Things to do on Capitol Hill

S. Capitol, including the Library of Congress and the Supreme Court, and it runs on two separate reservation systems that visitors regularly mix up. A free guided tour of the Capitol building itself is booked through the Capitol Visitor Center, with reservations opening up to about 90 days ahead.

Watching the House or Senate debate from the visitor galleries needs a different, separate gallery pass, issued only through your senator's or representative's office, and the tour does not include it.

Book the Capitol tour early, ideally as soon as your travel dates are fixed, since walk-up slots are rarely available; the Library of Congress next door is free to enter without advance booking.