WOW! If you haven't had a chance to tour this building, you are missing out! There's so much history inside that you don't get to see unless you do a tour. We booked through our congressman, but you are able to go the same day and will most likely get tickets, as they are available. You are given headphones to wear so you can hear your specific tour guide and you're not getting confused by all the other groups talking as well, especially in the rotunda area, where it can get very loud.

We reserved a tour online. To get to the tour on the day, you go through the visitor center. Our tour was quite busy, maybe around 60 people. You first head into a theatre for a quick video before heading through the various rooms. You're given a set of headphones so that you can hear the tour guide. Our tour guide was great. It's a tour catered for the masses so it's quite quick and snappy. If you're looking for something more private this isn't the one for you.

Done the public tour that was free and it did not disappoint. Our guide Dan was really nice, knowledgable and engaging. The tour itself is great to see the history of the US and with the building itself just stunning to walk around. Would recommend for sure.

This remarkable landmark captures my attention that I visited twice. Most visitors would have taken pics in front which you can see the barricade was placed for safety and security purposes which in a way taken the true beauty of liberty and freedom of speech. However , visitors can also go at the back to catch the beautiful image of the capitol. On a hot weather thankfully there is a water fountain that you can drink and I love the idea of not putting bins in the site to discourage littering.

Stunning building that is iconic Washington DC, and is much more impressive in the flesh... just beautiful. We took the tour, having booked in advance, which takes you around all of the key areas of the building with very knowledgeable guides who are brilliant, and open to answering any questions that the group may have. The various areas are incredible... especially when accompanied by the guide's additional information. We also visited the Senate and the House Of Representatives which are both very impressive - interesting that it seemed easier for us, from the UK, to do this than it is for US citizens - we simply visit the desk in the Capitol to pick up passes, whereas US citizens have to visit the office of their representative to get them, which could mean a trip to a completely different building. Overall, fantastic. Would highly recommend.

Our visit was excellent. The video and tour were informative and well presented. All Capitol staff were friendly and helpful. We watched the Senate from the gallery, which was incredible. Notes: 1. You can ask your senator or congressperson for gallery passes. 2. As a visitor to the Capitol, you can access the tunnel to the Library of Congress, which is cool. 3. You must go to the Capitol Visitor Center to check in (unlike for the White House tour).

Plan and prepare ahead! If booking from the UK you need to be aware of the time zone when booking- and the need to make an account with a password etc. Not difficult but it is best to do this in advance. The same account is used for the Washington Monument. Also remember to allow time to pass through security etc. No food or drinks- but there is a lovely cafeteria. We had a 10am tour, arrived early and was asked if we wanted to join the 9.20 tour. If you are able go early as it gets busy. Once inside it is a joy to the eyes and brings history to life. Make sure you take time to absorb the exhibits after the tour.

Another must see in DC, make sure to make your reservations early as typically there will be at least 2 school groups there. They first show you a movie then take you in small groups to explore the different halls. I enjoyed the tour and our tour guide was very helpful. HOWEVER, they tell you to take the time to take pictures but that you are not supposed to leave the group which is ridicous because your group does not move around the hall so how the hell are you supposed to do that? Don't be afriad to walk away from your group in order to take the pictures that you want just be sure to make your way back. I would recommend the tour guides give everyone a few minutes to explore the area once there speal is over with so you can take the pictures you want and don't feel like you will get in trouble!

We pre-booked our Capitol tour through the Capitol website for a certain time allowing time for the metro & walking from the metro stop. We arrived early, got in a pretty long but fast-moving line, and asked the ticket clerk if it would be possible to get an earlier time & we were surprised that he said, "how about right now". So, we went on the next tour and our tour guide did a fantastic job. She was very knowledgeable. Although the tour is limited to just a couple of areas (understandably) it was still awesome to see & learn about our U.S Capitol building.

You have to do this if you’re in DC. I was worried we wouldn’t get in as there were no spaces on the website to reserve a tour. I needn’t have worried. We arrived around 11am on a public holiday and were able to join a tour more or less straightaway. However that was in November - obviously in summer it could be different. It starts with a well-produced film explaining the basics of what Congress is, without being boring about it. Then you join the tour itself. The tour is not extensive and you only see the crypt, the rotunda and the statuary hall, but it’s free and fascinating nonetheless. Our guide was great, really engaging and able to answer any and all questions thrown at him. The headphones worked well and it was all really easy to follow. The cafeteria in the basement is less impressive, full of kids on school trips and if I were you I’d give it a swerve. On the whole though I would strongly recommend anyone to do this tour, American or not.