlight Tour by Electric Cart

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

Ride through Washington DC after dark in an open-air, seven-seat electric cart. Your guide points out the Capitol, White House, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and more, with stops at major memorials. Guides such as Joel, Amanda, Lorenzo, and Sam are known for lively storytelling. Dress warmly and expect rain or shine.

“Our guide, Joel, is phenomenal! He provided some real insight into the lesser known symbology associated with each of the monuments we toured. He is also very friendly and quite funny.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Washington DC Highlights, 1-Day Tour from NYC - Arlington Cemetery and JFK’s gravesite
1-Day Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Washington DC Tours

Washington DC Highlights, 1-Day Tour from NYC

9.Washington DC Highlights, 1-Day Tour from NYC

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,607 reviews · 11 to 13 hours (approx.) · from $129

Leave New York at 6:30 am for a full-day Washington DC tour with a professional guide, Arlington Cemetery, the Capitol, White House, memorials, and a Smithsonian museum. Guides such as Carlos, Ben, Oscar, and Sharon bring the history to life. Travel by coach or van, with Wi-Fi on full-size buses.

“Very long tour 12+ hours Bus for that time of travel very uncomfortable, Bus driver constantly on his phone and interrupting the commentary from tour guide. Was rushed when stopping at attractions due to limited time. Bus was. Not hygienic as was dirty and dust on window seals.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Washington DC Hop-On Hop-off Trolley Tour with 15 Stops - Start at Union Station and Capitol Hill
Hop-On Hop-Off Tours, Hop-On Hop-Off Tours in Washington DC, Tour Reviews, Tours, Trolley Tours, Washington DC Tours

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

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

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

Ride a narrated Old Town Trolley through Washington DC’s major monuments, museums, memorials, and government landmarks. Hop off at any of 15 stops, then continue when the next trolley arrives. English narration is included, while an app offers seven foreign languages. Guides such as Joe Moe, Rooster, Birdie, and Everett may add history and humor along the way.

“There is no pickup at the DC ward, yet it is still on the map, and the trolly goes right by. Once we got that figured out the rest of the route was great.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Arlington National Cemetery Walking Tour & Changing of the Guards - The opening walk through Arlington’s history
Cemetery Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours, Washington DC Tours

Arlington National Cemetery Walking Tour & Changing of the Guards

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

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

Walk about two miles through Arlington National Cemetery with a guide such as Meg, Derrick, Christina, Skye, or Dash. You’ll see the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns, Civil War graves, the USS Maine Mast Memorial, the Kennedy family graves, and lesser-known memorials. Groups are limited to 15, and the tour lasts about two to two and a half hours.

“Meg, my tour guide was amazing. So very knowledgeable, personable and concerned about my needs. (Knee replacement 10 months ago) my first time to ANC and I would highly recommend unscripted tours.”

Check availability →Read our full review

New York City: Full-Day Washington DC City Highlights Tour - Arlington National Cemetery and the Kennedy gravesite
City Tours, Full-Day, Tour Reviews, Tours, Washington DC Tours

New York City: Full-Day Washington DC City Highlights Tour

12.Full-Day Washington DC City Highlights Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,551 reviews · from $149

Travel from Manhattan to Washington, DC by air-conditioned bus or van, with a live guide in languages including English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, and Chinese. You’ll visit Arlington Cemetery, the White House, Capitol Hill, the Lincoln Memorial, the Korean and Vietnam memorials, and the Air and Space Museum before returning to New York.

“Enlightening.Enjoyable. Our guide was passionate about her subject..Great background information given on the History of America.An extra half hour was needed for the Museum visit and maybe a choice of adjoining museum. For example Museum of the American Indian was beside The Space Museum. Our guide could have cut back on information on the Veterans. - too much information.One complaint - The seatģfront of me was in a permanently reclined position, as it was broken.”

Check availability →Read our full review

VIP Best of DC with US Capitol + National Archives Reserved Entry - The White House and Eisenhower Memorial
Tour Reviews, VIP, Washington DC Tours

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

13.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’s essential sights with reserved entry to the U.S. Capitol and National Archives. Guide names such as Nick, Evan, and Brittany are often associated with lively, detailed commentary. You’ll ride between stops, walk at the memorials, and enjoy a seasonal Potomac cruise or Pentagon-area visit.

“Our tour guide Evan was amazing! He had an incredible knowledge of history on every monument and memorial. W tons of quirky little facts about”

Check availability →Read our full review

National Mall Night Tour with 10+ Monuments (Public or Private) - The White House provides a quick exterior visit
Evening Experiences, Night Tours in Washington DC, Private, Shopping Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Washington DC Tours

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

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

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

Spend three hours seeing Washington DC after dark, with a guide such as Sally, James, or Dwayne, a comfortable tour bus, and more than 10 stops. You’ll walk at the Capitol, White House, Lincoln Memorial, and other sites, while optional next-day tickets add the Washington Monument, Air and Space Museum, or African American History Museum.

“Chris and James provided a wonderful tour. This tour is quick paced and interesting making sure that you see all the nighttime hot spots and that you are in the best spot for photos. Chris was a safe and helpful driver and James shared both common facts and interesting trivia about each stop.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Washington DC & Philadelphia 1-Day Guided Tour from NYC - Iwo Jima Memorial and Washington’s military stories
1-Day Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Washington DC Tours

Washington DC & Philadelphia 1-Day Guided Tour from NYC

15.Washington DC & Philadelphia 1-Day Guided Tour from NYC

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,109 reviews · 15 hours (approx.) · from $128

Travel by coach from New York City to Washington DC and Philadelphia with an English and Spanish-speaking guide. See the White House, Lincoln Memorial, war memorials, Capitol, Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and Rocky Steps. It is an early, roughly 15-hour day with limited time at each stop, so bring snacks and wear comfortable shoes.

“Really great experience the Guide and the driver were really nice and friendly. Also, the guide was really knowledgeable and it was really interactive. Really good definitely recommend”

Check availability →Read our full review

New in Washington DC Tours

★ 4.5Harry S Truman Little White House AdmissionFrom $25451 reviews
★ 4.9DC: Washington Monument Direct Entry with GuidebookFrom $25479 reviews
★ 4.8See the City Segway TourFrom $70407 reviews
★ 4.6Arlington Nat. Cemetery Ticket & Tram TourFrom $21544 reviews
★ 4.6From Washington DC: Old Town Alexandria & Mount Vernon TourFrom $109393 reviews
★ 4.1DC: Monuments & Memorials Sunset Tour by Open-top BusFrom $49415 reviews
★ 4.8Bus Tour to the Highlights of the CapitalFrom $47373 reviews

Keep browsing

National Parks52Cruises & Boat Tours286Walking Tours124Tickets137Museums47Sightseeing Tours91
Scroll to Top

The American map

Start with a shoreline, a rim or a river.

On the water

Boat TripsSnorkelingWhale WatchingAirboat ToursKayak Trips

Parks and rock

National ParksGrand CanyonAntelope CanyonZion & BryceYellowstone

Cities on foot

Walking ToursHistory WalksGhost WalksFood ToursArchitecture

Tickets and shows

Attraction TicketsMuseum TicketsShowsBroadwayLuaus