10 things to do during the DC government shutdown

Thinking a government shutdown ruins your D.C. plans? Think again! While some federal attractions may close, there are plenty of open monuments, private museums,  food tours, outdoor walking tours, and local experiences that keep the city vibrant. But it’s hard to know where to go unless you have a local friend to show you. That’s where we come in.

When it comes to things to do during the government shutdown, taking a tour with a local guide is a great way to go! They know where to go and what to do when all the popular sights are “out of service”. Here are 10 walking tours that give you the best off-the-beaten-track and must-see attractions in Washington DC. 

Tours are great things to do during the government shutdown

1. Exterior Capitol Hill Tour

Explore the Capitol grounds, the exterior of the Library of Congress and Supreme Court while visiting the surrounding neighborhood. 

Highlights:

• Visit the outside of the Capitol, Supreme Court, and Library of Congress

• Learn the significance of the architecture and the Capitol grounds 

• Get reserved entry into the Folger’s Shakespeare Library

• Hear historically accurate and entertaining side stories 

Why this tour? 

Though you can visit on your own, without a guide, you’re likely going to miss out on the history and stories behind the neoclassical buildings. Discover hidden gems nestled in DC’s iconic neighborhood. 

2. Lincoln Assassination modified Tour

Although Ford’s Theatre and the Petersen House are closed, this modified Lincoln tour guides you through the surrounding neighborhoods, letting you explore the plotting against Lincoln and experience Civil War–era Washington.

Highlights

• Walk the neighborhood where the conspiracy was hatched

• Visit the back alley where Booth escaped after shooting the President

• Tour the interactive aftermath exhibit that reflects on Lincoln’s legacy

• Learn how John W. Booth and the co-conspirators are hunted and caught

Why this tour?

With an expert guide, you will not only learn the story but also relive that fateful day. You are welcome to walk the streets on your own but why not have a guide bring the story to life! 

3. Veterans and Monuments National Mall Tour

While the National Mall and its monuments are always open and free, a small-group tour brings these iconic sites to life with unforgettable stories of heroism.

Highlights

• Visit the often overlooked Navy Memorial and museum

• Hear tales of veterans and American heroes

• Admire the Lincoln Memorial, WWII, and Vietnam memorial 

Why this tour

The Veterans and Monuments National Mall Tour explores our American war history while also reflecting on the brave men and women who served in our armed forces. Why not learn the stories that make the National Mall more than a series of “boring” monuments.

4. Dupont Circle Neighborhood Dark History Tour

Explore the infamous neighborhood just north of the White House with this Dark History™ Unscripted tour that explores aristocrats behaving badly and the gilded age mansions they called home.

Highlights

• Visit the Heurich House known as the Brewermaster's Castle

• Explore the history of the Dupont and its place in DC culture

• Learn about a mansion that was once served as the White House

• See the current home of the Society of Cincinnati

Why this tour 

If you love the juicy gossip, you’ll love hearing the hidden lives of DC’s high society. It’s filled with drama and decadence.

5. Union Market Food Tour 

The area around Union Station is at times noted to “have nothing good to eat.” We disagree! With this 3 hour food (and drinks) tour, we take you through some of the best eats in the neighborhood. 

Highlights

• Drink a whiskey in DC’s oldest Irish Pub

• Grab a bite at DC’s best street taco’s

• Explore Union Market and the new lesser known eateries

• Discover the “flavors of DC”

• Learn the history of the immigrant neighborhoods and the development of Washington 

Why this tour 

When exploring a new city, one of the hardest things is knowing where to get a decent meal. Read all the blogs you want but nothing like a local showing you DC’s best eats and hearing the inspiration behind their culinary creations. 

6. Arlington Cemetery Tour

Arlington is still open to guided walking tours through the nation’s most hallowed grounds. 

Highlights:

• Visit the tomb of the Unknown Soldier

• Witness the Changing of the Guard

• Visit the President Kennedy gravesite

• Hear stories of fallen heroes, the known and lesser-known

• Get a small-group expert lead tour by local historians

Why this tour?

While you can visit the cemetery on your own, receiving a guided tour enriches your experience so that you can honor the fallen in a more personal way.

7. José Andrés Food Tour

One of the best things to do in DC is enjoy the local eats! Restaurant hop in the world famous Jose Andres food tour. 

Highlights

• Sample from the top José Andrés restaurants (Oyamel, China Chicano, Jaleo, and Zaytinya) in downtown DC

• Taste the one-of-a-kind fusion dishes spanning from Chinese to Mediterranean

• Try local and unique cocktails blends

• Hear the stories that inspired the dishes between stops

  
  

Why this tour?

You’ll get to try several of José Andrés restaurants while our hospitality guides share the stories behind the plates, adding a deeper value to the flavors. 

8. Metro Neighborhood Tour

The only one of its kind, this interactive walking tour takes you through the metro system of Washington, DC. 

Highlights

• Master the Metro and feel comfortable navigating it on your own

• Gain a deeper understanding of DC’s history, architecture, and culture as you explore vibrant neighborhoods

• Taste a true DC classic with Ben’s Chili Bowl’s world-famous half-smoke

Why this tour

You get the chance to blend sightseeing with practical tips for getting around the city. Check out hidden gems with this guided walking tour with a DC local and get an authentic DC experience.

9. Scandals of Capitol Hill Tour

This tour takes you by the Capitol building and local neighborhoods while exploring the hidden crimes and dark secrets of Congress.

Highlights

• Learn about the about the largest library in the world and its shady collection

• Hear stories about the Old Brick Capitol, once a Civil War prison

• Discover stories of death, bloodshed, and false-imprisonment in the hallowed halls of Congress in DC's most iconic building

• Learn about the residents of Capitol Hill in stories of saucy escapades, corruption, and cannibalism!

Why this tour 

Listen to this one of a kind tour that explores the stories that didn’t make news headlines (and for good reason).

10. Georgetown Spies, Lies, and Politics Tour

Discover the underbelly of historic Georgetown on our Dark History™ Unscripted tour with tales of politics, scandals, espionage, and the occult.

Highlights

• Learn about the author of the Exorcist, how the story was inspired, and visit the famed stairs featured in the film

• Discover homes and locations tied to the Kennedys

• Visit the location of one of the oldest known pubs in the city

• Hear tales of real life spies and their escapades

Why this tour 

Explore Georgetown in a way few people do and learn the stories that will make your skin crawl. 

There’s still plenty to do in Washington 

Whether you’re into a  neighborhood tour, cemetery tour, or a food tour, we have options for you. The attractions that you expected to see in Washington DC might not be available right now, but DC is still open!

Why not hire a guide to take your experience to the next level?  Book a small group walking tour and save your vacation. Your trip to DC might become better than you expected!