
The Capitol at Night: Scandals, Murder, Politics Adults Only Tour
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 30 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is The Capitol at Night: Scandals, Murder, Politics Adults Only Tour worth booking?
The Capitol at Night: Scandals, Murder, Politics Adults Only Tour is a 1.5-hour experience in Washington DC, United States, from $49 per person. It scores 71 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 30 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 71 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (30)
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- From
- $49 per person
Step into the dramatic side of Capitol Hill on a walking tour filled with political intrigue, scandal, and shocking moments from American history. From secret affairs and courtroom dramas to duels of honor and deadly rivalries, discover the stories Congress would rather forget. Along the way you’ll hear about spies in the Civil War, lawmakers attacked on the Senate floor, a journalist’s murder on the Capitol steps, and even a scandalous love story that shook Washington society. This tour reveals that behind the marble monuments and grand institutions of Capitol Hill lies a history packed with ambition, betrayal, and controversy. Join us to explore the scandals, secrets, and sensational stories that unfolded just steps from the U.S. Capitol.
What you get
About this experience
Step into the dramatic side of Capitol Hill on a walking tour filled with political intrigue, scandal, and shocking moments from American history. From secret affairs and courtroom dramas to duels of honor and deadly rivalries, discover the stories Congress would rather forget. Along the way you’ll hear about spies in the Civil War, lawmakers attacked on the Senate floor, a journalist’s murder on the Capitol steps, and even a scandalous love story that shook Washington society. This tour reveals that behind the marble monuments and grand institutions of Capitol Hill lies a history packed with ambition, betrayal, and controversy. Join us to explore the scandals, secrets, and sensational stories that unfolded just steps from the U.S. Capitol.
What's included
Included
- Adult Only Tour
- Professional Local Tour Guide & Gossip Peddler
- Nightime views of US Capitol, Supreme Court, Library of Congress, National Mall and more...
Not included
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Capitol Hill
After dark, Capitol Hill tells a very different story. On this adults-only evening walking tour, your guide takes you through the dramatic, outrageous, and often shocking history that unfolded in the shadow of Congress, from deadly duels and scandalous affairs to smuggling schemes and backdoor political deals. With the iconic dome glowing overhead and stops past the Supreme Court and Library of Congress, this is Washington at its most gloriously unfiltered.
15 minutes here
Library of Congress
The Library of Congress has burned more than once, and Congress managed to make it worse each time. After the British destroyed the original collection in 1814, a chimney fire in 1851 took out another 35,000 of the 55,000 volumes before legislators finally agreed to build a separate, fireproof building in 1864. The stunning Jefferson Building you see tonight is the result of Congress finally, reluctantly, deciding that the nation's books were worth protecting. We do not enter any buildings on this tour.
10 minutes here
Senate and House Office Buildings
In 1884, Kentucky Congressman William Campbell Preston Breckinridge met seventeen-year-old Madeline Pollard on a train to Lexington and began a relationship that would last nearly a decade. When he married someone else instead of her after his wife died, Pollard sued him for breach of promise in a trial that became a national sensation, arguing not just for damages but for the principle that men and women should be held to the same standard when it came to matters of the heart. The jury agreed, she was awarded $15,000, and Breckinridge lost his seat in Congress shortly after.
10 minutes here
Supreme Court
Before this block held two of America's most iconic institutions, it was the site of a Civil War prison that held some of the Confederacy's most notorious figures. Rose Greenhow, a widowed Washington socialite turned Confederate spymaster, was imprisoned here after running a spy network out of her 16th Street home and passing intelligence that helped the South win the first Battle of Bull Run. Also held here was Henry Wirz, the commander of the Andersonville prison camp, who was executed on these grounds in 1865 after being convicted of war crimes for the deaths of thousands of Union prisoners.
10 minutes here
U.S. Capitol
The building at the center of it all has witnessed more than two centuries of drama within its own walls, and this tour barely scratches the surface. Tonight you will hear about senators beaten on the floor, vice presidents who died in the building's basement bathtubs, congressmen who collapsed mid-speech and mid-vote, a nationalist attack that sent thirty rounds raining down from the gallery onto the House floor, and the ghost of a black cat that generations of night watchmen swear still prowls the corridors before moments of national crisis. We do not enter any buildings on this tour.
15 minutes here
James A. Garfield Monument
The man immortalized in bronze above you was shot not far from where you are standing, and the story of how he actually died is not quite what most people expect. Tonight you will hear about the assassin, the motive, and the medical decisions that may have done more damage than the bullet itself.
10 minutes here
Ulysses S. Grant Memorial
The manicured grounds stretching out before you have been the setting for two of the tour's most unexpected stories, separated by nearly two centuries but equally difficult to believe actually happened. One involves a public execution that went spectacularly wrong before it even began, and the other involves a congressman's wife, a late-night session, and these very steps.
10 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Washington DC
Tour begins outside the Capitol South Metro Station (there is only one exit) at 1st and C Streets SE. Look for your guide in orange.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
The tour ends at 3rd Street and Jefferson Drive SW by the Museum of the American Indian; a straight and easy walk to Federal Center SW Metro Station.
Options you can book
Capitol Hill at Night: Scandal
Private Capitol Hill at Night
Private Walking Tour: Same great tour; just your group and your tour guide. Group size: Larger groups can contact us to book multiple guides.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- DC by Foot
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos





What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 30 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
10 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Organization
3 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
30 verified traveler reviews for The Capitol at Night: Scandals, Murder, Politics Adults Only Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
DC Spooky Season
The perfect tour to do during spooky season! Learned some stories we had never heard before and also had amazing views of the capitol without the crowds. Our guide was funny, witty and honestly really put on a show! 10/10! Second night tour in DC, highly recommend over day.
via Viator
Amazing. I love history...
Amazing. I love history especially when there’s scandal involved. This tour was great and I learned so much while enjoying a beautiful evening walk in a wonderful city.
Response from the operator: Thank you! We're so glad you enjoyed the fascinating history, scandals, and beautiful evening walk. We truly appreciate your kind words!
via Viator
Guide was great!
In life, sometimes you end up on a tour with very drunk people who interrupt a lot, and it's really frustrating. However, Trevor, our guide, was awesome and handled it admirably! He was super knowledgeable and kind, and a great storyteller. Really enjoyed despite the unavoidable circumstances.
Response from the operator: Thank you! We're glad Trevor made the experience enjoyable with his knowledge, kindness, and great storytelling. We truly appreciate your understanding and kind words!
via Tripadvisor
Capitol Hill at Night: Scandals, Murder, Politics.
We had an amazing experience on our tour, all thanks to Ingeborg! From the very start, they were punctual, professional, and welcoming. What really set them apart was their deep knowledge of Washington, DC/Capitol Hill at Night: Scandals, Murder, Politics. Instead of just reciting boring facts, they shared fascinating stories and history that brought the place to life. They also gave us excellent local recommendations for food and things to do after the tour. If you are visiting Washington DC, make sure to ask for Ingeborg!
Response from the operator: Thank you! We're so glad Ingeborg made your tour so memorable with her stories and local insights. We truly appreciate your kind recommendation!
via Tripadvisor
We had an amazing...
We had an amazing experience on our tour, all thanks to Ingeborg! From the very start, they were punctual, professional, and welcoming. What really set them apart was their deep knowledge of Washington, DC/Capitol Hill at Night: Scandals, Murder, Politics. Instead of just reciting boring facts, they shared fascinating stories and history that brought the place to life. They also gave us excellent local recommendations for food and things to do after the tour. If you are visiting Washington DC, make sure to ask for Ingeborg!
Response from the operator: Thank you! We're thrilled Ingeborg made your tour so engaging with fascinating stories and great local recommendations. We truly appreciate your recommendation!
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $49 to $149
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 11
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by DC by Foot, who run 11 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 68.9.
See everything DC by Foot runsWhy this scores 71
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
The Capitol at Night: Scandals, Murder, Politics Adults Only Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Washington DC.
How much does The Capitol at Night: Scandals, Murder, Politics Adults Only Tour cost?
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Prices start at $49 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Washington DC usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does The Capitol at Night: Scandals, Murder, Politics Adults Only Tour take?
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Plan for about 1.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Washington DC is not rushed.
Is The Capitol at Night: Scandals, Murder, Politics Adults Only Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 71 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 30 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Washington DC, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule The Capitol at Night: Scandals, Murder, Politics Adults Only Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is The Capitol at Night: Scandals, Murder, Politics Adults Only Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book The Capitol at Night: Scandals, Murder, Politics Adults Only Tour?
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Around 11 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Washington DC can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Washington DC and add a light layer if any part of the 1.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does The Capitol at Night: Scandals, Murder, Politics Adults Only Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Washington DC within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Washington DC?
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Washington is the rare city where the headline attractions cost nothing and the scarce resource is access. Timed entry to the Smithsonian museums, Capitol and White House tours, and the night monument runs by bike or bus are what fill up. Our ranking rewards operators who secure the passes themselves rather than telling you to sort it out at the door. On Outty we rank every Washington DC experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Washington DC "See the City" Guided Sightseeing Segway Tour, Arlington Cemetery Small-Group Tour & Changing of the Guards, Washington DC Small-Group Sightseeing Experience. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Washington DC?
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Late March to April for cherry blossom, or September to November for cool museum weather. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Washington DC?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in The Capitol at Night: Scandals, Murder, Politics Adults Only Tour?
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Included: Adult Only Tour; Professional Local Tour Guide & Gossip Peddler; and Nightime views of US Capitol, Supreme Court, Library of Congress, National Mall and more. Not included: Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for The Capitol at Night: Scandals, Murder, Politics Adults Only Tour?
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Tour begins outside the Capitol South Metro Station (there is only one exit) at 1st and C Streets SE. Look for your guide in orange. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is The Capitol at Night: Scandals, Murder, Politics Adults Only Tour offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for The Capitol at Night: Scandals, Murder, Politics Adults Only Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is The Capitol at Night: Scandals, Murder, Politics Adults Only Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Transportation options are wheelchair accessible; and All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to The Capitol at Night: Scandals, Murder, Politics Adults Only Tour if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about The Capitol at Night: Scandals, Murder, Politics Adults Only Tour?
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Across 30 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, photo opportunities. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
What booking options are available for The Capitol at Night: Scandals, Murder, Politics Adults Only Tour?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Capitol Hill at Night: Scandal, Private Capitol Hill at Night. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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