Sight guide · Washington, D.C. · United States
Visiting United States Capitol
The domed seat of Congress can be toured from the underground Capitol Visitor Center.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Martin Falbisoner, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
United States Capitol is an architectural landmark in Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C.. Allow 1.5–2 hours; it is free. Reserve a free tour slot online in advance; same-day availability is limited in spring and summer.
Key facts
- Type
- Architecture
- Area
- Capitol Hill
- Time needed
- 1.5–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Book ahead
- Recommended
- Good for
- free, history, architecture and rainy day
- Best months
- March–May
About United States Capitol
The domed seat of Congress can be toured from the underground Capitol Visitor Center. Free guided tours visit the Crypt, the Rotunda with its painted canopy, The Apotheosis of Washington, and National Statuary Hall, where each state is represented by statues of notable figures.
Tip: After the tour, use the tunnel from the Visitor Center to the Library of Congress's Jefferson Building instead of going back through security outside.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 1.5–2 hours.
- Cost: Free — no ticket needed for the main area.
- Book ahead: Reserve a free tour slot online in advance; same-day availability is limited in spring and summer.
- Where: Capitol Hill, painted rowhouses, Eastern Market and the Library of Congress.
Best time to visit United States Capitol
United States Capitol is indoors, which makes it a good plan for the wettest months:
- March: 14°C (57°F) highs, about 11 rainy days, busy crowds.
- May: 24°C (75°F) highs, about 11 rainy days, busy crowds.
- April: 20°C (68°F) highs, about 11 rainy days, very busy crowds.
When to visit Washington, D.C. has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Our 3-day Washington, D.C. itinerary visits United States Capitol on day 2, together with Library of Congress (Jefferson Building) and Eastern Market.
- No. 4 of the 20 sights in our Washington, D.C. things-to-do list.
- Day 2 of the 2-day plan.
- Day 2 of the 5-day plan.
- Day 7 of the 7-day plan.
- Listed in free things to do in Washington, D.C..
- One of the picks in washington, D.C. on a rainy day.
- One of the picks in historic sites in Washington, D.C..
Near United States Capitol
Also in Capitol Hill, so you can walk between them:
- Library of Congress (Jefferson Building) — 1–1.5 hours, free
- Eastern Market — 1–2 hours, free
If you like United States Capitol
- National Mall — National Mall, Half a day
- Lincoln Memorial — National Mall, 45 minutes
- National Air and Space Museum — National Mall, 2–3 hours
- National Museum of Natural History — National Mall, 2–3 hours
Staying near United States Capitol
Stay in Capitol Hill ($$$) to walk here: painted rowhouses, Eastern Market and the Library of Congress. All areas to stay in Washington, D.C..
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at United States Capitol?
Plan 1.5–2 hours. With Library of Congress (Jefferson Building) nearby, it fits a half-day in Capitol Hill.
+Is United States Capitol free?
Yes, it is free to visit.
+When is the best time to visit United States Capitol?
March–May, the wettest months, when an indoor sight is most welcome. After the tour, use the tunnel from the Visitor Center to the Library of Congress's Jefferson Building instead of going back through security outside.
+Do I need to book United States Capitol in advance?
Reserve a free tour slot online in advance; same-day availability is limited in spring and summer.