10 Literary, Art & Music Tours in Washington DC That You Shouldn't Miss

May 30, 2021 Moriah Teneyck

Washington DC is a hub for American politics and history. Attracting as many school field trips as it does travelers the district offers a peek into the country’s democratic origin. There are plenty of free museums to take advantage of but the real draw here is the memorials and monuments dedicated to great American leaders. Spend some contemplative time at the Reflecting Pool within the National Mall, among the most patriotic places in the country.
Restaurants in Washington DC

1600 H St NW, Washington, DC 20006, USA Babylon Tours Washington D.C.
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Make the most of your visit to DC on this comprehensive 5 to 5.5 hour semi-private (8 Guest Maximum) guided combo tour. Our guide will show you the iconic monuments of DC on the National Mall, followed by a visit to the National Gallery of Art to see some of the nation's greatest artworks. Not only will you take in sites emblematic of America's capital and the pieces that have made it a cultural hub, you'll learn about the design and meaning behind them.

Inclusions: Semi-Private Walking Tour & Museum Tour, Semi-Private" Means Group Size Is Never More Than 8 Guests Maximum, Professional Tour Guide, Duration 5 - 5.5 Hours (Including A Lunch Break), Tour Will Run, Rain Or Shine

Exclusions: Tour price does NOT include hotel pickup or drop-off (we recommend UBER or Taxi), Tour price does NOT include gratuities (optional), Tour is NOT available for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair

Reviewed By 1KTL

Excellent knowledge and guide. I have never seen before such master pieces and heard professional explanations. We really enjoyed our visit.

National Gallery of Art, Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20565, USA Babylon Tours Washington D.C.
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5.0 based on 8 reviews

This 2 to 2.5 hour semi-private guided museum tour welcomes up to 8 guests who want to see the world’s most iconic artists inside two extraordinary buildings. The National Gallery of Art in Washington DC is a world-class museum housing an incredible timeline of Western Art from the old masters of the Renaissance to the quintessential personalities of the 20th Century. Raphael, Rembrandt, Renoir, Picasso, and Rothko are just a handful of artist on view (as well as Vigee le Brun, Cassatt, and O’Keeffe). Take excursion through the changes of history as told by magnificent works of art - money, power, war, hope, and triumph. From the intimacy of a da Vinci portrait to sweep of a Monet to the bold strokes of a Kandinsky, you will be dazzled by the vast holdings and the stories that accompany them. You’ll delight over familiar names and hidden gems while our passionate guides navigate you through notable highlights of technique and artwork from over the past seven centuries.

Inclusions: Semi-Private Museum Tour, Semi-Private" Means Group Size Is Never More Than 8 Guests Maximum, Professional Tour Guide, Duration 2 - 2.5 Hours

Exclusions: Tour price does NOT include hotel pickup or drop-off (we recommend UBER or Taxi), Tour price does NOT include gratuities (optional), Tour is NOT available for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair

Reviewed By ADBark

Booking a private tour for our small group was terrific. Our guide Donna was friendly and knowledgeable about the cemetery. She showed us many interesting grave sites (of famous and not-so-famous people) and was able to provide historical background to their lives. She also went out of her way to show us sites of particular interest to people in our group - so it is worthwhile to let her know ahead of time your general interests. The tour was about 3 hours with just about 2 miles of walking. We would definitely tour with Donna again.

1600 H St NW, Washington, DC 20006, USA Babylon Tours Washington D.C.
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Make the most of your visit to DC on this comprehensive 5 to 5.5 hour private guided combo tour that will match you up with one of young local guides. Explore the monuments of DC on the National Mall, followed by a visit to the National Gallery of Art to see some of the nation's greatest art. Not only will you take in sites emblematic of America's capital and the pieces that have made it a cultural hub, you'll learn about the design and meaning behind them.

Inclusions: Guided Walking Tour & Museum Tour, Tour Guide Exclusively For You (Does NOT apply if you choose "SAVE! BOOK SEMI-PRIVATE" option), Duration 5 - 5.5 Hours (Including Lunch Break), Private Transportation Included Between Tour Locations If Necessary, Tour Will Run, Rain Or Shine

Exclusions: Tour price does NOT include hotel pickup or drop-off (we recommend UBER or Taxi), Tour price does NOT include gratuities (optional)

Reviewed By 1KTL

Excellent knowledge and guide. I have never seen before such master pieces and heard professional explanations. We really enjoyed our visit.

National Gallery of Art, Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20565, USA Babylon Tours Washington D.C.
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5.0 based on 6 reviews

This 2 to 2.5 hour private guided museum tour will show you the world’s most iconic artists inside two extraordinary buildings. The National Gallery of Art in Washington DC is a world-class museum housing an incredible timeline of Western Art from the old masters of the Renaissance to the quintessential personalities of the 20th Century. Raphael, Rembrandt, Renoir, Picasso, and Rothko are just a handful of artist on view (as well as Vigee le Brun, Cassatt, and O’Keeffe). Take excursion through the changes of history as told by magnificent works of art - money, power, war, hope, and triumph. From the intimacy of a da Vinci portrait to sweep of a Monet to the bold strokes of a Kandinsky, you will be dazzled by the vast holdings and the stories that accompany them. You’ll delight over familiar names and hidden gems while our passionate guides navigate you through notable highlights of technique and artwork from over the past seven centuries.

Inclusions: Guided Museum Tour, Tour Guide Exclusively For You (Does NOT apply if you choose "SAVE! BOOK SEMI-PRIVATE" option), Duration 2 - 2.5 Hours, Wheelchair Friendly (Does NOT apply if you choose "SAVE! BOOK SEMI-PRIVATE" option)

Exclusions: Tour price does NOT include hotel pickup or drop-off (we recommend UBER or Taxi), Tour price does NOT include gratuities (optional)

Reviewed By 1KTL

Excellent knowledge and guide. I have never seen before such master pieces and heard professional explanations. We really enjoyed our visit.

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, 10th St. & Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20560, USA Babylon Tours Washington D.C.
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Get the most from your visit to DC's Museums by taking this combo tour that mixes natural marvels with iconic artists. This 5 to 5.5 hour semi-private  (8 Guest Maximum) guided museum combo tour will introduce you to the National Museum of Natural History and the National Gallery of Art to discover their most impressive pieces. Semi-private guided tour with a maximum of 8 travelers per booking.

Inclusions: SKIP-THE-LINE SEMI-PRIVATE MUSEUM TOUR, SEMI-PRIVATE" MEANS GROUP SIZE IS NEVER MORE THAN 8 GUESTS MAXIMUM, PROFESSIONAL TOUR GUIDE, DURATION 5 - 5.5 HOURS

Exclusions: Hotel pickup or drop-off, Gratuities

Reviewed By 1KTL

Excellent knowledge and guide. I have never seen before such master pieces and heard professional explanations. We really enjoyed our visit.

National Portrait Gallery, 8th and G Streets, Washington, DC 20001, USA Babylon Tours Washington D.C.
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Two of Washington’s most iconic museums take up residence in the historical Old Patent Office Building, where history and art collide. Visit the National Portrait Gallery and the American Art Museum on a 2 to 2.5 hour private tour and discover the best of American-made works all under one roof.

Inclusions: Guided Museum Tour, Tour Guide Exclusively For You (Does NOT apply if you choose "SAVE! BOOK SEMI-PRIVATE" option), Duration 2 - 2.5 Hours, Wheelchair Friendly (Does NOT apply if you choose "SAVE! BOOK SEMI-PRIVATE" option)

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities, Hotel pickup and drop-off

Reviewed By 1KTL

Excellent knowledge and guide. I have never seen before such master pieces and heard professional explanations. We really enjoyed our visit.

7. U Street: Food, History, and Street Art Tour

1213 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009, USA Blue Fern Travel
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4.8 based on 127 reviews

Experience a culinary exploration in one of DC’s iconic neighborhoods. Here, you will discover what makes U Street so delicious. This adventure will satisfy your stomach and leave you excited to explore more of our delicious city. As you stroll through these famous streets, you can learn how music has shaped the culture starting with ‘Black Broadway’ and the jazz era. You’ll learn about other great eats, how the architecture has shaped the city, and the ways the neighborhood has evolved over the last century. Explore one of DC's great neighborhoods and go on a culinary adventure. Whether you are looking for somewhere to take a date, or out of town guests, this food tour will satisfy all appetites. Please indicate any food allergies when booking. A portion of each ticket sale is donated to Bread For The City, an organization who provides food, clothing, medical care, and legal and social services to reduce the burden of poverty for DC residents.

Inclusions: Local/professional guide, Lunch, Historical Content

Exclusions: Gratuities, Hotel pickup and drop-off

Reviewed By DJamesRice

Loved the tour. Loved the history lesson and definitely loved the food. Went back later for more fried green tomatoes.

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, 10th St. & Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20560, USA Babylon Tours Washington D.C.

Get the most from your visit to DC museums by taking this private combo tour that mixes natural marvels with iconic artists. This 5 to 5.5 hour private guided museum combo tour will introduce you to the National Museum of Natural History and the National Gallery of Art to discover their most impressive pieces.

Inclusions: Guided Combo Museum Tour, Tour Guide Exclusively For You (Does NOT apply if you choose "SAVE! BOOK SEMI-PRIVATE" option), Duration 5 - 5.5 Hours (Including Lunch Break), Private Transportation Included Between Tour Locations If Necessary, Wheelchair Friendly (Does NOT apply if you choose "SAVE! BOOK SEMI-PRIVATE" option)

Exclusions: Tour price does NOT include hotel pickup or drop-off (we recommend UBER or Taxi), Tour price does NOT include gratuities (optional)

Reviewed By 1KTL

Excellent knowledge and guide. I have never seen before such master pieces and heard professional explanations. We really enjoyed our visit.

National Portrait Gallery, 8th and G Streets, Washington, DC 20001, USA Babylon Tours Washington D.C.

Visit the National Portrait Gallery and the American Art Museum on a 2 to 2.5 hour semi-private (8 Guest Maximum) guided tour. Discover the best of American-made works all under one roof. Two of Washington’s most iconic museums take up residence in the historical Old Patent Office Building, where history and art collide.

Inclusions: Semi-Private Museum Tour, Semi-Private" Means Group Size Is Never More Than 8 Guests Maximum, Professional Tour Guide, Duration 2 - 2.5 Hours

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities, Hotel pickup and drop-off

Reviewed By 1KTL

Excellent knowledge and guide. I have never seen before such master pieces and heard professional explanations. We really enjoyed our visit.

10. Art & Soul of Black Broadway Neighborhood Tour

620 T St NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA Attucks Adams

Discover the musical heritage of U Street --formerly known as Black Broadway-- from jazz to hip hop to punk to DC’s own go-go. Walk the streets & back alleys of Shaw and U Street neighborhoods and learn how murals, theatres, music venues, and memorials embrace the history of this amazing city. Along the way, listen to a diverse playlist that will match up with the murals and venues.

Inclusions: Tour Guide

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Reviewed By JessicaM_DC15

Tim provided my group with an informative and fun tour of DC's U Street neighborhood aka Black Broadway. His knowledge was extensive and it's clear that he loves what he does. My organization had a larger group and he was super accommodating and helpful while we arranged the booking, suggesting that we break the group into two tours for a more personalized experience. This tour does not disappoint -- even seasoned Washingtonians can learn a thing or two! Thank you Tim!

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