U.S. Capitol Reviews

Incredible building. Although the Lincoln Memorial is the most visited in DC, we felt this was easily the most beautiful building in DC. Each part of the building on all sides has amazing detail especially the central dome. The back view actually has better views than the front and if you get here early you can get great photographs

This gorgeous building had amazing architecture and is simply stunning. The grounds are beautifully landscaped and sits atop a small hill. We were unable to go inside, Probably due to CoVid but it is certainly worth visiting to see where 1/3 of our government congregates.

Went to see the beautiful Cherry Blossoms. Was a good season to go. Not too hot and not too busy. We were able to see everything in a few days.

Take a quick stroll around the exterior, check out the visitor’s center, or get lucky and take a tour of the interior. Any of these are great options. The building itself is one of the most recognizable in the city (likely in the world). The building is beautiful in the bright sunshine or at night when it is lit up and glowing.

Since moving the visitor’s center below street level, the area in front of the Capitol is much cleaner looking and makes for wonderful photos. There’s always something going on, whether inside or out. At any given time a Representative or Senator is giving a press conference outside and, of course, there’s always business being conducted inside.

As impressive as the Capitol is from almost anywhere in the city, it is so much more so up close.

We were able to get 11 tickets for a Capitol tour from our NM Congresswoman (there are limited tickets available at the entrance). We were impressed to see the Rotunda. If you want to see the actual Senate and House chambers you need to get special passes from a Congressperson.

You have to book a free admission ticket online in advance for a tour & arrive 30mins early to get through the queue outside for security. It's a guided tour which was most interesting & the dome is stunning inside.

The US Capitol tour was amazing. We did not have to wait but about 15 minutes in line. The free tour included a tour guide and headphones. The Rotunda was beautiful. The artwork and statues were incredible. The Capitol Building is beautiful. Everyone who loves our country should see it. The Capitol police were very helpful and friendly. We felt very safe while we were there. I can't understand how any American could do anything to damage such a beautiful building.

Took the tour at 14:50, excellent time for it. Tour guide was very knowledgeable. Everything is so beautiful, ceilings, paintings!

Excellent experience. Tour guide was great. Staff went out of their way to ensure we got the gallery in time to see pro forma, even walked us to the door. The free coat check was unexpected but as it was January, we were grateful for it!

Be sure to get tickets for gallery from your congressman!

We booked the tour on the website ourselves. The tour is free.
The building is very impressive, and the tour was great, we really enjoyed it.

Set aside any political biases and just marvel at the architectural design and architecture! Walk around the open areas awestruck. Take a tour for additional historical context. I wish it was easier to visit; I'd do it more often.

This visitor center is inaccurate and has distorted our history to suit those who want a more progressive and reshaped United States, not the one that our ancestors built.
For instance, it is inaccurate about the number of constitutional amendments that were among the 12 from 1789. It is incorrect about the history of the War of 1812. It also does not correctly explain the role of the states in ratifying the Constitution. These errors and more are part of the propaganda that is being put forth by our government to reshape the history of our country.
Please write your congressperson and ask them to have this museum corrected!

I am still in horror over how on January 6th this beautiful space was filled with so much hate. When we were there it was tranquil, clean, and simply beautiful. The architecture of this building is really spectacular for the USA. The whole area around the building is filled with gorgeous trees, architecture and walk ways.
We were around dinner time and there were a few other people there taking selfies and having a look around - very quiet and serene.

Such a beautiful building! Sadly, for obvious reasons, you can no longer go inside, but walking the long walk across the lawn to see her still standing there so strong and beautiful makes one proud to be an American!

The tour inside is free, loved the tour. It's like 20-30 mins long, but there is so much history. Loved it!

The tours take so many people through the building. It is amazing to see how they have organised it logistically!
Before the tour we had a quick bite in the cafeteria.
After the tour we also saw the House of Representatives and the Senate Chambers as well as the museum.
All in all, we stayed a long time and learned a lot!

A very interesting visit even if there are a lot of people. It is very well organized and we see and understand the essentials.

I think the guide was good and very funny but I think I would see more of the capital but I would come back

Visiting the United States Capitol is a fascinating experience that deserves to be had while in Washington, D.C. The majestic architecture of the building is impressive, with its iconic dome rising above the gardens.

However, it is important to note that there can be a large crowd, especially during the peak tourist season. This can make the experience a little less enjoyable, as there is sometimes waiting to enter the building. In addition, access to certain areas may be limited, which may disappoint those hoping to explore further.

In short, the United States Capitol is a must-see when visiting Washington, D.C. It is a place full of history and symbolism. Make time to explore and appreciate the architectural details that make this place a true national treasure.

The architecture of this building is breath taking. Photos that wee see of the building in D.C. do not do justice. Must See. You can also request a tour to see the inside once the open back up (COVID).

You are barred from going in. It was a minor disappointment one is not allowed in. For law abiding citizens, open her up!

We wanted to visit the Capitol to pay our respect for what had happened in January. The building is grand and stunning. The flags were risen which meant the house was in session. I knew our leaders that we elected were inside making decisions to take care of the American people. Proud is the best word I could use to describe the feeling we got while viewing it.
We took many picture and I also bought a tiny replica for my desk. A memorable moment in our lives. Wished we could have looked inside but many ruined that for us.

We visited the U.S. Capitol with my family (2 adults and 2 children) after booking access with a guided tour (reservation to be made well in advance, free if you exclude $1 reservation per ticket). The exteriors are wonderful, both the front (facing “The Mall” and Washington Monument) and the back (facing the Supreme Court and Library of Congress), as well as parts of the internal rooms. However, what disappointed my expectations is the guided tour which is difficult for a "non-native speaker" to follow, even if he has a good command of the English language. Furthermore, apart from a few exceptions, the rooms where you are taken are not particularly interesting. However, some rooms are unmissable and I don't know if these can be visited independently. The internal restaurant is excellent, which can be accessed without limitations and which also has economical prices as well as a good quality of the food offered.

Make sure you contact your representative so you get a private tour- We got to see areas that not normally visited.

A nice tour and there is much to look at in the exhibits. You must book a free tour in advance! Nice movies explain the functioning of the government in relatively simple terms.

Once again disappointed in that building shut to to shutdown.
It looks magnificent and it would have been a lifetime dream to see inside.
I will never get back so I leave with a bitter taste of this event

We pre-booked our Capitol tour through the Capitol website for a certain time allowing time for the metro & walking from the metro stop. We arrived early, got in a pretty long but fast-moving line, and asked the ticket clerk if it would be possible to get an earlier time & we were surprised that he said, "how about right now". So, we went on the next tour and our tour guide did a fantastic job. She was very knowledgeable. Although the tour is limited to just a couple of areas (understandably) it was still awesome to see & learn about our U.S Capitol building.

Any visit to DC must have a Capital visit. Although free to visit, there is time stamped “tickets” and reservations are a good idea. Very informative tour guides take each group through different areas of the Capitol. The statues and artwork are really grand. Always crowded and a bit noisy, but worth it. Although there are elevators, most of this tour was staircase access.

Another must see when in Washington as the building dominates the skyline and is very ornate inside. Our tour group was too big and should have been split in two. There were so many people on the tour that we couldn't all get in to the old Supreme Court. The tour is limited in that it only takes visitors to the Rotunda and a couple of other less well known places. The tour was very informative and the guide was very knowledgeable and amusing.

We had a tour of the capital building on Sunday the 14th of Jan 2024. The tour was awesome and totally worth seeing. The tour guid was exceptional.

Another must see in DC, make sure to make your reservations early as typically there will be at least 2 school groups there. They first show you a movie then take you in small groups to explore the different halls. I enjoyed the tour and our tour guide was very helpful. HOWEVER, they tell you to take the time to take pictures but that you are not supposed to leave the group which is ridicous because your group does not move around the hall so how the hell are you supposed to do that? Don't be afriad to walk away from your group in order to take the pictures that you want just be sure to make your way back. I would recommend the tour guides give everyone a few minutes to explore the area once there speal is over with so you can take the pictures you want and don't feel like you will get in trouble!

Really informative tour. Got our tickets in advance which saved some time. Fairly flexible with timings so we got an earlier tour once in there.
Exciting to see such a monumental building. Had a great tour guide.
The Houses were on summer break but still got to go into the two viewing galleries to see them. Just had to go to the two separate desks to get passes. Needed ID but only took 5minutes.

a building that is actually much more imposing than in the movies, beautiful in its architectural styles and its incredible dome is worth contemplating!!!

We did the basic tour. Short but worth the visit. Our guide Mr Peet was excellent. There is plenty to look at if you arrive early (exhibitions hall just updated).

I never dreamed the US Capitol was created with such beauty and eye catching design. Wow. Will most definitely have to go see it again and again.

It was built spectacular with the size and location where it is. It is the emblem of the city and I would say that it is larger than the one in Havana.

Its entire esplanade then leads to all the famous monuments of the city itself.

We walked around U.S Capitol often since it is near Washington Court Hotel. The building is beautiful day or night, it gets really packed during day time we could hardly take a solo picture.

We went into the Capital and when I asked security and staff if the protesters entered though here on Jan 6th, I was told “I don’t know” “I wasn’t here that day” and other such nonsense. Clearly there is a directive in place not to draw any attention to that horrifying day.
Our guide was so knowledgeable and passionate about the Capital and what it represents but didn’t talk about it until the very end of the tour when he said that he was proud of how Americans have different opinions and how democracy allows them to voice those opinions. But Jan 6th, he said, was too much. He paused and continued. “The next day, on Jan 7th, I came back to work…..and wept.”
It was an honest expression that almost had us in tears. We watched the events unfold on Jan 6th, from Canada, in horror.
A visit to The Capital is a reminder of what America in its finest moments stands for.
Well worth the visit.

Visited: 09/07/2023
Only had time to see the outside, didn't do anything inside. Everything was covered in white tarp, and construction so you didn't really get to see or enjoy the iconic building it was. You could see the iconic dome, but that was it.
Granted - this was a while after the Riots so I assume it was maintenance to fix the damage, but it was disappointing. Didn't bother taking pictures as there wasn't much to see.

This is going to be insanely long. So buckle in or scroll.

We went to the capitol today and yesterday and missed both tour times. Yesterday, our tour was at 3:20 and we went 40 minutes early, today our tour was 9:30 and we went an hour early.

Yeah. ONE hour and we still missed our tour time. By the time we went in it was an hour and 10 minutes and the couple in front of us had been waiting for an hour and a half. Yesterday, since it was the last tour time, we couldn't go. But today, since we had an early time, we got to go on the next one. So, now you're probably asking, "why the one star if you got to go on another tour?" Well, it's because I am angry with how all of this is handled by the capitol staff, police, and the insane wait times.

Yesterday, I was told they give a ten minute grace period, so by the time we got in at 3:30 ish I thought we still had time and nope. Missed it. I wish the people working outside would tell everyone that if you are there for a reservation, you are going to miss it and there isn't another one for that day. Because I'm telling you the line behind me at that point was crazy and I know they were all there for tours as when I went back out not even 20 minutes later, they were all gone.

Moving on, of course the security process is vital to entering the capitol, and that is not what I'm mad about. Safety is very important in a place like that. I'm mad about the efficiency and attitude of everyone who works on the first floor. Also, with how the whole thing is set up. You ALL stand in one big line (we later learned there are actually two but they're both long) and wait. It doesn't matter if your tour is 9:20 or 9:30. Heck, if your tour is 9:20, a 9:30 person could be ahead of you.

Does that make sense to any of you? Wouldn't you let people stand in line by tour reservation and then also add a walk in section for people who want to go to the gift shop or something? Doesn't that sound more efficient than everyone missing their tour? I'm sure the staff in the red shirts outside and at the podium once you get in might have a better attitude if they didn't have to deal with disgruntled people who stand in line for over an hour.

Yesterday, the check-in attendant at the podium said it's a very common thing for people to miss their tours because of the line and that's just how the people in charge run it. But why? Not only that but it's as though everyone has some sort of weird power trip and a smug demeanor. Like they don't give af that you're waiting that long because this is all free, but I'd PAY to not have to deal with that mess.

Anyway, the check in attendant today who was a younger boy was also kind of rude and very unapologetic. He asked us if we missed our tour, too, and we said that this was the second tour we missed and he said with a big smile, "Awesome!"...

What? I get that's probably some sarcastic remark, but when you stand in line for over an hour in the cold, getting a response like that is so angering. Of course he can't fix the way the line works, but you can at least be apologetic. Saying "I'm sorry you missed your tours. We hate that this happened but hope you can still enjoy your tour with us," can go a LOOOONGGG way instead of the smug attitude. It kind of ruins your time because not only do you miss reservations for other things that throws your whole day off and you stand in a crazy line, but the staff also don't have it in them to even act like they care. It leaves such a bad taste in your mouth.

Also, he said that we can complain to him instead of someone else and I straight up told him "why? you don't care anyway." Rude on my part as well but I'm sick of the nonchalant attitude from the workers who act like just because this tour is free money wise, that we don't pay by standing in the crazy line, driving or lyfting (which is what we did), and banking on this not ruining our reservation times for other things (which it did) Also, this comment was after he made his "awesome" comment so to me it was warranted.

Like, it's DC. We all have other things and reservations that are missed because of the stupid way they handle the line. Not only that but the police will let in a very small number of people at a time (where you wait 10 minutes in between) and that number changes every single time. Sometimes it's 5, 10, 2, 4, and one time it was 3 and it was two couples. One of them did not want to be split, rightfully so as the next time you can go in would be 10 minutes later when they call the next group, and the worker outside told them both to go in because she doesn't care. It makes it seem like they're just making it up as they go.

When you actually get into security they're just talking and lallygagging the whole time. No one can convince me that this process should take longer than TSA. Of course TSA can have off days, but most of the time even if there is a long line it moves pretty quick. This line does not. I don't know if at this point they need to start charging so it can move quicker or what but this is sooooo unacceptable.

Now are there some staffers who are kind? Yes, a lot of them! Crazily enough, it just seems to be the ones upstairs and working outside who seem like they hate their job or love watching people miss their tour.

So, no, if you have to wait even 30 minutes, it's just not worth it. It's a 13 minute presentation then a trip to a few rooms. Not worth it for the time you spend outside.

I also want to say I think it's insane I don't see any comments complaining about this online. Everyone around me was complaining and this is something that, as I mentioned earlier, just leaves a bad taste in your mouth.

James was very well informed and was able to respond to all questions. The building was awe inspiring. The history behind all parts of the building and it contents make you proud to be an American.

Our Congresswoman Ann Wagner arrainged a tour for us. Interesting inside views and history. Difficult navigating how and where to go to get in building and where you are when you leave building! Poor signage.

Imposing building that unfortunately we could not visit internally. We were fascinated to see it up close. Bello!

We just walked around the outside. The building is huge. So dress comfortably and for the season. Bring your camera. The building is awesome and a must-see element of your DC visit.

We toured the Capitol through our representative’s office and it was great seeing where our government began. In the past we were able to see more, but under the guise of COVID, many places are still not open to the citizens. Hopefully places will open up again soon. But the place is beautiful and very historic-a must see.

A striking building. Seat of Congress, the legislature of the United States of America. Sessions of the Senate and the House of Representatives take place here. You should take your time to visit - it is worth it. The building has the status of a National Historic Landmark - these are sites in the United States that have been classified as particularly important by the Department of the Interior.

It is very worth booking the guided tour on site, otherwise you can only see the Main Hall lunch in the tray, and you lose a lot that is precisely the part of the dome and the history of the Capitol and its construction.

Arrive well in advance, from 30 minutes to 45 minutes according to the booking instructions, this because to access the capitol there is a large queue for the magazine, which is like that of the airport. You can even enter with bottles but they must be empty, you can restore the water inside. Clarifying that the magazine queue has nothing to do with your time for the guided tour, after passing through the magazine you access the Main Hall and at this place you are presenting your reservation, so if the magazine queue is delayed and you lose your time for the guided tour will depend on an enclosure at another time.

The Capitol and as our national congress, where the deputies and senators stay, if you are not a U.S. citizen is only to travel to the reception of the senate and congress respectively, show the passport to the receptionist that they provide the invitations, if you go to the respective guard volumes to leave the belongings, including smart watches and cell phones and then access the rooms. Do not go to the room without passing the respective watch volumes because only there they provide a sheet in addition to the invitation that you received at the reception to access the rooms, without these tickets you do not access the room.

I also advise you to eat in the Capitolium tray, lots of diverse food with fair price.

The chalk hall stands tall above Capitol Hill on the eastern edge of the National Mall. Witnessing him look exactly like he's seen on TV, it makes me feel like he's come to Washington. The area around the parliament building was thought to be crowded, but in reality it was a bit surprising with sparse crowds.

This tour was awesome. You can get tickets online for free. We got tickets the same day. I kept refreshing and they opened up for the next hour. If you plan in advance, contact your congress person and you can get a personal tour of the capitol. I highly recommend it.

We got our tickets in advance by contacting our congressman's office before we our hometown. I personally couldn't do all the walking that was involved. So I was content to just feel small in such a large place. The sheer magnificence is worth the time spent here.

The Capitol is the best of the major monuments in DC. Tours can be arranged through the Capitol Visitor Center but the better option is a private tour arranged via your Representative or Senator. Most of the building is effectively a museum as most legislative work is done in the office buildings nearby.

The building is nice and rich with history. The short movie was really good, I liked it a lot. Depending on the tour guide, the length of the tour can depend. I am a great fan of history, but our tour guide D Well just kept going and going talking about unrelevant things and telling unfunny tacky jokes. We tried to leave earlier because it was boring and because we were in a time crunch to catch a train, and he got very rude with us. He asked us in front of the large group of people where we are from and made a comment the laws of my country don't apply here in a very arrogant way. Well freedom of movement is universal! Anyway, I live in the USA and assumptions based on my accent or roots do not matter at all to trigger such statement. I was pissed and uncomfortable for the rest of the tour. Not a good experience at the Capital of the USA and a place regularly visited by foreign visitors too.

We were lucky and since it was during the week, we were able to walk right up to the visitor center and get a ticket to go in for a tour in about 15 minutes. The staff said that it was a slow day since it was a Wednesday. Somebody else commented and I would agree that the type of tour you get highly depends upon the tour guide you get. Friends of ours went the day before and were told of many things that we were not told of. One thing, especially disappointing was the fact that we were not shown the absolute centerpoint of the Capitol building, and of the District of Columbia. I happened to see the marking in the Capitol building and took a photo of it but the guide never did mention it.

I would definitely recommend getting tickets to see the Capitol building and then once you’re done, make sure you go to to see the Library of Congress which we were amazingly surprised at how European it looks. It’s the most European building I think we have in this country and a must see while in DC.

If you can get a meeting with your local representative, that’s definitely something to try to do. We were told that that was not possible based on recent events but unfortunately for us, that was not the case so we did not try to get a meeting with our representative.

It is a wonderful building on a plateau with a large dome, white, surrounded with a park and lake in front. It is the seat of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives

Evelyn my tour Guide gave it her heart and soul. Her strength is her ability to communicate. She made everyone feel comfortable and welcome and has a natural talent for teaching.

Possibly one of Top-rated places we've ever visited in Washington.
Majestic building, both outside and inside, highly recommended the guided tour that allows to understand the functioning of the Capitol, fundamental organs of American democracy

The dome is modeled after the Pantheon in Rome. The grounds are enormous, and inspiring. Congress was not in session while we were there, so we skipped a visit of the interior.

I enjoy seeing the Capital with its two winds which remind me of the American form of government. It should not be missed. ( However, if you are in downtown DC you couldn't miss it if you tried!)

Beautiful building, and we found it amazing how everything lines up, from the White House, Washington Memorial to the Capitol. Unfortunately one is not allowed to get close, railings preventing visitors from going up the steps. We did sit on the grass though and had a mini picnic. Well worth visiting.

I would recommend doing the interior tour if offered and the exterior tour. it's pretty for a photo op but there is so much to learn about the building

The most beautiful city in America, everything is nice, organized.
At night, the views are amazing and you can enjoy the solitude of the streets.
Much better than in the day, since it is crowded.

you need to book the tour, and you must follow the guide the visit the capitol building, and there is no food or drinks allowed in the building, even water is not allowed, you need to throw them away before security check, the tour is about 1 hr, not much place is open for you to visit, just a very few place you can see,

This historic and stunning building is just as enchanting as you would expect. One of the most given places to visit on the whole planet and it is cool that there is so much history but at the same time is very active.

We went on a random day of the week, around 1pm, when it had been drizzling out so it was pretty quiet in the area. The sun had started to come out, though, and therefore, the crowds were starting to as well.

We weren't sure the best location to go or how close you could get and we didn't have a lot of time. Still, we strolled on the grassy area right in front and it looked like perhaps you could have started climbing the steps to the building but we opted, due to time, to just admire it from afar. It would be nice when we have more time to actually do one of the tours (if they do them anymore - didn't check into it at all) and really experience the Capitol.

I had an amazing tour of the US Capitol. If you are able to, work with your Congressman on having a representative or Stafford assist you with a tour of the Capitol. This way you are guided to the various areas and provided bits of historical information regarding the statues, rooms, grounds, portraits etc. Luckily at this time it was District week and the congressman were away from session which allowed a special opportunity to view outside of the Speaker of The House's balcony. The view from the balcony is amazing as you can see the Washington Monument and other various historical buildings. I was also able to see the plaque an inscription for the Cornerstone laid by George Washington. Overall there is so much history there as it also connects to the original Supreme Court of which, there are three original seats and clock which still works today) and Senate chamber ( where you can see spittoons at the front).

The Rotonda offers beautiful statues and portraits as well as the Apotheosis of George Washington painted on the dome.

long wait for a hurried 25 minute tour. You are not able to see anything up close as all the rooms are roped off. No restrooms anywhere around so take care of that before you wait in line for an hour.

We booked our tour online in advance. Five days before the tour we got an email that due to an event we could only see the first floor - the crypt and old supreme court. It was lackluster and honestly not worth it at all. Of course, these things happen - but if you get an event on your day and can't do the second floor I'd suggest just cancelling.

Make reservations. Regardless, you wait in a long line for an hour in the weather. Go through security. Use the bathrooms before getting in tour group line as no facilities on tour. See the rotunda, the old congress room and plenty of statues. You don’t see a lot of things. Cool, but disappointing too.

Not our favorite thing to do.

We had 3pm tickets, but arrived early and were allowed into the 220 show, which started around 240.

You first watch a 30 minute video, then get shuffled into groups and given headsets to listen to the guides. These tour was about 30 minutes and focused on sculptures and the rotunda.

My 9yo wasn’t too into it. There is a small exhibit to view as well, which we liked better.

They will be the first world power but it will not be in Tourism. In any destination in the world, the Legends of any monument, no matter how small, are in the local language and in English at least. Here legends only in English. Furthermore, the visit is organized in Spanish and the guide does not speak any Spanish. One of the visitors had to act as a translator. They are very shabby and very bad

PROS
• Amazing
• Brilliant
• Iconic
• Inspiring
• One of the most famous structures in the world

CONS
Without a tour pass for entry, and then only after intense screening and scrutiny, one cannot approach the building

“I VISITED THIS PLACE”…
… because it is what it is- please enjoy my artistic “helpful” photos

TIP
Go to see it

The US Capitol Building is well worth touring. I highly recommend it! Tours are well organized, the guides are super knowledgeable, and the whole thing made me feel more patriotic (in a complicated time). Call your reps in advance and get passes to the Senate and Houses Floors.

We tried to register for free online ticket but we were not successful. As there are limited ticket onsite we were there 8:30 am. And we got tickets. All kind of tickets are free the point is the capitol is popular and the daily amount of visits are limited.
They start with a movie and then a guided tour.
It was great . Lots of things to learn.
There was a big coffee shop and we ate our break fast there.
It takes about 2 hours to see everything.
The library is connected to capitol by tunnel if you register for both you can go there by tunnel and scape the library queue.

Very well worth it, excellent walk along with the Library of Congress. It is a history class . Fantastic visit, if you go on Saturdays there is free parking around the Capitol.

We were only able to make the outside visit, everything was cordoned off and monitored by the police because it was the day before the American National Day of 4/07. But for all that, the places are imposing and more remarkable than the White House outwardly. We really regretted not being able to access the interior.

The whole process for clearing security, entering the visitors center, and locating the beginning of the tour was smooth. The visitor center is beautiful, even the restrooms! The tour of the Capitol was led by a guide (Robert) who was friendly, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic. An enjoyable tour.

Tours are well organized, but must be booked in advance. Security is comparable to airport security. Liquids and food are not allowed so plan accordingly. It’s beautiful inside and you’ll learn lots from your tour guide! Definitely recommend.

First I will say, we were very thankful to even get one of the VERY few tours that are presently being offered. I wish that we could have seen more of the complex than we did. We did not get to see the House Chambers nor the Senate Chambers. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. He did a great job, even with the limited areas we were able to see. Hopefully in the future the Capitol will be more open to the public than it is in its current limited status.

We prebooked the inside Tour and arrived early, security was tight (understandably given the events earlier in the year!). The Tour was well worth it, we were in small groups but every room we viewd had many similar tours going on, so there was a buzz everywhere. The great thing about tours is you learn the quirky things which guidebooks rarely reveal, our guide was an art enthusiast so her explanations and tongue in cheek interpretations of the paintings in the Rotunda were great.
we then did the ground tour which was equally illuminating, our guide here (and we were a small group of foreign visitors and out-of-towners) was brutally honest about the Capitol riots a few months earlier and it was refreshing to hear a "real" resident's view, not the official line

At last visitors are being allowed back in the Capitol building (a mere 5,000 a day compared to almost 15,000 before the pandemic).

Very well organised and marshalled, it’s a privilege to see inside in person and easy now to understand the chaos on 6th Jan 22 when the US nearly had a coup! Our guide was excellent and in viewing all the amazing painting on the walls, invited us to remember who had painted them – ie the victors write history.

It was also good to see the many and varied statues from each state. Well worth a visit – and free!

Beautiful building with lots of history. Received a tour from our U.S. Senator's office of the visitor center and capitol.

We were booked on one of the early tours and so arrived before the doors opened. A huge queue developed behind us, so we were glad to get in early and were not delayed by security. In fact, we arrived so early that we had some time to kill before our scheduled tour. So we went to the cafe and had breakfast, which was excellent and really cheap. The cafe is obviously used by all the staff, so I’m guessing it was subsidised, but if you get the chance, then use it!
The tour was excellent from a learning perspective, but it was too busy and the poor staff were trying their best to balance the need to inform with the need to keep control of the numbers. The building is magnificent and really could do with more time to do it justice. The art is also amazing. Loved the statues from each state and the history around them.
Everyone should visit this place to understand how one branch of the US government works.

We were so excited to see that the Capitol was open again for tours. We last came to DC in June of 2022 and it was totally barricaded. Now that it’s open, you can get timed entry online and I think they allow walk ins if there’s availability. The tour includes a short movie, the dome, the crypt and the old assembly room. It is the cradle of our democracy and every American should be outraged that anyone tried to storm the Capitol. It is a national treasure and every American should go and feel the weight of the history.

This is a must-do if you're visiting D.C.! Be sure to book ahead of time with your representative. Also, if you'd like to visit the house chamber on your tour, make sure you visit when Congress isn't in session.

The building is as imposing on the outside as on the inside. If you're in Washington, it's definitely a must-see. Very interesting the collection of statues donated by the states with their most important characters for the nation.

The only criticism I can make is that I found it ridiculous that a guided tour in Spanish was made by a person speaking in English with a simultaneous electronic translator that almost could not be heard, was desperately slow and halfway through the tour was spoiled, so one of the people in the group had to translate to the guide for the rest of the visit.

A tour of the Capitol made a lasting impression on me. The enormity of the structure, the beautiful interior and the centuries-old history (though only centuries old) that took place here will leave no one indifferent. During the tour you will be told interesting facts and show the main places. Then you can get (if you get an invitation) into the lower and upper houses of Congress, where you can also learn a lot about the US legislature. Visits to the Capitol are completely free, but you need to make an appointment for the date and time of your visit on the website (although, frankly, no one has checked our appointment very much. On the other hand, it is better not to risk it). Cool place. A visit is mandatory.

We were able to go on a tour with an intern from our senator's office. It was SO COOL. I only wish we could have seen more of the Capitol.

Seeing the Capital was breathing taking due to its massive size. It was under construction and there was fencing all around which was a bummer but overall it was a great visit.

First time visiting and it was a great experience to see the capital. Something that u have to do at least once

It was not what I expected. I was thinking it would be huge but it wasn't. It is very functional and historic. A must see for any true American.

We reserved a tour online. To get to the tour on the day, you go through the visitor center.

Our tour was quite busy, maybe around 60 people. You first head into a theatre for a quick video before heading through the various rooms. You're given a set of headphones so that you can hear the tour guide.

Our tour guide was great. It's a tour catered for the masses so it's quite quick and snappy. If you're looking for something more private this isn't the one for you.

If you have not been to DC before, you have to see the Capitol up close. Tour or no tour is up to you, but the building and location is a must see. I have been many times, but this trip was showing my 8 y.o. daughter around and you just get to see in their eyes the recognition of where they actually are. I am sure that security issues are high right now after recent events, but this is still a major location in the governance of our country and deserves a visit.

The greatness of American politics in one building. First of all, from the outside, the building is beautiful thanks to its pristine white. Inside, you will have the opportunity to have a free 30-40 min guided tour that will teach you even more about the history of Congress and American politics. It is a must-see visit, with the possibility of taking a paid option for a more in-depth visit. Too bad the visit is timed, but we understand very well that it is necessary because there are so many visitors.

The U.S. Capitol is such a beautiful site which can be seen from many parts of Washington DC. It is one end of the National Mall, with the Lincoln Memorial on the other end. At night, the view from the Lincoln Memorial is stunning but you have to be in the right place or it is obscured by the Washington Monument. On our recent visit, we got a tour of the Capitol arranged by Congressman Randy Weber's (R-TX) office. I got to see things in the Capitol I had not seen on my previous tour (like the Old Senate and Supreme Court) but there were also things I didn't get to see (like being able to go on the floor of the House and Senate). I understand the Capitol had just reopened to tours and so it wasn't completely open for touring. After our tour, we had lunch at the food court and it was good and reasonably priced (unlike the American History Museum the day before). Once we had lunch, we walked all the way around the Capitol. The side facing the National mall, there was a lot of construction going on but we did get to see the James Garfield and US Grant statues. The US Botanic Gardens are close by so if you're visiting the Capitol and like plants, take the short walk there.

The U.S. Capitol is impressive in person! The architecture is stunning, and the tour was super informative. Security was tight but smooth. Definitely worth a stop when in D.C.!

We booked a timed ticket tour of the Capitol Building. We took the Metro to get here instead of walking along the mall, because of the heat. The Metro is at the back of the building. I wanted to visit the Supreme Court before coming here but that is currently closed to visitors. I couldn't get into the Library of Congress either because again you have to book in advance.

As for the tour, you gain access from the East side, which is the side opposite the Mall. The usual bag searches were there but once inside we got to see the stunning marble halls. After booking in we waited in line to start the tour. It begins with watching a short Video of the history of the Capitol Building and its foundations in forming democracy. When you leave the theatre you need to walk upstairs and out the back. Then you form an orderly queue with a guide who will take you into the heart of the premises. Headphones are provided for the tour.

We visited the old Supreme Court, which is still used as a robing room for current justices, before moving into the Rotunda. There are statues and murals and the guide gave a detailed description for everyone. We then moved into an adjacent room which used to store the senator's offices from times past, before returning to the main hall. The tour took about 90 minutes from start to finish. I had hoped we could visit the parts where journalists meet with the spiral staircases, or get a look into the hallowed hals of the Senate or the House of Representatives, but since that difficulty with Trump and his baby tantrum because he could not accept he had lost the election, security has become much tighter and the hallowed halls are not available for public viewing, unless you have privileged access. It felt a bit of a letdown but the amount of security on view is entirely understandable given recent events. I would still recommend that people should visit. The tours are free and the guides provide a detailed insight about the home of US democracy. After leaving we walked round the side to the West and travelled down the Mall

Historic Capitol is very impressive. Unfortunately, it is still fenced all the way around due to security issues. So, you need to work with your local congressperson to see if a tour is possible during your visit. We didn't know that, but we did walk around to see all the monuments and angles. Our teen grandsons really liked it.

Our group had a great tour guide - I don’t remember his name, but he was very entertaining. They showed us the public areas and gave us some great stories. On this particular day, both chambers were in session so we could not see the actual House or Senate spaces, If anyone in your group has accessibility needs, make it known before your tour starts and they’ll make sure you have elevator passes or whatever you need. If you are with a tour group that gets dropped by your bus at the peace circle, it is a 10 minute uphill walk from there to the entry. Ask your guide in advance - they can arrange a golf cart shuttle for anyone in your party who needs it.

I took a tour with a guide and enjoyed the time. Lots of great information but was a tad longer than I would have preferred. Definitely a destination to add to your agenda while in DC.

We reserved timed tickets for the free tour of the US Capitol for our family vacation. A few tips: reserve the earliest spot you are able to on the day you’re visiting. Like most things in DC, the earlier you start, the less people and traffic you have to navigate. The process for going through security and picking up your tickets is smooth. On a confirmation email I received, the instructions said to be there 45 minutes early in the summer months. This was definitely plenty of time- we stood around before we even got through screening. They also build in a 15 minute buffer around your timed ticket. Our tour guide was knowledge about the three rooms we visited, but the group was big and there were many other tour groups at the same time. If you’re able, go through your representative to get a private tour. You will see more and it will be less chaotic. But, for free, it was worth our time. Our kids ages 12-17 enjoyed this. Another tip: get tickets for the Capitol first, then use the underground tunnel to walk to the Library of Congress for that tour. LOC also requires a timed entry ticket. If you have already gone through screaming at the Capitol and use the tunnel, you avoid screening at the LOC.

The in-depth history of this iconic building is grander than I expected! A true beautiful from the exterior to the interior. I got a sense of appreciation after leaving from here. It can get very packed though so it's recommended you start your day early to beat the crowd. A must see when you're in DC!

The capitol is beautiful and very much worth seeing. However, it's still fenced off (ironic) and you can only get so close. Sad...

Did the standard free tour. The place is crazy busy, with dozens of concurrent tours at any given time.

Tour only showed three rooms - the crypt, the big ridiculous room under the dome and the slightly creepy statue hall. Guide was friendly and engaging and kept things moving.

For free, can't complain!

Even if you can't tour it is worth seeing up close, you can feel the governing force. It's great for kids to see the center of government

Great photo opportunities here. The grounds are open to the public but at the time of our visit, there were still metal barricades set up so you could only get maybe within 200 feet of the building.
The Capitol is just one of those places that you read about or see on t.v. and you just have to go see it for yourself.
If you're in D.C., go see it.

My wife contacted our House Rep.'s office prior to us leaving. They had a staff member lead us on a private tour, which was amazing. We were able to visit areas of the Capital Building that larger, private tour groups don't get to go to.
Visit your reps website and look for "Constituent Services" or the like. Your rep may also be able to set up a tour of the White House but this is much more difficult to accomplish. Make to sure to contact them well before your trip as it can takes weeks for preparations to be made.

Entire area is fenced off after the January incident. You can still walk around and see the various angles, but cannot even get remotely close to the building (not even on the lawn).

Police presence in the area is intense, with checkpoints for vehicles all around. Quite disappointing.

This was BY FAR the best guided tour of a high profile public venue I've ever been on.

I've done The Louvre, The British Museum, Parliaments all over (Budapest, Edinburgh, Bratislava, The House of Commons in the UK).

They were all good (except the Scottish Parliament..it was laughably poor) but the hour long public tour we took today was superb.

Our guide, Scott, was a first rate ambassador for the Capitol. Personable, welcoming, informative and funny! We couldn't have wished for a better guide.

Scott was a walking encyclopaedia on US political history. This guy REALLY knows his stuff. Nerd warp-factor ten. Deeply impressive.

It's been 24 years since I've been in DC. When I come back next time, I hope Scott is doing the guided tours.

The gift shop is great too. All American produced products ( well done! Let's see more of this patriotism! ) and VERY reasonably priced.

Finally, the restaurant served really good food at very reasonable prices too.

All in all a fantastic way to spend a couple of hours.

We were fortunate to have a private tour of the Capitol. It is a fabulous building to walk through.
They do offer tours and it would be better to book way ahead. There were many groups walking around

We went to visit two of our grandsons in Ocean City, Maryland, in the summer of 2024 where they were working as lifeguards.
On the way back, we took the opportunity to see Washington D.C. again and we stopped at the Capitol on the tour of the multi-stop bus.

To see this symbol of democracy in its interior, you have to go through the Visitors Center, located on the East Front Square (near First and East streets). Here you will find the tickets and supported.
The journey begins with the viewing of a small film. Then our group follows the guide that will lead us into the building. Chambers, Congress and the Senate, then the famous rotunda, offices, library etc...

Needless to say, there is history and splendour in these walls because we are here in the institution that has ruled one of the most powerful countries on Earth since the middle of the twentieth century.

It’s worth taking this tour in the heart of the Capitol in Washington.

We were allowed to marvel at it from distance. Other tourists as well! When will we get to see it up close?

The guided tour must be booked in advance, but it is worth the effort: the building (crypt, dome) is remarkable and the guide is very professional, full of anecdotes. This refreshes American history. The fresco around the edge of the dome is the history of the USA.

The tour guides are informative and polite. The new visitor center is efficient and impressive. GREAT food at the Cafe! The Capitol is a great place to visit.

We booked this in advance. There is no charge. You get a tour of the building, it's very interesting. If you want to go into the Gallery of the Senate or House of Representatives you need to contact your Public Representatives in advance to get passes. I don't know the details of this as I'm not American. There is a gift shop in the Capitol building and also a large cafeteria downstairs. This building is the heart of the American politics system and well worth a visit.

The U.S. Capitol is a beautiful piece of architecture. See it at night and during the day to get both perspectives. It is chilling to see the damage caused by the Jan 6th insurrection and the repairs that must be done. It is an example of how resilient is our country.

My husband and I went on a tour of the capital last week. We were super excited to learn a lot about this building and what happens there. I have to say the tour was very nice the gentlemen that was our guide was super knowledgeable BUT i was really disappointed it was not longer. One hour in and out, and I just felt there could have been more information and access to more places.

Very interesting place - worth a visit - but read up before you go as its hard to learn much there.

so iconic . i truly believe that everyone should go to just admire the building at least once in their lifetime. one of the most memorable moments from our dc trip was taking in the beauty of this building!!

We visited the US Capitol at the end of August. We took a general guided tour in which we visited the Crypt and the Rotunda. The Rotunda is unbelievably stunning. We also did the speciality tour of the Halls of the Senate, very cool and the highlight of our visit. Note that you cannot book the speciality tours online and you need to get the same-day tickets from the front desk, so go early to make sure you can get tickets. We also did the House of Senate and House of Representative Gallery tour (essentially just a glimpse from the upper balconies). All the staff at the Capitol were super friendly and helpful. The only ones looking stern are the ones at the House of Senate Gallery - bad day maybe? Overall, a great visit and it was so cool to be able to see these iconic places inside the building.

The Rotunda was absolutely beautiful! The paintings & statues were stunning! The tour offered a great overall of the history of the building.

Thoroughly enjoyed our guided tour through the Capitol building. Really appreciated the 15 minute video in the North theater preceding the tour. It was very informative and well done! The rotunda was beautiful and the various statues and paintings were very interesting. Extremely worthwhile way to spend an hour or two!

Not history buffs. Not into politics. Still pretty interesting and loved the architecture. Would do this tour again! If those walks could talk....

Yes, you have to book a tour here, but it's free! As it says in the email, though, make sure you turn up around 30 minutes early in case you're held up in security or anything. I neglected that bit (whoops), and while we went through Security very quickly, we did just miss our slot and a nice lady had to rebook us for the next one in ten minutes' time. It kicked off with an informative video about the history of US government after which we were separated into groups and allocated a guide, who spoke to us via headsets so everyone could hear. Splendid architecture, informative and friendly tour guide, impressive statuary (especially the replica of the Statue of Freedom in the ticket office area). I recommend it.

Not only do you get to skip the lines when you set up your tour in advance with your state representative, you will reach the Capitol through the underground tunnel. Our tour was wonderful! Highly enjoyed seeing our Capitol.

The tour of the Capitol is interesting and informative. To get tickets, contact your Congressman or Senator’s office.

Done the public tour that was free and it did not disappoint. Our guide Dan was really nice, knowledgable and engaging. The tour itself is great to see the history of the US and with the building itself just stunning to walk around. Would recommend for sure.

It’s a beautiful old building. I think it looks best after dark. It’s bigger than it looks on TV. It’s a nice walk around it.

Of course you have to book in advance but even without a reservation you can go to the huge hall where there are quite a few things to do, particularly the exhibitions. Otherwise we see a short film of the crypt, the immense dome and the hall of statues. In fact, states have the right to send two statues to Congress. Very professional organized visit but it's the factory! Don't miss the cafeteria and the tunnel leading to the congress bookstore.

Much bigger than thought and beautiful to see! The Capitol is within walking distance of Union Station and the Library. You can't go in there.

What a sight to see in this colossal building! First, the classic tour after taking care to reserve its slot as early as possible on the site https://tours.visitthecapitol.gov (niche changeable)
For the most interested, it is possible to visit both rooms by contacting the first level counters. You get into the publicly accessible bleachers and it's definitely worth taking the time to get there. Photos forbidden.
And then we reach the Congress library through a tunnel for an equally exciting visit. Allow 2 to 3 hours for all visits.
The cafeteria is fine.

The Capitolium building on top of its hill is really a sight. A visit to Capitolium must be planned well in advanced since you must book a slot several weeks ahead to be sure. The guided tour includes the crypta, that is the basement level just under the rotunda, the rotunda under the dome, the old session room for the Supreme Court and the statue room. And if you are lucky another one or two rooms. Before the tour an information film is shown. There are many different groups at the same time, and even if you hear your own guide well it is very high noise level from all the other groups in the background. The fact that almost all the rooms are just made of stone make them very beautiful but also very noisy. The rotunda was of course the highlight of the tour with all the very nice paintings of historic events. We liked the tour a lot. Be certain not to miss the cafeteria, the sweets are delicious especially the dome shaped white chocolate pastry.

Very cool experience, they WILL get you on a tour the day of if you show up. The tour however was about 45 minutes and I felt they did not include many things on the tour. Better than not seeing at all, but if you can book an advanced ticket I bet you get to see a lot more of the building.

WE visited the U.S. Capitol on our most recent trip to DC. The tour was excellent; very informative. Highly recommended.

Our guided tour by one of the official Capitol guides was wonderful! Our guide, Lindsay, knew the answers to everyone's questions, knew every statue, every painting and was very engaging. Our family was really impressed with the tour and loved the detailed explanations of the rotunda ceiling painting, the crypt (and how there's nobody buried there) and our guide's genuine interest in the Capitol building's history.
Even though it's free, I recommend reserving a specific tour time and date ahead of time, online. You can try to join a tour on the day you visit but there are no guarantees there will be openings.
We were encouraged to take photos on the tour, but know that the tour does not enter the House or Senate chambers. If you want to visit the Senate or House of Representatives, you need to acquire free passes from your Senator's or Congressional representative's office. Visiting those places is not part of the guided Capitol tour.

Well worth having to book in advance . Excellent guide though a bit of a whistle stop tour, so much to take in wouldn't have hurt to bit another 10mins or so. Allow a bit of time to get through security ( 15mins) .

I had the opportunity to visit this building and it is amazing. There is so much history inside that you won't be able to see unless you take a guided tour. We booked through the official Capitol website. The first thing you need to do is watch a quick video before you go through the different rooms. They give you headphones so you can hear your specific tour guide and not get confused with all the other groups talking too, especially in the rotunda area where it can get very loud. The tour is very uninteresting but unfortunately, it is very quick, I wish I could have gone further.

We got our free tickets for the guided tour online - before getting to the U.S. Capitol building. When we were inside we got our passes and were directed to the theater to watch an interesting movie about the history of the US Capitol.
Later our tour guide gave us headphones and we walked through the building. Very interesting excursion!

Historic and beautiful building. This is a must for any capital tour. We were guided by one of the professional tour guides and he was awesome. He was highly informative. No one stumped him with a question. And he was witty. The architecture is absolutely beautiful.

Be sure to get there early as the security takes awhile to get through and you'll need to get there before your tour time.
You will need a booked tour in order to see the building.
The tour was really good. The tour guide talked about all the paintings, sculptures, and history of the building. We all wore headsets so that we could all hear the tour guide speaking.

The Rotunda, Crypt, and old Supreme Court chambers were part of our tour. Also love the gallery -- we went first week in January when crowds were very low!

Book tickets about two months in advance and try to get early morning slots of possible. Two indoor breathtakingly stunning areas are covered during the tour and they are absolutely gorgeous. Do leave about an hour to walk around the outside grounds and take lots of pictures. The cafeteria had fantastic cakes and other food but slightly expensive. Our tour guide was very friendly and enthusiastic. The tour lines ticket South American checker lady in red coat was terribly rude and horrible to a few disabled older people. She punished the poor folks by asking them to move 5-10 feet in reverse to stick their tour stickers on their shirts. The ticket lady continued speaking loudly and harassing the women visitors for nothing. It was very sad to see that ordeal and wish I had not witnessed this unfortunate craziness.

Took my breath away! Our beautiful, imperfect USA. I loved the Capitol tour and the opportunity to be in DC. I will never forget it and I am grateful.

We visited Capitol Grounds and were surprised how big and clean and green is this place. The Capitol building itself is majestically standing over beautiful park with various trees and shrubs. We wanted to visit it but found we need to apply a few month ahead and contact a congressman - well as a foreigners we cannot do it. It's shame as we read a lot about the rooms and interior. That's the reason why I didn't put 5 stars.

You have to do this if you’re in DC. I was worried we wouldn’t get in as there were no spaces on the website to reserve a tour. I needn’t have worried. We arrived around 11am on a public holiday and were able to join a tour more or less straightaway. However that was in November - obviously in summer it could be different. It starts with a well-produced film explaining the basics of what Congress is, without being boring about it. Then you join the tour itself.

The tour is not extensive and you only see the crypt, the rotunda and the statuary hall, but it’s free and fascinating nonetheless. Our guide was great, really engaging and able to answer any and all questions thrown at him. The headphones worked well and it was all really easy to follow.

The cafeteria in the basement is less impressive, full of kids on school trips and if I were you I’d give it a swerve. On the whole though I would strongly recommend anyone to do this tour, American or not.

Stunning building that is iconic Washington DC, and is much more impressive in the flesh... just beautiful.
We took the tour, having booked in advance, which takes you around all of the key areas of the building with very knowledgeable guides who are brilliant, and open to answering any questions that the group may have.
The various areas are incredible... especially when accompanied by the guide's additional information.
We also visited the Senate and the House Of Representatives which are both very impressive - interesting that it seemed easier for us, from the UK, to do this than it is for US citizens - we simply visit the desk in the Capitol to pick up passes, whereas US citizens have to visit the office of their representative to get them, which could mean a trip to a completely different building.
Overall, fantastic. Would highly recommend.

We had an arranged private tour set up through our state representative office with one of the interns. It was amazing. You get to see the inside of a building most only ever see in pictures or on television.

Do not just see the outside do the tour. You can also get a pass to the Senate and the house to see. Take the tunnel to the library of congress. Amazing. Also go to the Supreme Court of the United States next door and see where our justices sit and make decisions on the most important cases.

We were not able to get a tour of the capital but just seeing it is such a joy. My wife did get a selfie with the Capital Police.

This is for the free capital tour. I received a reservation via my senator.

This tour was just ok. Really you only get to see 2 rotundas. The main one and a smaller one that I think was the original senate chamber.

This was a Sat. No access at all to the House or Senate chambers. A little disappointed with this. Other then the rotundas, not much else to see. The self guided museum in the visitor center was the best part.

Would have enjoyed more of the behind the scenes, offices, chambers, etc. But I bet more and more access is being cut off due to security.

I've read other reviews that mention getting personal tours from your local member of congress. It's worth the try to inquire.

Beautiful building - i didn’t go in so can’t comment but the external architecture is stunning, definitely worth a nosey around the whole building

Fantastic building, all tour and security staff were friendly and informative. My tour guide K McAfee was brilliant. She was knowledgeable, entertaining and kind. Thoroughly recommend the tours to all and K McAfee should be proud of herself!!

You need to reserve a tour in advance, and you can also request one through your local representatives office as well (but do that very far in advance). The tour was about an hour long. Our guide was nice and knowledgeable. Interesting to see but not the most amazing thing.

We booked our tour of the Capitol two months in advance, as many Americans also travel to Washington in September. The Visitor Center is located under the Capitol, where the tickets are picked up (passports must be presented) and where the tours also start. There is a lot of information material in different languages in the Visitor Center. The tour starts with an interesting film. Then one group at a time starts. Quite a lot of people are “smuggled” through the aisles. We always dropped off at short notice in the rooms of the group to take photos. There is a lot of info material in different languages in the Visitor Center. The crypt, the Old Supreme Court (1810-1860), the National Statuary Hall, the Rotunda and the Senate rooms (1810-1859) comprised our tour – very interesting.

Afterwards, we got tickets for the visitor galleries of the Senate and the House of Representatives on request. In the House of Representatives, some staff were on display. Photography not allowed.

Guided tour of the Capitol garden is not worthwhile because you only walk around part of the house on public paths (Monday to Saturday at 11:00)

Whether or not you are pleased with Congress at any given time you should be pleased with the beauty of the US Capitol. You can also tour the Capitol inside as well.

There is ~1 hour guided tour, which includes short movie and walking inside couple of halls and rotunda hall. Nice way to know more about how congressmen are working and details about the Capitol. There are different halls with exhibitions as well.
A buffet and souvenir shop are located on site. Free wi-fi for visitors.

Love this place and the tour. For a free tour (booked direct on their website). The building itself is magnificent, out tour guide was fantastic, we learned so much. Everything is very organised and people around you are very helpful.
Just one comment to keep in mind when visiting, you can not bring any drinks or food inside, so make sure you don't have any in your bag as it will be taken away.

The grounds in front of it is very large, leaving plenty of room for protesters (good). It is also right near the Supreme Court. There’s also multiple wide pathways to bike and/or walk on.

We schedule a tour online and went to the visitor center to check in. There are 2 lines at the center for those with and without reservations. Walking are not guaranteed a tour, so best to plan ahead when possible.
The tour starts with a video presentation then you are separated into groups and begin the guided tour. The tour includes 3 areas of the Capitol, including the rotunda. Lots of great information from the guides; Emily was our guide and did a great job.
You can also schedule a tour through your representatives office; that will get you to more areas of the building and the galleries of the House & Senate, if you arrange through their office.

A must-see in Washington, D.C., entering the Capitol is a bit like participating in House of Cards. Visits are booked in advance on the site (privilege sessions of 11am and 2pm which allow the visit of the Chambers of Deputies and the Senate). About 45 minutes for some grand rooms. Then there is free access through an underground to access the library of Congress also magnificent and where would be located the bible of Gutenber.

We had a combo package for this tour and it was nice because at the end of the tour, he hooked us up with the capital tours that are there already.

The US Capitol was barricaded off and guarded by Secret Service and other law enforcement personnel the entire 10 days of our visit. No Entry. No tours. Welcome to New United States.

Very beautiful monument that we saw from the outside only. We went there twice: in gray weather and in good weather.

Didn't get to see much of the Capitol as we did back in 2006. Not sure if it is because of Covid or January 6th.

We booked a 10.00 guided tour, which gave us time to go round the museum before hand, which was very good. It explained the two houses, what they do and how the whole system works. Lots of historical items too. The tour was fantastic. The woman who showed us around was brilliant. She was very informative and engaging. It was quite busy, but the organisation was really good and they ran on time (to the minute!), but I would recommend booking.

The Capitol was my favorite part of our trip to DC! It is stunning! There are a lot of tour options out there, but honestly, don't pay for a tour when you can get a free and far superior one from your Congressman's staff. There were a TON of people there, so it is pretty hard to get pictures of a lot of things. But you'll learn things like each state has two statues that represent it, what the statue on top of the Capitol is, where the center of DC is, where the crypts were that had been planned for presidents to be buried in but none have, the cornerstone of the original Capitol laid by George Washington, different architectures of the building, senate and congress chambers, and under the dome. The dome is definitely the best part- there is a fresco on the ceiling of George Washington and some women (13 original colonies, hope, and some other characteristic I don't remember). Below that, carved into the walls, is a story of the US starting from Columbus well into the 1800s. Below that are 8 paintings that depict the same thing. All very spectacular. That area is so full of people, though, I couldn't get any good pictures. The Capitol also has beautiful views both day and night outside.

Our tour would be considered 'Walking tour of US Capitol Interior.'

We were very fortunate we got tickets the same day (Tuesday July 5) whereas normally, this tour sells out prior. Anyway, upon arrival, we were warmly greeted by a couple of members of the tour staff who led us downstairs to get our actual tickets (a sticker we wore during our time).

After the introduction movie in the theatre (about 15 minutes), we got into Laura's line for the actual tour. We certainly picked the correct tour guide as she was very friendly and very knowledgeable about the Capitol. We also knew Laura was an excellent tour guide because the other two groups (from the total number of other visitors in the theatre with us) were finished long before we were!

On our US History Tour, we were taken on a tour of the US Capitol. We were brought through by a US Capitol guide from the Visitors Center into the Rotunda and then Statuary Hall. He gave us a lot of information and history, using a personal audio device for each visitor. I was captivated by the statues, artwork, and ornate accoutrements of both areas. At some point our own tour guide showed us a skylight where you could see the Capitol dome and flag, above and a beautiful stairway below. I would like to have seen more of the Capitol, but this is all our tour included.

You start with a movie and the tour guide explains the art, statues, and how to get into the Chambers. Got in right away on a week day with no reservations.

The tour is simply spectacular and free when booking via the website. It starts with a video and then a guide introduces you to some parts of the Capitol. The feeling of being in such an important place in the world is indescribable. Highly recommended.

We were told that there was no way to get in without a reservation but we tried anyway and we got in in just a few minutes. It was really amazing to be in such a beautiful and historic place. The sculptures are fantastic. It is so hard to imagine that anyone would desecrate such an amazing, important, and beautiful place. It was impossible for me not to be furious at the insurrectionists of January 6th. The US Capitol should be treated with reverence.

A private tour was so much fun. It’s free and informative. Beautiful rotunda. You can see sculptures and paintings.

A true beautiful building from the exterior to the magnificent interior. Our daughter arranged a tour and it was absolutely amazing.

This was my 3rd time to tour the US Capitol. This time we did a tour through the Capitol Visitors Center. I wish the tour were more extensive. I don't know if that's due to 9/11 or to January 6, or both. But it is sad that a U.S. citizen cannot even step foot into our U.S. Capitol without first booking a tour. Everyone should at the least be able to go into the Capitol Rotunda. The tour guide had only been working a couple of weeks so even though she was nice, there were questions she could not answer and she wasn't very confident. I felt like we got a better tour when we did a tour with a Congressional staff. I wish they would let you go to both the U.S. House and Senate chambers. There was also one place (old Supreme Court meeting place) which we toured on the Congressional tour but not on this one. You have to reserve a time in advance (for free online).

WOW! If you haven't had a chance to tour this building, you are missing out! There's so much history inside that you don't get to see unless you do a tour. We booked through our congressman, but you are able to go the same day and will most likely get tickets, as they are available. You are given headphones to wear so you can hear your specific tour guide and you're not getting confused by all the other groups talking as well, especially in the rotunda area, where it can get very loud.

It's a very beautiful building outside and inside. Be sure to take a free tour. It's very beautifully painted dome from the inside. The Capitol is connected to the Library of Congress. Visited the lower house chamber. Inside you can see a large number of sculptures of very important figures in U.S. history.

You need a tour ticket to get into the Capitol building. This can be done online (need to create an account) or go to the visitor center and hope there are spots left. Follow the signs around Capitol Square to the visitor center and get into the building after passing through security. The visitor center is on the level below down some stairs. There is a line specifically for people with tickets and those without. The tickets are free but you need a time slot booked in.
The tour starts with a movie about how the US government system works. A guided tour happens afterward where a tour guide leads you to some of the famous places around the building, primarily the crypt, rotunda, the statue gallery, and the old senate chamber. Walking through the building was quite interesting as well as learning about how the statues for the building are picked. The rotunda was an impressive thing to see with your own eye.
I thought it was worth the time to come and see the beauty and history of this iconic building. The knowledgeable tour guides help you learn something new. You can also book in to view the Senate if you have the time and interest. There is also a museum in the Visitor Center as well as a cafe and souvenir store. Interestingly, there is also a tunnel which connects to the Library of Congress.

It was an ok tour, felt very rushed with not much time to take many photos or actually read the information under the paintings and statues.

Disappointed we didn’t get to see the likes of the senate etc.

It’s an ok tour, worth doing but not amazing.

As someone who has lived in worked in Washington for a long time, I think I've been able to see a lot of the capital, including its many reception rooms. I've had several seminars for work being held there, and especially with its Annex Office Buildings, which are kind of part of the complex, it's a big overwhelming place. That said, I would encourage any US citizen to go visit their local representative in the house or Senators office. You can request a gallery pass. That means that you can get into the capital without a tour, and sit in the gallery to watch any floor action. Basically you did the opportunity to walk around anywhere in the capital see what you want to see, and watch Congress live and in person. I think many visitors to Washington don't see their government in action. But there are a lot of ways to do this and I think the exercise of going to one's Representatives Office is helpful. Furthermore being able to walk about the capital is so amazing and to see live floor action is watching democracy in action. They also have a very special gift shop that is generally reserved for people who work in the Capitol complex. I don't know if they even take tour groups there. But they have a lot of official type and it's really cool to see some of the very high-end pieces they offer. For example I want spot a White House Tiffany silk scarf. Because my life revolves around government and Congress, this all excites me. But if it doesn't you can just see the visitor center out front, and below ground. The lawn in back of the monstrous building, which is a slope, is a popular destination for picnicking and chilling on the weekends for local. On this very expansive hell there is also a secret to graveyard and a few other interesting things to see that nobody will tell you about unless you can find a local. Or you can do your research online. But if you are here when the weather is Pleasant, stroll by the back of the capitol and you will not regret your experience. It's also very close to the National Botanic Gardens, which is kind of a misnomer, but it's a giant Victorian Greenhouse with the most amazing ambiance and collection of orchids. They have a few other spaces as part of their complex, including kids activities, holiday decorations, and special exhibits. This is also free and it is a beautiful space. They also have a lot of gorgeous teak tables and chairs as well as benches to enjoy a meal on. I think this greenhouse is either on the Capital Property, or at least adjoines it. And one last thing, which can be a great way to meet lawmakers on the hill, as well as staff and other Professionals in Washington whether you are from here or not, is through the state societies. You can always look up and call the states society that represents your state, and a quarter about attending any events that look interesting. Most events are held on the Hill. I know in the past that any states or at least my state had a lot of corporate subsidies, and membership was very low, like $20 a year, but I think it's going up. Regardless, there is often plenty of food and endless amounts of alcohol included. So even if you just use your membership to attend one event it can be totally worth it! Plus it's just a really cool experience to have on the Hill. And if you are a foreigner visiting, you can technically sign up for a state Society. Usually it's just some kind of affiliation or affinity with a particular state. So if you have that already, great. If not you can always be a little Coy and join a state Society that interests you. I was a member of the California state Society for many many years because I'm not only from there but they were always known to have the very best events. Most of the attendees were not from California and I'm not convinced had any substantive ties to the state. They were there because they just wanted to go to the best parties!

An awe inspiring structure that exudes the power of our nation. At the moment you can only see it from the out side but that will be enough to rekindle you love of this nation.

Go online to register for a slot to get in on the tour. It's free. You see a short movie about our countries history, then you go on a short walking tour. There are elevators, so if you need that it is available. The gift shop is great, if you see something get it because you won't find it anywhere else in DC.

The access to the tour and the guides were excellent. The information shared and the experience was well worth the visit

We visited the Capitol as a family and it was a great visit. The tour is free, we booked our schedule through the Capitol website. We all had headphones to hear the Guide. The tour lasts about one hour.

It’s life changing tour you must see if your there. It’s cool that start with a major movie theater per say like Disney show and then takes around to absorb really American history of intellectual educated and considerate white people who care about America and its people regardless of race color and religion. It a place they will really change you and remind you of the founding father original principle of life freedom and pursuit of happiness. Note the founding grand father of press changed it to Life, Freedom, and pursuit of Land.

Visit must be booked in advance (lots of people but very, very well organized and no waiting)
A booklet in French is available free of charge at reception and all visits including by group and in English
These visits take you through a few galleries where the history of the USA, its presidents, .....illustrated with the numerous statues, paintings, .....present, are really told!
Nice souvenir store with lots of choice
We asked at the end if it was possible to see the Senate chamber, we were then directed to a ticket office then a specific, ultra-secure route!, where we were able to access the stands above the chamber in limited numbers. through the corridors of elected officials’ offices! To do absolutely
A walking tour......and free

Loved our first visit to the Capital building from the UK and learning a lot. The building is beautiful and it’s great just to wonder round at your own pace.

The free tour that you book online is the shortest tour I have been on. First off it is extremely crowded. Second you only get to see 2 rooms, the rotunda and statue room. Our tour guide was ok wouldn't say learned alot and with so many other tours in the same space it was chaos.

If I was to do it again I would contact my rep and try and get a private tour to see the chambers probably a more personal and interesting experience.

Also there is a ton of scaffolding on the outside sort of takes away from the beauty of the building. Realize upgrades have to been done though.

I've always loved the design of the Capitol building and it's a strikingly beautiful building, but I've never had a chance to tour it until this past spring when my wife and I were able to bring some students to DC. The tour is relatively short overall (around an hour with an introductory video) and you don't get to visit the Senate or House chambers, but you get to see the rotunda and the statuary room, both of which are beautiful and have a lot of very interesting history. Tickets are free and can be reserved online (have to create an account and then you can choose your slot) or you can try for walk-up tickets if they're available. I'd recommend coming early if you have advance tickets as the security line is quite long and you don't want to miss your slot.

It's a wonderful building to visit and I'd highly recommend it as part of your visit to DC.

The view is amazing, we got pretty close on both sides. I took a lot of pictures. We went in the month of May, so we had nice temperatures and good sky.

This is a must when in DC. Scheduled tours are available, and we recommend them. There are opportunities to walk-up and hope to get on a tour, ask one of the red vested staff in the Visitors center. You will have to pass thru security so plan accordingly. Gift shop is located upstairs and at the end the tour.

You are almost dazed by its grandeur and when you are in its presence it is difficult to frame it all with your gaze, it is so immense and full of details. Its dome is truly iconic and its view is always exciting. It is obvious that architecturally speaking for us Italians there is almost nothing new. Anyway, when you're there, thinking about the famous assault on Capitol Hill gives you shivers.

The general tour can be booked online either close to, or during your trip if you’re going to be in DC for several days. I’d block half a day to account for getting there and managing the security checkin. There’s also a cafeteria style area if you want to fit in a food break.
Either before or after the guided tour, spend time in the Exhibition Hall. It highlights the importance of civic engagement by citizens. There are videos about the Senate and the House that explained how our elected representatives should be working for us all.

Bigger than I thought and just beautiful. The surroundings were very pretty as well and it gives hope that we can come together as a nation.

I visited the US Capitol in July 2024. I took the tour which lasted 30 minutes and consisted of a film and then visiting The Crypt, The Rotunda and Statuary Hall. Afterwards, I got a galley pass for the Senate and House of Representatives and quickly visited both. Then I had lunch in the restaurant and went to the gift shop. It was a great experience.

The sense of history is palpable at the Capitol. If Congress is in session during your trip, book a tour that allows you to go in and watch debates and voting on bills. You sit quietly in the gallery above the floor. No cell phones or cameras allowed in. You see all the representatives you see on TV all the time, in the flesh. At moments it can be slow, like watching paint dry. Then suddenly there are shouts, and lots of motion. Fascinating to see government at work, even if perhaps not as dignified now as in olden times.

We did this at night. It was a nice walk and was cool to see at night. We were not able to walk up the stars but got good pictures.

Despite there being scaffolding around some of the structure, the grandeur of this place was very evident.

Great tour - beautiful and historic building. Construction on both sides of the capitol right now, so pictures aren't great. But, the inside was gorgeous.

TAKE THE TIME to visit the United States Capitol building while in D.C. Such a beautiful building, and while walking through we were in awe. Guided tours are available and we highly recommend making your reservations well in advance. And, the tours are free of charge.

The tour of the Capitol Building was unlike any that I've done before. To think elected officials are able to move freely throughout this space while discussing the next steps for our country is awe inspiring and puts my office space to shame. The tour guides are engaging and informative and the art/statues are breath taking! Highly recommend embarking on this tour when in the area!

Decide the type of tour you want, full walking, combination (bus and walking) hop on and off bus, you will see these around the city. This will help you determine how you plan for the day, if you have time and ability, I suggest just walking around with no plan or time constraints, I always see more doing this!

Plan ahead and reserve your spot on the tour you want (only if you are doing a paid tour, the capitol tours inside are free).

Pay attention to the heat index and plan accordingly. It is very humid and hot during the summer, so pack additional water, especially if you are doing a full walking tour that circles back to the starting location. You don’t want to suffer from heat stress and faint!

Remember a night tour is possible, and they are very cool!

If you are low on funds, do a leisurely walking tour, it’s free! Look for heritage markers and follow those trails! Save your money for a nice lunch or dinner, this is a city full of free activities and don’t let anyone tell you differently! You can even sit down on the lawns and have a picnic! Nothing wrong with making travel fit into your budget!

Take note of all of the buildings and statues around you, everywhere you turn you will find something different, a historical marker, a statue, some information that will teach you something about the city.

Make sure you check out the different embassies that are hidden among houses and on main roads. This was one of my favorite things to do, because essentially you are in another country when you step inside! Canada had the largest building from what I saw, but I missed many!

If you are walking to the capitol building, you just might see some members of the senate and congress walking about, keep your eyes open and peer into those black SUV’s passing by!

When you reach the capitol area, be prepared for a full airport style security check, and make sure you are not packing a weapon! Capitol Police are posted up all over the city, follow instructions, and if they ask you to move because you are blocking a secure entrance, don’t argue, simply move!

The Capitol is crowded, very crowded, if you have a guide, make sure you follow their instructions and stay with your group.

Yes this is a place for kids, the little ones might be a bit restless, but those 6 and older will be just fine.

Be careful of the statues, they are everywhere, try not block the view of others trying to enjoy them.

Ladies The restrooms do not have as many stalls as you would expect, I am sure a man is responsible for this, because we would know better, try to use them when it is least crowded, there will be a line! They do keep them very clean, so make sure you do the same!

Yes, they have a cafe, I did not eat lunch, but you can! They have a meal voucher option for large groups, this would be perfect for school trips!

If you need help, ask anyone in a red jacket, they got you covered, they also do the rotunda tour and they give great information and many unknown facts, so listen closely and write them a nice review at the end.

The tour guide will give you an audio headset so you can hear them, the radius is small so please stay with your group so you can hear them speaking. There will be lots going on all at once and different guides speaking.

The audio tour might be over stimulating for anyone with sensory issues so please take that into consideration once you get into the building. There are many quiet spaces, but that will also depend on how many visitors are there that day.

Find your congress folk if you can, this is a fun activity for the kiddies!

Go inside the Rotunda and look up into the dome!

If you teach US History, Economics or Government, this could be a senior trip option, it would be a cool experience to reinforce everything they saw in a textbook! Kids and teens were very well behaved here despite how crowded it was, I could tell they had been previously warned about appropriate behavior and expectations!

I have never been a fan of government or politics. It was always confusing to me for some reason and seems to always be about one group taking advantage of another for control based on their beliefs. Nothing seems to simply be in the best interest of all Americans and those who call this country home. But if I am thinking like an educator presenting information to students and making it simple, the video on how the houses and congress work is very easy to understand.

Check out the first colored senators' section, have you heard of these men in school? Were any of them in your history textbooks? Are they in the books you currently teach from if you are an educator?

I was fascinated with the beauty and intricate details of the statues, especially the Native Americans!

Don’t forget to find your state and see who is being represented, you might be surprised! Stop and read the artist details if you have time!

Look up at the artwork on the ceiling, listen to the story about how it was commissioned and finished. If you follow it around you can see the story it tells, and when it stopped and was completed!

You can also purchase a laminate in the gift shop with small explanations about the architecture of the Rotunda.

Check out the gift shop before you leave. I would suggest the visitors' guides that are laminated, the paper copies of the documents (especially if you are a teacher, they are very cheap) and surprisingly the tea! Yes, grab a bag of the hibiscus peppermint tea!

Turn around once you exit, The Supreme Court is behind you! It’s a marvelous structure. I expected to see people protesting about something or other, but it was empty, and I was able to get a great picture.

Don’t miss all the other buildings near the Supreme Court, this is also a great place to pick up your Uber, there are many trees, and it’s well shaded.

If you didn’t get to see The White House you can ask an Uber to drive by, especially at night, but they can’t make many deviations based on their regulations. If they do pull up, jump out and get that picture quickly!

Hope these tips are helpful to you! Enjoy

Unnerved Traveler

Our family had an unforgettable experience touring the US Capitol during our Washington DC trip. Booking through our local representative was easy, and it felt special to have a private tour just for us. The underground tunnels connecting the Capitol and nearby buildings were a cool surprise, and the guides were great at answering all our questions. We ended up spending over five hours exploring, and the girls were engaged and curious the entire time!

Lunch at the Longworth House cafeteria was convenient and kid-friendly, giving us a nice break before going back and visiting the House and Senate Galleries.

Overall, this was a highlight of our trip. It was educational but also really enjoyable for the whole family.

We booked a tour in advance but having arrived early in case there was a queue we were bumped up to an earlier tour which was good.

Our guide was informative and friendly. He tried to ensure the whole group felt included.
My only criticism is that he didn’t explain that whilst listening we would need to take any photos we wanted as we visited areas only open to the guided tours and thus were unable to return to later which was disappointing.

Otherwise it was an enjoyable visit, lots of historical background and explanation about the wonderful statues.

We would have liked a tour of the inner part of Capitol Hill but unfortunatley we are not American so could not get a Senator to sponsor us but we managed to get a guided tour via the visitor centre. It was well worth the wait for the slowly released visitors tickets the tour was very interesting and informative about the building and the satutes.After the tour we were shown the way we could go to the National Library using the underground tunnel which we did

Beautiful building from the outside of course, but we also wanted to see it from the inside. That's why I booked a tour. During the tour you will pass through numerous interesting spaces, including in the dome itself. The guide tells a lot of information. I noticed, however, that nothing was told about the Capitol storming. Missed opportunity. Next to this, the tour does not pass the hall of the house and the congress. Which is very unfortunate, because these are the highlights of the building.

We had timed tickets to visit the Capitol and it was very organized. There were a TON of people however. You need to wear the headphones the tour guide gives you otherwise you cannot hear anything. You see the crypt, the rotunda and the statue room. It's a fantastic building and you learn a lot from the free tours they offer. I highly recommend this!

The US Capitol is amazing. Beautiful architecture, the heart of our constitutional republic where our laws are debated and made, and rich history. I recommend reaching out to your House of Representative or one of your Senators to get a tour. I've done it that way both times. It is amazing. I liked this the most than DC and thought it was better than the White House. The members of this building impact our society more than you think.

Interesting visit to the capitol. We pass through the crypt, the great hall and the former House of Representatives. The guide is very knowledgeable about the history of the USA. He reviews all the statues and paintings. A little long but worth the visit

This is one of the most iconic buildings in Washington DC. The symbol of US legislature, the Capitol has the most recognizable dome in the world. Mired by the riot, part of it is covered in scaffolds. Do book the guided tour well in advance if you really want to get inside (legally).

Tour covers limited areas given this is a working building but it's still worth seeing the dome from below and the statutory as well as hearing about the history.

I can highly recommend booking a tour through the Capitol as you get to see way more interesting things than if you just enter. The security checkpoint was an easy and quick pass.
Also the tunnel to the National Library is a great way to get to it!

Only REBELS against these United States of America would be so anti-American, dangerously-ignorant, blind to -- not just Reality -- but "GOOD!" -- to attack & endanger something this important and beautiful!

I got a timed entry ticket through my IL US Rep Congressman. I came between Christmas and New Year’s on purpose because Congress is home for the holidays; they are back for a new session of Congress starting January 3. This means much less people too! Perfect time frame for Capitol Tours! I had no issues with the line because I asked my rep for as early morning as possible, but just be prepared to stand in line anyway and wear good walking shoes! The staff is helpful. My tour guide was amazing. They give you an ear piece to help you hear YOUR tour guide. Before you meet your guide, they first take you to watch a roughly 13 minute movie. After that, you are guided through the building where my tour guide explained the outstanding architecture, the intentions behind the various statues and other tidbits of interest. After the tour, one can go to the cafe or take a tunnel to the Library of Congress. There are bathrooms available. I highly recommend a visit to The Capitol!

The U.S. Capitol is one of the most important government buildings in the United States. Perched high on Capitol Hill, the Capitol Building is a masterpiece. There are many tours of the building from the visitor center at many times throughout the day, while I recommend coming as early as possible. The tour took me through the main rotunda, and the armory room. I highly recommend coming here.

We booked a tour online at home. At the time of our trip, there were already a lot of visitors all over Washington. The Capitol was very busy, and many schools from outside the city also came. The tour, which included a film beforehand and a subsequent audio tour of the rooms, was very informative and you could also ask questions. We were impressed by everything there was to see under the wonderful, large dome. A really beautiful building. It's just a shame that the large staircase on the Mall side remains closed and you can't enjoy the view of the Mall, Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial.

We contacted our congressman ahead of time to get tickets for a tour of the Capitol. The security line was LONG and took about an hour to get through. We actually missed our tour time, but they were flexible and gave us a different tour time. There are multiple tours going on every 10 minutes it seems. It starts with a short film, and then you see the rotunda and national statuary hall. The rotunda is beautiful to see. We also got free tickets while we were there to see the House of Representatives gallery. It’s very easy to do by either contacting your congressman while you are there, or by stopping at a desk in the Capitol for tickets (the tour guide explained this). The cafe had some nice snack options. Overall it was a great experience. I would advise to plan ahead and get there plenty early.

We couldn’t go in, as the visitor centre is closed. Not sure if it is still because of covid or more of a risk item. But the building is so amazing impressive.

Not much that review can take away from visitors flocking to see the Capitol. But here is my review. Will be extremely busy, will be crowded, and there are plenty of photo opportunities. If you want to tour inside, make sure you go online and reserve tickets a few weeks ahead. They do have a standby option, but I cannot speak to it.

One needs to obtain free ticket timed entry from their website. Do not go in the spring with all the school groups. There is a museum to view after the 13 min film and the 45 min guided tour. Gift shop and cafeteria available on property. Docents sensitive to those with mobility issues. Very strict security to enter but greatly worth it. Spend 2-3 hours here to get the most out of your history.

The heart of the federal constitutional republic of USA. Such an amazing structure, a beautiful example of our modern architecture. Surroundings are very well maintained and all facilities clean. Taking a guided tour would be the best option to admire and learn much more about this iconic building so rich in history. A must while in Washington, DC.

We're from MO and we contacted our state rep. So, a person from his office escorted us from the Longworth House Office Building (where most of the House Rep. offices are) through the underground tunnels that link to the Capitol. There's the Congressional cafeteria (even though it's not used as much as in the good old days of bi-partisanship). There's a lot of cool and interesting stuff beneath the ground!

Then we had the fairly regular tour, but it was also geared more toward our own state. It's also interesting to note whose still in the statue areas--like Jefferson Davis and Alexander Stephens.

Beautiful building. Even got to touch the desk of Charles Sumner and visualized how he crawled and almost died in Congress.

Also, I learned how John Q. Adams collapsed on the floor of the House and died at the Capitol.

Very interesting and informative.

Fantastic experience!

We can add little to what has been said below. Like most attractions in DC admission is free, but it is necessary to book into an available tour in advance on the website. You can also book access to the Galleries of both the House and Senate, but that is a separate function. I repeat, this is all free, so no need to pay for a tour. Expect to spend about an hour on the Capitol tour, more if you like to take lots of pictures and include the Library of Congress. It will make you wonder why all those people tried to break this beautiful place on Jan 6. They don’t know their history.

The day I visited the outside of the U.S. Capitol, it was a beautiful day, where prior to this it was overcast and misty.
You have to obtain a ticket for timed entry and as I was in DC during Spring Break, it was impossible to book one. However you could go the Visitor Centre to check if there were cancellations, but the queue was too long. I've been inside before so it wasn't an issue.
It's an impressive Neo Classical building with great views of the National Mall and beyond from the steps of the front of the building.

Very impressive, I have been there in 2014, then, after 10 years, I have returned to visit the capitol. It is an amazing place, this time in the summer. I'm sharing some pictures to try to express the feeling of being there.

Everything was fenced off and blocked. The only access was the front lawn. I was greatly disappointed. Could not get an answer if it was for the women's march, a movie, or other. So, we walked around to the botanical gardens and walked past the massive congressional office building which was also closed (Saturday). A good walk, nice views, but if the Capital is closed, don't bother.
The reflecting pool is gross and mosquito larvae are aplenty. Why can't they figure out to add guppies to eat the larvae and green algae?

A must see when in Washi gton. Get a (further) grasp of the history of the USA. It can be busy with groups. U fortunately one cannot visit the Senate and House of Representatives. The guide we had was good. Beautiful ceilings. Admire the dome.

Came here for a quick 45-minute stroll around the capital. Marble flooring mainly covered the surroundings, although the back included grass areas for citizen use. The building surprisingly looks beautifully at night whilst illuminated, and it serves as a great view to see other sights within the national mall.

The capitol is only available on a planned visit and you just see parts of it. This is understandable given it's recent past and the position of the elected officials but it leaves no room for wandering around and exploring.

Regardless of your political views, any visit to Washington should include one to the Capitol. There is a visitors center and plenty to see inside. I prefer to Capitol grounds where you have extensive views of Washington including the Washington monument and from the other side the Library of Congress and the US Supreme Court.

Really good tour. Knowledge guide, friendly staff. You need to book in advance (it’s free) but makes it easier. It was quiet when we sent but we got told summer is extremely busy, so make sure you book early.

Definitely recommend

Basic short free tour. You see 3 rooms including the grand rotunda. Other than that it's pretty ninimal.

Went here after the botanical gardens. The tree outside is all decorated and a great place to get pics. We didn't go in, just around . Very nice to see in person.

It was a great guided tour and our tour guide was very knowledgeable. It was amazing to see the rotunda and statues. There were several tours going on at one time so it was a little crowded. Timed entry tickets were required. Be sure to get there early to allow time to get through security.

My second time visiting the capitol and first time for most of my family members. Its about an hour guided tour. And it was worth it! We did reserve the time slots for the tour month in advance ao we could choose the timing. It was a smaller group (about 10) back in year 2020 but now we are a group of about 25 with lots of other tourists.

Well worth booking and taking the free guided tours of this iconic building, the guides are so knowledgeable and bring the USA's political history to life

Take the tour, very informative (and while they encourage you to book tickets in advance, there is room for walk ups like I did, and only had a very short wait)

When you schedule the visit, you expect to see the significant places, but after booking with time (a two-week wait) wait an hour (you have to arrive an hour before the scheduled time, you will be taken to a movie theater where you will see a projection about the history of the building, how it was built, and little more. Then they take you to see three rooms, the crypt, the place where George Washington is buried (there is not even an inscription) a room where there are some paintings and another room with sculptures,....and suddenly the tour is over. The guide is seen to ‘have tables’ and releases a very well structured speech in addition to knowing the answers to any questions they ask him, but little else has to do. On the way out a souvenir shop and end of story. You will not see historic places com9 the chamber in which sessions or debates are held,......that said, disappointing

Tour guide only took us to the 'back' to look down the Mall. Walk to the other side and see the grand entrance. Book a free tour of the Capitol indoors - at least a month before.

I did not get time to go inside but I’ve been past the Capitol multiple times while in DC. It’s a beautiful building! Definitely a good spot to stop for photos.

We booked our free tour online about a month before our visit and found that everything was extremely well organised and strictly by time of booked visit. The guided tour was brilliant and very informative and we managed to get tickets to visit both the House of Representatives and the Senate. The Senate was in session and we were able to sit in the room and listen to the debate - which we had not expected. An extremely informative half day visit

It was a good tour. Would have liked something longer and more in depth. It was very crowded. They make you throw away any snacks you have with you before you can enter.

Every American should take advantage of the amazing tours offered by the staff of the U.S. Capitol. Now, more than ever, American citizens should have a firm understanding of democracy and freedom, the pillars on which this country was founded. The staff are incredibly helpful and knowledgeable. One can definitely spend an entire day taking advantage of the different tours, not to mention viewing the many displays.

Very good way to enter the Capitol, you must not forget that it is a workplace and not a museum so you should not be able to walk around anyway. Just happened to pop in there and had no problem joining the guided tour, the guide was funny and nice, so you learned a lot. It is a very special place with many fine statues and paintings. Very well arranged. Maybe worse when there are more people but was just right when we were there.

The U.S capitol was so cool!! It was a great tour and the headphone part was helpful especially since it was very crowded. The only complaint i have is that the museum part in the visitors center was a bit boring and there was a room that looked interesting that you could do an informal debate in however it was closed. But overall I highly recommend going it really is an amazing part of our U.S. history!!

Plan and prepare ahead!
If booking from the UK you need to be aware of the time zone when booking- and the need to make an account with a password etc. Not difficult but it is best to do this in advance. The same account is used for the Washington Monument. Also remember to allow time to pass through security etc. No food or drinks- but there is a lovely cafeteria.
We had a 10am tour, arrived early and was asked if we wanted to join the 9.20 tour. If you are able go early as it gets busy.
Once inside it is a joy to the eyes and brings history to life.
Make sure you take time to absorb the exhibits after the tour.

We arrived early for our reservation and managed to be placed on an earlier tour. We enjoyed the theatre information first and then began a tour with Emily. She was extremely calm and organised when dealing with headset issues as the tour was beginning. She added humour and had a wonderful insight into the building. She answered any questions knowledgeably and was an absolute pleasure to have as a guide. Our family throughly enjoyed the tour and it was a real highlight of our trip. Emily is an asset to the staff. The gift shop had a good selection of items and we used the tunnel to go to the Library of Congress which was also a delight to visit. A stunning building to see.

...not great. Our tour was late in the day, and our red coat guide was probably as tired as we were. He went thru the motions dutifully, and we learned a few historical tidbits and saw some interesting architecture.

Took some outdoor pictures afterwards. Took about 1.5 hours total including waiting in line beforehand.

Worthwhile, but a bit underwhelming.

The Capitol is the heart of the American government. Its majestic architecture and its historical importance as the seat of Congress make it a symbol of democracy.

We had a great tour of the Capitol. We had booked for 9:30 AM, and it was full of youth tour groups before us. I guess a suggestion might be to go a bit later when they are in. We booked directly on the website on the opening day for tickets for the day we wanted.

It was very well organized and our tour guide was very informative. I liked to see the old Senate with the markings on the floor and multiple statues from the different states. It is neat to see staffer walk by too.

We didn't get to see the actual senate or house rooms. I would say the tour with waiting was about 90 minutes. It is walking up and down steps, so if you need accessibility, please be sure to confirm that and path ahead of time.

I strongly strongly strongly strongly strongly strongly recommend contacting your local Congressman. He/she will have one of their staffers give you a tour of tour of the US Capitol. This tour is will be free and there are no lines you will have to wait in!

The staffer may not go into as much detail was a prerecorded guided or paid....... however, the staffers can take you to places that you otherwise will not have access to. Among some of the things we had access to..... the balcony overlooking the mall and Washington Monument as well as passes for the House/Senate chambers and much more.

One other thing. Our family did and saw a lot in DC during the week we were there, and this was our favorite.

No ordinary folks like us are allowed it. That was understandable. But the tone of the security guard's voice and manner around the barricade is not called for.

Our visit was excellent. The video and tour were informative and well presented. All Capitol staff were friendly and helpful. We watched the Senate from the gallery, which was incredible. Notes: 1. You can ask your senator or congressperson for gallery passes. 2. As a visitor to the Capitol, you can access the tunnel to the Library of Congress, which is cool. 3. You must go to the Capitol Visitor Center to check in (unlike for the White House tour).

Without doubt this building is spectacular. Unfortunately there was some construction work/renovations happening, but this was only in one section which left plenty of other sections to admire. The building dominates the area and is a brilliant piece of architecture.

Free. Plan ahead for this tour, though. You have to get tickets through your US Congress Representative or Senator. This is a guided tour, but there are at least 4 going on at one time with about 20-30 in each tour. That eans it's hard to get pics without strangers in them. Our tour guide was knowledgeable but the tour seems very rushed. You can either try to get pictures or hear what he has to say. Additionally, the whole tour is just 3 floors of the rotunda. If you expect to see more than awesome architecture and statues, this tour is not for you.

ADA Accessible

I walked two times to the US Capitol during my August 2021 visit to Washington DC. Although the US Capitol Visitors Center is closed and tours are not being given for obvious reasons, it is still enjoyable to walk around the grounds. I walked around the Reflecting Pool, Grant Monument, Garfield Monument and Peace Monument. I was able to get near the steps but there are fences and you can't go any further. I also walked up Capitol Hill to the back side to the Library of Congress (open to visitors) and the Supreme Court (closed to visitors). It is still enjoyable to walk around the US Capitol - even on a hot and humid day and take photos and admire the building despite the fact that the Visitors Center is closed and tours are not being given.

We were lucky enough to have a tour of the Capital Building in 2020. I don't know if tours are given now but if they are, GO!.

We went on a tour through the capital building. Free of charge and bookable on line. What a magnificent building. Our guide Nicholas was charming and very informative. Tour lasts about an hour. There is a very reasonably priced gift shop and a huge restaurant with an impressive selection of meals.

This remarkable landmark captures my attention that I visited twice. Most visitors would have taken pics in front which you can see the barricade was placed for safety and security purposes which in a way taken the true beauty of liberty and freedom of speech. However , visitors can also go at the back to catch the beautiful image of the capitol. On a hot weather thankfully there is a water fountain that you can drink and I love the idea of not putting bins in the site to discourage littering.

Definitely make arrangements for a U.S. Capitol tour!!! It’s remarkable and so many beautiful statues and artwork!!!

We booked in advance for a tour of the Capitol Building.
As we were visitors from Australia the tour gave us historical information about USA and politics.
The tour was very informative and interesting. About 45 minutes duration.
Highly recommended.
Beware- no food or drink allowed in!! We had to sit outside and drink and eat all our food that we had hoped to last all day!!
As it was not a “Sitting “ day we subsequently got to see both the Senate & Representatives Rooms by requesting passes at the customer service desk.
We visited in the final week of the summer school holidays and it was not busy.
It was a great experience.
Check if there are other tours available for the day you plan to visit.

I wish we could have taken a tour of the building. It moves me to tears to think about what happened on January 6th.

Of those places we see in movies and can't miss the script in Washington.
The building of the Capitol is beautiful and the surroundings too, it is worth taking a few hives to walk there.

100% Recommend to book a tour of this beautiful building our US Captiol with your local congressman/woman. You will get see areas of the Capitol that the regular tourist will not see. One of the highlights on our visit to Washington, DC.

Meh. Very crowded! Tour lasted about 1 hour and we saw 3 rooms. Was expecting so much more. Texas capital is so much more beautiful!

Well worth seeing, you can reserve tickets online in advance. You can go into the famous rotunda, which is very impressive. We also went into the Senate Hall. Here you have to get separate tickets on site, entry is only possible after extensive security checks including body scanning. The Capitol is also very worth seeing from the outside and is simply a must when visiting the capital!

NOTE: I TRAVELLED HERE IN NOVEMBER 2023. Me, my dad, and my brother had a great time walking around the US Capitol. I never been inside, but I do have a plan to go inside for a tour. We travelled on Thanksgiving and it was a great time.

Visited Capitol Hill and was able to see both the House and Senate in session. Besides the impressive architecture, we saw the house vote on an item and there was some very respectable discussion that took place. The same was true for the senate. If you simply believe what you see on the news you would think that the two parties just have hate and disrespect for each other; which there may be moments of that but there were a overwhelming majority of time working together. So glad I saw this for myself and shared it with my family.

I also learned that I could walk through the buildings where the members are housed and you can walk into their office and say hello.

Contact your congress person before your visit for a tour and to see the House and Senate in session. My senator's office responded back extremely quick.

Congress was not is session while we were there. We unfortunately couldn't get close to this magnificent structure.

we must come to this U.S. Capitol when we come to DC.
Nice architecture and design. Nice place for spending time with family too.

Have to get tickets online for the tour. The tour of the Capital DOES NOT include the House of representatives and Senate Chambers. It takes you to different rotundas with statues. The Capital is a magnificent building.
Tip- Look up your senator's office address. Go there (usually a few blocks from Capital) go to your senator's office in the building and request passes to visit the House and Senate chambers. (When out of session)The staff will give you separate passes for the house and senate. Each person needs a pass one pass will not cover a group.
Go back to the Capital let them know you have passes and be directed.

This wasn’t originally on my top 5 list of things to see in DC but my 22 yr old had expressed an interest, so I contacted our state representative (an email address easily found online) and set up a tour with his office. A staff member set up the day and time (from a window I gave her) and emailed again the morning of the tour.) She gave my daughter and I a personal tour of the Capitol, including the old Senate (where Plessy vs Ferguson was ruled on) and some of the original areas where our forefathers stood. The statues, paintings and architecture are unbelievable, even if you’re not really into that kind of thing! Every American should see the Capitol, keeping in mind the famous quote, “Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” The Capitol is easy to get to but MetroBus (or train) and is next to the (free) Botanical gardens, which were also MUCH more impressive than I ever expected!

Anyone who visits the United States once probably only wants to discover the capitol. Magnificent jewel of the 19th century its guided tour is unfortunately done for the youngest only in English! American glory is highlighted, not to mention a more controversial subject that was the slave trade of the blacks who built the capitol and even the massacre of the American Indians.

Went years ago, and just recently. Tour has changed from years ago, and it has been updated. I highly recommend taking the time to do this tour. Our guide was very knowledgable. They had headphones for each person that was connected to our guide so there was no shouting or trying to hear over other people. Many groups receiving a tour at the same time but you heard just your tour guide. The intro movie shown was nicely done and gave so much detailed information about the capitol.

The US Capitol building is fascinating - so much history and fantastic artwork. We took a tour which was very informative - you can also get free tickets to see the House of Representatives.

Went during a nice brisk clear day, which made the white exterior a nice contrast to the blue sky and autumn foliage. When visiting the capitol, we will always walk a complete circle of the grounds for views of both west and east front. I have noticed over the many years, access to the west front steps have been dramatically reduced over time, which is a shame, as the views of the Mall are better from the start of the steps and fountain. If you have not yet done the inside capitol tour, it is highly recommended.

It was excellent, and the view was beautiful. We only saw the outside and didn't go inside, but now I know. The next time we decide to go, I will schedule a tour.

We did the guided tour, very informative, clear and enjoyable, the guides tell you relevant data about it in each place.

Don't stop going. We got here by subway. There's a station nearby. Beautiful! Wonderful architecture! Sorry we didn't visit the interior. There were too many people!

It’s amazing to visit the interior of the U.S. Congress Building, from the Visitor Center to the presentations, to the guided tour of the Top Hall, the Statue Hall, and the Halls. Walking into the rooftop hall, fine murals and sculptures tell the history of the United States, sculptures, red gold seats and ceiling sculptures show a magnificent fusion; the statue hall impresses me, and the statues presented in each state have stories, such as the statues of characters like Helen Keller, full of inspiration and emotion. When visiting the Old Senate Hall and the Small Senate Round Hall, the low-rise but nonetheless gorgeous red decor and historical seats make it as if you were going back to the time when 19th-century MPs discussed the bill. Guides carefully allocate stairs and steps to make the tour comfortable and complete. The overall experience with the beauty of education, history and art gives me a deep sense of the perfect combination of American democracy and architecture.

We visited the week of Christmas and did a guided tour. The tour was informative, entertaining, and not too long. Highly recommend booking a tour while you are in D.C.. We also went though the effort of getting passes to see the House chambers. Because they were not in session, it was a little underwhelming. Your milage may vary on your interest in seeing the actual chambers.

Get a tour from your US Representative and enjoy visiting the seat of power in the US. The don't mention the Jan 6 events but you can only imagine the blood and the representatives picking up the debris.

We decided because we can't see the White House to go visit the Capitol. The tour is free, but you have to book a slot online - it is very easy. Do it in advance as they have a certain number daily and they go fast. There is security before you go in so make sure you arrive in plenty time to go through. Everyone was friendly so if you need help don't hesitate to ask. The tour guide was knowledgeable and nice. You can take plenty of photos so bring your camera. You're not allowed with food or water so make sure you abide. The tour was really short, only a few rooms. You can then access the senate or the representative's rooms. If you're a foreigner you can get some passes for free, by showing your passport, from the info desks inside - you will have to go though another security search so be prepared - but if you are an American citizen you need to get the passes from your state representative from outside the capitol - not sure where they are located as we didn't pay attention to the explanations, but it is possible only just a bit more hassle. We attended a senate meeting but it was pretty quiet so we didn't get to see to much. We didn't stay for the other as they went on lunch and we were rushed for time. You can then go to the Library of Congress without going out, just pay attention to the guides as they will explain it all. I loved hearing about the building and the history and it was great to be able to take all the photos I wanted. If you're keen on history and politics then it's a must. Allow about 3 hours or a bit more if you want to attend the Senate or the Representatives meetings.

Was able to walk pretty close to the capital building in DC and it was stunning. The structure is gorgeous and very large and awe inspiring

It's a beautiful place.
For those who don't know, it's possible to get inside the Capitol even if you're not a U.S. citizen. It is sufficient to pass the inspection at the entrance (all liquids with a volume of more than 100 ml you will be asked to throw away, but you can drink or pour water in advance and bring an empty water bottle inside, for example, and collect clean drinking water in a fountain inside the building).
Next, you can walk freely around the building, BUT to get to the Senate and/or the House of Representatives, you need to attend a presentation, after which you will be broken into groups and already organized groups can visit these parts of the Capitol. Without the group, alas, entry to both the House and the Senate will be inaccessible.
And be prepared that neither the House nor the Senate can bring personal belongings (bags, backpacks, etc.) and can not take photos or video.
But it's definitely worth it. Definitely recommend visiting!

*Admission is free. There are dressing rooms, drinking water fountains and clean toilets.

A real highlight! Be sure to book a tour early, then you will get a very entertaining tour through the heart of American democracy! Very moving and impressive and the building itself is amazing!

When we visited you could not go into the building itself due to covid restrictions. We would love to revisit to look inside.
The outside though is incredible - such a huge structure. It was just fantastic to see it at the end of a road or at the end of the national mall.
It was nice to sit on the steps by the reflecting pool and take it in.

This was a family trip and we all wanted to explore the U. S. Capitol. Go online to get your Congressperson or senator to get free tickets for a tour. We were lucky we got tickets for a tour which they are only offering one tour a day with 15 people. Plan ahead as soon as you know at least 30 days request Capitol tickets for a date. We had a group of 7 to tour the capitol it was amazing so much history in the Capitol. Wear comfortable shoes since you will be walking.

I can't add anything to the thousands of other reviews, other than to point out the advantages of reserving your tour in advance online or (even better) through the office of your Congressional Representative (most are happy to provide for you in hopes you will remember them come election day).

This is really fun if you take the tour. This was partially due to our tour guide, who did a great job and was really funny, but also because the history of the building, as well as the closeness of those places you always see on TV, is quite impressive.

From a non-American perspective, it was actually interesting to see the states' statue contributions to the capitol, and the centre of the capitol was actually reserved for George Washington's burial site, but he opted to be laid to rest in Virginia. So the crypt is still unoccupied even as of this day.

The artwork at the top of the dome did resemble those ones seen in Europe so great job with that one! And I was slightly disappointed that the chambers weren't included at the tour, but understandably with the recent political event, it takes a few rogue actors to ruin the experience. The safety and security of the seat of power of the world's most powerful nation must come first, so I understand.

Very interesting to see our legislative seat of government, our tour guide Chris was very knowledgeable and we learned a lot. The rotunda and Hall of Statues were particularly good.

We got reservations from visitthecapitol.gov about a month ahead of time. On the day of the actual visit, we didn’t have to wait and walked right in. Mind you our allotted time was 12pm, and we got there literally at 11:59, so that might be why, but I did want to mention that there was no wait for us. Security is very strict and rightfully so. Ladies, I suggesting taking a small crossbody bag and nothing else. Once in the capitol building we got a great tour of the crypt and the old Supreme Court. Taking pics was allowed and encouraged by our guide. Unfortunately on the day of our visit, the rotunda was closed to visitors because a new statue of Harry Truman was being unveiled, which was a bummer, but there was still so much to see in the Capitol.
Also, I don’t know if this happens every time, or we just got lucky, but the senate was in session and we got to watch it in person. Let me tell you, it was surreal and so worth it. To sit and listen to senators discussing legislation, was an incredible experience. Be warned though, to enter this room, all electronics including phones, smart watches, etc. will be confiscated by security and returned to you once you leave the room. Also, check out the cafeteria, they had great food/snacks available. 10/10 would recommend.

One of the best experiences we had while visiting DC was the US Capitol tour.
Our guide, Taylor Dean, was incredible, always super friendly and shared wonderful information. The entire group, including family and friends, were delighted with our guide's knowledge.
Taylor made the tour interesting and appealing to children as well. We couldn't take our eyes and ears off her. Capitol is beautiful and rich in information. I highly recommend it... with Taylor if possible. lol

The area made available to ticket-holders consists of the statue hall, a short walk through a corridor to the first floor of the rotunda, and a peek at the "old" Senate area.

It's hard to imagine terrorists swarmed this special place on 1/6/2021; and to know that tourists are allowed in just a very small area of this wonderful building because of trump's terrorists. We The People are paying a huge price for a demented tyrant's ego.

A terrible experience. Dont bother getting a tour time from your congressman. People with reservations aren't honored and are told to wait on long lines with others who had no reservations. You cant plan you day to see other sites because your timed reservations mean nothing. The tour staff at the Capitol doesnt respond to your concerns. Our congressman Brad Sherman's office staff is the worst. They really don't want to bother helping their constituents. This was truly a bad situation which only got worse.

Went on a Thursday and enjoyed a private tour from our senator office. Wasn't sure what to think at first, but it was above and beyond my expectations. Everywhere you turn, there's something to look at. This is worth your time.

Seeing the US Capitol was like a dream coming true to me. I’ve always dreamed to see it live and I can say it worths the visit. I lost the count of how many times I’ve seen it on books, magazines, TV and movies… one of the most iconic buildings in the world!

Not sure if being able to go inside is an option anyway but regardless we only viewed from the outside. Beautiful building and cool to see in person.
Nice landmark to tick off the list.

There's a fence around the capitol right now so you can only get so close but it was nice to see, just wish we could have taken our child for a better view/tour. Sad but still beautiful to see. Our trip was tainted due to not being able to get closer.

We signed up for this tour through the US Capitol and it was a bit disappointing. We basically went to 2 locations (crypt & rotunda) and that was it! It lasted maybe 30 minutes at best. Next time I would like a guide or tour that explores more and even explains things outside. I learned more about the Capital from an online virtual tour.

We scheduled a guided tour through our house member's office, rather than take the standard Red Coat tour. This allowed us to see some more unique spaces than the standard tour.

It is very interesting to see the various areas of the capital building and the historic chambers where major events had occurred.

I’m so glad I booked a free tour months ago. It was crowded but organized. The tour guides give their groups headsets tuned in to their specific frequency, so we could hear our specific guide without their needing to shout over the din. My kids had a few things they were searching for, from their scavenger hunt book, so that kept them engaged. We loved finding and identifying specific state statues. And when they couldn’t find a particular one, any staff in a red sweater could help them either by memory or by consulting the pocket guide that they call carry. I was very impressed by how the plentiful, warm, knowledgeable staff managed the chaos of tourists!!!!