Defined by its stately federal-style buildings and its iconic monuments, Washington D.C. is more than just the nation's capital — it's a cosmopolitan city that attracts more than 20 million visitors every year.
The top things to see in Washington D.C. include some of the most famous buildings in the country, such as the White House and the U.S. Capitol, as well as the numerous museums and monuments that are located nearby.
Whether you are a first-time visitor or someone who keeps coming back to experience the city's sophistication and grandeur, you will find that the best Washington DC bus tours and walking tours allow you to conveniently access the most inviting and exciting tourist attractions.
If you are wondering what to do in Washington D.C., these tours are a great place to start:
1. Washington D.C. Monuments by Moonlight Tour by Trolley
- Tickets start at $59
- 2-hour bus tour
Each night throughout the city, the iconic monuments that pay tribute to some of the most influential leaders in our country are lit up. Viewing the monuments at nighttime has become a rite-of-passage for Washington D.C. visitors, with the glow of the lights amplifying the magnitude of the monuments and creating a moving and compelling experience for any traveler.
The Washington D.C. Monuments by Moonlight Tour by Trolley allows you to easily travel from one monument to the next in order to experience them all in the glow of the moonlight. During this narrated tour, you will also learn more about the history behind each monument and the people, places and events that they represent.
Some of the monuments that you might see on this tour include:
- The Supreme Court
- Capitol Hill
- U.S. Capitol
- Jefferson Memorial
- Vietnam Veterans Memorial
- Korean War Veterans Memorial
- Lincoln Memorial
- Washington Monument
- White House
- Tidal Basin
- FDR Memorial
- Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
- Library of Congress
Taking about two hours to complete, this is considered to be one of the best Washington DC night tours. It's a can't-miss excursion that is ideal for visitors of all ages.
2. Lincoln Assassination Tour with Ford's Theatre and Peterson House
- Tickets start at $49
- 2-hour walking tour
On the Lincoln Assassination Tour with Ford's Theatre and Peterson House, you will quite literally have the opportunity to walk through history. During this two-hour guided walking tour, you will hear the story of the assassination of America's 16th president and then you will be able to visit the iconic sites where history was changed forever.
The first stop on the tour will take you to Ford's Theatre, the theater where Lincoln was enjoying a performance when he was shot by John Wilkes Booth. During your tour of Ford's Theatre, you will be able to learn more about the theater itself and view artifacts that have been preserved from that time period.
After your visit to the Ford's Theatre, you will walk across the street to the Peterson House, which is the home where Lincoln died. Immediately following the assassination attempt, Lincoln was brought to the home for treatment. On this tour, you will have an opportunity to visit the actual room where he died.
Considered to be one of the best Washington DC walking tours, this tour is sure to be a moving and impactful experience that will stick with you for many years to come.
3. Capitol Hill Walking Tour with U.S. Capitol and Library of Congress
- Tickets starting at $85
- 2-hour walking tour
If you only have time to do one tour while you are in Washington D.C., make it the Capitol Hill Walking Tour with U.S. Capitol and Library of Congress. Washington D.C. is the beating heart of the nation's government and Capitol Hill is where history is made each and every day.
This two-hour walking tour will take you on a guided and informative journey along Capitol Hill, where you will learn more about the legislative and judicial branches of the U.S. government. It's hard not to be in awe of the architectural wonders that surround you — especially when you realize that these are buildings in which the laws of our land are created and changed.
Some points of interest on this tour include:
- Thomas Jefferson's original library
- U.S. Capitol Rotunda
- Library of Congress entry
- U.S. Supreme Court building
4. Arlington Cemetery Guided Morning Walking Tour
- Tickets starting at $44
- 2-hour walking tour
For many Washington D.C. visitors, Arlington Cemetery is one of the must-visit destinations on their itinerary. However, attempting to navigate the cemetery and find the major sights within it on your own can be a daunting task. Most city insiders recommend that you take a guided tour and the Arlington Cemetery Guided Morning Walking Tour is a peaceful, moving and informative experience.
During this extensive tour of the 639-acre cemetery, you will visit the following sites:
- The grave of President John F. Kennedy and his Eternal Flame
- The historic Arlington House
- The Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers
Described as one of the best tours in Washington D.C., this tour is a powerful experience that will leave you filled with emotion as you reflect upon the sacrifices that have been made for our freedoms. It comes highly recommended, but it's worth noting that it is an extensive walking tour that is not recommended for those with mobility issues.
5. African American History Tour with Museum Admission
- Tickets starting at $89
- 3-hour guided bus tour
This tour, which is centered around the Civil Rights Movement and the power of Black activism in the United States, will take you through some of the most iconic moments in African American History. The African American History Tour with Museum Admission guided bus tour is told from the African American perspective, giving visitors of all ages and backgrounds an opportunity to experience the history and growth of our nation through the eyes of African American citizens and activists.
Stops on the tour include:
- United States Navy Memorial and Naval Heritage Center
- The Black Lives Matter Plaza at the White House
- Lincoln Memorial
- Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
- Emancipation Memorial Mary McLeod Bethune Statue
- African American Civil War Memorial Museum
- Washington Monument
- Howard University
- Freedom Plaza
The tour concludes with a one-hour visit to the National Museum of African American History and Culture, which takes a progressive look at African American history in the United States through its engaging and immersive exhibits. Admission to the museum is included as part of your tour ticket.
6. Cherry Blossom Bike Tour in Washington D.C.
- Tickets starting at $65
- 2-hour guided bike tour
Created specifically for the infamous National Cherry Blossom Festival, this two-hour Cherry Blossom Bike Tour in Washington D.C. is only available during the blossom season in Washington D.C. A favorite among visitors who come to the city during the waning weeks of March or the first few weeks of April, this tour will take you along the Tidal Basin where you will see the magnificent cherry blossom trees in bloom.
7. Historic Georgetown Walking Tour
- Tickets starting at $65
- 2-hour walking tour
The Georgetown neighborhood of Washington D.C. dates back to the 18th century — yet it remains one of the most vibrant and eclectic neighborhoods in the city today. The Historic Georgetown Walking Tour will take you through the heart of this small-town-turned-neighborhood and allow you to learn more about its past, present and future.
Points of interest on this two-hour guided walking tour include:
- C&O Canal
- Old Stone House, which is one of the oldest buildings in the city
- Georgetown University
- Homes owned by the Kennedy and Lincoln families
8. Smithsonian Museum of Natural History — Private Guided Museum Tour
- Tickets starting at $104
- 2-hour private guided tour of the museum
The Smithsonian Museum of Natural History is a treasure trove of magnificent marvels, but you have to know where to look in order to find them. This is why it's best to book the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History Private Guided Museum Tour. As one of the most exclusive and valuable Washington DC private tours, this experience will give you unparalleled access to the best artifacts and exhibits in the museum. Your personal tour guide can customize the itinerary to best suit your interests, allowing you to get the most out of your visit to this historic and iconic museum.
Your tour will take you directly to the highlights of the museum's collection and stops may include:
- The Hope Diamond
- Dom Pedro Aquamarine
- Ancient Egyptian mummies
- Live coral reef exhibits
- A replica of 45-ton whale
Considered to be one of the best museums in Washington D.C., the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History has been impressing visitors of all ages for more than 100 years. By investing in a private tour, you will be able to enjoy the exact experience that you prefer.
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