7 Best Tours in Washington DC

Washington is an incredible city worth exploring in depth. For that, nothing better than these tours of the city of Washington, the capital of the United States!
7 Best Tours in Washington DC

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The dream of many travelers is to get to know the east coast of the United States and visit Washington, the capital of the country. If you want to enjoy an unforgettable stay and get to know the city in depth, I recommend you to take a look at the best tours of Washington DC.

1. Bus tour of the main monuments of the city

The White House| ©Jonathan Cutrer
The White House| ©Jonathan Cutrer

Washington D.C. is a city full of history, iconic monuments and government buildings that you can't miss. If you want to know its main attractions in a comfortable and efficient way, the best option is the bus tour of Washington, which will take you to the most emblematic points of the capital of the United States with an expert guide.

This panoramic tour will allow you to discover places such as the White House, the Capitol, the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, among many others. It also includes stops at some of these sites so you can explore them more closely and take pictures.

Details of interest

  • Approximate price: $94.
  • Duration: 4 hours.
  • Recommended if... you want to tour Washington comfortably and without worrying about transportation.

Book a bus tour of Washington

2. Illuminated Washington by night tour

The Capitol lit up at night| ©John Brighenti
The Capitol lit up at night| ©John Brighenti

If Washington D.C. is impressive by day, at night it becomes even more magical. Its illuminated monuments create a spectacular landscape that you can't miss. To live this experience in the best way, the night streetcar tour of Washington will take you around the city at nightfall, allowing you to see its most iconic places in a new perspective.

You will be able to admire monuments such as the Capitol, the White House, the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, all illuminated in a unique atmosphere. Aboard a comfortable streetcar, you can enjoy the views without worrying about long walks, and at several stops you will have the opportunity to get off, walk around and take unforgettable pictures.

Details of interest

  • Approximate price: $53.
  • Duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes.
  • Recommended if... you want to see Washington illuminated without worrying about transportation and with the comfort of a streetcar.

Book a nighttime streetcar tour of Washington

3. Guided bike tour of Washington

Tourist by bike| ©Elvert Barnes
Tourist by bike| ©Elvert Barnes

If you love to explore a city at your own pace, one of the best ways to discover Washington D.C. is with an electric bike tour. This tour will allow you to visit the main monuments of the U.S. capital in a comfortable, fast and eco-friendly way, all while enjoying the fresh air and the thrill of pedaling down its wide avenues.

Accompanied by a local guide, you will visit iconic places such as the Capitol, the White House, the Lincoln Memorial and the National Mall, among others. In addition, this tour is ideal if you are traveling with your family, since the electric bicycles make the tour easier and the operators usually provide helmets and equipment adapted for each traveler, including children.

Details of interest

  • Approximate price: $87.
  • Duration: 3 hours.
  • Recommended if... you want to discover Washington in an original, active and environmentally friendly way.

Book an electric bike tour in Washington

4. Cruise tours for the best views of Washington DC

Discover the beautiful views of the city from the Potomac River.| ©Juha Uitto
Discover the beautiful views of the city from the Potomac River.| ©Juha Uitto

One of the most special plans you can do in Washington D.C. is a boat ride on the Potomac River. Aboard an elegant cruise ship, you will have the opportunity to admire the city's most iconic monuments from the water, while enjoying a gourmet dinner and a lively party with live music.

If you are looking for a different experience that combines gastronomy, entertainment and panoramic views, this type of cruise is perfect for an unforgettable evening in the capital of the United States. For the best options available, check out the post City Cruises in Washington DC, where you will find some of the most recommended tours on the Potomac.

Details of interest

  • Approximate Price: Varies depending on the type of cruise chosen.
  • Duration: Between 1.5 and 3 hours.
  • Recommended if... you want to enjoy Washington from a unique perspective, with good food and a festive atmosphere.

Book a cruise in Washington DC

5. Washington DC Sightseeing Bus Tour

City Sightseeing Bus Tour| ©Elvert Barnes
City Sightseeing Bus Tour| ©Elvert Barnes

Exploring Washington D.C. aboard a tour bus is a practical and comfortable option to get to know the city without worrying about long walks. With this service, you can tour the most important areas while enjoying panoramic views and learning about the history of the U.S. capital.

If it is your first time in Washington or you have little time, the tour bus will allow you to get an overview of the main monuments, such as the White House, the Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial. In addition, during the trip you can listen to explanations about the city through audio commentary or live guides.

To know in detail all the available options, I recommend you to read the post The best tour buses in Washington DC, where you will find information about routes, stops and prices.

Interesting details

  • Approximate price: Varies according to the type of pass and duration.
  • Duration: 24 or 48 hour pass with free stops.
  • Recommended if... you want to move comfortably around Washington and see the main monuments without walking too much.

Book a sightseeing bus in Washington DC

5. Discover the gastronomy of Georgetown with a culinary tour.

Gastronomic Tour|©Affiliated Distributors
Gastronomic Tour|©Affiliated Distributors

If you love good food, you can't miss the culinary tour of Georgetown, a perfect experience to discover the tastier side of Washington D.C. This historic neighborhood is not only famous for its cobblestone streets and colonial architecture, but also for its incredible culinary offerings.

During the tour, you will visit several restaurants and local markets, where you will taste emblematic dishes and specialties inspired by American and international cuisine. Accompanied by an expert culinary guide, you will learn about the history of Georgetown while enjoying unique flavors.

Details of interest

  • Approximate price: $84.
  • Duration: 3 hours.
  • Recommended if... you want to combine history and gastronomy in the same tour through one of Washington's most charming neighborhoods.

Book a food tour of Georgetown

6. African American history tour in Washington D.C.

Streets of Washington| ©Daniel Lobo
Streets of Washington| ©Daniel Lobo

Washington D.C. is a key city in the African-American history of the United States, and the best way to learn about this legacy is with the African-American history tour in Washington, which will take you to the most significant places of the African-American community in the capital.

On this guided tour, you will visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture, U Street, known for being the epicenter of jazz in the city, and other historic sites that have marked the struggle for civil rights. You will also learn about key figures such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Frederick Douglass.

Details of Interest

  • Approximate price: $89.
  • Duration: 4 hours.
  • Recommended if... you are interested in African-American history and culture and want to learn about its impact on Washington D.C.

Book an African American history tour in Washington


How much does it cost to take a tour in Washington?

Detail of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial| ©Elizabeth Villalta
Detail of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial| ©Elizabeth Villalta

The great thing about tours in Washington is that there are options for all tastes and budgets.

You can find inexpensive activities such as a bicycle or tour bus tour of the city for less than 40 euros or options where for a little more you can take a VIP tour of Washington with access to the Capitol, the National Archives Museum and a short cruise on the Potomac River, which can give you a very complete view of the city.

How long do tours in Washington usually last?

Tidal Basin| ©Andy He
Tidal Basin| ©Andy He

The length of tours in Washington varies widely. The shortest tour can last 2 hours while the longest is about 7 hours.

If you have little time to explore the city I recommend choosing a short 2 or 3 hour tour by buggy, segway, bicycle, cruise ship or tour bus. You will see the most important places and monuments of the city in a fast, comfortable and fun way.

In case time is not a problem for you and you can explore the city inch by inch to recreate yourself looking at the landscapes and monuments and take lots of pictures, then I advise you to take a guided walking tour of Washington because you will see the capital in detail.

Is it worth taking a guided walking tour in the city of Washington?

Detail of the Lincoln Memorial| ©Joshua Bedford
Detail of the Lincoln Memorial| ©Joshua Bedford

Absolutely. Washington is a city full of history and tourist attractions. To learn about its origins, its role as the capital of the country throughout history or about the curiosities surrounding its monuments, there is nothing better than taking a guided tour where a professional guide will show you the city in a didactic and entertaining way.

What should I see on a guided tour in Washington?

Thomas Jefferson Memorial| ©Yeon Choi
Thomas Jefferson Memorial| ©Yeon Choi
  • The White House
  • The Capitol
  • The National Mall
  • Abraham Lincoln Memorial
  • Washington Obelisk
  • Martin Luther King Jr Memorial
  • Thomas Jefferson Memorial
  • Arlington National Cemetery
  • The Vietnam and Korean Veterans Memorial
  • The World War II Memorial
  • Library of Congress
  • National Archives Museum
  • Iwo Jima Memorial
  • The Potomac River
  • Constitution Gardens
  • Tidal Basin at West Potomac Park

Are entrance fees to the monuments included in the city tours?

Decorating the interior of the Library of Congress| ©Ricardo Gomez Angel
Decorating the interior of the Library of Congress| ©Ricardo Gomez Angel

Depending on the tour of Washington you want to do, there are some that will take you inside certain monuments and others where you will mainly see the outside.

In Hellotickets you can compare routes, prices, schedules, availability of tickets and tours in Washington, and we are sure you will find the tour that best suits you!

Reviews from other travellers

4.6
· 59322 Reviews
  • M
    M. R.
    4
    (0 Reviews)
    Our guide, Skye, was great. The tour was interesting and informative. I didn't understand why we arrived at the Theatre and house when the lines to get in were pretty long. That took about 1/2 hour. Part of taking a tour is avoiding lines at attractions.
  • P
    P. D.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    Smiley was amazing. Great tour and learned a lot.
  • V
    V. H.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    fun easy way to see the monuments and learn the history behind, our guide was very knowledgeable
  • Z
    Z. T.
    4
    (0 Reviews)
    The experience was educational and moving, but I think it would benefit from including more personal stories to better connect with visitors.
  • D
    D. K.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    The experience was amazing, I learned a lot about the history of slavery from a very knowledgeable guide. Highly recommended.