If you decide you want to explore outside, Capitol Hill is home to a ton of interesting landmarks, buildings, and a historic neighborhood feel created by a neighborhood where much of the rowhouses were built in the nineteenth and early 20th century. Along the way, stop by the U.S. Supreme Court, the Library of Congress, the Folger Shakesepare Library, Eastern Market and its otudoor and farmers market, Barracks Row, and the Marine Barracks.

If you are visiting the U.S. Capitol during the work week, there is a great opportunity to see under the hood of how politics works. Washington DC is the political capital of the United States - it’s where much of national politics occurs. See behind the curtain where the staff that are hard at work making sure your elected representatives are able to represent their constituents.

While you are in the House or Senate office buildings, you can also view Congressional committee hearings on any range of topics. If you are interested in some House of Representatives memorabilia, there is the House Gift Shop that is open to the public located in B-217 of the Longworth House Office Building.

The tour of the U.S. Capitol is can’t miss - however, one major activity that is not part of the tour is viewing the House or Senate chambers. Special passes are required to enter the Galleries. Here, you can experience politics in action if in session, when in session, there is the opportunity to see speeches, debates, votes, and all of the activities that occur inside the House and Senate chambers.