Discover Washington, D.C. with Exclusive Private Walking Tours: Your Personalized Capital Experience

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Advisor - Gillian Spatz
Curated By

Gillian Spatz

  • Active Travel

  • Arts & Culture

  • City Travel

  • Couples Travel

  • Luxury Travel

  • Washington, DC

  • USA

  • Local Culture

  • Local Food

  • Entertainment

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Curator’s statement

Embarking on a walking tour in Washington, D.C. immerses you in the intricate mosaic of American history and culture, bringing you face-to-face with both renowned monuments and lesser-known treasures. Such tours offer a deeper, more personal connection to the city’s distinctive narratives and landmarks, enriching your appreciation and knowledge of the capital. Led by experts, these walking tours meld informative insights with exploratory wanderings, transforming a simple visit into an unforgettable voyage through the pivotal chapters of American history.

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Where to stay in Washington, D.C.

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Things to do in Washington, D.C.

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Opting for a private tour further personalizes the experience, allowing for a tailored itinerary that caters to specific interests and provides a more intimate, in-depth exploration of the city's history and culture.

The National Mall Tour

Explore America's history through a private tour of the National Mall, guided by a local historian highlighting memorials of significant events and figures.

National Gallery of Art Tour: A Guided Crash Course

Embark on a journey through the National Gallery of Art, guided by an art historian who will delve into the intricacies of art history, material culture, and the conservation of objects.

Washington, D.C. Politics Tour: From the Willard Hotel to Capitol Hill

Experience the essence of the nation's capital with the Washington, D.C. City Tour, conducted by a knowledgeable local historian.

The National Mall Tour for Kids

Join an engaging and interactive National Mall tour designed for kids, guided by an expert specialized in visual thinking strategies.

Full Day Washington, D.C. Highlights Tour

Experience Washington, D.C's top sites with a specialized tour designed exclusively for you and your group to ensure a personalized and intimate experience.

Civil War History Tour with Ford’s Theatre

Explore the rich Civil War history of Washington, D.C. with a unique, personalized tour.

The National Mall at Night Tour

Embark on an illuminated evening walk through the National Mall, discovering the symbolic significance of U.S. history.

Arlington National Cemetery Tour with Changing of the Guards

Experience a unique, personal tour of Arlington National Cemetery, where you'll explore the final resting place of America's most distinguished heroes.

Secrets & Scandals: Washington, D.C. Private Half-Day Walking Tour

Delve into the political heart of Washington, D.C. with an expert private guide, unraveling stories of corruption, scandal, and intrigue at the core of American political power. Which include presidential misdemeanors to secret service operations and conspiracy theories.

Smithsonian Museum of Natural History - Private Guided Museum Tour

Embark on a two hour private guided tour of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, where you'll be captivated by over 126 million artifacts, including the Hope Diamond, Egyptian mummies, and a living coral reef, gaining new insights into the fascinating stories and objects that shape our history.

Exploring Washington, D.C. on foot through walking tours offers a unique and interactive way to delve into the city's rich history and vibrant culture. These tours allow visitors to intimately experience the capital's famed sites and lesser-known locales, providing a deeper understanding of their historical importance. Expert-led guided tours add a layer of storytelling and context, making each landmark come alive with tales from the past - catering to diverse needs, ensuring a personalized and memorable exploration of the heart of the United States.

Day Trips:

You can't beat D.C. for easy access to other national treasures - here are some private day trips to add on to your east coast adventure.

  • Private Day Trip to Gettysburg (From Washington D.C.)

  • Explore the historic Battle of Gettysburg on a 2-hour private tour, delving into this pivotal moment in American history with a licensed battlefield guide, followed by a visit to the Film, Cyclorama, and Museum experience, offering insight into the Civil War's significance.

  • Mount Vernon & Alexandria Private Day Trip from Washington DC.

  • Embark on a private full-day excursion from Washington, D.C. to Mount Vernon, the historic home of America's first president, George Washington, and then explore the colonial-rich town of Alexandria, known for its ties to the founding fathers and captivating history.

  • VIP Dinner with Helicopter: Baltimore and Annapolis Skyway

  • Indulge in a VIP dinner followed by a captivating 30-minute helicopter tour of Baltimore and Annapolis, offering an unforgettable evening for someone special, combining fine dining and an exclusive aerial adventure.

Places to eat & drink in Washington, D.C.

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Capping off your evening at one of these luxurious, award-winning and inventive D.C. restaurants is sure to catapult your private tour day into the best one yet.

Causa

Causa is a James Beard award-winning restaurant offering a memorable culinary journey through coastal Peru and the Andes, featuring an exquisite tasting menu and a lively rooftop bar at Amazonia, providing a feast for all senses​​.

Rania

Rania is a vibrant and innovative restaurant offering modern Indian cuisine, celebrated for its bold flavors, exceptional service, and a sophisticated atmosphere that pays homage to India's rich culinary traditions in a luxurious setting​​​​​​.

Jônt

Jônt offers a 14-seat chef's counter that serves an ingredient-focused tasting menu celebrating the finest seasonal ingredients from around the world​​​​.

Minibar

Minibar is known for its avant-garde cuisine and immersive dining experience. Helmed by Chef José Andrés, it offers an intimate setting with only a few seats, allowing guests to indulge in a multi-course tasting menu that showcases culinary creativity and innovation.

Pineapple and Pearls

Pineapple and Pearls is renowned for its exceptional tasting menus, attention to detail, and Michelin three-star rating. The restaurant offers a unique and immersive dining experience, combining fine dining with a casual café concept during the day.

Albi

Albi is a celebrated restaurant in Washington, D.C., known for its modern and inventive Mediterranean cuisine. It offers a diverse menu featuring dishes inspired by the flavors of the Mediterranean region, along with a stylish and inviting ambiance.

Bresca

Bresca is known for its contemporary American cuisine with a focus on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Chef Ryan Ratino leads the culinary experience, offering an ever-evolving menu that showcases his creativity and dedication to the craft.

Elcielo D.C.

Elcielo is known for its innovative and immersive dining experience that combines Colombian flavors with modern culinary techniques. Chef Juan Manuel Barrientos crafts a unique tasting menu that takes diners on a gastronomic journey.

Fiola

Fiola is celebrated for its Italian-inspired cuisine and elegant dining experience. With Michelin recognition and Chef Fabio Trabocchi at the helm, it offers a diverse menu of delectable dishes crafted with seasonal ingredients.

Need to know

If walking isn't in your wheelhouse, or you prefer other modes of transportation, here are some other ways to experience D.C. in style.

1) Washington, D.C. by Land & Sea Private Experience https://pe.tours/NTUwNzI4/

This tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Washington, D.C.'s iconic monuments and memorials, combining a 4-hour bicycle ride with a scenic boat ride along the Potomac River.

2) Private Washington Monuments Tour with U.S. Veteran https://pe.tours/NTUwNzM0/

Explore the National Mall with a personalized Washington Monuments Tour, visiting key landmarks like the Lincoln, Vietnam War, Korean War, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. monuments and more, all from the comfort of a Buick Enclave, and enjoy access to the Washington Monument Observation Deck for a breathtaking cityscape view.

Advisor - Gillian Spatz

Travel Advisor

Gillian Spatz

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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Washington DC.