UNITED STATES CAPITOL

The United States Capitol is located in Washington and is a proud symbol of the American people. It is the meeting place of the U.S. Congress and is a working building. But that’s not it. This place also welcomes visitors from across the globe to come and understand American democracy.

Book a standard guided tour led by professionals and visit the halls (Crypt, Rotunda, and National Statuary). You can also opt for specialty tours including Halls of the Senate, Votes for Women, Heroes of Civil Rights, Indigenous Peoples In Capitol Art, and Outdoor Tour Of The Capitol Grounds. These tours are of 45 to 50 minutes, and give you great details of the senate's functioning.

At The United States Capitol, there is a separate dining and shopping space. Explore the gift shops to take souvenirs and eat at the Capitol Café. If you are travelling in a group, you can also get meal vouchers at the café.

Highlights

• Understand the functioning of the United States Capitol and how citizens communicate with the Members of Congress for the development of legislation’s major pieces.
• Get involved in the interactive learning activities scheduled at the Democracy Lab and learn about the functioning of the legislation in great detail.
• Witness the authentic feel of the United States Capitol through the many touchable objects and models arranged at the exhibitions.
• Visit the Democracy Lab and learn about the functioning of Congress as there are several collaborative activities scheduled for children from 8 to 14 years.
• Explore the 2 gift shops within the Capitol premises and grab some Made-in-America goodies designed by artistic people and small businesses.

How To Reach

By Car: The U.S. Capitol is approximately 2.6 km from Washington City Centre. It takes approximately 7 to 10 minutes to reach. But the public parking is quite restricted there.

By Subway: Board the subway and deboard at the Union Station, Capitol South, or Federal Centre.

By Bicycle: There are cycle racks close to the Capitol Visitor Centre’s entrance. You can take the bike on rent and return it after the tour to any of the 350 stations in Washington D.C.

Best Time To Visit

The U.S. Capitol is open to the public from Monday to Saturday.

Best Season: Visit in the spring or fall season when the weather is pleasant and refreshing.

Best Day in the Week: Visit during the weekdays as the number of tourists is generally lower.

Best Time of the Day: You can visit early in the morning when the tour begins to beat the crowd.

Other Essential Information

• Avoid carrying food and beverages as such items are not allowed inside the U.S. Capitol premises.
• Maintain silence as you are walking through the exhibition hall as work is carried out every day.
• Refrain from sitting on the sculptures and displays or leaning on the pedestals and walls.
• Some areas are restricted to the public so respect the decorum while exploring the premises.
• The Capitol is open for tours between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. from Monday to Saturday.
• Reserve your tour through the official website or a senator’s office to ensure a hassle-free check-in.