Exploring Washington, DC: What to Do During a Government Shutdown

UPDATE

Congress has passed appropriations November 12, 2025 and the federal government has reopened. Here is a running status update:

• Library Of Congress is open as of noon Nov 13

• US Capitol is open for tours

• US Supreme Court is open to the public

• Smithsonian Museums - American History and Air and Space will open Friday Nov 14, others rolling out openings over coming days

• Ford's Theatre is open for tours

• Arlington National Cemetery was unaffected by the shutdown and is under normal operations

DC is still open! If you’re planning a trip to Washington, DC, you might be worried about the government shutdown. It can be confusing for visitors. Where can you go? What can you do? Is it even worth visiting DC, or should you cancel your plans?

Have no fear! Washington is still a fantastic city to explore. DC is more than just the federal government. There are plenty of attractions, experiences, and award-winning dining options waiting for you. You may need to adjust your plans a bit, but it’s absolutely worth visiting Washington, DC. In this article, we’ll answer your frequently asked questions about government shutdowns and highlight the many activities still available to you!

What is a Government Shutdown?

The Capitol may be closed but we are not. Join an evening tour!

Every year, the U.S. government determines its budget for the upcoming year. If the appropriation—a federal budget bill—is not passed by the deadline, the government shuts down until an agreement is reached. During this time, many government institutions close. Some employees still work but aren’t paid until Congress agrees on a new budget. Others can’t work at all, leading to the closure of various government services.

When Does a Government Shutdown Happen?

A government shutdown occurs whenever there’s an unresolved disagreement regarding the proposed budget. This disagreement can be between the House and the Senate or between Congress and the President.

How Long Will the Government Shutdown Last?

The quick answer: no one knows. Government agencies remain closed until appropriations resume, meaning until the law passes to fund these organizations. Shutdowns can last anywhere from a few hours to over a month. The longest recent shutdown lasted 35 days in 2018, but most are resolved within a few days. The duration depends on when Congress and the President agree on a budget.

Elected officials typically want to resolve the situation quickly. The sooner a budget is passed, the sooner federal services and workers can return to their duties.

Guests looking at the Great Hall of the Library of Congress. Photo Source Liam Gideon

How Will a Government Shutdown Affect My Trip to DC?

Many of the top sites remain open, but it can be hard to keep track. Follow our tour offerings on this website and our social media to stay updated on which of your must-see sites will be open. The list may change depending on the length of the shutdown, so check back frequently for the most current information.

With countless things to do in DC, you can still have a fun and unforgettable trip. Explore monuments, wander through hidden DC streets, catch a show, enjoy a meal, visit a dive bar, or check out private museums. There are plenty of activities available in Washington, DC, even during a government shutdown. The key is to find an expert guide to show you the hidden gems off the beaten path.

Why Hire a Tour Guide in Washington, DC

How to Get Around During a Government Shutdown

Learn how to use the Metro and explore local neighborhoods! Photo Source Liam Gideon

The Metro should operate as usual. You’re free to move around the city like normal. With many government employees at home, the trains should have plenty of seats available. If you’re curious about navigating the Metro, we offer a DC Metro tour that covers the basics of our subway system.

What Will Be Closed During a Government Shutdown?

Since a government shutdown affects all government-funded buildings, many attractions in DC will be closed. The Archives will be completely shut down. Both the Capitol and the Library of Congress will also be closed. However, we are still providing outdoor tours of the Capitol and the surrounding neighborhood, along with entry to the Supreme Court on weekdays and the Folger Shakespeare Library!

Other institutions that are partially funded have decided to remain open for several days. This includes the seventeen Smithsonian museums, such as the Natural History Museum, American History Museum, Air and Space Museum, and the National Gallery of Art.

Are Tours Still Available?

Watch the Changing of the Guard at Arlington Cemetery. Photo Source Liam Gideon

Great news! Yes, tours are still available! Unscripted Tours will be offering 17 different tour options, which will still include entry to many popular area museums.

• A two-hour tour includes the exterior of the Library of Congress and the US Capitol, entry into the Supreme Court, and entry into the Folger Shakespeare Library.

• Walk through Civil War Washington in the Penn Quarter neighborhood. You'll learn about the conspirators and the plot to kill Lincoln, along with other notable figures from that time. Your guide will show you original Civil War buildings, including the exterior of Ford's Theater and Petersen House, finishing at the historic National Portrait Gallery.

• Join leading experts in Arlington National Cemetery for a two-and-a-half-hour guided walking tour and discover the stories that make up our most hallowed grounds.

• Our current information indicates that the Smithsonian will remain open during the first several days of a shutdown, so our popular Smithsonian Highlights tour of the Museum of Natural History, the Museum of American History, and the Air & Space Museum will be available. We will also offer more in-depth single museum tours for guests who wish to dive deeper into each collection.

• Explore DC’s famous neighborhoods. Choose from Dupont Circle, Capitol Scandals, or Georgetown. Join our expert guide on a one-and-a-half-hour walking tour of DC’s neighborhoods and their hidden stories.

• Learn to navigate the DC Metro system with this two-and-a-half-hour tour. Use the Metro to explore local neighborhoods while learning how to get around the city.

• This unique tour will begin at the Navy Memorial and take guests through the history of Americans at war. Planned stops include the World War I Memorial, the Price of Freedom exhibit in the Museum of American History, and a walk down the National Mall to see the Washington Monument, the World War II Memorial, the Korean War Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the Lincoln Memorial.

  
  

Want to Stay in the Loop? Follow Unscripted Tours for Updates and Offers.

In conclusion, while a government shutdown can create uncertainty, Washington, DC remains a vibrant city full of opportunities for exploration and discovery. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or simply enjoying the local scene, there’s something for everyone. Don’t let a shutdown deter you from experiencing all that this incredible city has to offer!