Library of Congress Tours

United States Capitol featuring an administrative buidling, heritage architecture and a city
United States of America
United States Capitol which includes heritage architecture, a city and an administrative buidling
Library of Congress featuring an administrative buidling, interior views and heritage elements
Capitol Hill


In its dedication to the written word, this building is the pinnacle of everything literary. Visit this treasury showcasing the world through writing.

Washington, D.C.’s Library of Congress is the world’s largest library. With books and manuscripts from every part of the world, the amassed collection numbers more than 167 million items and grows by about 12,000 items every day. Tour this building to be awed by humanity’s literary contribution to society.

Visit the stately Italian Renaissance-style Thomas Jefferson building, built in the 19th century, the first building of three comprising the library complex on Capitol Hill. The other structures, John Adams Building and James Madison Memorial Building, were built in the 20th century.

Spend time viewing ongoing exhibits, including a popular one about baseball. The Law Library of Congress, the world’s largest law library with over 2.9 million volumes, contains valuable publications dating back to the birth of the nation.

Not only is the Library of Congress massive, it’s also the oldest federal cultural institution in the U.S. Imagine the horror when the original library, housed in the Capitol building, was destroyed by fire in 1814 by British troops during the War of 1812. A year later the core of a new library was established with procurement of President Thomas Jefferson’s personal library.

It wasn’t until the last half of the century, after the Civil War, that work began on constructing a new library, which opened in 1897. The rapidly increasing importance of the library took it beyond being mainly a depository for government publications and documents to the role of a public institution. Today’s digital world also has the library as a key player in national and world digital libraries. View a portion of the collection that includes the largest and smallest books, the former measuring 5 feet by 7 feet (1.5 meters by 2.1 meters) and the latter about the size of the period at the end of this sentence.

Library of Congress’ Thomas Jefferson Building is located on First Street, within sight of the Capitol building. It is closed Sundays and certain holidays. Admission is free, with self-guided and 1-hour conducted tours available. Use the walkway that connects the library with the Capitol to avoid double security checks.

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Best Lodging Options Near Library of Congress

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citizenM Washington DC Capitol

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Capitol Hill Hotel

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Hyatt Place Washington DC/National Mall

Hyatt Place Washington DC/National Mall

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Holiday Inn Washington Capitol - Natl Mall by IHG

Holiday Inn Washington Capitol - Natl Mall by IHG

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Holiday Inn Washington Capitol - Natl Mall by IHG
Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill

Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill

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Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill
Hilton Garden Inn Washington DC/U.S. Capitol

Hilton Garden Inn Washington DC/U.S. Capitol

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Hilton Garden Inn Washington DC/U.S. Capitol
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Library of Congress

While visiting the Library of Congress, explore nearby attractions such as shopping and theaters for a well-rounded experience. Don't miss out on guided tours that delve into the library's rich history and vast collections. Additionally, enjoy various entertainment options in the area, making your trip both educational and enjoyable.

Food and drinks

For a unique experience, visit District Winery, located just 0.9 miles from the Library of Congress, offering elegant dining and entertainment vibes. If you're up for a bit of travel, George Washington's Distillery & Gristmill and Jailbreak Brewing Company are also great spots for drinks and ambiance.

Shopping

For shopping near the Library of Congress, check out Eastern Market, only 0.4 miles away, for a local vibe. Union Station Shopping Center is 0.8 miles away, perfect for family fun. CityCenterDC, 1 mile away, offers a blend of city and business atmospheres. If you're up for a drive, visit Tysons Corner Center, about 12 miles away, for a larger shopping experience.

Recreation

Experience the excitement at Capital One Arena, where you can catch a game or event in a vibrant atmosphere. For a serene escape, head to Potomac River Waterfront Park, perfect for leisurely strolls and relaxation. Indulge in luxury at Cosmos Club, offering an exclusive retreat and elegant ambiance.

Adventure

Experience the Greenstone Ridge Trail, a scenic hiking trail located 1 mile from the Library of Congress, perfect for outdoor adventure. For a thrilling day, head to The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring or the Go Ape Treehouse Adventure Course, both 17 miles away, offering exciting zipline and treetop experiences.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near the Library of Congress! Enjoy a romantic evening at the Kennedy Center, indulge in family fun at the Capital Wheel, or explore the stars at the United States Naval Observatory. Each venue offers a unique atmosphere for unforgettable memories.

Find the best attractions near Library of Congress

Visitors to the Library of Congress can explore a rich mix of attractions, including the nearby U.S. Capitol, Capitol Hill, and the National Mall, perfect for culture enthusiasts and families alike. Outdoor lovers can enjoy the surrounding urban parks, while the Kennedy Center offers a taste of modern art and performance. This area is a delightful blend of history, outdoor experiences, and educational opportunities, making it a must-visit in Washington, D.C.

  • National Mall: This expansive park features iconic monuments and memorials, offering a blend of adventure and stunning scenery. It's a perfect place for a leisurely stroll or a picnic while taking in the beauty of American history.
  • White House: The historic residence of the U.S. President, the White House is a symbol of American culture and governance. Although tours are limited, viewing it from Lafayette Park provides a unique photo opportunity and a chance to reflect on its significance.
  • Smithsonian Institution: A treasure trove of knowledge, this natural history museum offers engaging exhibits for families and visitors alike. Experience the wonders of science, history, and culture in a fun and interactive environment.

Best time to go to Library of Congress

Visitor numbers around Library of Congress is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Library of Congress is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January35.1°F (1.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
February38.3°F (3.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
March45.7°F (7.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
April56.3°F (13.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
May65.7°F (18.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June74.3°F (23.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July79.5°F (26.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
August77.4°F (25.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
September71.1°F (21.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
October59.9°F (15.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November47.8°F (8.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
December40.6°F (4.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Library of Congress

Visiting the Library of Congress is budget-friendly, as entry is free. Explore nearby attractions like the National Mall and Smithsonian Institution at no cost. For affordable accommodation, consider traveling in August or December to January, when hotel prices are lower. Use Expedia to compare prices and book package deals that combine flights and hotel stays for extra savings. Join Expedia's One Key membership for exclusive discounts and earn OneKeyCash for future bookings. Don't forget to check for great rates and reservations to ensure the best experience without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Library of Congress are August and December to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to March to May, where prices are slightly higher.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of hotel you prefer. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your Library of Congress hotel stay with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.