Washington DC: Ghost Tour Capitol Hill & Folger Library

Summary

Walk past the capitol at night and hear real ghost stories that still echo in these old dc streets

You’ll walk Capitol Hill at night with a local guide who knows every odd story and shadowy corner. Hear about bloodstains on marble stairs at the U.S. Capitol and why some believe librarians haunt the Folger Shakespeare Library. This all-ages ghost tour includes entry fees and is fully accessible — expect goosebumps and maybe a laugh or two along the way.

What’s the experience like?

“So, you really think the Capitol’s haunted?” That’s how our guide started — grinning, flashlight already flickering a little. I don’t know if it was nerves or just the sticky Washington air, but I felt a shiver before we’d even left the first corner. We wandered along those wide steps where history feels heavy, and she pointed to a spot on the marble staircase. “Bloodstains right there,” she whispered, almost like she didn’t want to wake anything up. You could smell cut grass from the lawn crews, but every so often there was this cold draft that made my arms prickle. Maybe just the wind? Or maybe not.

I’d read about day trips in DC before, but nobody mentioned how quiet it gets around the U.S. Capitol after dark — except for our little group and the occasional police radio crackle. Our guide told us about an old cat ghost (seriously), and Li laughed when I tried to say its name in Mandarin — probably butchered it. She said people have seen its eyes glowing near the rotunda. Didn’t see any cats myself, but I kept glancing over my shoulder anyway.

The Folger Shakespeare Library was next — all gothic shadows and that faint musty-paper smell you only get in places where books outnumber people by thousands. The guide asked if we believed libraries could be haunted by their own caretakers; a couple of us shrugged, but honestly, after hearing about librarians too attached to leave their collections? It made sense in a weird way. The marble floor felt colder here, or maybe I was just thinking too much about ghosts who never finished reading their favorite play.

I didn’t expect to feel much on this ghost tour of Washington DC — figured it’d be mostly stories for tourists. But something about standing there with strangers in the half-light, listening for footsteps that shouldn’t be there… I still think about that view of the Capitol dome lit up against the sky. Can’t say I believe everything we heard, but I kind of hope some of it’s true.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore haunted sites in Washington DC

• Visit U.S. Capitol haunted spots
• Learn ghost stories at Folger Shakespeare Library

Top questions

Is this Washington DC ghost tour suitable for kids?

Yes, it's an all-ages walking tour and suitable for families with children.

Does the tour include entry into any buildings?

The tour explores sites like Capitol Hill and outside Folger Shakespeare Library; details may vary by date.

How long does the Ghosts of DC walking tour last?

The exact duration isn't listed, but most DC walking tours last 1–2 hours.

Are strollers or wheelchairs allowed on this ghost tour?

Yes, all areas are wheelchair accessible and strollers are welcome.

Is pickup included for this Washington DC ghost tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; guests meet at a central location.

Do you need to book as part of a group?

No, solo travelers are welcome; groups of 10+ should contact sales for private options.

What’s included

Your evening includes all fees and taxes for both outdoor stops at Capitol Hill and the Folger Shakespeare Library; everything is wheelchair accessible so everyone can join without worry — just bring your curiosity (and maybe a sweater if you spook easily).