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United States Capitol, Washington DC

4.5
#13 of 449 in Things to do in Washington DC
Government Building · Tourist Spot
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Set at the convergence of Washington, D.C.'s four quadrants, United States Capitol serves as both a symbol of the U.S. government and the home to the U.S. Congress. The Neoclassical-style structure was constructed in several stages between 1793 and 1863; however, renovations and structural tweaks to support the weight of the massive, 88 m (289 ft) dome continued well into the 20th century. Walk in and look around--and up--the rotunda contains artwork, statues of presidents and important American figures, and an extensive fresco on the ceiling. You can learn more about the history of the U.S. Congress, Washington, D.C., and the building itself at the visitor center, which is spread over three floors set entirely underground. You'll need to book a tour well in advance (and a tour is the only way visitors can access much of the interior), as tour space is extremely limited. To visit United States Capitol and get the most from your holiday in Washington DC, create itinerary details personal to you using our Washington DC trip itinerary maker site.
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United States Capitol reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
7,046 reviews
Google
4.6
TripAdvisor
  • The Rotunda was absolutely beautiful! The paintings & statues were stunning! The tour offered a great overall of the history of the building. 
    The Rotunda was absolutely beautiful! The paintings & statues were stunning! The tour offered a great overall of the history of the building.  more »
  • The tour of the Capitol Building was unlike any that I've done before. To think elected officials are able to move freely throughout this space while discussing the next steps for our country is awe.....  more
    The tour of the Capitol Building was unlike any that I've done before. To think elected officials are able to move freely throughout this space while discussing the next steps for our country is awe.....  more »
Google
  • We went in the first week of August. It was extremely hot. Be mindful to take hats, umbrella etc. We took a capitol tour inside. It was free but you have to book in advance. You need to go there with a booking. Historic and grand. We enjoyed the tour as it was very informative detailing the story of the birth of the constitution, the paintings and also the sculptures. You can take pictures when permitted. Also I want to mention here about finding the correct entrance for visitors as there were many gates. So plan ahead of your booking. It took us a little while to locate the exact gate for entrance.
  • The inside was beautiful. We got the staff tour, thank to our daughter for that. She show us around and told us the history behind it. I think it was cool to see them once in your life time.

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