How to Spend a Day at the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C.

Once you’ve completed the official tour, which takes you through centuries of history and art at the Capitol, you can easily become part of its political life too, even as a foreigner.

A simple visit to the Capitol gives you the opportunity to witness American democracy in action from the Galleries overlooking the committee rooms of Senate and the House, where the day-to-day work of Congress happens.

After the (free) tour, the group returns to the Hall of Emancipation. From here, you can continue on your own to the Congress chambers. If you’ve booked the paid tour, it will move forward to the Library of Congress, and you can visit the Chambers later in the afternoon.

To observe the Senate or House of Representatives in session, you’ll need a gallery pass. As a foreigner, you can get it at the designated desks on the Upper Floor (refer to the map above). Be sure to bring your passport (or another identification document). For citizens, passes are also required and may be obtained from the offices of your senators or representative.

There are specific administration rooms near the check-in desks where you must leave all your belongings. Only your passport is allowed—no phones, cameras, coats, bags, food, or drinks. From there, you’ll be guided to the elevator queues. You’ll go through security screening again to enter the galleries.

The galleries are open whether or not the chamber is in session, typically Monday through Friday. I visited on a Thursday and was informed that the next session would be on Monday. Since it can be challenging to book a ticket for the Capitol tour, there’s no guarantee you’ll be able to tour the Capitol and see the representatives at work on the same day.

While in the galleries, during sessions, you must remain silent. If there is no session, a representative is usually present in the gallery to provide information and answer questions.