Know Before You Go — Capitol Hill, Washington D.C.

Start Planning! 

You’re about to go on an epic adventure in Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C.! Here’s what you need to know before you go. 

• Average tour duration is 2–4 hours; plan for a full day if entering any buildings.
• The tour includes 14 stops and 21 narration audio points.
• Tour follows a clockwise loop around the Capitol building; it starts at Spirit of Justice Park, adjacent to the Capitol South Metro station.
• Taking the Metro is strongly recommended — parking in the area is very limited.
• The tour does not include guided entry inside any buildings; interior tours must be arranged separately.
• The route includes uphill and downhill walking sections; wear supportive, comfortable shoes.
• No entrance fee for the walking tour itself; most nearby attractions are also free.
• A valid photo ID is required for entry into some federal buildings, including the Capitol.
• Firearms, weapons, self-defense tools, incendiary devices, dangerous chemicals, and large bags are prohibited at all federal security checkpoints.
• Supreme Court: open weekdays, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.; check website for oral argument seating availability.
• Advanced reservations are strongly recommended for the Library of Congress (free timed-entry tickets online).
• Supreme Court oral argument seating is limited; check the Supreme Court website in advance.

Budgeting and Hours of Operation 

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Budget

How much you spend truly depends on what you do along the tour route:

• Folger Shakespeare Library: 
  • Admission is free, but recommends booking timed-entry passes online in advance for the new exhibition halls. These are donation-based, and all donations go directly to funding ongoing projects 
• Library of Congress: 
  • Free, but requires a timed-entry ticket. Can be acquired here. 
• Capitol Building East Side
  • Admission is free, but advanced reservations for tours are encouraged. Can be made here. 
• Folger Shakespeare Library is free to enter, but the organization does suggest an advanced, timed-entry pass with a suggested donation to the organization (generally around $5 to $15)

Hours of Operation 

• US Botanic Garden: open 7 days a week, 10 AM - 5 PM
• Congressional Offices: check this website for detailed hours and information
• Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality National Monument: open FRI-SUN 10 AM - 5 PM
• Florida House: Open MON - FRI:  9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Folger Shakespeare Library: Open TUES - SUN 11 AM - 6 PM
• US Library of Congress: Open TUES - SAT 10 AM - 5 PM
• Supreme Court: Open weekdays 9 AM - 3 PM, but check this website for more details on building tours and gallery seats
• US Capitol Building: Visitor center open MON - SAT from 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Get Packing!

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​​Here’s our packing list for this tour. It may seem a little long, but remember, what you bring depends on the activities you choose to do for the day. 

• Photo ID (required for entry into some buildings like the Capitol)
• Tickets or reservation confirmations (if you booked a tour in advance)
• Phone with headphones, Portable charger 
• Comfortable walking shoes 
• Weather-appropriate clothing (D.C. summers are hot/humid; winters can be cold and windy)
• Reusable water bottle 
• Sunglasses + sunscreen (especially for open areas around the Capitol grounds)
• Small backpack or crossbody bag (easy to carry, and easier at security checkpoints)
• Snacks 
• Camera (if you want something beyond your phone)

Best Time to Visit    

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Spring and Fall tend to be cooler in the mornings and warm up considerably in the afternoons. Conditions also tend to be a bit rainier than in southern and midwestern states. 

Summers in DC are hot (temperatures range from 80 to 100 degrees) and can also be humid and muggy. Winters are cold, with temperatures ranging from single digits to the low 30s, and snow is frequent.

Advanced Reservation

• US House of Representatives Offices: Contact your state’s representatives’ offices for more information
• US Senate Offices: Contact your state’s Senators’ offices for more information
• Folger Shakespeare Library: Not required but suggested. Check here. 
• Library of Congress: Reserve free timed entry tickets online. 
• Supreme Court: Not required, but seating for oral arguments is limited. More info here.

Safety Information 

• Visitors are required to go through security checkpoints in all federal buildings. Please do not bring firearms, weapons (including self-defense tools), incendiary devices, dangerous chemicals, or large bags.
• Please use caution and observe traffic signals when crossing busy intersections.
• Capitol Hill is a historic neighborhood and is a relatively safe area. However, it is important to use caution and discretion when walking after dark.

Additional Need to Know Information

• Restrooms: various locations along the tour route.
• Please note: Shaka Guide’s Capitol Hill Walking Tour does NOT include guided tours inside the buildings. Please check individual organizations’ websites for more information on guided and self-guided tours.
• This tour requires walking both uphill and downhill at various times. 

Leave No Trace

While exploring Salem, we encourage you to follow leave-no-trace principles. Embrace the city responsibly with our commitment to preserving its historic charm.

Respect public spaces, minimize your footprint, and create memories, not waste. By following Leave No Trace principles, you help protect Salem’s streets, parks, and landmarks for generations to come.

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