Best tours Washington DC

Washington, DC a city filled with history, culture, and plenty of sites to check out. The best way to see it all? A guided tour. From exploring the depths of American history to discovering tucked-away neighborhood gems, rest assured there’s a tour for every version of Washington DC you’re looking to explore.

We’ve handpicked some of the best ways to see the capital — from hop-on-hop-off buses and Segway adventures to walking food tours and night monument rides.

Our top 3 must-try tours?

• DC It All Tour – perfect for first-time visitors who want to see it all


• African American History and Culture Tour – a powerful, enriching journey


• Monuments by Moonlight Nighttime Trolley Tour – DC’s landmarks in a whole new light

And if that’s not enough, we’ve gathered 23 amazing tours so you can find exactly what fits your vibe. Keep reading to explore them all — plus, if you’re looking for more ways to enjoy the capital, don’t miss our handy guide to the best things to do in Washington, DC

Discover Washington DC by theme

There’s so much to do and see in Washington DC, it can be tricky to fit it all in one go. The best way to experience the capital to the fullest is with a strategic approach. Rather than trying to cross everything off a checklist, try exploring with a themed approach.

Whether you're drawn to history, monuments, culture, or something a little more niche, themed tours are a great way to see the city, the way you want to see it. Here are some of our top picks to help you see DC through a whole new lens.

Historical tours of Washington DC

You don’t need us to tell you that Washington DC is immersed in history. Take a historical tour of the capital.

The African American History and Culture Tour

This three-and-a-half-hour tour goes beyond history class to see the actual locations where so many civil rights movements happened. Some key sites you’ll see include the exterior of the White House, Black Lives Matter Plaza, the Lincoln Memorial, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, and the African American Civil War Memorial.

• Type of Tour: Bus and walking tour
• Main Attractions: African American Museum, MLK Memorial, historic neighborhoods
• Duration: 3.5 hours
• Cost: $89 per adult
• Starting Location: U.S. Navy Memorial, Pennsylvania Ave NW

The Old Town Alexandra, VA Tour

Explore the very same streets that the first President of the United States, George Washington, did on this tour. You’ll stop at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial, his estate at Mount Vernon, and more.

• Type of Tour: Walking history tour
• Main Attractions: Historic homes, waterfront, old shops
• Duration: 1.5–2 hours
• Starting Location: Alexandria Visitor Center, 221 King Street

The DC It All Tour

Ready to see as much as you can on a half-day excursion? This tour is a six-hour guided tour that includes visits to the U.S. Capitol building, the White House, and a ton of other memorials. You’ll get an in-depth overview of each landmark, while getting the chance to stop and take photos.

• Type of Tour: Bus tour (with boat ride in season)
• Main Attractions: Capitol, White House, National Mall, monuments
• Duration: 6 hours
• Cost: $79.99 per adult
• Starting Location: White House Gifts shop

Monument tours in Washington DC

Washington DC is home to some of the most iconic monuments in the United States. By taking a monument tour, you get to explore these landmarks from a more focused perspective.

The Monument Cycle Tour

• Type of Tour: Guided bike tour
• Main Attractions: Capitol, Lincoln Memorial, Tidal Basin
• Duration: 3 hours
• Cost: $50–$65 per person
• Starting Location: Near the National Mall

Talk about an easy way to see the city—and boost your endorphins too! Ride along the National Mall and Tidal Basin and see so many DC landmarks.

National Mall Walking Tour

Ideal for first-time visitors, the National Mall Walking Tour offers a comprehensive look at DC’s most iconic monuments. Led by expert guides, the tour typically includes stops at the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, World War II Memorial, and Vietnam Veterans Memorial. See it all on foot.

• Type of Tour: Walking tour
• Main Attractions: Lincoln, MLK, WWII, Vietnam Memorials
• Duration: 4 hours
• Cost: $39 per person
• Starting Location: Near the White House

Moonlight Monument Tour

The Moonlight Monument Tour is a popular evening bus tour that brings visitors to some of DC’s most famous monuments after sunset. Seeing these sites in the dark is a little more peaceful and calming than during the hustle and bustle of the daytime.

• Type of Tour: Evening walking tour
• Main Attractions: Monuments lit at night, Lincoln, MLK
• Duration: 2 hours
• Cost: Pay what you like
• Starting Location: Near the Washington Monument

Cultural tours in Washington, DC

What kind of cultural tours can you take in Washington, DC? Turns out, many! The Smithsonian Museum is the world’s largest museum, education and research complex. There are several ways to tour its sites.

Guests can choose to walk, bike, or glide on a Segway while learning about the cultural significance of landmarks like the National Museum of American History and the National Gallery of Art.

National Gallery of Art Guided Tour

The National Gallery of Art provides guided tours to visitors, so you can learn more about the masterpieces on display, straight from an expert tour guide. Here, you’ll glimpse everything from Renaissance paintings to brilliant sculptures—and joining a tour gives you the cultural context needed behind each.

• Type of Tour: Museum tour
• Main Attractions: Art by Da Vinci, Monet, Pollock
• Duration: 1 hour
• Cost: Free
• Starting Location: West Building Rotunda, National Gallery of Art

DC Culture Tour – U Street & Howard Theater

Discover one of Washington, DC’s most storied neighborhoods: U Street & Howard Theater. From Howard Theatre to vibrant murals and historic jazz clubs, the tour shines a spotlight on U Street.

• Type of Tour: Walking cultural tour
• Main Attractions: U Street murals, Howard Theatre, jazz history
• Duration: 1.5 hours
• Cost: $20–$35
• Starting Location: Outside Howard Theatre

Embassy Row Cultural Walking Tour

A walking tour of Embassy Row is like seeing the world—without even having to leave Washington DC. Along the way, you’ll encounter international embassies in mansions and beautiful buildings, all along Massachusetts Avenue.

• Type of Tour: Walking tour
• Main Attractions: Embassies, mansions, Spanish Steps
• Duration: 2 hours
• Cost: Pay what you like
• Starting Location: Dupont Circle Fountain

D.C. By Foot – Skip the Line Washington Monument & National Mall Tour

Get your steps in with the Skip the Line Washington Monument & National Mall Tour. You’ll follow a knowledgeable guide on foot and learn about the National Mall and adjacent monuments. Not only that, but you’ll be able to skip the line at the Washington Monument. Learn more, wait less. What’s not to love?

• Type of Tour: Walking tour with monument entry
• Main Attractions: Washington Monument, National Mall sites
• Duration: 3 hours
• Cost: $59 per adult
• Starting Location: Near the Washington Monument

Top-rated tours in Washington DC

Looking for the best ways to see—and taste, and feel—the capital? These top-rated tours are it. Led by experts, featuring expert itineraries, this list comes highly recommended by travelers like you.

Old Town Trolley Tours of Washington D.C.

The Old Town Trolley One-Day Tour offers hop-on, hop-off experiences, bringing you to the city’s most famous landmarks. Better yet, there’s narration so you’ll learn about what you’re seeing. It’s relaxed, informal, and a perfect way to see the city—especially if you want to cram in a lot during your stay but only have a day to do it all.

• Type of Tour: Hop-on, hop-off trolley tour
• Main Attractions: National Mall, museums, White House
• Duration: 1.5 hours (loop only)
• Cost: $56.95 per adult
• Starting Location: Any trolley stop (Stop #1: Union Station)

Unlimited Biking DC – Monuments and Memorials Bike Tour

With Unlimited Biking DC – Monuments and Memorials Bike Tour, you can see Washington DC by bike! Take the scenic route and view monuments and memorials up-close, all from the comfort of your bike site.

• Type of Tour: Bike tour
• Main Attractions: White House, Jefferson, Lincoln, MLK Memorials
• Duration: 3 hours
• Cost: $65 per person
• Starting Location: 701 D Street NW

Mangia DC Food Tours – Georgetown Foodie Tour

Whether you’re a foodie or a history buff, there’s something suited for every taste on this walking tour. Led by local guides, the tour takes you to some of the neighborhood’s most popular joints. Founded in 1751, Georgetown’s existence predates that of Washington DC by 40 years.

• Type of Tour: Food and walking tour
• Main Attractions: Georgetown eats, historic streets
• Duration: 3–3.5 hours
• Cost: $79 per person
• Starting Location: Near M Street, Georgetown

Capital Segway Tours

See the nation’s capital while zipping around on a segway with Capital Segway Tours. It’s a fun, quick, and convenient way to see all that DC has to offer.

• Type of Tour: Segway tour
• Main Attractions: Capitol, White House, Smithsonian
• Duration: 2 hours
• Cost: $70 per rider
• Starting Location: 818 Connecticut Ave NW

Blue Fern Travel – Black Broadway – U Street Food Tour

On the U Street Food Tour, you and a group will sample diverse cuisine while exploring the area once known as “Black Broadway.” Learn about the historical significance of this neighborhood, as well as activism in the early 20th century as you taste delicious local food.

• Type of Tour: Food and culture walking tour
• Main Attractions: U Street eats, music history, murals
• Duration: 2–2.5 hours
• Cost: $105 per adult
• Starting Location: U Street NW

USA Guided Tours – African American History and Culture Tour

The African American History and Culture Tour by USA Guided Tours looks at the rich history of the African American diaspora, and the profound impact the population has had on the country. On the tour, you’ll see important sites and museums, like the Luther King Jr. Memorial and the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. This is an opportunity to learn about African American history beyond the textbooks.

• Type of Tour: Bus and walking tour
• Main Attractions: Emancipation Memorial, MLK, Museum entry
• Length/Duration: 3.5 hours
• Cost: $89 per adult
• Starting Location: U.S. Navy Memorial, Pennsylvania Ave NW

D.C. Design Tours – Dupont Circle & Embassy Row Tour

Take a guided tour with DC Design Tours and explore the city’s most affluent and architecturally-pleasing neighborhoods: Dupont Circle and Embassy Row. Follow your guides, architectural experts, and learn about the urban design and history of buildings in Washington, DC. At the same time, you’ll come to understand the politics of all the embassies and their countries that line Massachusetts Avenue.

• Type of Tour: Architecture walking tour
• Main Attractions: Embassies, mansions, Wilson House
• Duration: 2 hours
• Cost: $35 per adult
• Starting Location: Dupont Circle Fountain

City Brew Tours – the DC Signature Brew Tour

Discover Washington, DC’s Signature Brew Tour by City Brew Tours for a taste of the city’s craft beer scene. On this guided tour, guests get behind-the-scenes access to some of the capital’s best breweries. The price of the tour comes with beer samples, snacks, and a few extra perks.

• Type of Tour: Brewery van tour
• Main Attractions: Craft breweries, beer tastings
• Duration: 3.5 hours
• Cost: $99 per person
• Starting Location: 801 F Street NW

City Cruises – Monuments and Sightseeing Tours

City Cruises lets you see the capital from a whole new angle: the water. Passengers are treated to stunning views of all of DC’s most iconic monuments: the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and Jefferson Memorial. You even get the option to choose what meal you’d like to be served on board.

• Type of Tour: Night trolley tour
• Main Attractions: Lincoln, Iwo Jima, MLK lit at night
• Duration: 2 hours
• Cost: $59.95 per adult
• Starting Location: Union Station or Washington Welcome Center