dc area walking tours

DC's highest rated walking tour company - plus the tours are free to join! DC by Foot presents pay-what-you-like walking tours of Washington, DC - also offering food, bike and bus tours

DC's highest rated walking tour company - plus the tours are free to join! DC by Foot presents pay-what-you-like walking tours of Washington, DC - also offering food, bike and bus tours. These high energy tours will take you through the National Mall, around the Tidal Basin, through Arlington Cemetery, Georgetown, Capitol Hill, and the U Street corridor, with stories, secrets and useful information about our national treasures. We also lead the exciting Lincoln Assassination and ghost tours of both the White House and Georgetown. Please visit our website for updated tours, pick-up and drop-off locations and all other related tour information. DC by Foot is also great with student, family and corporate groups.

• Multilingual Tour Guides
• Free Admission
• Guided tours available
• Private Tour
• ADA compliant

Additional Information

Distance to metro, group maximum, length of tour, service type.

Multilingual Guides, Regular Scheduled Tours, Step On, Student Tours

Metro Station

Federal Triangle, Metro Center, Smithsonian

Payment Options

1740 18th st. nw ste. 304 washington , dc 20009 united states, (202) 370-1830, [email protected].

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13 Best Walking Tours in Washington D.C.

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Written by Kyle Kroeger

From first-time visitors to area experts, there is always more to explore in Washington DC. Trust me; I have lived under an hour away from the capital for over 30 years and have visited dozens of times. From its famous museums to legendary memorials, diverse neighborhoods, and award-winning restaurants, Washington DC has an endless array of things to see and do–and eat!

The best part about DC is its walkability. All of the things I mentioned above can be explored on foot. Impressive! You could plan your walking tour, but a guided walking tour is a great way to ensure you don’t miss any hidden gems.

Below are some of the best walking tours in Washington DC. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of the Washington Monument, Capitol Building, National Mall, Lincoln Memorial, and the White House.

If you’re a museum lover, you won’t miss tours that include the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History or the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Popular tours also include local neighborhoods, like a historic Georgetown walking tour. Lastly, food lovers will want to book a food tour filled with local cuisine.

Most DC tours listed offer free cancellation and are stroller and wheelchair accessible. They’re easy to reserve and range from public to private tours and free to pricey adventures. No matter your budget and tastes, there are plenty of diverse walking tours in Washington DC.

Historical sights, educational exhibits, and much more await!

Best Walking Tours in Washington, D.C.

1. dc neighborhood heritage trails.

If you prefer self-guided walking tours, explore one (or a few) of  the DC Neighborhood Heritage Trails . There are 18 heritage trails around Washington DC, all free of charge.

The heritage trails do not just focus on government buildings or monuments; many also give you an in-depth look at local neighborhoods and their history. You can learn about the experiences of immigrants in Adams Morgan and explore Civil War history in Brightwood.

The heritage trails showcase the city’s transition from the Civil War to an age of civil rights and beyond. It can be a great learning experience for adventurers of all ages.

Each DC Neighborhood Heritage Trail is one to two miles, so you could explore and visit several in one day if you’re feeling energetic. During your self-guided walking tour, keep your eyes peeled for large posters that combine stories and old photographs of the area. Plan time for reading the markers, snapping photos, and pausing to enjoy the historic surroundings.

See Related : Day Trips from D.C. by Train

2. National Parks Service Ranger Tours

There is no better tour guide than a National Parks Service Ranger. You’ll find them stationed at most memorials and monuments in downtown DC. The ranger-guided tours of the National Mall and Memorial Park s  are free.

The times and dates of the tours vary throughout the seasons. For example, you will find different tours of the Tidal Basin and the monuments when DC’s famous cherry blossom trees are in peak bloom.

The National Parks Service Ranger Tours typically include talks, walks, and even junior ranger activities. Stay up-to-date on upcoming tours by viewing the  NPS calendar of events .

Speaking of cherry blossoms, did you know you can tour DC’s pretty-in-pink trees via bicycle? If you’re ever visiting the capital during springtime, the  Cherry Blossom Bike Tour  belongs on your to-do list.

It’s a unique way to view the blooms and learn about the  Cherry Blossom Festival’s  history, and it includes a few inspiring memorials and landmarks, such as the National Mall, along the way.

See Related: Things to Do in Baltimore, Maryland

3. DC Metro Food Tours

The best way to learn about a city’s food scene is by tasting as many local dishes as you can.  DC Metro Food Tours  can help you learn about Washington’s restaurant scene while chowing down.

DC Metro Food Tours offers 14 walking food tours throughout the city’s diverse neighborhoods. That means there are plenty of options, suiting various tastes and price points.

Itineraries vary depending on which food tour you choose. Some favorite neighborhood food tours include Dupont Circle, Capitol Hill, Georgetown, Adams Morgan, and U Street.

If you love Ethiopian cuisine, you won’t want to miss the Little Ethiopia Food Tour. There is also a tour of culinary delights at Eastern Market.

Each tour is unique, with exquisite offerings. Different restaurants and menus reflect the area’s history and regional products. You will learn about neighborhood origins, food, and culture. DC Metro Food Tours are available for groups, private tours, and corporate events.

DC Metro Food Tours also offers a Washington DC pub crawl for those feeling more thirsty than hungry. Choose a pub crawl in Old Town, Capitol Hill, or U Street.

Guided pub crawls include stops at several pubs and bars. Guests have plenty of time at each location to order a drink and learn about local history.

See Related: Do You Need a Car in Washington D.C.? Things to Know

4. Washington Walks

If you want to explore Washington like a local, take a tour offered by Washington Walks . The company has been one of the leaders in walking tours since 1999. With over 20 years of experience, Washington Walks continues to get better, and better.

Washington Walks has a team of experienced guides that are extremely knowledgeable about the capital region. Several neighborhood tours are available, including Georgetown, U Street, and the National Mall. You can also take a step back in time on a historical tour. Some unique historical tours include Women Who Changed America, Rainbow Pride D.C., and Black History in Lafayette Park.

Washington Walks also offers seasonal walking tours, like the Blossom Secrets Stroll in spring and Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens during summer. Autumn lovers won’t want to miss the fabulous foliage on The Washington Wilderness Hike, which takes place post-Thanksgiving.

Reservations are required for all Washington Walks tours and prices vary. You’ll find yourself enjoying one of the best walking tours in Washington D.C. no matter which tour you choose.

See Related: Family-Friendly Spring Break Ideas

5. Capitol Hill Walking Tour

Join a small group of less than 20 guests on this walking tour led by expert guides. This special tour includes entry to the Library of Congress and the Capitol Building!

Offered by Guided Tours DC,  The Capitol Hill Walking Tour  begins outside of the Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building. Admire the building’s architecture, both outside and inside, while learning about the largest public collection of knowledge in the world. A knowledgeable guide will discuss the library’s connection to founding father Thomas Jefferson and explain how to conduct research from the archives.

The tour continues to the US Capitol grounds. Get an up-close view of the exterior of the US Capitol followed by an even more impressive tour of the interior. Reserved entry passes include a docent-led tour of the rotunda, crypt, old house chambers, and other historic areas of the building.

Reservations are required for the Capitol Hill Walking Tour, so plan accordingly.

6. DC Ghosts Tour

Washington DC is full of history, stories, and maybe even a ghost or two (or dozens)! Explore the paranormal side of the city on the  DC Ghosts Tour .

This haunting walking tour lasts for one to one-and-a-half hours. During that time, you’ll be immersed in spooky stories from the past that include drama, tragic events true crime, and even murder.

The tour stops at eight historic locations that are said to be haunted. You’ll wander to The Blair House, the site of Harry Truman’s failed assassination. It’s said that Truman’s would-be-killer still haunts the horrifying halls.

Another note-worthy tour location is Hey Adams Hotel. Listen closely, and you may hear the cries of Henry Adam’s wife, Clover, who took her own life in 1885.

The ghost tour ends with a creepy recap of DC’s haunting history. Tour guests are then encouraged to ask questions and share paranormal photos snapped during the eerie excursion. Be sure to charge your phone–spooky specters may strike a pose.

7. D.C. Design Tours

Enjoy an insider’s look at the design of the District with  D.C. Design Tours . Get an opportunity to see the architectural marvels and hear about the conflicts and controversies involved in the development of the Capital City.

You will learn about everything Neo-Classical to Brutalist and get details about the history behind the buildings on these design-focused tours. D.C. Design Tours offers walking tours in various DC neighborhoods, including historic Georgetown, Cleveland Park, and Dupont Circle & Embassy Row.

These one-of-a-kind tours are an architecture lover’s dream. You can join a group on a scheduled tour, or take a private tour. D.C. Design Tours take place from mid-February through November. Reservations are required and can be booked through the website .

See Related: Where to Stay in Washington D.C.: Best Areas & Places

8. Arlington National Cemetery Guided Walking Tour

You can make the most of the Changing of Guards at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery.  Arlington National Cemetery Guided Walking Tour  is ideal for the whole family will give great views of the moving ceremony.

Post-ceremony, you can explore important memorials and grave sites at the cemetery, including places dedicated to the  USS Maine , John. F. Kennedy, and Audie Murphy. You’ll also pass by the former home of Robert E. Lee.

Group sizes are limited to 15 people to ensure a more personable experience. You can reserve a walking tour at 9 am, 12 pm, or 3 pm. You’re in for a memorable and inspiring experience no matter what time or day you book.

9. Washington Museums Self-Guided Walking Tour & Scavenger Hunt

This self-guided walking tour  is only 2.5 miles; it’s not quite a physical challenge but more of a mental challenge. It involves a scavenger hunt that usually takes around 3-hours to complete.

The scavenger hunt includes 20+ stops along the way; you’ll need to solve a challenge at each location–think your brain is up to the task? You won’t have to face the mental challenges alone; the scavenger hunt fee covers a group of up to six people. Bring your most trivia-savvy friends and have a blast solving the answers together.

This walking tour and scavenger hunt includes some of the most famous museums around the National Mall, like the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History as well as the Smithsonian Castle. You will also see the Capitol and learn historical facts about DC. The best part is that after paying for the scavenger hunt, you can complete the self-guided adventure any time you choose–you just need your smartphone!

This activity is fun for all ages (kids included) and is wheelchair and stroller accessible throughout. Remember to fully charge your smartphone before your journey so you have plenty of battery power to make it to the end.

10. Walking Tour and African American Museum

See three of DC’s iconic landmarks during  this guided tour . The tour guide will meet you outside of the White House, where they’ll discuss America’s past and the influence of African American history.

You’ll then move on to the Capitol and learn about the building’s fascinating history. The last landmark is the Washington Monument but the journey doesn’t end there.

The tour ends with reserved entry to  The National Museum of African American History and Culture . You and the tour guide will part ways so that you can explore the museum at your own pace.

The museum includes exhibitions inspired by African American history, community, and culture. The most popular exhibits are Slavery and Freedom, Power of Place, Sports, and Musical Crossroads. 

The guided tour duration lasts for approximately three hours; remember to make time to explore the museum afterward as well. 

11. Secrets & Scandals Private Half-Day Walking Tour

There’s a reason the television show Scandal was such a hit–people are fascinated by drama.  The Secrets & Scandals Walking Tour  is full of drama, including untold political scandals and other sordid stories from around the capital city. 

The tour includes a professional guide who will lead your private group to the White House, US Capital, and even FBI Headquarters. This isn’t an ordinary sightseeing tour; you’ll discover a side of the city that most people don’t know about. You’ll learn about shocking behind-closed-door moments and political secrets.

From assassinations to affairs, you’ll leave with plenty of fascinating tidbits that you’ll immediately want to share with your friends and family. Channel your inner Olivia Pope and prepare to gossip about all you’ll learn on this entertaining and informative tour.

This scandalous tour is approximately three hours and is not suited for younger children.

12. Monuments Self-Guided Walking Tour

This self-guided walking tour  around the city can be done by yourself or a group. All you need to do is download the $10 app, which also includes audio and a map. 

The journey begins at Pershing Park, located across from the White House. You’ll then head toward major attractions and hidden gems, including Constitution Gardens, Lincoln Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and more.

While following directions to each location, you’ll learn stories about DC’s monuments and landmarks. The route eventually finishes at the Supreme Court building.

The self-guided walking tour app offers an offline map, meaning it works without a signal or wifi after downloaded. There is also convenient all-day support if you need to call, chat, or email for help.

13. Animal Adventure Guide at Smithsonian National Zoo…

The Smithsonian National Zoo in DC has a convenient and free  Animal Adventure Guide  that supplements your visit to the zoo. Follow along on your cell phone through each location; there are nine stops along the way. The Adventure Guide provides facts and tidbits about the animals at every exhibit that you wouldn’t learn from basic exploring and signage. 

The Adventure Guide provides animal names (both the species and their  actual  names), from big cats to elephants, bears, otters, tropical birds, pandas, and more. You’ll also find trivia, quizzes, and fun activities to do along the way. The entire experience is very family-friendly, with all ages able to participate.

The animal-filled route is less than a mile and is stroller and wheelchair friendly. Remember to charge your phone before visiting, not only for the Animal Adventure Guide but for the many animal photos you’ll snap along the way.

See Related: Most Famous Historical Landmarks in the USA

What are the best walking tours in Washington DC?

The best walking tours in Washington DC are provided by  Washington Walks . The company has been a leader in DC tours for over 20 years.

An impressive number of tours are offered, including National Mall Memorials, Memorials by Moonlight, U Street, and Georgetown. Washington Walks also specializes in history-based tours such as Black History in Lafayette Park, Rainbow Pride D.C., and Women Who Changed America. 

How much do DC walking tours cost?

Washington DC walking tours vary in price range, from free self-guided tours to private tours that cost over $100. There are plenty of Washington DC tours for any budget.

Food tours and insider tours tend to cost more because they include extras like restaurant cuisine or specialty passes. Basic walking tours around main attractions like Lincoln Memorial and Jefferson Memorial are usually affordable or free.

Are there any free walking tours in DC?

There are free walking tours in DC, including National Parks Service Ranger Tours and DC Neighborhood Heritage Trails . The ranger-guided Tidal Basin Tour is a fan favorite during springtime, and there are plenty of other sightseeing tours to take with the rangers year-round.

The DC Neighborhood Heritage Trails are self-guided and are one to two miles. There are 18 heritage trails to choose from, all infused with hidden history.

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Washington DC in 2 Days – A Self-Guided Walking Tour of the Best Sites

Washington DC, the capitol of the United States, is an amazing city. Visit free museums, memorials to iconic US presidents and to the sacrifices of US citizens around the world. These are all set in parkland on the banks of the Potomac River. Walk Pennsylvania Avenue, America’s Main Street and see the White House and the US Capitol. This two-day walking tour is the perfect way to explore the best sites of Washington DC!

Table of Contents

Washington DC 2-Day Itinerary

• Walk the Memorial Parks and the National Mall .
• Explore a couple Museums on the Mall .
• See the White House by walking the Ellipse and Lafayette Park.
• Discover the history of Pennsylvania Avenue .
• Explore the US Capitol area.

How to visit Washington DC

Washington DC is a planned city and designed as the seat of government over 200 years ago. Its core is the triangle created by the US Capitol, the White House and The Mall, known as Federal Triangle. The Memorial Parks are the lands to the west of the Washington Monument, reclaimed from the Potomac in the late 1800s. Our itinerary concentrates on Federal Triangle and the Memorial Parks. The best way to explore the area is on foot.

Washington DC Walking Map

• The Day 1 walking route is about 5.5 miles. Without stopping, it takes about 2 hours to walk.
• The Day 2 walking route is about 2.5 miles. Without stopping, it takes less than an hour to walk.

Memorial Parks and the National Mall

Washington DC’s Memorial Parks are home to many historic monuments to US presidents, international conflicts and the sacrifices of US citizens.

We’ve listed the memorials in the order they are found walking in a counterclockwise direction. The loop from the Washington Monument to all the memorials is about 3.2 miles (5.1 km).

The distance around the rectangle called “The Mall” between the Washington Monument and the US Capitol is about 2.8 miles (4.5 km). Many of the Smithsonian Museums are on The Mall along with the National Gallery of Art. Admission is free to all of these museums. There are lots of places to stop for a break. Food vendors are plentiful in this area.

Washington Monument

The Washington Monument stands 555 feet (170 metres) tall and is the perfect first stop to get an overall view of the area. Timed-entrance tickets are required to visit the 500 foot observation level. For information about obtaining tickets ($0.00 plus small service charge), visit the Washington Monument Reservation website before visiting. Don’t rely on getting a ticket on the day of arrival.

The view is stunning in all directions. To the west are the Lincoln Memorial and many of the veteran’s memorials. The Thomas Jefferson Memorial and the tidal basin are both visible to the south. To the east, see The Mall with the Smithsonian museums and the US Capitol. The Ellipse and the White House are directly to the north. The monument’s stones are two different colors showing the two phases of construction. When completed in 1884, it was the tallest building in the world.

World War II Memorial

Dedicated in 2004, the stunning memorial is made of white marble. It honors the sacrifices of both the American people at home, supporting the war effort, and the 16 million who served overseas.  The Freedom Wall’s gold stars commemorate the more than 400,000 Americans who gave their lives in the war.

The Atlantic and Pacific arched pavilions remind visitors that the war theatre was across two oceans. Between the pavilions are 56 pillars, one for each US state and territory.

Constitution Gardens

This 50-acre garden and lake, a bicentennial project, commemorates American independence.  A monument, on the island in the middle of the lake, honors the 56 signers of the American Constitution. Military headquarters buildings occupied this spot until the 1970s.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Two black-granite walls, each about 250 feet (75 metres) long, form a “V”. The names of the more than 58,000 men and women who gave their lives or remain missing are etched into the walls in the order they died or disappeared. The walls point to the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. This sombre, subtle memorial was dedicated in November 1982.

Nearby is the 3 Servicemen Statue.  This realistic depiction of three Vietnam servicemen was dedicated in 1984.  The Vietnam Women’s Memorial was dedicated in 1993, honoring the courage and sacrifice of all the women who served in the war.

Lincoln Memorial

Dedicated in 1922, this memorial to the 16th US President looks like a huge Greek temple. Each of its 38 columns is 44 feet (13 metres) tall and 7.5 feet (2.2 metres) across. Inside the memorial is a statue of Abraham Lincoln.  The seated Lincoln measures 19 feet (5,8 metres) from head to toe.

His famous Civil War Gettysburg Address and his 2 nd Inaugural speech are engraved on the north and south walls. Look for the engraving on the monument’s steps noting the spot where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech in 1963 overlooking the reflecting pool.

Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool

Constructed in 1922/23, the pool is 2,000 feet (610 metres) long and 165 feet (50 metres) wide about the size of 5 American football fields. It is 1.5 feet (0.5 metres) deep at its edges and 2.5 feet (0.75 metres) in the center. The 2011 renovation added the paved walkways on the north and south sides.

Korean War Veterans Memorial

Dedicated in 1995, the memorial commemorates the sacrifices of 5.8 million American service members during the Korean War (1950 to 1953). In that short time, 36,574 Americans died in hostile actions. Of those, 8,200 are listed as missing in action and lost or buried at sea. More than 100,000 were wounded.

The memorial displays nineteen stainless steel foot soldiers, in full battle gear, advancing through Juniper bushes separated by granite strips representing the rice paddies of Korea. The figures showcase both the various branches of the armed forces and the ethnic cross section of America. The reflective wall beside the statues is 164 feet (50 metres) long. The etchings on the wall are from hundreds of photos from the war.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial

Two huge blocks of granite called the Mountain of Despair flank a 30-foot (9-metre) tall sculpture of King. His quotes are inscribed into the walls around the memorial. It was dedicated in 2011, the 48th anniversary of the August 1963 “March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom”.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial

The memorial presents the story of Roosevelt’s 4 terms in office. There are statues, fountains and peaceful alcoves in red-granite rooms, spread over 7.5 acres on the southwest side of the Tidal Basin. It is a unique memorial to the longest-serving US president (1933 to 1945). The 2-term limit for US Presidents became law shortly after his death.

Thomas Jefferson Memorial

The memorial honors the 3 rd president, drafter of the Declaration of Independence and founder of the University of Virginia.  Dedicated in 1943, its design resembles his library at the university.

Carousel on the National Mall

This beautiful, 1940s carousel is unusual. Its horses are 4 abreast and all are jumping. It was moved to the Mall in 1981 from an amusement park outside of Baltimore.

Ulysses S Grant Memorial and Capitol Reflecting Pool

The 17-foot (5.1-metre) tall statue of General Ulysses S Grant on his war horse stands out at the east end of The Mall.  Dedicated in 1922, the memorial honors the Civil War general and 18th US president. Its construction took 20 years.

This is a great spot for photos.  In the morning, to the west, is a stunning view of The Mall and the Washington Monument. In the afternoon, take the perfect picture of the US Capitol from the west side of the reflecting pool. 

National Gallery of Art

The two buildings on either side of 4th Street NW are the National Gallery of Art.  An underground walkway connects the buildings. This was nice when the skies opened up during my visit.  Admission is free.

The east building displays modern and contemporary art in both permanent and temporary exhibitions over five floors. There are paintings, sculpture, photography, works on paper, and media arts. A recent addition increased the number of works displayed from 350 to 500.

The west building houses artwork from the 11 th through the 19 th centuries. Works are exhibited by period and national origin.

The sculpture garden to the north across 7 th Street NW features large-scale works of modern sculpture. It is a great place to take a break. In the winter, weather permitting, an ice rink is added.

Smithsonian Museums on the Mall

The Smithsonian is the world’s largest museum complex with over 150 million artifacts in trust for the American people. James Smithson, an English scientist, willed part of his estate to the United States for the increase and diffusion of knowledge and the Smithsonian was born.

Admission is free to all Smithsonian Museums in Washington DC. Hours vary by museum and several require timed-entry tickets so be sure to confirm Smithsonian Museum hours and ticket details before visiting.

Smithsonian Castle

Completed in 1855, this was the first Smithsonian museum.  It is the Smithsonian’s Visitor Center.

The Castle is currently closed for renovation. A Smithsonian Virtual Visitor Center website is available to help with questions.

The crypt in the North Tower holds Smithson’s remains. Originally buried in Genoa Italy, his remains were moved here in 1904. Interestingly, while alive, Smithson did not visit the United States.

Enjoy the beautiful Enid A Haupt Garden behind the Castle.

Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M Sackler Gallery

These 2 galleries showcase the power and grace of Asian art and its ability to reflect culture. Combined they are the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art . The collections have more than 40,000 objects from the Ancient East, Asia, and the Islamic world. Their ages range from over 4 centuries to current times. These galleries connect underground.

National Museum of African Art

The museum’s over 11,000 objects are some of the finest examples of traditional and contemporary African art. The exhibits show the beauty and diversity of African arts.

Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden

The Hirshhorn displays international modern and contemporary art. The exhibits change regularly and highlight major artists and trends. The sculpture garden across Jefferson Drive has works by Auguste Rodin, Henry Moore and even Yoko Ono.

National Air and Space Museum

This is one of the most popular of the Smithsonian Museums. It is undergoing an extensive, multi-year renovation. The building remains open to the public with areas closing as they are renovated. A free timed-entry pass is needed to visit the museum. Visit the Air and Space Museum’s Timed Entry Pass webpage.

With more time, visit the Steven F Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly Virginia. Literally hundreds of historically significant aircraft and spacecraft are displayed in a former hanger.

National Museum of the American Indian

The museum’s collection of Native American arts and artifacts is one of the world’s most extensive. It covers over 12,000 years of history and includes all major cultural areas in the Americas.

National Museum of Natural History

Many know this museum from the 2006 Hollywood blockbuster ‘Night at the Museum’. Henry, the African Bush Elephant greets all visitors to the museum. He’s been on display in the entrance lobby since 1959. The museum is home to life-size sea mammals displayed in the Sant Ocean Hall, the 45.5-carat blue Hope Diamond and much more. It’s a “must-do” for kids and fun for adults too.

National Museum of American History

Fans of Americana – this is the museum for you. It is devoted to all aspects of the growth of America. Find everything from Washington’s military uniform and Jefferson’s portable desk to Dorothy’s Wizard of Oz ruby slippers.  This is a trip down memory lane for the over 40 crowd with lots of things for the kids as well .

National Museum of African American History and Culture

The newest Smithsonian museum’s architecture stands out on the mall. It’s the only national museum focusing exclusively on African American life, art, history and culture. Begin in the underground levels.  Walk through history; from the Transatlantic Slave Trade of the 1400’s to the defining moments of the 1960’s. The 3 floors above the entrance level highlight African American contributions to American culture.

A free timed-entry pass is needed to visit the museum. Visit the African American History Museum’s Timed Entry Pass webpage.

The White House

The White House is the oldest public building in Washington DC. Its cornerstone was laid in 1792. John Adams, the second president, moved in on November 1, 1800. Every president since has lived in the White House. Over the years, business and family needs required changes and expansions to the White House but the original structure remains. To enjoy a National Parks White House Tour be sure to apply several months in advance of your visit.

The Ellipse

The park between the White House and the Washington Monument is a community gathering space. Recreational activities and many demonstrations take place on the Ellipse.

The north end of the oval walkway at E Street NW is the closest point to the south lawn of the White House. Just to the east is the National Christmas Tree, planted on the Ellipse in October 1978. Every year Christmas lights illuminate the tree and have since 1923.

Walk west past the First Infantry Division Monument to 17 th Street NW. Walk north past the huge grey 19 th century Eisenhower Executive Office Building to Pennsylvania Avenue. Lafayette Square is just east along this pedestrian street.

Lafayette Square

The seven-acre park north of the White House is named for the Marquis de Lafayette, a wealthy French hero of the American Revolutionary War. The park has several statues of other European heroes of the Revolutionary War. The centerpiece is the 19 th -century statue of President and General, Andrew Jackson on horseback. This is the first bronze statue cast in the United States.

St. John’s Episcopal Church

On the north side of H Street NW, across from the park, sits the pretty, yellow, Greek Revival, Episcopal Church. Completed in 1816, it is also known as the Church of the Presidents since every sitting president has visited at least once. It is a National Historic Landmark.

From Lafayette Square walk east to 15 th Street NW and south for about 3 blocks to reach Pennsylvania Avenue where it continues east.

Pennsylvania Avenue

The avenue between the White House and the Capitol Building is home to a number of monuments and museums. America’s Main Street often plays host to marches, parades, and protests.  Wander history on a stroll to the Capitol Building.

World War I Memorial

This memorial honouring the more than 4.5 million Americans who served in the first World War was unveiled in April 2021. It includes a previously existing monument to John J Pershing, commander of the American Expeditionary Forces in World War I. The central piece of the memorial is the bronze sculpture, A Soldier’s Journey . 38 human figures portray an American World War I soldier’s journey from home, through the horrors of the front lines and his journey back. This is a peaceful, moving memorial in the middle of busy Pennsylvania Avenue.

White House Visitor Center

The visitor center is across Pennsylvania and south of the World War I Memorial. This is a chance to see some of the White House without an actual visitor’s pass. There are historical artifacts and interactive exhibits for all ages. Displays include archival photos and footage of White House events.

Freedom Plaza

The marble surface of the plaza shows a partial representation of the L’Enfant Plan for the city, developed in 1791. See how the streets on the walking tour still follow the plan. The best overall view is from the Clock Tower of the Old Post Office Building.

Old Post Office Building

The beautiful building on the south side of Pennsylvania at 12 th Street is the luxurious Waldorf Astoria hotel. This was US Postal Service’s national headquarters from 1899 to 1914 when they outgrew it.  The building avoided the wrecking ball several times until being placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Enter the Old Post Office Museum at the back of the building. Early Washington DC photographs show how the city has grown over the years. Take the elevators to the Clock Tower and its observation deck for another aerial view of the city. The tower stands about 300 feet tall dwarfed only by the Washington Monument and the National Shrine.

Travel north on 10 th Street NW for 2 blocks to #511.

Ford’s Theatre

President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated in the theatre in April 1865. The building houses a Lincoln Museum and an active theatre. Lincoln was taken across the street to a room in Petersen House where he died the next morning.

For more information about visiting the theatre and Petersen House, including timed-entry tickets, check Ford’s Theatre’s Visit Us webpage.

Take 9 th Street back to Pennsylvania and continue east.

US Navy Memorial Plaza and the Naval Heritage Center

The memorial honors the men and women of the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and the Merchant Marine who serve in both war and peace. Adjacent to the memorial plaza is the Naval Heritage Center. Learn about the sea services. Registration and searching for active service members and veterans is also available.

National Archives Museum

Directly across Pennsylvania Avenue from the Navy Memorial, the National Archives protect items telling the story of the growth of US, its government and the American people.  See the original signed copies of the Declaration of Independence, Constitution of the United States, and Bill of Rights in the Rotunda of the National Archives. Admission is free and reservations are not required but recommended between March and Labor Day. See the National Archives Visit webpage for more information and current exhibits.

The United States Capitol is one of the most widely recognized symbols of democratic government in the world. Free tours of the Capitol , the Senate chamber and the House of Representatives are available. A separate timed-entry ticket to visit each one is needed. These are available at the Visitor Center in the basement of the Capitol. As only a limited number of same-day tickets to tour the Capitol are available at the Visitor Center, it is recommended to reserve in advance. The Capitol’s Book A Tour webpage has all the information.

Since 1800, the Congress has occupied the Capitol. The growing government’s space needs required expansion of the building several times. The original construction was less grandiose than what we see today. In December 1863, the Statue of Freedom was placed on the top of a new cast iron central dome. It stands 287 feet (87 metres) above the east plaza.

Across First Street SE is the Library of Congress in the Thomas Jefferson Building.

Library of Congress

In 1897, when the library’s collection outgrew the Capitol, the collection was moved across the street to the Thomas Jefferson Building. The Great Hall takes your breath away with its tile mosaics and marble sculptures.

This is the world’s largest library with more than 165 million pieces housed in a number of buildings in the area. The library began in 1800. When the Capitol burned in 1814, the original collection was destroyed.

In 1815, President Thomas Jefferson offered Congress his personal library. It contained 6,487 books, the largest personal collection in the US at the time.  The books were the foundation for today’s great national library. An 1851 fire destroyed over half of the original books. Efforts are underway to replace the destroyed books and reassemble the original Jefferson library.

Supreme Court

To the north of the Library of Congress is the Supreme Court. It looks like a Greek temple. Its doors weigh 13,000 pounds.

More Than 2 Days in Washington DC

Travel beyond the Washington DC core with more time.  We highly recommend these two places.

Arlington National Cemetery

This vast military cemetery is just across the Potomac from the Lincoln Memorial. Wander the cemetery’s 640 acres of headstones, monuments and memorials. They honor individuals and significant historical events in the history of the US. See the eternal flame at President John F Kennedy’s gravesite.

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier includes the remains of unknown service members from World Wars I and II and the Korean War. Soldiers keep a 24-hours-a-day, 365 days-a-year vigil at the tomb. Be sure to see the elaborate changing of the guard ceremony. It was very interesting.

The trees on the rolling green hills are hundreds of years old. Originally, Robert E Lee owned the area. When Lee and his family left at the onset of the Civil War in 1861, federal troops occupied the area.  The first military burial occurred here in 1864. The government compensated Lee for the property after the war.

Steven F Udvar-Hazy Center

Visit this huge facility, the size of 3 aircraft hangers, near Washington Dulles International Airport. There are hundreds of aviation and space artifacts. See pilot and astronaut equipment, the Space Shuttle Discovery, a stealth bomber and even a Concorde airliner. From the second floor, view the restoration lab where technicians work to bring battered aircraft back to life.

Know Before You Go

Are guided tours of washington dc available.

There are lots of guided tours available. We chose Capital Segway. Our guides were great and the “wheeled” tour was a fun way to get our bearings. I was a newbie to a segway. A quick “how-to” at their base and about 15 minutes “on the road” and I was quite comfortable.

Is there public transit available in Washington DC?

The Washington Metro is the city’s light rail transit system. It reaches all parts of the city. Stops are positioned within a 30 minute walk of most of the major tourist attractions.

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Valerie Vanr

Valerie is the Co-founder of AvrexTravel.com. Val enjoys travel photography and writing informative City Walking tours.

DC Walking Tours

Choose from an array of engaging and informative walking tours, choose an incredible walking tour of dc.

Join us for an experience you won’t soon forget! See why our customers say our walking tours of Washington, D.C. are “phenomenal,” and a “a must-do.” Select your experience below and reserve online now as our small group tours tend to sell out in advance.

• Most Popular!
• Tags Walking Tour
• Hour Glass 6 Hours

DC in a Day

We take you by all the major sites and many, many more. And like all our DC tours, we jam-pack this one with those tiny, right-under-your-nose tidbits that make us famous.

• Hour Glass 2.5 Hours

From Swamp to Swank

Looking out over the National Mall, the words that come to mind are usually “pristine,” “beautiful,” and “majestic.” A word that does not come to mind is “swamp.” But that is exactly what the Mall and Foggy Bottom used to be!

Glitz, Glam, and Gossip

By the turn of the 19th century, Dupont Circle had transformed from a no-man’s land into Washington’s most exclusive address. The wealthiest (and most attention-seeking) elites of the 19th century called Dupont Circle home.

• Key Hole Private Tour

Ghosts, Scandals and Murder

When the word “naughty” is used in a sentence with “Washington, DC,” most people tend to think of scandals, from sexual deviance to dirty money. But Washington’s dirty laundry doesn’t just come by the pile, it comes by the  truckload .

• Tags Chauffeur Available , Walking Tour
• Hour Glass 4 Hours

Private Highlight Reel

Sometimes all you want is the best of the best.  Or maybe you’re a history lover with a lot of interest but only a little time.  Enter  The Highlight Reel !

DC Design Tours

Historical and architectural guided tours of washington dc, get an insider’s look at the design of the district.

Explore Washington’s architectural marvels and best kept secrets, while hearing about the conflicts, controversies, and personalities involved in the development of our Capital City. From Neo-Classical to Brutalist, learn the history behind the brick and mortar on our design-focused Washington tours!

We offer small group walking tours , as well as private and custom tours on foot , by car , boat , and virtually !

We also have gift cards, the perfect present for your adventurous urban explorer! Gift cards can be purchased to join a small group tour or book a private tour. Get your gift card here , or  contact us  to learn more.

Explore the history behind the brick and mortar on a tour of Washington DC

National mall: monuments & memorials architecture tour.

Duration:  2 Hours, 1.5 Miles

Learn the little-known history of Washington’s most well-known national landmarks. See the towering Washington Monument, visit the sobering Vietnam Wall, the awe-inspiring Lincoln Memorial, and explore the secrets of the National Mall.

Dupont Circle & Embassy Row Tour

Gilded Age opulent mansions and grand embassies line the streets of one of Washington’s most fashionable neighborhoods. Hear the stories and scandals that helped shape the Nation behind the doors of the District’s most extravagant homes.

Historic Georgetown Tour

Duration:  2.5 Hours, 2 Miles

Home to palatial houses, elegant cemeteries, stately churches, and a world class University, explore the highlights and secrets of Washington’s most exclusive neighborhood! Learn about the dramatic rags to riches transformation of  this now idyllic enclave of Washington DC.

Iconic Capitol Hill Tour

Duration:  2 Hours, 1 Mile

Explore the political core of Washington DC—from the first plans for a new Federal City, to the tumultuous construction of the U.S. Capitol, the rise of the resplendent Beaux Arts Library of Congress and imposing Supreme Court, and into the present day. Controversy, chaos, and red tape abound!

Sixteenth Street & Adams Morgan Tour

Home to ambassadors and politicians, revolutionaries and civil rights leaders, venture into some of DC’s most diverse areas in this off-the-beaten-path tour of Northwest Washington.

Castle to Capitol: National Museums Architecture Tour

Learn how the Smithsonian Institution has shaped the fabric of the National Mall since 1847. Hear about the style, design, controversy, construction, and fascinating backstory behind the grand buildings, secret gardens, and both beloved and reviled designs along the National Mall.

Cleveland Park & Cathedral Grounds Tour

Duration: 2 Hours, 1 Mile

Dubbed “The Queen of the Washington Suburbs,”, Cleveland Park is one of the city’s most beautiful and architecturally eclectic areas.  Visit the National Cathedral grounds, stroll picturesque streets, visit the oldest home in DC, and see the city like a local!

Urban Oasis: Rock Creek Park History Hike

Duration: 3 Hours, 4 Miles

Established in 1890, Rock Creek Park was the third National Park in the country, and the first in a major city. More than 2,000 acres was set aside as a refuge for wildlife and an escape for locals, winding its way through Northwest Washington DC. Beyond natural beauty, Rock Creek contains historic structures, memorials, ruins, and other remnants of the past.

Building Black Broadway: U Street Tour

Duration: 1.5 Hours, 1 Mile

Join a walking tour along the U Street Corridor, once known as Washington’s “Black Broadway,” to explore the civic and cultural heart of the District’s Black community through the last century.

America’s Main Street: White House & Pennsylvania Avenue

Explore the President’s front yard and walk the inaugural route! Pennsylvania Avenue has hosted inaugurations, protests, and parades for 200 years. But the White House neighborhood is forever fraught with conflict and intrigue. Learn how downtown DC went from Murder Bay to America’s Main Street.

Architecture of Historic Anacostia Tour

From the trading grounds of the Nacotchtank, to a Whites-only suburb called “Uniontown,” to a mostly Black community, Anacostia has seen dramatic change and stark contrast. Its architecture tells the story of this ever-shifting place.

Arlington National Cemetery Tour

Duration:  2.5 Hours, 2.5 miles

Visit the Kennedy Graves, go inside Arlington Mansion, witness a Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and learn stories and secrets within this hallowed ground. This tour is offered publicly on Memorial and Veterans Day. Please reserve a private tour outside of those times.

Private Tours

Duration:  Customizable

Book your private design tour to explore DC in depth. Choose any of our Washington walking tours to be conducted as a private tour, with just you, your family or group, and your guide!

See What Our Guests Have to Say!

The tour of Dupont Circle/Embassy Row was amazing! Christine has such a wealth of knowledge of architecture and the history. She's super sweet and had us laughing while teaching the group. It was my second of the Design Tours and can't wait for the next one!

Had a wonderful time and learned a lot. My family took the walking tour (led by Christine) from the Washington Monument to the Lincoln Memorial. She made the tour enjoyable for everyone, including my 6-year-old daughter. I highly recommend this for families that want to visit the “must sees” and want a better understanding of how Washington D.C. was initially developed and how it has evolved over time.

Great tour! It's was a great day to get introduced to Union Station and Capitol Hill building architecture and history. Tour started in time and ended on time. Sam is a great guide with passion, energy, and information.

Terrific tours from our guide Carolyn - we did both a tour of the main monuments and a tour of Arlington Cemetery. Carolyn tweaked the tours to suit our interests and stamina, held the kids (and adults) in rapt attention, answered all our questions and shared lots of details and history we would not otherwise have known. Strongly recommended.

We booked Monuments and Memorials, Georgetown and Capitol Hill tour during independence day weekend. All 3 of them were so amazing! Our guide, Sam, was knowledgeable and full of energy. If you want to know history, understand architectural details and hear stories, then I highly recommend DC Design Tours. Our experience exploring Washington DC via these guided public walking tours was very enriching.

Incredible tour of Georgetown with both insightful information about the design and architecture, but also a rich history of the community. Sam, our guide, was informative and made the tour fun. His passion for history and architecture came shining through.

This tour was everything I was hoping for and more (found on IG)! I lived in Georgetown decades ago, but didn’t have a chance to experience it like this. Passing by and admiring architecture is one thing, but learning about it is another. And you don’t know what you don’t know! Every trip to DC, I look forward to enjoying a different one…

We had a wonderful experience with DC Design Tours. Our team of real estate agents went on this tour to learn a little history and architecture about DC. We truly learned so much and had so much fun. The bus was gorgeous and our guide was so knowledgeable and personable. Highly recommend!!

My family did the DC Museum tour with Sam this Sunday. He was great. Meeting us in front to Smithsonian castle and walking and talking us thru the architecture and history of all the museums on the mall. Very knowledgeable and willing to answer any questions. Thanks Sam.

Fantastic tour! Sam made the cherry blossom tour of the DC tidal basin so much more then a walk amongst the cherry blossoms. He really made the monuments and whole area come to life too! I will be recommending all of the DC Design tours to visitors and neighbors here! And Sam gave me plenty of time to snap pictures to my hearts content, a real bonus on a guided tour! Thanks for the wonderful experiencence!

Beautiful walking tour of the cherry blossoms. Unfortunately we weren’t able to the splendor due to the bad weather a few days prior to the the tour. Our guide was very informative!

I've been on two DC design tours in the last month and I am so impressed! I am a local and I love architecture and I have learned so much history about my community. These tours are fantastic! You should absolutely go! Don't question it.

The Georgetown and National Mall tours were so good. Sam was our guide on both tours and he was great. I learned so much and highly recommend.

Our tour guide Sam was incredible. I told him he should do Podcast. Was able to navigate between tour questions and general questions beautifully and seamlessly. Love the restaurant recommendations. Would highly recommend this tour to anyone.

We live nearby in Maryland and have been to Georgetown numerous times. Sam made it’s history and beauty to come alive with his very informative and entertaining presentation. 2.5 hours flew by. Highly recommend.

We did the private tour of DuPont Circle and Embassy Row with Carolyn. It was amazing. She’s very knowledgeable and did an excellent mix of history and architecture. I wish I could do a tour with her everyday of my trip. I will be using DC Design Tours anytime I’m back in DC.

Carolyn was a wonderful guide for our family group of seven. We would definitely use her on our next trip to DC. And I’ve already recommended her to several friends. Thanks for perfect experience.

Our tour of Georgetown's architecture was absolutely amazing! Carolyn's knowledge of the history of Georgetown is deep and her added stories about little known snippets of American history added a wonderful touch of humor. I would highly recommend taking one of the custom tours for a few hours that you will never forget!

The tour was amazing. Carolyn was nice and knowledgeable. She was sincere about the good and bad of DC, very descriptive and had great suggestions. Took time to hear our story and made personalized suggestions on other tours we should take with them. We definitely will be back to take more tours with Carolyn.

Four of us went on a National Cathedral-Cleveland Park Cherry Blossom tour with Carolyn. It was very informative and fun. Carolyn is so prepared and knowledgeable, you can tell she has a background in architecture and has studied the neighborhood history. We are looking forward to booking another tour soon.

Diverse legacies in D.C.’s most famous neighborhood

Duration and Cost

Approximately 2 hours. $35 per person.

Reservations

Public tours are limited to 15 participants.

Time and Dates

This tour is also available for private groups . Please contact us for details.

Check Availability & Book

To put it simply, a walk through Washington’s tony Georgetown neighborhood is a venture through time — of 200-year-old mansions and their eccentric owners, of fortunes in trade won and lost, of marvelous architecture from Federal to Victorian, of the once-bustling Black community Herring Hill, of political journalists and intrigue.

“The Georgetown Set”

And, of course, no one can mention Georgetown without the Kennedys. In the 1950s John F. Kennedy and his wife Jacqueline almost single-handedly turned the neighborhood into the city’s politically fashionable place to live. We’ll point out the houses of the movers and shakers, as well as the remarkable historic properties here that are open to the public.

Charming storefronts, intimate cafes

This two-hour, two-mile tour winds up in Georgetown’s shopping and restaurant district just in time for lunch. Or if you’re on a roll, we can point you to the C&O Canal, the historic and bucolic waterway. (Be prepared to climb a hill or two.)

Is Georgetown part of D.C.?

Since 1871, Georgetown has officially been incorporated into Washington, D.C. But its establishment as a tobacco port along the Potomac River predates the founding of the nation’s capital by 40 years. Georgetown was founded in 1751, Washington, D.C. in 1791. That makes it one of oldest neighborhoods in the city!

Reviewers of this Washington Walk said:

The walk was a wonderful combination of history and architecture. I’ve lived in the DC area for more than 40 years, and I still came away with lots of new information. Thoroughly enjoyable .

A TripAdvisor reviewer

Where We Meet

Meet at the little park located at the intersection of 28th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW.

One of our talented experts that may lead your tour.

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Historic Georgetown Walking Tour

Tour Information

Historic georgetown, historic georgetown highlights.

• Chesapeake & Ohio Canal - a waterway through the industrial part of the neighborhood.
• Old Stone House - the oldest residential building in the district, is now a national park site.
• Homes of Jackie & John F. Kennedy - hear about their time in Georgetown before and after his assassination
• 18th and 19th Century Homes - learn about the diverse, historic architecture of the houses and the stories of those who have lived here. Look for original firemarks, coal chutes, ironworks, and gas lanterns.
• Hear stories of the Black Georgetown community, immigrants who shaped the neighborhood, and women who bucked social norms.
• Cobblestone Streets— officially, they aren't cobblestoned! Learn the difference and why train tracks run down certain streets in Georgetown.
• Old Civil War Hospital - hear about a boarding school turned hospital and the female doctor who may have been a spy during the American Civil War.
• Martin's Tavern - the oldest family-run restaurant in the city and site of important meals
• Georgetown University - see the famous campus and learn how the neighborhood influenced it.
• Exorcist Steps— We don't walk down these haunted stairs ( you can do that on our Ghost tour! ), but we'd be remiss if we didn't point them out for you to experience.

Take one of the original Georgetown Walking Tours! DC by Foot first developed a tour based on the books published by our own Canden Schwantes, an expert in Georgetown history . The tour is so good other tour companies have started copying it!

Georgetown's shady lanes and cobblestone (fun fact: they aren't cobblestones) streets reflect another side of the capital. Learn about the neighborhood that is older than DC itself and see the picturesque architecture.

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It is Washington's genteel, southern side where Presidents lived when they were just Congressmen. It's where the Founding Fathers laid out the plans for the city on a tavern bar top, and where historic churches still offer services.

Georgetown has a diverse history—from the Nacotchtank tribe to a prosperous free Black community to Cold War Spies—and has many stories to share.

Not to be confused with our Ghosts of Georgetown Tour , our Historic Georgetown tour focuses on the houses and sites of a town that still invokes the image of refinement and class after 300 years.

TOUR SITES:

Our tour focuses on the stories of the people who lived here and the architecture of the houses and industrial buildings you'll see along the way.

We will discuss the history and development of this neighborhood, along with some of its secrets!

Note: We will view the above sites and homes from the street and will not be entering any residences.

Our own tour guide Canden has published a book on the wicked side of Georgetown's history! 

Wicked Georgetown: Scoundrels, Sinners and Spies , and a pictorial history using vintage photographs, Images of Georgetown .

Historic Georgetown Map (these are not all but some of the highlights of our tour!)

TOUR INFORMATION FOR GEORGETOWN ARCHITECTURE AND HISTORY TOUR:

• The tour begins at the C&O Canal at Lock 3, between 30th and Thomas Jefferson NW ( map ) Purchase a guaranteed parking spot in advance near the tour’s starting point with SpotHero .
• End your tour in the vicinity of Georgetown University, near 37th and O Streets NW.
• The tour lasts approx. 2 hours. Total walking is about 1.5 miles.
• Offered Daily at 10:30 AM

What Should I Bring?

• This is a ticketed tour so payment is made at the time of booking! Guides can accept cash or Venmo for optional gratuity, however.
• Comfortable walking shoes
• A water bottle
• Appropriate clothing / umbrella - tours are rain or shine!

What's Included

• Professional Historian/Tour Guide
• Recommendations for the best food, music and museums
• Advice on must-do experiences

GPS Enabled Self Guided Tour of Georgetown

Can't make one of our guided tours? No problem, we have recorded some of our best tour guides giving their tours and put them on a GPS-enabled app. 

Each tour offers an offline option to view the map and hear the audio of each walk so that you don't need to have GPS maps running with the app.

Here is how it works:

• Book an Audio Tour on our Booking Page
• Receive a confirmation email with a .mp3, .pdf, and embeddable Google Map
• Enjoy the tour(s)!

Even if you don't download any tours, you will still have access to valuable information on sightseeing.

Listen to a sample of the tour.

We also offer GPS-led audio tours of:

• The National Mall
• Arlington National Cemetery
• Embassy Row
• Old Town Alexandria
• Georgetown University Campus
• East Georgetown

RELATED POSTS

• Neighborhood Guide
• Other Free DC Tours
• Things to Do in Washington DC
• Ghosts of Georgetown Tour

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12 best washington, d.c. tours (beyond the monuments).

The nation's capital has more to offer than free museums and tons of history.

The Best Washington, D.C. Tours

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With lots of free attractions and historic sites in a relatively compact area, Washington, D.C., is a tourist's delight. Even so, there's no better way to get to know the nation's capital than with an expert. U.S. News gathered expert recommendations and traveler opinions to create this list of the top tours in Washington. Whether your interests include architecture, history or food, the following tours let you get to know the city like a local.

D.C. By Foot – National Mall Tour

Price: $4 tour reservation fee Duration: 2 hours

D.C. By Foot's National Mall walking tour is a mile-long stroll that includes stories about famous landmarks like the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Washington Monument. Travelers praise the tour, saying it is chock-full of information and that the guides are engaging. D.C. By Foot is a pay-what-you-want tour: it's free, though it is assumed you will tip your licensed, freelance guides.

Tours depart Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 2 p.m. Travelers should note reservations are required for this tour and there is a $4 reservation fee per person for tours. The company also conducts a slightly shorter Scavenger Hunt at the Mall tour geared toward kids and a bevy of other tours around the city.

Check availability on:

Old Town Trolley Tours of Washington D.C.

Price: Adults from $44; kids from $33 Duration: 1.5 hours

According to reviewers, this trolley tour provides an educational and relaxing outing, thanks to informative commentary from the friendly onboard guides. This hop-on, hop-off tour option allows travelers to explore Washington at their own pace and check out the monuments, museums and attractions that they are most interested in. Popular stops on the trolley route include the White House, the U.S. Capitol, the International Spy Museum, the Lincoln Memorial, the National Portrait Gallery and more. In total, the trolley makes 15 stops.

Trollies run hourly from 9 a.m. to about 4 p.m. daily. Old Town Trolley Tours also offers specialized Arlington National Cemetery tours and a Monuments by Moonlight Tour, among others.

Check prices & availability on:

Unlimited Biking DC – Monuments and Memorials Bike Tour

Price: Adults from $65; kids from $55 Duration: 3 hours

A great way to quickly cover a lot of ground is on the Monuments and Memorials Bike Tour from Unlimited Biking DC, which takes you on a guided tour to see the main monuments along the National Mall and the Tidal Basin. What's more, the entire tour takes place on sidewalks, paths and trails, so you never have to worry about navigating city streets. Plus, you can hop off to take photos and explore sites during the roughly 4-mile adventure. Visitors say the tour is perfect for families thanks to the engaging guides and manageable pace of the route.

E-bikes are available for an additional fee. The tour runs at 10 a.m. daily, with an additional 2:30 p.m. tour from April through October. If you can't get enough of the monuments, the company also offers a Monuments at Night Bike Tour as well as cherry blossoms tours, among other options.

Reza Venegas | Courtesy of Mangia D.C.

Mangia DC Food Tours – Georgetown Foodie Tour

Price: Adults from $79; kids from $69 Duration: 3 to 3.5 hours

Eating your way through Georgetown – one of D.C.'s wealthiest and most picturesque neighborhoods – with Mangia D.C Food Tours is a delightful way to get acquainted with the area. On the Georgetown Foodie Tour, you'll visit up to five restaurants for tasty samples, plus a cocktail or mocktail pairing. Your guide will give you an overview of the area's cultural and political ties, as well as point out historic landmarks. Foodies say the tour is both filling and educational.

Mangia D.C. limits tours to 14 people, which makes for an intimate group – another point of praise for reviewers. Tours run Friday through Sunday and start at 1 p.m. Looking for more local eats? Mangia also offers an Italian Food Tour in Washington's Dupont Circle neighborhood.

Capital Segway Tours

Price: From $70 Duration: 2 hours

Seeing all of Washington's landmarks on foot is an ambitious goal, but if you swap walking for riding a Segway, you can glide to most of them. Highlights on this tour include the White House, the National Archives, the Washington Monument and the Capitol. Every rider receives a radio headset, which makes it easy to hear the guide's descriptions. Reviewers say the guides are fantastic and the tours provide the perfect overview of the city, which in turn helps visitors decide where they want to spend more time. Many add that they appreciate the guides spending time to make sure everyone feels comfortable and safe on the Segway before setting off.

Participants must be 16 or older and weigh at least 100 pounds to ride. Tours are not suitable for those who weigh over 250 pounds or women who are pregnant. Capital Segway Tours requires travelers to arrive 30 minutes prior to tour for orientation and training session. Tours run year-round and are offered several times a day, weather permitting.

Blue Fern Travel – Black Broadway — U Street Food Tour

Price: From $105 Duration: 2.5 to 3 hours

This U Street tour run by Blue Fern Travel (formerly Carpe D.C. Food Tours) is purportedly the company's most popular, which makes sense because the U Street neighborhood is one of the liveliest in the city. During the tour, your guide will take you to several locally owned restaurants for hearty samples. As you make your way along U Street, you'll learn about the neighborhood's history, architecture and jazz heritage. Foodies find the history lessons surprising and informative; some love the information almost as much as the food.

Tours depart Thursday through Sunday at 11:30 a.m. year-round; group size is typically around 12 people, according to the company. You can expect to walk about a mile on the tour visiting the different eateries. Tickets cost $105 per person. Blue Fern also offers food tours of Georgetown and Old Town Alexandria.

USA Guided Tours – African American History and Culture Tour

Price: Adults from $89; kids from $79 Duration: 3.5 hours

Travelers heap praise on the guides leading the African American History and Culture Tour, applauding their expertise and storytelling. During the bus ride across D.C., travelers will learn of African American history and perspectives of different D.C. monuments. Sites on the tour include Black Lives Matter Plaza, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial and the African American Civil War Memorial, among other significant locations. Trips conclude at the National Museum of African American History and Culture, where you will have reserved access to the popular site. (Note: Some stops are guided around monuments, while others are quick pauses for photos.)

Tours run daily at 10 a.m. This tour is also available as a private excursion. USA Guided tours operates a variety of bus and walking tours.

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

Price: Adults from $35; kids from $20 Duration: 2 hours

D.C. Design Tours focuses on Washington's eclectic architecture and design. On the approximately 2-mile Dupont Circle & Embassy Row Tour, you'll explore the area while an experienced guide identifies and describes significant properties, such as The Cosmos Club, the Embassy of Indonesia (Walsh-McLean House) and the Woodrow Wilson House. You'll also hear a good deal of history and some juicy gossip about some of the nation's movers and shakers. Tour-takers rave about the hidden gems and stories the guides share.

Public tours run on Saturdays at 11 a.m. Design Tours also guides visitors through surrounding neighborhoods, such as Capitol Hill and Georgetown.

D.C. Metro Food Tours – Georgetown Food Tour

Price: From $80 Duration: 3.5 hours

During the Georgetown Food Tour, you'll visit up to five local spots in this upscale neighborhood. But you won't just be stopping in for a quick bite. Instead, tour-takers will sit down and be served a specialty of the house – an element foodies love about the tour. Dining highlights might include pie from a family-owned bakery, a Korean dish and Italian-American fare. In addition to tasty cuisine, guides will regale you with stories about local sites and landmarks as you walk between stops.

Tours operate Thursday through Sunday at 3 p.m. D.C. Metro Food Tours offers food tours of other neighborhoods, including Dupont Circle and Virginia's Old Town Alexandria.

City Brew Tours – The DC Signature Brew Tour

Price: From $89 Duration: 3.5 hours

With a motto of "You Drink, We Drive," D.C. Brew Tours sets the stage for a safe yet beer-filled day on its Original Brew Tour. During the outing, you'll be chauffeured around the city in a comfortable van, visit three breweries, get behind-the-scenes tours and enjoy up to 12 local craft beers. This tour also includes a beer-pairing lunch. Participants champion expert guides and excellent beers.

Get your beer fix during the tour, which runs multiple times from Wednesday through Sunday. D.C. Brew Tours limits its excursions to 14 people. The company also offers private tours.

Nonpartisan Pedicab – Smithsonian Museums and Pennsylvania Avenue

Price: $175 per hour Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours

Being chauffeured around town in a private pedicab with Nonpartisan Pedicab is a novel and comfortable way to see the sights in D.C. You can sit back and relax while an expert guide gives you a personalized tour and does the cycling for you. On the company's Smithsonian Museums and Pennsylvania Avenue tour, you'll follow the inaugural route from the Capitol to the White House, passing 24 landmarks along the way. Tour-takers say the guides are excellent and share plenty of fun facts and history during the trip.

Occasionally the company offers discounts and deals on the hourly rate (check its website for details). Nonpartisan Pedicab offers a variety of tours around the city, including a twilight tour of the monuments and an Embassy Row and Georgetown tour, among others.

City Cruises – Monuments and Sightseeing Tour

Price: Adults from $35; kids from $23 Duration: 1 hour

After you've toured the monuments by foot, bike or bus, why not admire them from the water? City Cruises offers one-way and round-trip departures from Alexandria, Virginia and Georgetown. Along the way, you'll see the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the Washington Monument, the Arlington Memorial Bridge and more, all while enjoying prerecorded commentary describing the monuments. Visitors appreciate the narration but note that engine noise sometimes drowns out the recording.

During the warm-weather months, the cruise departs daily. Throughout the rest of the year, cruises usually only operate on the weekends. One-way trips last 45 minutes each way. Round-trip journeys span just under two hours. The company offers several other sightseeing cruises, including one that drops off visitors at Mount Vernon.

You may also be interested in:

• The Best Washington, D.C., Bus Tours
• Best Things to Do in Washington, D.C.
• Best Hotels in Washington, D.C.
• Best Historical Cities to Visit in the USA
• The Most Famous Landmarks in the World

Tags: Tours , Washington, D.C. , Travel , Vacations , food and drink , Washington DC Vacations , Southeast Vacations , US Vacations

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