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Cultural & Theme Tours in Washington DC

Live prices, traveller ratings and availability. Washington DC guide

472 tours & activities

Washington DC History of Slavery Walking Tour (opens in a new tab)

37 1 h

The theme/subject is a much needed topic of discussion for all Americans, young and old. This tour is unique because it is one of a kind in the Nation's Capital. There are many so called "classical tours" given but none on the lines of my tour which offers the history of slavery in the Federal City.

from$40

The "Madams of DC" Guided Walking Tour (opens in a new tab)

80 2 h 30 min

The Madams in DC walking tour gives you a totally unique side of DC's history that you won't hear anywhere else. The Civil War completely transformed the capital, and turned Pennsylvania Avenue into a red light district lined with bawdy houses, taverns, theaters, and commercial ventures. Hard to imagine, now that it's lined with monolithic government buildings! You'll learn about how the women who worked in these brothels made their way in life, and even had an impact on affairs of government.

from$31.80

National Gallery of Art, American Art & Portrait Gallery - 8 max (opens in a new tab)

23 3 h

With over 85,000 it would take over a week to look at every piece of art for just 10 seconds across the top three art museums in DC. Very few people have that time. So we found the pieces that you cannot leave without seeing and put them all on one tour! At the National Gallery of Art we show statues by Degas and Rodin, explore the works of renown Renaissance artists such as Raphael, see the only Da Vinci in the Western Hemisphere. With your guide you will find hidden among the maze of galleries the works of Monet, Vermeer, Georgia O'Keeffe, Picasso, Whistler, Dali, and Andy Warhol. Then at the National Portrait Gallery and American Art museums we explore the iconic "America's Presidents" exhibit, featuring portraits of leaders who shaped the nation. As we walk through the halls where President Lincoln celebrated his second inauguration we see world renown art using creative materials and styles as well as portraits found on American currency.

from$129

Georgetown Spy History Tour with a Former CIA Officer (opens in a new tab)

23 1 h 30 min

Spyher offers spy-themed tours and events inspired by the real-world experiences of former intelligence officers. Visit select spy sites in the iconic Georgetown neighborhood with a former intelligence officer. Along the way your expert guide shares personal anecdotes from their time overseas and interprets the remarkable history shaped by the people who called this neighborhood home, including leaders, heroes and traitors. Learn about the unique mindset of this profession. Hear more about impersonal communication and how it mitigates against risk and test the theory by reading a signal site and unloading a dead drop. *Note: This tour begins outside of Oak Hill Cemetery and ends about .7 mile away outside of Martin's Tavern. This tour is ideal for groups and teams. Don’t forget your walking shoes, bring water, and dress for the weather. We recommend SpyKids Mission Training for families traveling with kids ages 12 and under.

from$85

Private U.S. Capitol and Library of Congress Tour (opens in a new tab)

4 4 h

Experience the ultimate private guided tour of Washington, D.C., and step inside some of the nation’s most iconic institutions—the United States Capitol Building, United States Library of Congress, and Supreme Court. Travel in style and comfort in a luxurious Mercedes Benz Sprinter Van or Cadillac Escalade Full-Size SUV, guided by a professional storyteller who brings history to life. Our expert guides make every stop not only informative but also engaging and fun, ensuring you leave with both knowledge and unforgettable memories. Dive deep into the rich history, stunning architecture, and profound significance of these landmarks, all tailored to your pace and interests. This isn’t just a tour; it’s an exclusive journey through the heart of American democracy. Please note for the U.S. Capitol building it is required to enter with a staff member of the Capitol/be paired to a group, your private guide remains with you at all times, all other sections are private/with your guide only.

from$550

Historic Alleyways Guided Walking Tour of Washington DC (opens in a new tab)

41 1 h 30 min – 2 h

Fall 2026 Schedule: Tour is held the 2nd and 4th Sundays at 2pm. Check out one of DC's most unique features! Less than a mile away from the National Mall lies a hidden historic district showcasing one of DC's mot interesting features. The historic alleyways of DC served a distinct purpose as a city planning feature, but they also provided a hidden safe space where escaped enslaved people and the poor could find inexpensive housing and live their lives away from prying eyes. While city officials condemned life in the alleyways as dangerous, dirty and diseased, they were in fact a place where communities sustained each other and provided security. Tour is 1.5 hours with a halfway stop at La Colombe Coffee.

from$31.80

Smithsonian Natural History + Air & Space Museum Tour 8ppl Max (opens in a new tab)

65 5 h 30 min

This 5.5 hour Semi-Private (8 Guest Max.) guided combo tour welcomes guests to experience the Smithsonian’s two most visited museums in Washington DC. This is your chance to experience the two most popular museums in Washington DC with the help of our expert guides navigating the crowds! Dinosaurs to diamonds, planes, planets and spacesuits; our guides have the stories to make them come alive. Experience the two unforgettable museums with one unrivaled experience. Highlights often include (but are not limited to): -Henry the largest taxidermied elephant
 -Hope Diamond
 -The Nation’s T-Rex (Wankel’s T-Rex) -Meteorites
 -1903 Wright Flyer -1909 Wright Military Flyer -Spirit of St. Louis
 -Neil Armstrong’s spacesuit

from$215

VIP Best of DC with US Capitol + National Archives Reserved Entry (opens in a new tab)

2,568 8 h 30 min

Get the presidential treatment with the most comprehensive Washington DC day tour! The tour includes reserved access to the National Archives Building and the U.S. Capitol Building! For smaller groups, fresh air & uninterrupted views, upgrade to our convertible tour bus! Your tour includes guided stops at the White House (outside only), the National World War II and I Memorials, Jefferson Memorial, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial. After lunch, summer brings the opportunity for a boat ride through Georgetown and the DC Waterfront. The tour price includes a complimentary boat ride, and you will have the opportunity to purchase lunch at one of several waterfront restaurants. In winter, we visit the Pentagon City.

from$129

Arlington National Cemetery Old Town Alexandria and DC Tour (opens in a new tab)

6 h

While driving through Washington D.C. we pass iconic landmarks such as, The White House, U.S Capital, Washington Monument, and The Tidal Basin. We also drive past the World War II, Jefferson Lincoln and Korean War Memorials. Guest will see the Pentagon, Airforce Memorial, Reagan National Airport, Crystal City, and Pentagon City as we drive through Virginia.

from$80

Historic Georgetown Architectural Walking Tour (opens in a new tab)

84 2 h

Established fifty years before the Capital, Georgetown began as a gritty port city on the banks of the Potomac River, described by Abigail Adams as a "dirty little hole". Despite its modest start, Georgetown is now home to palatial mansions, elegant cemeteries, stately churches, and a world-class University. We'll explore the highlights and secrets of DC's most exclusive neighborhood, discussing architecture, history, scandal, and more. By the end of the tour, we'll see Georgetown's full transformation in this rags to riches tale.

from$48

Grand Sightseeing Tour of Washington DC (opens in a new tab)

26 3 h

This is a three-hour tour of all the war memorials and sites that have information on all of America's wars. You will get around Washington DC via an air-conditioned van. There will also be stops at the White House, the Capitol, and various presidential memorials.

from$59

Private, Exclusive DC City Tour (opens in a new tab)

14 3 h

Visiting Washington DC landmarks and monuments can be daunting if you aren't familiar with the city. This private tour by van or bus (vehicle depends upon group size) allows you to see the attractions without worry. Select your private group from 1 to 12 people and enjoy your tour with a licensed guide as they narrate the sights and landmarks of DC.

from$496

Combo of Mount Vernon & Old Alexandria with Night-Time Tour of DC (opens in a new tab)

3 8 h – 9 h

This Combo Mount Vernon & Old Alexandria with Night-Time Sightseeing of Washington DC is your premier combo experience to see all the monuments, museums and memorials located in the Capital area by moonlight as well as famous historical sites such as George Washington's Mount Vernon. Begin your day at 11am with a visit to the historical estate of George Washington, Mount Vernon. Along the way, pass sites throughout Old Alexandria including the childhood home of Robert E. Lee. Spend a couple hours exploring the estate and grounds, and return back to DC. jStart the night-time tour of the city at 7:30pm. Pass by historic sites including Washington Monument, & National Archives. You'll be able to get off the bus and explore 8 major DC sites. Stops at 8 top Attractions: • White House • US Capitol • Franklin Roosevelt Memorial • Martin Luther King Memorial • Lincoln Memorial • Korean War Memorial • Vietnam Memorial • Nurses Memorial

from$158

Private Small-Group Day or Night Tour with 10 Stops, Hotel Pickup (opens in a new tab)

3 h

Experience Washington DC during the morning or under the stars on a Private 3-Hour Guided Morning or Night-Time Sightseeing Tour. Your guide will stop outside 10 iconic monuments and memorials, including the White House, U.S. Capitol, Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, with time to explore and take photos. Along the way, you’ll pass more than 20 landmarks including the Washington Monument and Arlington Cemetery to the Smithsonian museums. Complimentary Hotel Pick-Up is provided for your group from a wide variety of hotels located within the metro DC area. Enjoy transportation via luxury SUV, Van, or Bus depending on the size of your group.

from$235

Smithsonian Natural History + Museum of American History 8ppl Max (opens in a new tab)

35 5 h 30 min

This 5.5 hour small group (8 Guest Max.) guided combo tour welcomes guests to experience the Smithsonian’s two most iconic museums in Washington DC. The most famous items of the Smithsonian are in two next door museums. Cursed diamonds, famous flags, and of course, a certain pair of Ruby Red Slippers; our guides know where to find the items everyone comes to see at the Smithsonian Institution.

from$215

Power of a Presidential Portrait A 60 Minute Tour (opens in a new tab)

4 1 h

Discover the intriguing world of presidential portraits at the National Portrait Gallery in this engaging 60-minute tour. Explore how these artworks serve as early forms of political branding, revealing the artists' influence on power and legacy. Learn to identify the subtle details like rainbows and symbols that elevate these portraits beyond mere images. This conversational experience is tailored to your group's interests, providing insights into the selection of artists and the narratives crafted through each portrait. Perfect for those looking to deepen their understanding of American history and art. - 60-minute interactive tour at the National Portrait Gallery - Understand how portraits shape political narratives and public perception - Engage in meaningful discussions and real-time adjustments to pacing - Accessible to all; special requests accommodated with advance notice

from$59

The National Gallery of Art DC - Exclusive Guided Museum Tour (opens in a new tab)

182 2 h 30 min

This 2.5 hour exclusive guided museum tour will show you the world’s most iconic artists inside two extraordinary buildings. The National Gallery of Art in Washington DC is a world-class museum housing an incredible timeline of Western Art from the old masters of the Renaissance to the quintessential personalities of the 20th Century. Raphael, Rembrandt, Renoir, Picasso, and Rothko are just a handful of artist on view (as well as Vigee le Brun, Cassatt, and O’Keeffe). Take excursion through the changes of history as told by magnificent works of art - money, power, war, hope, and triumph. From the intimacy of a da Vinci portrait to sweep of a Monet to the bold strokes of a Kandinsky, you will be dazzled by the vast holdings and the stories that accompany them. You’ll delight over familiar names and hidden gems while our passionate guides navigate you through notable highlights of technique and artwork from over the past seven centuries.

from$105

DC Portrait Gallery & American Art Museum - Exclusive Guided Tour (opens in a new tab)

26 2 h 30 min

Two of Washington’s most iconic museums take up residence in the historical Old Patent Office Building, where history and art collide. Visit the National Portrait Gallery and the American Art Museum on a 2.5 hour exclusive tour and discover the best of American-made works all under one roof.

from$105

Private Family-Friendly Bike Tour of DC (opens in a new tab)

89 3 h

Exploring DC by bike gives you the opportunity to experience DC’s iconic monuments and museums in a personable and approachable way. With your own personal guide, you can relax, enjoy the city's sites so much more and we'll help bring history to life! Adults and children of all ages can enjoy riding bikes together; smaller children may be chauffeured safely in our custom "Precious Cargo Bike" to carry children ages 2 to 10 and/or on a tag-along. We will be happy to add other sites of interest for you and your kids. Always a favorite DC experience for the entire crew.

from$595

Private Mt. Vernon/Arlington Cemetery Tour for up to 10 Guests (opens in a new tab)

34 6 h

Discover the rich tapestry of American history starting at Arlington Cemetery and ending at Mount Vernon. Arlington Cemetery: Our journey begins with a tribute to those who served our nation. Experience the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, explore the Kennedy Gravesite, and immerse yourself in the profound history of this sacred ground. Mount Vernon: Next, visit the estate of George Washington, the first U.S. President. Tour the beautifully preserved mansion, stroll through gardens, and visit Washington's final resting place. Our expert guides share captivating insights into Washington’s life and legacy. For 4 guests or fewer, you'll ride in a luxury SUV, and for 5 to 10 guests, a Mercedes Sprinter van will be provided. Bottled water is included for your comfort. Enjoy a personalized experience through Arlington Cemetery and Mount Vernon, where history, culture, and natural beauty await. Lunch at Mount Vernon is not included.

from$975

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