Guided tour

Washington, DC: National Archives - Guided Museum Tour

4.8 / 5

25 reviews

Activity provider: Babylon Tours DC
Guided tour

Washington, DC: National Archives - Guided Museum Tour

Activity provider: Babylon Tours DC
Likely to sell out

From US$ 94.34 per person

Likely to sell out

Enjoy a 2-hour guided highlights tour of the National Archives, introducing you to the original paperwork that formed the United States of America. Come face to face with the seemingly humble documentation that gave birth to this powerful nation.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Duration 2 - 2.5 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Skip the line through a separate entrance
Live tour guide
English
Small group
Limited to 8 participants

Experience

Highlights
  • Enjoy a guided highlights tour with a personal touch
  • See the Bill of Rights and Magna Carta of 1297
  • Marvel at the signatures of world-famous statesmen like Alexander Hamilton
  • Look at a citation issued to civil rights activist Rosa Parks
  • Choose between small group or private tour options
Full description
Your local English speaking guide will not only be an expert on the archives, but will also share a mix of historical & political information, background stories and surprising details with you. Tour highlights: • The National Archives Rotunda to learn about the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution while standing in front of the perfectly-preserved documents from the 17th and 18th centuries • The Bill of Rights and the Federalist Papers featuring the signatures of world-famous statesmen like Alexander Hamilton • The Public Vaults Exhibits, where letters written by presidents including George Washington and John F. Kennedy are on display • The Emancipation Proclamation, which helped end slavery in the 19th century • A citation issued to civil rights activist Rosa Parks, illustrates how long these racial issues lasted • In the Rubenstein Gallery, examine even older documents like the Magna Carta of 1297 With over half a million artifacts at the National Archives, you’ll be thankful to your passionate, and engaging guide for navigating you, bringing a personal touch to each tour, adding own favorite anecdotes and tips along the way.
Includes
  • Professional guide
  • 2-hour walking tour
  • Private or small group tour of no more than 8 people
  • Hotel pickup or drop-off
  • Food or drink
  • Temporary exhibits
  • Gratuities (optional)
Not suitable for
  • Wheelchair users

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Meeting point

Meeting point may vary depending on the option booked.

Important information

What to bring

  • Passport or ID card

Not allowed

  • Luggage or large bags

Know before you go

  • You must bring a valid photo ID
  • There is a maximum of 8 people per group for semi-private tours
  • Please advise when booking if you require a wheelchair accessible tour
  • There is a minimum number of 2 people required for the tour to operate and if this is not met and you will be offered an alternative date or full refund
  • National Archives may be subject to closures without prior warning from the museum management and you will be provided with an appropriate alternative if the tour is delayed by more than 1 hour, the local partner is unable to provide a refund or discount in this case
  • Some rooms inside the archives are subject to quiet or restricted right to speak so your guide will provide the information about the rooms before entering
  • Appropriate dress is required for entry into some sites on this tour
  • Large bags are not permitted through security but you can bring a handbag or small thin backpack
Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.8 /5

based on 25 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.9/5
  • Value for money
    4.5/5
  • Service
    4.7/5
  • Organization
    4.7/5

Sort by:

Traveler type:

Star rating:

A must do tour if you are in DC. Get to see the three most historical documents in the World in one place and a little old document from England. Richard is the best guide ever. He is engaging and so knowledgeable and could of stayed on the tour longer than the two hours. If you go on this tour. Go with Richard. You won’t be disappointed

Read more

March 25, 2023

Amazing experience. Our guide, Richard, was exceptional. I didn't realize we would have VIP access through the side door before the general public entered. Our group consisted of a total of 6 people, plus Richard. His knowledge, humor, and expertise was tremendous. If I were to come back and book another tour of any kind, I would certainly look to connect with Richard again. Very, very good time.

Read more

March 25, 2023

This was our favorite tour while visiting DC! Being able to skip the line and have a few moments without a crowd to view the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights was amazing!! Richard was our favorite tour guide while in DC. He is friendly, engaging and tells interesting stories throughout the exhibits. We highly recommend this tour!

Read more

March 25, 2023

Product ID: 128127