From the minute that you get to Washington DC, you’ll want to enjoy every aspect of the town; and luckily, you can make that dream a reality with the best city tours in Washington DC!
Check out my top picks if you’re interested in discovering the city on foot, by bus, or even by boat! If you want to see every possible option, scroll further down or use our table of content.
| # | Activity Type | Price | # Stops | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Half-day city tour | From US$80 | 4 hours | 11 | |
| 2 | Monuments by Moonlight by trolley | From US$60 | 2.5 hours | 7 | |
| 3 | Full-day tour with river cruise | From US$89 | 6 hours | 10 |
Want to dive straight in? Browse our catalog now!
1 – Half-Day Washington DC City Tour with Multi-Lingual Guide
Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (123 reviews)
“Our guide gave the tour in both English and Spanish, asked questions to keep us seeing sights in new ways, and was very knowledgable about each sight we saw. I learned a lot and enjoyed the tour.” Jeannette, Viator
This is certainly a wonderfully cosmopolitan city, and this amazing option from Continental City Tours brings it to life in a suitably multilingual fashion!
With tours available in four different languages, this is a wonderful way to get to know the capital, from the White House and the National Archives to the FBI headquarters and the grounds of the Pentagon.
Best of all, it features both walking and driving components, so you can cover more ground than many conventional tours, while still getting to enjoy these amazing sites up close!
Summary of the experience:
- 11 stops
- Bottled water included
- Small groups
Our review
From the amazing variety of sites to the wonderful blend of languages, this tour really has it all! And it’s just the right amount of time to see plenty of things, and also get an idea of what to come back and see more of!
2 – Washington DC Monuments by Moonlight Tour by Trolley
Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 (3416 reviews)
“Great experience- would highly recommend! Yet, but we learn some great trivia behind some of the worlds, most beautiful monuments and historical sites.” Candace, Viator
From the second you step aboard this trolley, you’ll feel like the city is your own… and that only gets better when you enjoy the views!
Join Historic Tours Of America for a memorable trolley trip around town, where you’ll get to see some of the most beloved spots in the city perfectly framed by evening lights.
While the trolley whisks you past the imposing Lincoln Memorial or the towering Washington Monument, you can enjoy endless stories about each place’s history, and snap some photos of their illuminated visages.
It’s a wonderful way to savor the city in its unique evening form!
Summary of the experience:
- 7 stops
- Scenic night-time experience
- 52 people max
Our review
With brilliant guides and glorious views, this is something that will happily keep you occupied all evening long! Not only will you get to see way more of the city than you might on a self-guided tour, but you’ll get to experience the city in the magic of moonlight!
Read more: Best Washington DC Monuments Tours
3 – Washington, DC: Full-Day Tour with a Scenic River Cruise
Rating: ⭐️ 4.7/5 (411 reviews)
“Perfect for to see Washington in one day! Open decker and river cruises are great!” Thomas, Getyourguide
A large part of this tour involves happily wandering between different attractions, including the United States Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial; then it’s time to head down to the Potomac River for a little bit of boating action!
Enjoy the finest elements of the city in the summer as you float along the river, then enjoy a hearty lunch along the waterfront.
This gem from USA GUIDED TOURS offers a truly comprehensive view of the town… no sailing skills required!
Summary of the experience:
- 10 stops
- Live guide for every stop
- River cruise included (from Apr to Oct)
Our review
Not only is this tour filled with fun facts and amazing sights, but it’s also a luxurious option that lets you see the city in comfort! Between the luxurious buses and the elegant boat, you’ll be able to sit back and relax, as your guides show you all of the ins and outs of the area.
4 – Washington DC Morning Monuments Guided City Tour with 8+ Stops
Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 (84 reviews)
“Excellent tour. I was able to see more in DC and understand some very important nuances at each stop that I would have missed if I had done this on my own.” Catherine, Viator
This trip gives you the full cultural cornucopia of city life… and it’s one of the best city tours in Washington DC for photography fans!
While you’ll pass more than 20 amazing and iconic spots, the real appeal here is the chance to stop at eight of the big ones to take some amazing pictures.
From the splendor of the Lincoln Memorial to the stunning facade of the White House, you’ll have plenty of time to snap the shots of your dreams – and you’ll be early enough to beat most of the crowds!
Our review
Between the on-board entertainment, the awesome information, and the comfortable bus, you’ll really get your money’s worth here! No matter the weather, you’ll have a cozy chariot to squire you around, and with its photo ops and oodles of information, it’s a perfect option for first-time visitors.
5 – DC: Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour by Open-top Bus
Rating: ⭐️ 4/5 (1160 reviews)
“Our driver, MJ, was excellent. He kept us informed and entertained the entire tour. Lots of fun every and great knowledge, coupled with entertainment. He gets 5 plus stars.” Michelle, Getyourguide
If you like to have a little more flexibility worked into your sightseeing, then you won’t want to miss this adventure with Big Bus Tours Washington DC!
Hop-on, hop-off models are just as described, giving you the chance to explore various stops along a tour route.
While the buses run on a continuous loop, you can “hop off” at any of the points on the path, spend time roaming around, then “hop on” and embark on the next part of the journey!
With audio commentary all along the way, it’s perfect for getting acquainted with the capital at your own pace.
Our review
This beloved tour is great for exploring the city over a couple of days, helping you get oriented to the capital with ease. And with its versatile vehicles and routes that cover all of the hotspots, you can really make the most of your tourist time!
Read more: Hop on Hop off Washington DC Bus Tours vs Trolley Tours
6 – Washington DC Moonlight Tour of the National Mall & Memorials
Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 (2629 reviews)
“We had a great tour guide and it was lovely to see all the monuments at night. I would highly recommend this tour to get to see a lot of different sights with ease and much less walking.” Kelly, Viator
Another offering for night owls – this time courtesy of Signature Tours of DC -, this tour takes you on a wild trip through the city’s “Top 10” attractions.
You’ll pass through over 200 years of culture and ideas, often writ large in the form of amazing buildings and statues.
And of course, the photo ops are pretty great as well; while you’ll pass loads of cool attractions, you’ll also be able to stop and enjoy several of them up close and personal.
This is another great way to enjoy these classic sites after dark!
Our review
Fact-filled guides, expert drivers, and amazing perspectives on the capital’s treasures make this a great adventure for everyone! And with plenty of time at each stop to take pictures, you’ll definitely get to know the area on a deeper level!
Read more: Best Tourist Attractions in Washington DC
7 – Washington DC: National Mall Tour by Electric Vehicle
Rating: ⭐️ 4.8/5 (935 reviews)
“This was my favorite part of the trip! Our guide, Chris, was fabulous. As a former teacher, he made the tour really fun and interactive for my kids. He took all our photos and got some great angles of them ‘touching’ the top of the Washington monument” Kate, Getyourguide
While the carts you’re riding in are red, their operation is super green!
These electric carts from Intrepid Urban Adventures are the perfect way to putter around town, enjoying the ins and outs of the Smithsonian complex and tributes to fallen soldiers from all of the wars of the 20th century.
Not only will you get to follow in the footsteps of scientists and lawmakers, but you’ll also have the chance to enjoy a carbon neutral tour as an added bonus!
Our review
The excellent stories and interactive components make this one of the best city tours in Washington DC for travelers of all ages. And of course, the cool, environmentally friendly vehicles make it an even more interesting trip to embark on… save the planet and fill up your mind all in one go!
8 – Georgetown Foodie Tour and Neighborhood Walk
Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (343 reviews)
“This was so much fun! Great guide and great participants. Everyone was so nice. The food was great. I loved the neighborhood tour the most I think. Thanks so much!” Lori, Viator
This is a delicious trek with Mangia DC Food Tours takes you through the city’s dynamic culinary heritage, influenced as much by famous chefs as the many different cultures that have taken root here over the years.
Enjoy Italian treats and Indian dishes, nibble on deli meats, and snack your way through some of the many little spots that make the city shine.
And like so many Beltway tours, the whole experience is garnished with some amazing history; you’ll pass by the former meat packing plants and flour mills that once helped run the town, and even visit the former home of the acclaimed chef Julia Child!
Our review
With such a wide range of food options and a unique perspective on local history, this is a tour that will satisfy your curiosity and your taste buds! It’s a wonderful opportunity to familiarize yourself with the Georgetown area, and hit some can’t-miss eateries along the way!
9 – Washington, DC: African American History Tour & Museum Entry
Rating: ⭐️ 4.7/5 (241 reviews)
“Very knowledgeable guide, with an enormous range of facts, ability to make connections and point out obscure nuances” Bianca, Viator
With the help of USA GUIDED TOURS, you can delve into a rich and complex part of American history… including a world-class museum!
This is one of the best city tours in Washington DC for history fans, stopping at underrated sites that have played major roles in local and national history.
Take in the solemnity of the spot where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his “I Have A Dream” speech, and visit the traditional black communities that have helped form the backbone of this town.
And of course, no trip would be complete without a stop at the beloved National Museum of African-American History and Culture, where you’ll conclude the tour.
Our review
With its powerful narratives and in-depth exploration of history and culture, this tour makes sure that you get a broader context to the capital! And as you visit these remarkable sites in comfort and style, you’ll get lots of time to reflect on the different stories!
Read more: Best Museums in Washington DC
10 – Washington DC “See the City” Guided Sightseeing Segway Tour
Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (1621 reviews)
“The tour guides are very friendly and they made sure that you feel ok on the segways. Loved the experience!” Xiaoxi, Viator
Have you ever dreamed of seeing the city from a different angle? How about a ride on a truly unique vehicle?
If you’ve never ridden on one of these two-wheeled delights before, Capital Segway will happily guide you through the streets with ease, drinking in all of the excitement.
Not only do these vehicles make it easier than ever to see the sights, with a comprehensive adventure that will give you lots of ideas for places to revisit.
Our review
First off, you’ll see just about everything in the capital, getting a wonderful overview of the city and its charms. And the Segways are so easy to master that you’ll soon find yourself zipping around with ease, which only adds to the fun!
11 – 4-Hour Small Group Guided National Mall Tour with 10 Top Attractions
Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (852 reviews)
“Tour was great. My daughter and I loved it. Definitely the right way to start touring the city. Lots of interesting facks we would have never picked up on our own.” Darren, Viator
If you want to focus on the heart of the city’s iconic area, you can’t beat this journey through the Mall – only with sightseeing instead of shopping!
Take a delightful journey with See DC Today through the National Mall area, enjoying a wonderful overview of all the different historic sites.
And while you’re enjoying political haunts and tributes to the nation’s long, fascinating story, you’ll also be able to enjoy the comfort and convenience of your tour bus, which makes it easier to see more than ever!
Our review
This is an excellent overview of the city, with enthusiastic guides and comfortable vehicles making it a great option for all sorts of groups. If you’ve never been before and want to get to know the highlights of the capital, this is a great place to start!
12 – Electric Scooter Day Tour
Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (54 reviews)
“We saw the nation’s capital up close. Our tour guide had a short story about each site. He was well spoken, humorous, and a possessed a positive vibe. The electric scooters were easy to handle and made the whole tour fun.” Marc, Viator
When BiPartisan Tour Company breaks out the scooters, the fun kicks in full force!
These electric beauties will guide you through all of the best parts of town, including the vibrant wonders of the National Mall and the White House.
And half of the entertainment comes from riding the scooters themselves, which are big enough to help you navigate even the trickiest paths, yet light enough to zip through the city traffic with ease.
Strap on your helmet and conquer the town with some seriously cool rides!
Our review
With so many great sites to see, you’ll feel like you know the capital personally in just a few hours – especially with the help of your personable guides! And the added novelty of the scooters makes this a trip like no other – both adventurous and convenient!
13 – U Street: Food, History, and Street Art Tour
Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (241 reviews)
“The information and food experiences of the local community was very good. Telling the truth is important. It was nice to be in a small group with others interested in African American people and their communities.” Carol, Viator
Beautiful museums, diverse influences and a long history of artistic innovation… there’s something to learn about with every step down U Street.
And as this trip from Blue Fern Travel proves, there’s always something new to taste, too!
With each new restaurant, you’ll get another taste of the neighborhood, once known as “The Black Broadway” due to its vibrant African-American cultural scene.
Of course, the meals themselves are pretty delicious too; and as an added bonus, a portion of the proceeds from every ticket booked goes towards feeding locals in need!
Our review
The combination of great food and unsung histories really makes this a two-for-one tour! You’ll be able to enjoy the intertwined stories of culture and cuisine, and learn about the city beyond its most famous monuments. Be sure to come with an empty stomach!
14 – Washington DC: Monuments and Memorials Bike Tour
Rating: ⭐️ 4.6/5 (198 reviews)
“Did almost all the big monuments and memorials on the 3 hour tour – you couldn’t have done it on foot, so it’s also recommended for families with teenagers who don’t want to walk so much.” Astrid, Getyourguide
Put your feet to the pedals and set your sights on the road, because it’s time to put your cycling skills to the test!
Whether you’re paying a visit to somber war memorials or rolling past massive historic entities, this pedaling parade is a wonderful way to enjoy the rhythms of the city.
And with the help of Unlimited Biking Washington DC, you’ll get to experience this dynamic town just like a local would, while still getting lots of time to stop for pictures!
Our review
If you want to see all of the major highlights without walking all day, this is the trip for you! Perfect for outdoorsy types and busy travelers, you’ll get to ride around and enjoy a vibrant cross-section of town that’s different from pedestrian life!
15 – The Lincoln Assassination Walking Tour
Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (105 reviews)
“Good experience and informative guide. Showed how the historic sites in DC were connected with the Lincoln assassination with interesting back story.” Brian, Viator
While there’s no shortage of famous stories in town, the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln in 1865 was certainly one of the most prominent.
So why not join Visit DC Tours on a journey that retraces every part of the story? You’ll pass by all of the major spots that played a role in the murder and the aftermath, including Ford’s Theater, where the incident occurred.
You’ll also get to visit the former homes of the president’s friends, and take a sobering trip to the Petersen Boarding House, where the Commander-In-Chief breathed his last.
It’s a fully immersive glimpse into a crucial point in American history.
Our review
This tour may be more singularly focused than the others, but it’s also a great way to understand the city in a very particular era. And as you explore, your guides will show you a whole new side to the U.S. Capitol, the White House, and the city at large.
16 – DC Ghosts By US Ghost Adventures
Rating: ⭐️ 4/5 (334 reviews)
“Our guide was very personable and fun. His pace was good, he included everyone in the evening. We enjoyed the stories and even the jokes!” Emelynn, Viator
All these stories of the past are well and good… but did you know that you might be able to meet some actual residents from those long-ago times?
According to legend, there are many spirits that still haunt the capital, representing centuries of heroes, villains, and oddballs.
And this DC Ghosts By Us Ghost Adventures tour offers a whirlwind glimpse into a more eerie side of town.
Mansions and legislative halls, and busy public squares are just some of the stops that you’ll enjoy, all accompanied with some wonderfully chilling tales!
Our review
Humorous, thought-provoking, and utterly unorthodox, this is one of the best city tours in DC for people that like a taste of the weird. You’ll get to see the city’s evening finery, and learn all about a different layer of its culture along the way!
17 – Washington, D.C.: History Tour Pub Crawl
Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (36 reviews)
“Had a great time! The bars were fun and the history was funny.” Michael, Getyourguide
Raise a glass, a mug, and so on, because this offering from D.C. Crawling will give you a taste of all the best local bars!
And much like everything in D.C., these watering holes are packed with rich legacies, often showcasing a very different side of the city than you might find in your history books.
As you sip your way through various draft beers, your guide will outline the long and distinguished history of D.C. drinking culture, including quite a few wild White House parties!
Our review
A lively introduction to the Beltway beer scene, this tour gives you a full dose of the past to pair with your delicious drafts. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy the ambience of some of the city’s liveliest bars, with some great history all along the way.
18 – Free walking tours: Morning Walking Tour of DC Monuments
Rating: ⭐️ 4.3/5 (73 reviews)
“Amazing tour guide, lots of knowledge and fun/ personal facts about the places.” Gabriel, Guruwalk
Early bird or not, you’ll cherish every moment of this stroll with GuruWalk through the morning light!
This is your chance to experience the big sites without the normal hubbub of midday, and with an enthusiastic guide who can give you all the insider info on each spot.
Take time for photos and questions – now’s your chance to get these icons practically to yourselves!
Our review
This tour is run by a local, so you’ll be able to gain deeper insights into this legendary town; and along with the more personalized tales, you can enjoy a great glimpse into the figures that once ran the place! It’s the perfect option if you want to add some nuance to your visit, and get many of the big landmarks mostly to yourself.
How to book city tours in Washington DC?
There are tons of amazing tours to book, and almost as many ways to reserve them! Many companies offer different city tours, and you can also find them being sold on various travel websites.
These sites often provide discounts as well, so the price might vary between websites. With all of this in mind, try using our search engine to compare all of the different offers and prices available, as well as reviews!