Political intrigue, historic sites, an endless array of colorful personalities… there’s plenty of fodder for the best walking tours in Washington DC! Discover my top picks below, interesting for visitors who want to explore Arlington National Cemetery or discover the many sides of Georgetown. Or scroll down and read on to uncover more walking tours in Washington DC.

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Washington DC walking tours

1 - Arlington National Cemetery Walking Tour & Changing of the Guards

Arlington National Cemetery Walking Tour & Changing of the Guards, Washington DC

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (1596 reviews)

"By far the most beautiful cemetery. Our tour guide was knowledgeable and gave us so much information about some of the people that have been laid to rest. This is definitely an experience that everyone should add to their bucket list." Andrea, Viator

It may seem odd to start your time in the city at a final resting place, but the stately grounds of Arlington National Cemetery are filled with significant spots… and one very important ceremony! The Changing Of The Guard occurs throughout the day at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, with precise rituals marking a moment of vigil for fallen warriors. And of course, you’ll get plenty of time to explore the grounds and learn about the many people entombed there, including prominent soldiers from various conflicts and President John F. Kennedy. With this trip from Guided Tours DC, you’ll get the full experience of this powerful site.

Summary of the tour:

Guided Walking tour of Arlington National Cemetery
Watch the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns
Visit important grave sites, including John F. Kennedy
Group size limited to 15 to ensure personal service
Kids aged 3 and older welcome

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The cemetery visitor’s center (1 Memorial Ave)

1.5 to 2 hours

$55

You’ll pass through different sections of the cemetery, ending at the same point where the tour started.

English

This tour is limited to maximum 15 participants.

This tour is not wheelchair accessible. Service animals are allowed.

You’ll meet your group about 15 minutes beforehand to get to know everybody. There’s also a lot of walking involved, so be sure to bring good shoes! Tours run regardless of the weather conditions.

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Our review

This is a wonderful, in-depth look at the cemetery and its history! You’ll get to learn about all of the most significant graves and monuments, with some amazing historical context from your guide. And the chance to see the Changing of the Guard up close makes it even more spectacular!

2 - Historic Georgetown Walking Tour

Historic Georgetown Walking Tour, Washington DC

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (112 reviews)

"Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and had a great sense of humor. We thoroughly enjoyed the experience." Gregory, Viator

Want to learn more about the famous Georgetown neighborhood beyond its ghostly occupants? Then head out with Visit DC Tours to enjoy the character and charm of streets that have long been home to the city’s elite movers and shakers. As you explore the area, you’ll get to hear all about the high-society world that has flourished here for centuries, and even pass by a few presidential residences. With gorgeous antique architecture and a legacy dating back to the 1700s, these streets are practically characters unto themselves!

Summary of the tour:

2-hour walking tour of Georgetown
See landmarks such as the Tudor Place Mansion and the former homes of presidents
See C&O Canal, Old Stone House, Martin's Tavern and Georgetown University
Insightful commentary from your guide throughout the tour
Kids of all ages welcome

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Chesapeake And Ohio Canal Historical Park

2 hours

$65

You’ll walk for about a mile through the neighborhood, stopping at points like Martin’s Tavern and the Old Stone House, before ending at Georgetown University.

English

This tour is limited to maximum 20 participants.

This tour is not wheelchair accessible. Service animals allowed.

The walk is about a mile long, and involves a few hills. It is not wheelchair accessible.

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Our review

If you love old homes, amazing stories, and getting the inside scoop on a community, you’ll love this walk! Along with a great overview of Georgetown’s many eras, you’ll also get more personalized stories that really highlight the area’s unique identity and residents.

3 - Ghosts of Georgetown Night-Time Walking Tour

Ghosts of Georgetown Night-Time Walking Tour, Washington DC

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (172 reviews)

"Great tour guide, fun tales of the history of Georgetown and its ghosts and spirits. There are so many houses and stories included in this enjoyable tour." Pamela, Viator

This is certainly a city with a lot of famous residents, past and present. But some of those former citizens might still be seen haunting the streets! On this delightfully spooky tour, you’ll get to learn all of the salacious tales of one of the city’s most popular neighborhoods, courtesy of Visit DC Tours. Dig up tales of past misdeeds and mysterious goings on, all tinged with the high political drama that runs in the capital’s veins. And if you like this angle, there are tons of other ghost tours in Washington DC to draw you deeper into the ethereal world!

Summary of the tour:

See Georgetown without the tourist crowds
Listen to spooky stories about the neighborhood
Visit locations with reported hauntings
Family-friendly tour

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The Old Stone House (3051 M St NW)

2 hours

$49/ per person

Leaving the Old Stone House, you’ll pass the Dunlop-Laird House and the Halcyon House, finishing at the Exorcist Steps.

English

This tour is limited to max. 30 participants.

Unfortunately, this tour is not wheelchair accessible. Service animals allowed.

Groups of up to 6 people can be accommodated. Pickups and dropoffs can also be arranged upon request.

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Our review

The perfect combination of educational content and creepy tales, this tour really has something for everyone! It also lets you see one of the city’s most distinctive neighborhoods up close, showing off the amazing streets and houses at a leisurely pace.

4 - Free walking tours: Walking Tour of DC Monuments

Morning Walking Tour of DC Monuments, Washington DC

Rating: ⭐️ 4.4/5 (119 reviews)

"Amazing tour guide, lots of knowledge and fun/ personal facts about the places." Gabriel, Guruwalk

If you want to see all of the city’s highlights without breaking the bank, this tour from GuruWalk is the perfect stroll for you! Take a leisurely trip to remarkable spots that pay tribute to past presidents, massive wars, and fallen activists, with a wonderful guide on hand to provide cool tidbits of information along the way. Along with classic stops like the Lincoln Memorial and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, you’ll get to explore some lesser known spots, such as the memorials dedicated to Korean War veterans and the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Take in some of the country’s most iconic buildings and works of art without the hustle and bustle of the midday crowds!

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World War II Memorial information stand

2 hours

Free

Leaving the World War II Memorial, you’ll visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, and the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, before ending at the Jefferson Memorial.

English

This tour is suitable for people with reduced mobility.

While the tour itself is free, tips are encouraged, so bring some extra cash! A minimum of 5 people is required for the tour.

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Our review

Packed with information and unique insights, this tour is a wonderful way to get to know popular sites on a deeper level. And because you have a local guide on-hand, you’ll also be able to get some more personalized perspectives on the city and its history - all at a truly unbeatable price! Read more: Best Washington DC Monuments Tours

5 - The Lincoln Assassination Walking Tour

The Lincoln Assassination Walking Tour, Washington DC

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (99 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

One of the more tragic chapters in the city’s history is also one of its most prominent, and there’s no shortage of Lincoln's Assassination tours to help you understand the fateful events of 1865. This walk brings the whole tale to life, as it leads you step by step through the spots where history occurred. With Visit DC Tours, you’ll retrace the paths of all the major players, from President Abraham Lincoln and assassin John WIlkes Booth to scores of other citizens that got swept up in the killing and the chaos that followed. It’s a fascinating look into a tumultuous historical period!

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The Andrew Jackson statue in Lafayette Square

2 hours

$49/per person

Stops include the White House, William Seward’s home, and the National Theatre, ending at Ford’s Theater.

English

This tour has a maximum of 15 participants.

This tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible.

This tour can host groups of up to 17. It’s also stroller and wheelchair accessible, and service animals are allowed.

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Our review

If the excellent views of various political buildings don’t entice you, the remarkable insights into the assassination certainly will. This is the perfect opportunity to step back into history, seeing how every part of the event unfolded on both a large and small scale.

6 - Haunted DC Walking Tour on Capitol Hill

Haunted DC Walking Tour on Capitol Hill, Washington DC

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 (142 reviews)

"It was a lot of fun. Stories I had not heard before. The presenter was engaging and let us sit during long stories. Felt safe with our presenter even late at night. Well priced." Sarah, Viator

Time to get a little spooky again, this time in the company of Scary DC! This is your chance to get up close and personal with the ghosts and strange supernatural side of the city, including some of its most haunted places - and with over 200 years of amazing incidents and characters, there’s a lot to draw from! Spend some time exploring the stranger side of Capitol Hill, which is home to just as many eerie tales as it is policymakers. Blending history and mystery with panache, this is the perfect trip if you love learning new things… and don’t mind getting a little scared in the process!

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237 Pennsylvania Ave. SE

1.5 hours

$25 for adults, $20 for children, students, seniors, or military members

The tour starts and ends at the same spot, covering a mile around the Capitol Hill neighborhood.

English

This tour is limited to maximum 10 travelers.

This tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible. Service animals allowed.

The tour takes place near public transit and operates in all weather conditions.

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Our review

While this tour is certainly full of learning experiences, it’s also tons of fun! If you like a little bit of whimsy and a lot of unique stories, you’ll love this look into the supernatural side of things. Read more: 9 Best US Capitol Tours Showcasing Washington DC’s Iconic Landmark

7 - Madams of DC Walking Tour

Madams of DC Walking Tour, Washington DC

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (60 reviews)

"Wonderful walking trip in DC on a crisp fall evening and heard a history of the area and its colorful history. Highly recommend." Greg, Viator

From the serious to the saucy, it’s time to explore some of the more exciting chapters of local history, courtesy of Off the Mall Tours. Because while they might not get as much attention as the celebrities and politicians, the prostitutes and madams that once plied these streets were certainly popular in their day. In fact, many of these women were directly involved in local affairs, even consorting with Army officials! Pass by former brothels, and the spots that once served as red-light districts… including the famous Pennsylvania Avenue!

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The Willard Center

2.5 hours

$25.58

You’ll pass various points in town, ending at the National Museum of the American Indian.

English

This tour is limited to maximum 20 travelers.

This tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible. Service animals allowed.

While the trip is accessible to people in wheelchairs, walking guests will need to be able to stand and move around for two hours.

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Our review

This is certainly a unique angle on the city’s history, and one that’s perfect for the history buff with a curious mind. And if you really want to dive into the capital’s origins and its growth in the 1800s, this tour offers a fascinating perspective!

8 - National Mall & Memorials & Tidal Basin Walking Tour

National Mall & Memorials & Tidal Basin Walking Tour, Washington DC

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (47 reviews)

"The best tour of the mall teaching us so much and what a great walk with a terrific guide. Couldnt have chosen a better experience, got so lucky! Thanks Gideon for this tour!" Pribi, Viator

Time for another gem from Visit DC Tours, this time starring one of the most famous landmarks in town - and the underrated ecosystem surrounding it! You may have already become acquainted with the National Mall, the massive pedestrian area where so many significant events have taken place. Just next door to the main drag, the Tidal Basin is a sight to behold: 107 acres wide, 10 feet deep, and filled with water from the Potomac. Between the pristine slices of nature and all of the amazing Monuments and Memorials nearby, it’s a wonderful spot to roam around!

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The Lockkeeper’s House

3 hours

$75

Stops include the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Washington Monument, and ends at the Lincoln Memorial.

English

This activity has a maximum of 10 travelers.

While this tour is stroller accessible, it is, unfortunately, not wheelchair-friendly.

It’s recommended that you have a reasonable level of fitness for this walk. It’s also located near public transportation, so you can come and go with ease.

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Our review

This is the ideal tour if you want to discover all the cool aspects of the Mall, with an endless selection of stories to keep you entertained. And the chance to look around the Tidal Basin area really makes it stand out above the rest, bringing nature and culture together in one memorable walk.

9 - Capitol Hill & Library of Congress Highlights Walking Tour (With Tickets)

Capitol Hill & Library of Congress Highlights Walking Tour, Washington DC

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (20 reviews)

"Seeing the Capitol up close with very few people (no session) and a fantastic guide. The Library of Congress may be the most beautiful place I have seen in a long time. Will go back to Library in the future." Karen, Viator

Bookworms, rejoice! With over 100 million manuscripts and volumes on the shelves, the Library of Congress is a world-class archive and knowledge base - and it’s ripe for exploring, too! This is a two-for-one gem from Visit DC Tours, covering both the endless shelves of the library and the other classic attractions of Capitol Hill. Learn fun facts about the remarkable collection, and explore the delightfully wonky legacies of the Congressional buildings. You might even get to swing by the Supreme Court and learn about legal processes in action!

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Reserve Organization of America

3 hours

$75

You’ll pass by the Supreme Court, the Library, and the Congressional buildings, ending at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center.

English

This tour has a limit of maximum 13 participants.

Unfortunately, this tour is not wheelchair accessible.

You will have to go through security when entering buildings, so double-check regulations beforehand.

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Our review

You’ll really get to know these popular political sites during the tour, and the intimate details make it endlessly rewarding. And even if you’ve seen them before, the chance to go inside and enjoy a quieter, more personalized visit really makes an impact.

10 - Haunted Washington D.C. Ghost and Pub Walking Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 (38 reviews)

"Rooftop bar and interesting stories and beautiful weather! Would definitely go back with more family and friends." Nancy, Viator

There are certainly a lot of ghost tours in Washington DC, and no shortage of pub crawls in Washington DC; but this offering brings the two together with flair and fun! Hosted by Nightly Spirits, this adventure takes place all over Lafayette Square and the surrounding area, with stops at some renowned pubs along the way. A costumed actor serves as your entertaining leader through the spectral nightlife of this town, where the only thing better than the under-the-radar stories are the delicious drinks at each haunted watering hole!

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The Occidental

2.5 hours

$34.68

You’ll pass through Lafayette Square and several nearby stops, ending at the Round Robin Bar in the InterContinental the Willard Washington, D.C.

English

This tour has a maximum of 10 participants.

Unfortunately, this tour is not wheelchair accessible. Service animals are allowed.

Beverages at each bar cost extra, but you do get a commemorative cup to take home!

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Our review

You’ll seldom find a more interesting look at local nightlife, and it can very easily serve as a starting point to a wonderfully busy night out. And of course, the heaps of great stories from your guide make it an even more entertaining trip, mixing more academic facts with some good old-fashioned local anecdotes. Hot tip: Check out the 15 Best Night Tours in Washington DC.

11 – Self-Guided Walking Tour and Scavenger Hunt

Washington D.C - Self-Guided Walking Tour and Scavenger Hunt

Rating: ⭐️ 3.6/5 (11 reviews)

“Very well done. I liked it better than the many times more expensive bus tours.” Stefan, GET YOUR GUIDE

If you like a more proactive style of sightseeing, then switch out your walking shoes for your treasure hunter’s hat, and embark on a quest like no other! The aptly named Action Tour Guide runs this lively trip, which turns each of these iconic monuments and attractions into clues in the massive historic puzzle that is the capital. Like the other scavenger games in Washington DC, this tour is a self-guided option, where you download the app and follow clues all over town to create your own itinerary. And with fascinating anecdotes stretching back to the days of the Founding Fathers, you’ll get to learn something new with each step.

- see offer

1398 New York Ave NW (near Pershing Park)

Dependent on individual preference

$6.99 to download

You will pass numerous spots around town, including the White House, the Washington Monument, the Potomac River, and several Smithsonian museums, ending by the Supreme Court, Capitol Hill, and the Library of Congress.

English (audio guide)

This tour is self-guided, and runs through the app; you can start and stop on your schedule, following the route of the map.

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Our review

While this is certainly a good option for independent types, it still provides just as much entertainment and information as any guided trip! The best part about this option is the flexibility; since you can start and stop whenever you’d like, it’s a great way to enjoy the capital on your own time.

12 - Secrets & Scandals: Private Half-Day Walking Tour

Secrets & Scandals Washington DC Private Half-Day Walking Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 (6 reviews)

"It was so personal snd clear in the understanding. We loved it and would highly recommend it. Our guide was very personal snd fun." Susanne, Viator

Another great opportunity to explore the stranger side of town comes courtesy of Travel Curious, with this personalized journey into the past! This is your chance to feel like a spy, as your guide provides inside info on popular spots like the congressional buildings and the headquarters for the FBI. And because it’s a private excursion, you’ll get plenty of chances to ask all the questions you want, and time to stop and take photos. It’s time to go under the radar and behind the curtain, as you fill your head with intriguing tales from this one-of-a-kind town!

- - see offer

Ford’s Theater

3 hours

$145

You’ll pass through Capitol Hill, past the White House, and several other spots around the city.

English

This is a private tour. Only your group will participate.

This tour is wheelchair accessible.

Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level.

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Our review

You’ll get to enjoy some truly delightful tales on your trip, including a lot of insight into the inner workings of the city - a must for history nerds. But it’s the personalized attention that really puts this walk over the top - take plenty of time to ask your guide all the questions you want!

How to book walking tours in Washington DC?

There are lots of different companies offering walking tours, and you can also purchase them online from various travel websites. These sites often offer discounts, so the price might vary from one site to the next. And if you want a good place to start, our search engine lets you compare options, reviews, and prices all in one convenient spot. Take time to shop around for the stroll of your dreams!

- compare walking tours in Washington DC

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