7 Best Tours in Washington DC

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

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The dream of many travellers is to get to know the east coast of the United States and visit Washington, the country's capital. If you want to enjoy an unforgettable stay and get to know the city in depth, I recommend you 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 get to know its main attractions in a comfortable and efficient way, the best option is the Washington bus tour, 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: £74.
  • Duration: 4 hours.
  • Recommended if... you want to tour Washington in comfort and without worrying about transport.

Book a bus tour of Washington

2. Washington by Night Illuminated 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, it becomes even more magical at night. Its illuminated monuments create a spectacular landscape that is not to be missed. For the ultimate experience, the Washington night tram tour will take you around the city after dark, allowing you to see its most iconic sights in a new light.

You'll 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 tram, you can enjoy the sights without worrying about long walks, and at several stops you'll have the opportunity to get off, walk around and take unforgettable photos.

Interesting details

  • Approximate price: £41.
  • Duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes.
  • Recommended if... you want to see Washington illuminated without worrying about transport and with the comfort of a tram.

Book a nighttime tram tour of Washington

3. Guided bike tour of Washington

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

If you love exploring 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 American capital in a comfortable, fast and eco-friendly way, all while enjoying the fresh air and the thrill of pedalling along its wide avenues.

Accompanied by a local guide, you will visit iconic sites such as the Capitol, the White House, the Lincoln Memorial and the National Mall, among others. This tour is also ideal if you 're travelling with your family, as the electric bikes make the ride easy and operators often provide helmets and equipment for every traveller, including children.

Useful details

  • Approximate price: £68
  • Duration: 3 hours.
  • Recommended if... you want to discover Washington in an original, active and environmentally friendly way.

Book an electric bike tour of 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 things to do in Washington D.C. is a boat ride on the Potomac River. Aboard an elegant cruise ship, you'll have the opportunity to admire the city's most iconic landmarks from the water, while enjoying a gourmet dinner and a lively party with live music.

If you're 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'll 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 sightseeing bus is a convenient and comfortable way to see 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 American capital.

If it's your first time in Washington or you're short on 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. You'll also be able to listen to audio commentary or live guides explaining the city along the way.

For more detailed information on all the options available, I recommend reading the post The best tour buses in Washington DC, where you'll find information on 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 Washington DC sightseeing bus

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

Food Tour|©Affiliated Distributors
Food Tour|©Affiliated Distributors

If you love good food, you can't miss the food tour of Georgetown, a perfect experience to discover the tastier side of Washington DC. This historic neighbourhood 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 iconic dishes and specialities inspired by American and international cuisine. Accompanied by a foodie guide, you'll learn about Georgetown's history while enjoying unique flavours.

Interesting details

  • Approximate price: £65
  • Duration: 3 hours.
  • Recommended if... you want to combine history and gastronomy in the same tour of one of Washington's most charming neighbourhoods.

Book a foodie 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'll visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture, U Street, known for being the epicentre of jazz in the city, and other historic sites that have marked the struggle for civil rights. You'll also learn about key figures such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Frederick Douglass.

Details of interest

  • Approximate price: £70.
  • 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 to suit all tastes and budgets.

You can find inexpensive activities such as a bicycle or 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

Tours in Washington vary in length. 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 enjoy the sights 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 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 around 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
  • The Abraham Lincoln Memorial
  • The Washington Obelisk
  • Martin Luther King Jr Memorial
  • Thomas Jefferson Memorial
  • Arlington National Cemetery
  • The Vietnam and Korean Veterans Memorial
  • The World War II Memorial
  • The Library of Congress
  • The National Archives Museum
  • The Iwo Jima Memorial
  • The Potomac River
  • The Constitution Gardens
  • The Tidal Basin in 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 tours that will take you inside certain monuments and others where you will mainly see the outside of the monuments.

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

Reviews from other travellers

4.6
· 59322 Reviews
  • 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.
  • S
    S. N.
    4
    (0 Reviews)
    I loved this tour because I learned a lot about history that I never knew before. It was a very moving and educational experience.
  • K
    K. V.
    4
    (0 Reviews)
    Very nice visit, I learned a lot about history. Friendly guide, I recommend it.
  • E
    E. Y.
    4
    (0 Reviews)
    The experience of touring historic pubs was unique and educational, but it would be ideal to have more time at each stop to fully enjoy it.