United States Capitol

sarah

05 Sep 2018

US Capitol

5

5

Date of visit: April 2018

I have experience of challenges around: moving around

Overall Rating

Excellent

US Capitol is one of the most iconic buildings in Washington DC. I would say it’s a must see. Entrance was free. Once we got through security ( for prohibited 🚫 items see https://www.visitthecapitol.gov/plan-visit/prohibited-items )’we made our way to the tour (45 mins long). I would suggest that you pre-book your place on a tour on the Capitol Hill website to avoid queuing ( https://www.visitthecapitol.gov/plan-visit/book-tour-capitol). The tour was packed with information about the history of the building and the congress. After the tour we spent 45 mins !!!!! queuing to go into the senate gallery ( https://www.visitthecapitol.gov/plan-visit/watching-congress-session). I am not sure it was worth the wait. We then had a quick snack in the large cafeteria that had a selection of basic hot/cold/sweet and savoury food. Overall I would say the building was extremely accessible and I would definitely recommend visiting it. More details about accessibility to follow.

Disabled Access In and Around

Excellent

Disabled access was great. All the areas that were open to public could be accessed were also wheelchair accessible (usually via a lift). The pre tour video introduction to the Capitol had allocated spaces for wheelchair users at back of the tiered seating.(See photos). The tour itself included headphones so as the tour guide could be clearly heard ( provided you didn’t stray to far from your group. (See photos)

Parking & Transport

Good

We traveled on the metro and got off at a station that was only a short distance from the Capitol.

Accessible Toilets

Good

Yes

Staff

Good

Some staff were helpful . Security staff could have been more friendly and gentle. Tour guide was friendly.

Additional Information

This might be a useful webpage for some https://www.visitthecapitol.gov/plan-visit/visitors-disabilities I really enjoyed my visit as I am really interested in American history. Would definitely recommend it.