United States Capitol

Sitting on top of Capitol Hill is a Washington landmark that’s been the home of American democracy for more than 200 years.

The United States Capitol is one of the most powerful places in the country. Within its chambers, laws are written, debated and passed. The magnificent 18th-century neoclassical-style building sits atop Capitol Hill and is home to the United States Senate and House of Representatives.

Take a free daily guided tour of this important Washington landmark. Tours start in the Visitor Center, a vast exhibition space on three levels. Watch the 13-minute film about the Capitol’s history and the role Congress plays in the life of Americans. The original plaster model for the bronze statue of Freedom that sits on top of the Capitol’s dome is on display. Also note the gavel used by President George Washington during the ceremony to lay the building’s cornerstone.

The Rotunda connects the House of Representatives to the Senate. The large, domed circular room is 96 feet (29 meters) in diameter and rises to a height of about 180 feet (55 meters). Marvel at its size and the sculptures and paintings within.

Study the sculptures in the National Statuary Hall, which is shaped like an ancient amphitheater. This chamber contains statues of prominent Americans, including author and activist Helen Keller and civil rights activist Rosa Parks.

Watch congressional proceedings from the Senate and House galleries when either legislative body is in session. Obtain a gallery pass as this is not part of the tour. U.S. residents should contact the office of their senator or congressional representative. International visitors should inquire at the House and Senate Appointment Desks in the Visitor Center.

Book a tour in advance. For more details, visit the official website of the United States Capitol. A limited number of same-day tour passes may be available at the public walk-up line. The Visitor Center is open daily except Sundays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year's Day and Inauguration Day. You do not need a ticket to explore its exhibits.

The United States Capitol is at the eastern end of the National Mall. Find three metro stations nearby or paid street parking along the mall or at parking facilities at Union Street station.

Attractions and Neighbourhoods near United States Capitol

Newseum

Investigate the inner workings of the world’s news media and create your own headlines at this engrossing museum.

Capitol Hill

This neighbourhood boasts the U.S. Capitol, Library of Congress, and enough familiar news backdrops to make your jaw drop.

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

Heaven for aviation enthusiasts, this museum takes you on an uplifting journey through the history of flight and space travel.

National Mall

Inspiring architecture, magnificent museums and the icons of American history await on Washington’s famous two-mile (three-kilometer) strip.

Smithsonian Castle

Standing as a symbol of early Washington development, this structure invites you to explore the nation’s greatest museums, which contain some of the country’s most intriguing artifacts.

Hotels near United States Capitol

Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill

400 New Jersey Ave NW

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in Capitol Hill, this eco-friendly hotel is within a 10-minute walk of National Postal Museum and United States Capitol. Library of Congress and Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum are also within 1 mi (2 km). Judiciary Square Station is 7 minutes by foot and Washington Union Station is 7 minutes.

Capitol Skyline

10 'I' Street SW

Rated 3.8 / 5 by Guests

Located in Capitol Hill, this hotel is within 2 mi (3 km) of United States Capitol, Jefferson Memorial, and Capital One Arena. Ford's Theater and Washington Monument are also within 3 mi (5 km). Navy Yard Station is 9 minutes by foot and Waterfront Station is 11 minutes.

YOTEL Washington DC

415 New Jersey Ave Nw

Rated 4.1 / 5 by Guests

Located in Capitol Hill, this boutique hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Union Station Shopping Center, National Mall, and United States Capitol. Capital One Arena and National Gallery of Art are also within 15 minutes. Judiciary Square Station is 6 minutes by foot and Washington Union Station is 6 minutes.

Holiday Inn Washington Capitol - Natl Mall, an IHG Hotel

550 C St SW

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in Capitol Hill, this hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum and National Mall. Capital One Arena and Washington Monument are also within 1 mi (2 km). L'Enfant Plaza Station is only a 4-minute walk and Federal Center Station is 6 minutes.

Hilton Washington DC Capitol Hill

525 New Jersey Ave Nw

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in Capitol Hill, this hotel is within a 15-minute walk of United States Capitol, National Mall, and Capital One Arena. Walter E. Washington Convention Center and Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum are also within 1 mi (2 km). Judiciary Square Station is 7 minutes by foot and Washington Union Station is 7 minutes.

Phoenix Park Hotel

520 N Capitol St NW

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in Capitol Hill, this historic hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Union Station Shopping Center, National Mall, and United States Capitol. Capital One Arena and Walter E. Washington Convention Center are also within 1 mi (2 km). Washington Union Station is only a 3-minute walk and Judiciary Square Station is 10 minutes.

Hilton Garden Inn Washington DC/US Capitol

1225 First St NE

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in Capitol Hill, this hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Gallaudet University and Union Station Shopping Center. Walter E. Washington Convention Center and Capital One Arena are also within 1 mi (2 km). Gallaudet U Station is only a 4-minute walk and Washington Union Station is 13 minutes.

Capitol Hill Hotel

200 C St SE

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in Capitol Hill, this hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of National Mall, Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, and Nationals Park. Capital One Arena and Washington Monument are also within 3 mi (5 km). Capitol South Station is only a 3-minute walk and Eastern Market Station is 9 minutes.

Kimpton George Hotel, an IHG Hotel

15 E St NW

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in Capitol Hill, this luxury hotel is within a 15-minute walk of National Mall and Capital One Arena. Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum and National Museum of Natural History are also within 1 mi (2 km). Washington Union Station is only a 5-minute walk and Judiciary Square Station is 8 minutes.

Courtyard by Marriott Washington Capitol Hill/Navy Yard

140 L Street SE

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in Capitol Hill, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Nationals Park and Washington Navy Yard. Marine Barracks is 0.7 mi (1.1 km) away. Navy Yard Station is only a 2-minute walk and Capitol South Station is 11 minutes.

Courtyard Washington, DC/U.S. Capitol

1325 2nd Street NE

Rated 4.1 / 5 by Guests

Located in Capitol Hill, this hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Union Market, Walter E. Washington Convention Center, and Union Station Shopping Center. Capital One Arena and National Mall are also within 2 mi (3 km). Gallaudet U Station is only a 2-minute walk and 7th St. Convention Center Station is 20 minutes.

Residence Inn Washington, DC /Capitol

333 E St Sw

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in Capitol Hill, this hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of National Mall and Capital One Arena. Washington Monument and Walter E. Washington Convention Center are also within 2 mi (3 km). Federal Center Station is only a 3-minute walk and L'Enfant Plaza Station is 8 minutes.

The View Apartment

1100 6th Street Southwest

Rated 3.0 / 5 by Guests

Located in Capitol Hill, this aparthotel is within a 15-minute walk of Museum of the Bible and L'Enfant Plaza. Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum and National Mall are also within 1 mi (2 km). Waterfront Station is only a 4-minute walk and L'Enfant Plaza Station is 12 minutes.

Hyatt Place Washington DC/US Capitol

33 New York Avenue NE

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in Capitol Hill, this hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Union Market, Walter E. Washington Convention Center, and Gallaudet University. Capital One Arena and Howard University are also within 1 mi (2 km). Gallaudet U Station is only a 5-minute walk and 7th St. Convention Center Station is 15 minutes.