Capitol Hill
topHistoric Buildings
Library of Congress
101 Independence Avenue SW
Washington D.C.
(202) 707-5000
Daily Mon-Sat 10am-5pm
Closed: Sun
Metro stop: Capitol South
The Library of Congress is the nation's oldest federal cultural institution. First established in 1800, the original library and all its contents were burned in 1814 by British troops. Thomas Jefferson then offered his own extensive book collection, and in 1897 the Library of Congress moved to its current Renaissance-style building. It is the largest library in the world, with millions of books, recordings, photographs, maps and manuscripts in its collections. The Library's mission is to support Congress in fulfilling its constitutional duties and to further the progress of knowledge and creativity for the benefit of the American people.
Union Station
50 Massachusetts Ave, NE
Washington D.C.
(202) 289-1908
Daily Mon-Sat: 10am-9pm, Sunday 12pm - 6pm
Metrostop: Union Station
Originally opened in 1908, the elegant white granite building modeled after the Arch of Constantine in Rome was once the world's largest train station. However, the number of passangers the station served outgrew the building and in 1988 the budiling was expanded and restored. It is the second most visited attration in D.C.
U.S. Capitol
East Capitol Street, NE and 1st Street, NE
Washington D.C.
(202) 226-8000
Daily Mon-Sat 8:30am-4:30pm
Closed Thanksgiving Day, Dec 25, Jan 1, Inauguration Day
Metro stop: Capitol South, Union Station, Federal Center
The U.S. Capitol is one of the world's most architecturally stunning buildings and best-known symbols of democracy. The center of America’s legislative process for over 200 years, its Neoclassical architecture reflects the democratic principles of ancient Greece and Rome. Begun in 1793, the Capitol has been built, burnt, rebuilt, extended, and restored. Today, it stands as a monument to the American people and their government. The U.S. Capitol Visitor Center is the newest addition to this historic complex – at nearly 580,000 square feet, it is the largest project in the Capitol's more than two-century history and is approximately three quarters the size of the Capitol itself.
Tours of the U.S. Capitol are conducted from 8:50 a.m. to 3:20 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Admission to the Capitol Visitor Center is free. However, passes are required for tours of the historic Capitol and may be needed for other special events. All visitors to the Capitol are required to go through security screening. Tours of the U.S. Capitol need to be scheduled in advance through the Advance Reservation System or through the office of one of your Senators or your Representative.
U.S. Supreme Court
1 First Street NE
Washington D.C.
(202) 479-3000
Daily Mon-Fri 9am-4:30pm
Closed Sat, Sun, Federal Holidays
All visitors must pass through security screening before entering the building. Mar-Jun, visitors should anticipate longer wait times due to larger crowds.
Metro stop: Capitol South
In 1929, Chief Justice William Howard Taft persuaded Congress to authorize the construction of a permanent home for the Court, which had previously been meeting in a portion of the U.S. Capitol building. Architect Cass Gilbert was charged by Taft to design "a building of dignity and importance suitable for its use as the permanent home of the Supreme Court of the United States." It's an impressive Neoclassical building complete with elaborate statues and symbolic details.
topMonuments and Memorials
National Japanese American Memorial
Louisiana and New Jersey Avenues at D St., NW
Washington D.C.
Metrostop: Union Station
The National Japanese American Memorial serves to remember forever the Japanese American history of patriotism and perseverance, and to honor the 120,000 Japanese Americans interned during WWII and the more than 800 Japanese Americans who died in military service.
Robert A. Taft Memorial
Constituation Ave and 1st St., NW
Washington D.C.
Daily: Sun-Sat all hours
Metrostop: Union Station
A statue of the famous politician, a Republican senator and son of President Taft, is dwarfed by the enormous bell tower that rises up behind him. The memorial was erected in 1959 as a "tribute to the honesty, indomitable courage, and high principles of free governement symbolized by his life."
topParks and Gardens
Bartholdi Park and Fountain
Independence Ave and 1st St. SW
Washington D.C.
Daily: Dawn to Dusk
Metrostop: Federal Center SW
Bartholdi Park is a two-acre garden that showcases innovative plant combinations. Bartholdi Fountain, also known as the “Fountain of Light and Water,” is a cast-iron fountain that weighs more than 15 tons and stands 30 feet tall. The lights surrounding its basin are illuminated at night.
U.S. Botanic Garden
100 Maryland Ave SW
Washington D.C.
(202) 225-8333
Daily 10am-5pm
Metro stop: Federal Center SW
Originally established in 1820, the U.S. Botanic Garden’s purpose was to collect, grow and distribute plants that could be beneficial to the American people. The garden was revitalized in 1842 when the Wilkes Expedition contributed a collection of living plants from all over the world, some of which are still on display today. The garden moved to its present location in 1933, a complex located along the north and south sides of Independence Avenue. Admission to all public areas is free.