10 Ways to Prepare for a Walking Tour of Washington DC

If you’re planning a trip to Washington, DC, a walking tour is one of the best ways to soak in the history, culture, and character of the city. But before you lace up your sneakers and hit the sidewalks, there are a few smart steps you can take to make sure your tour is fun, stress-free, and totally memorable. From navigating Metro stops to packing sunscreen, these tips will help you feel confident and comfortable every step of the way.

Whether it’s your first time in DC or you’re a returning visitor looking to explore something new, being prepared makes all the difference. Walking tours are all about discovery, and with a little planning, you’ll be free to enjoy every story, statue, and snapshot along the route. Let’s dive into 10 ways to prep like a pro for your DC walking tour!

10 ways to prepare for a walking tour in Washington DC

When visiting Washington DC one of the best ways to see the city is on foot. However, if not prepared it could completely make or break your stay. We’ve decided to lay out the top 10 tips you should know before heading on a walking tour of DC.

1. Read through the details of your tour

We have all gotten excited about a tour, booked it and then realized we didn’t really know how the tour would work. The best way to ensure a great tour is to read through the description carefully.  Does your tour go inside of any sites or is it fully outside?  How long will the tour be?  Does the tour say the total walking distance or estimate the step count for your tour?

You want to be sure that you know exactly what you’re seeing, how the tour will work, when/where the tour will end. All of these details will help you complete the steps below and make sure that you have a fabulous experience.

2. Plan your transportation beforehand

Once you have all the tour details at hand, you can think about the best way to travel to the tour meeting spot.  In Washington, DC that usually means leaving your car behind and considering public transportation or rideshare.  While these can be easy and efficient methods of getting around, if you don’t have much experience, you’ll want to brush up on the details before the day of your tour.

We typically suggest using Metro, Washington’s rail system to easily move around the city.  All of our walking tours are easily accessible from a Metro stop. If your hotel is not Metro accessible, rideshare may be your best option. Make sure you’ve checked the address of your meeting spot on Google Maps in advance to ensure that it makes sense.  Some rideshare operators won’t be familiar with the site or their services can have a glitch that takes you to the wrong place.  If you’ve already consulted the map and determined where you’re going, you should be able to avoid these challenges.

3. Plan to arrive at your tour early

Guided tours are often the best way to see a city and its sites.  However, meeting up with a guided tour can be the hardest part.  When you book your tour, be sure to note the meeting spot as well as any directions for locating the spot.  It is also a good idea to recheck this information a day or two before the tour in case details have changed since your original booking.

On the day of your tour, plan to arrive at the meeting point at least 30 minutes in advance.  This gives you ample time for traffic or transit delays and to look around for the correct landmarks.  Typically guides arrive early and once you’ve checked in, you can always grab a drink, take photos or look at the location of your next activity.  Arriving early will reduce your stress, increase your ability to locate the meeting spot, and allow you to enjoy the tour without worry.

4. Wear comfortable walking shoes

Sites on your tour may appear close together on the map or perhaps you’re only touring one building.  However, even a single museum tour can involve significant walking or standing.  Wearing comfortable, supportive shoes can help you to enjoy the entire tour, as well as the activities you have planned for the rest of the day.

Typically, sneakers or walking shoes are suggested.  Be careful to consider the weather.  In the winter, a sturdy winter boot may keep your feet warm, but if you haven’t walked in those shoes, you may end up with blisters or other foot pain.  Similarly, that cute new pair of sneakers you bought for the trip may look great in your social feed, but new shoes are usually a recipe for disaster.  Plan to wear comfortable, sturdy shoes that you’ve had luck with on previous walks or tours.

If you are planning to do multiple tours in one day or even over the length of your stay, it may be a good idea to bring more than one pair of tour shoes.  Rain, puddles or other factors can render one pair of shoes temporarily unusable.  Switching your shoes from day to day can also help your feet from getting overly tired on a busy trip.

5. Dress for the weather

Since no one can control the weather, most tours run rain or shine. You don’t want to miss the highlights due to a rainy day or chilly temperatures. Layers are always your best plan for travel and that is true for walking tours as well.  In the winter, you may want your warm coat and a sweater underneath, but once you get inside a museum, you may find it warm enough for just a T-shirt.

In the fall and spring, a chilly morning can develop into a beautiful afternoon, so a jacket over lighter layers can help you transition.  Also, walking tours can really warm you up.  So bringing jackets that zip rather than pull over can be a great way to stay warm when you’re standing, but cool off a bit when you’re walking.

6. Bring sun protection 

Many of us remember to bring hats and sunscreen for the beach or the pool, but a walking tour can involve long sun exposure as well.  Again, your first step is to check security procedures wherever you are planning to tour. 

Some facilities don’t allow liquids or aerosols so you may need to apply your sunscreen at the hotel before you go.  You may also want to consider a small, travel size bottle of your regular brand so that you don’t have to bring a larger bag.  Finally, a hat or umbrella can help to mitigate sun exposure without having to bring along the sunscreen at all.

7. Bring water and a small snack

Before bringing any food or water, please check the rules of the museum or site where you’re going.  Some sites, like the U.S. Capitol, DO NOT allow food or drinks inside at all.  You should then make a plan for food and water along your way.  For example, bringing an empty water bottle to fill or scheduling a snack time at a food court or coffee shop near your destination.

While many sites allow you to carry in food or a water bottle, you often cannot actually eat or drink inside the buildings.  Plan to bring pre-sealed snacks, like bars, nuts or chips that won’t spill in your bag or need refrigeration.  These can also be easily eaten while walking to a tour or between buildings on a tour.  Water bottles are the best way to manage hydration as they can be refilled at most sites.  They are most easily managed in the bottle pocket of a day pack or even a small purse.

8. Plan for charging and photos 

There is nothing worse than taking a great tour through an amazing building while worrying that your phone is about to run out of battery.  You won’t be able to take pictures of your experience and you’ll spend the whole tour worrying about how you’re going to rideshare back to the hotel or access your tickets for your next activity.

While bringing a charging cord and plug can be useful, this option leaves you tied to one spot while you wait for your phone to recharge.  By packing a portable charger, you can make sure that your phone keeps up with your plans for the day.  When fully charged, many of these devices can power your phone all day, sometimes for as many as three full charges.

You also want to consider how you want to take pictures during your tour.  Your guide can advise when pictures are permitted and other rules about photography.  But you get to decide if you’ll just use your phone camera, an instant camera, a separate digital camera or even old school film. You’ll want to be sure that your device is approved to clear security, that you’re comfortable carrying it all day and that it can be used when you want to snap the perfect shot.  Most museums don’t allow tripods or selfie sticks, so you don’t want to have those in your plan.

9. Bring a small purse or sling bag

After considering all of the items above, you’ll probably need a small travel bag to safely transport what you’ll need for the day.  First, confirm what bags, if any, are allowed in the museum or site that you are planning to visit on your tour.  Typically a bag smaller than a hardback fiction book will work.  Most sites will provide specific dimensions and it is a good idea to confirm that your bag will fit before heading out.  

Only put in the bag what you will need for the day.  In cities like Washington, DC you will pass through security to enter nearly every building.  It’s a good idea to keep your bag packed and prepared for airport-like security wherever you go.

A bag that crosses over your body or around your waist can be more comfortable to wear all day. Minimizing the weight in your bag can also make your day more pleasant.  A bag that feels a little heavy will feel increasingly uncomfortable as your step count rises.

10. Be ready to learn

The best part about taking a guided tour is how much you can learn about the site or area that you are visiting.  Take a moment after you arrive and check in to get ready to learn.  Put aside frustrations from public transportation or that group text from your friends about going out next week.  Don’t worry about how to get to the next tour or activity while you’re at this one.  Your guide will probably be able to help you figure out a plan, you might even have time to ask them before the tour starts.

Choosing a walking tour will be one of the best memories of your trip.  Make sure that you are present and ready to engage in this experience.  Ask questions as you go along, your guide loves to be able to share the information that you are the most interested in.  Most of all, have fun!

Now you're ready to join a DC walking tour!

A walking tour in Washington, DC can be one of the most rewarding parts of your trip—if you’re prepared. With a little planning, from reading your tour details to wearing the right shoes and packing the right gear, you’ll set yourself up for a smooth, enjoyable experience. These small steps can make a big difference in how much you see, learn, and enjoy along the way.

DC has so much to offer, and a well-prepared walking tour lets you take it all in at a relaxed, engaging pace. So take a deep breath, get organized, and get ready to explore one of the most fascinating cities in the country—on foot.