Best Tours in Washington, D.C.
Enjoy self-guided audio tours with included attraction tickets in one appTop sights in Washington, D.C.
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Walk through the cemetery where the stories of the famous come to life with this in-app audio tour! This tour will introduce you to the colorful characters for whom the Congressional Cemetery became a final resting place. From the Prince of Bummers to the designer of the U.S. Capitol, each stop on the tour offers a unique perspective on Washington's history. You'll start at the Accordion headstone, one of the cemetery's quirkiest features, before paying your respects at the grave of John Philip Sousa, the King of the March. From there, you'll "meet" the charming 19th-century grifter and learn about the mechanics of grave robbing. You'll also hear the story of a pioneer in photojournalism whose work you may carry in your pocket every day. As you wander through the cemetery, you'll hear Dr. William Thornton, the designer of the U.S. Capitol, "speaking" about his attempt to resurrect George Washington. You'll also "meet" John Edgar Hoover, the legendary FBI director who took down some of the most notorious gangsters of the 20th century. The tour ends at the grave of Leonard Matlovich, the "face of homosexuality in America" in the 1970s. Matlovich's bravery and activism for gay rights made him a symbol of hope for a generation.
Welcome to the Georgetown Sightseeing and Walking Tour in Washington, D.C. This self-guided audio tour is designed for anyone interested in history, architecture, and cultural richness. You will embark on a journey through some of the most historic and culturally significant areas of Georgetown. The tour begins at the iconic Exorcist Steps, located near the intersection of Prospect Street and M Street in Georgetown. From there, you will explore various landmarks such as Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Healy Hall at Georgetown University, the beautiful gardens of Dumbarton Oaks, and the scenic Georgetown Waterfront Park. The tour concludes at the Francis Scott Key Memorial Bridge, offering stunning views of the Potomac River and the D.C. skyline. Along the way, you will discover the blend of colonial-era architecture and modern vibrancy that defines Georgetown. You will learn about the historical significance of each location, the architectural styles that define them, and the role they play in the local community. Some of the most memorable experiences include walking through the serene gardens of Dumbarton Oaks, admiring the Gothic Revival architecture of Healy Hall, and taking in the panoramic views of the Potomac River from the Georgetown Waterfront Park. This tour will provide a unique glimpse into the neighborhood's past and present, making it an unforgettable experience.
Washington, D.C, is a unique city that concentrates all the American nation's power, history, and culture. This self-guided in-app audio tour will show you the main attractions of the nation's capital and indulge you in its past and present. You will start exploring Washington, D.C., with a brief history of the U.S. capital and learn why it looks similar to Paris. Choose to marvel at the works of women artists from the Renaissance era to modern times at the National Museum of Women in the Arts. Then, you will explore a neighborhood like no other in the city, Chinatown, and see the exquisite Friendship Archway. One of the major highlights of this tour is a visit to the place of the assassination of Abraham Lincoln — Ford’s Theatre, which displays exhibits related to that tragic night when John Wilkes Booth shot the former U.S. President. You will also spot the best views of the White House, the official residence of the President of the US, and the Capitol, a place where the US Congress meets. Then you will walk along the National Mall that hosts the iconic monuments, including the famous Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. The tour will finish with a visit to the largest library in the world — the Library of Congress, and you will also see the Supreme Court of the United States, the highest court in the federal judiciary of the US. Join this tour and discover the capital city of America, its institutions, and an official yet cozy atmosphere!
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About Washington, D.C.
The best tours in Washington, D.C. are:
The best indoor tours in Washington, D.C. for rainy days are:
The must-see attractions in Washington, D.C. for a first visit are:
The best tours to do in Washington, D.C. with kids are:
The best walking tours to do in Washington, D.C. are:
Insider tips for visiting Washington, D.C.
Alexandra Sam is a local guide who has been publishing tours since 2022 for your discovery of hidden gems and local specialities of Washington, D.C. on their personal guide page (view profile). Explore their expert tips planning trip to Washington, D.C..
For a first trip, I recommend starting early on the Mall, when Washington, D.C. feels quiet and the memorials are at their best. One of my favorite things to do in Washington, D.C. is walk from the Lincoln Memorial to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial at sunrise, then duck into the free National Gallery’s West Building before the crowds. When friends ask me what to see in Washington, D.C., I also send them to Eastern Market for coffee and a crab cake, then up to Capitol Hill’s side streets for row houses and gardens locals actually notice. For deeper context, I like smaller tours in Washington, D.C. focused on neighborhoods, not just the headline attractions in Washington, D.C.
When I visit Washington, D.C., I usually eat by neighborhood, because each one has its own rhythm. For a first meal, I recommend Shaw for Ethiopian spots along 9th Street and late-night cocktails nearby. I go to Adams Morgan when I want cozy international places and good weekend energy, but locals know Mount Pleasant is better for low-key Salvadoran food. Around Union Market, Washington, D.C. feels more chef-driven; I stop there for oysters, then wander to nearby NoMa breweries. If you’re planning to visit Washington, D.C., food is one of the best things to do in Washington, D.C., and any solid travel guide Washington, D.C. should tell you to leave room for neighborhoods beyond downtown.
When I want quieter attractions in Washington, D.C., I head to the Bishop’s Garden at the National Cathedral, especially in the morning when it feels almost hidden in plain sight. I also love Meridian Hill Park on a Sunday afternoon for the drum circle and its cascading fountain. If friends ask me what to see in Washington, D.C. beyond the obvious, I mention the Bonsai Museum at the National Arboretum and the tucked-away Spanish Steps in Kalorama. In Washington, D.C., locals also slip into Dumbarton Oaks for its garden terraces and Byzantine collection. I prefer neighborhood-focused tours in Washington, D.C. because they connect these spots with the city’s real texture.
In my travel guide Washington, D.C., I usually tell first-timers to stay in Dupont Circle or Capitol Hill. When I visit Washington, D.C., Dupont works well if you want easy Metro access, indie bookstores, wine bars, and a quick walk to Embassy Row. Capitol Hill feels more local to me; I like being near Eastern Market for breakfast and having leafy streets to wander before the museums fill up. If you visit Washington, D.C. for a weekend, Penn Quarter is convenient, but it can feel busier and less personal. For me, the best base balances charm with access to the main things to do in Washington, D.C.
When I’m showing someone around Washington, D.C. for the first time, I usually center the day on the Mall because many of the classic things to do in Washington, D.C. are there. I like starting at the Lincoln Memorial, walking past the Reflecting Pool, then timing a Smithsonian stop for midday heat or rain. The most visited attractions in Washington, D.C. are still the Capitol, the memorials, and the Air and Space Museum, but I always suggest seeing them early or after 5 p.m. If you’re deciding what to see in Washington, D.C., neighborhoods matter too; I often pair the monuments with food in Shaw or Capitol Hill. Some tours in Washington, D.C. follow that same rhythm, but I prefer exploring on foot.
If you plan to visit Washington, D.C. around a big local moment, I’d aim for the National Cherry Blossom Festival, but I always go on weekday mornings to avoid the peak crowds by the Tidal Basin. In summer, Smithsonian Folklife Festival is one of my favorite things to do in Washington, D.C. because it feels more like the city gathering than just sightseeing. I also love Passport DC in May; embassies open their doors, and Washington, D.C. feels especially international. In my travel guide Washington, D.C., I always add DC JazzFest in late summer and the H Street Festival in fall for a more neighborhood-driven side of the city.
In my travel guide Washington, D.C., I usually recommend late March to early May or late September through October. When I visit Washington, D.C. in spring, the city is beautiful, but I try to avoid peak cherry blossom weekends because hotel prices jump and the Tidal Basin gets packed. Fall is my personal favorite in Washington, D.C.; the air is crisp, patios are lively, and it’s easier to enjoy the main things to do in Washington, D.C. without summer humidity. Winter can be surprisingly good too if you want museum-heavy days and lower rates. I’d skip July and August unless you don’t mind heat and thick afternoon storms.