Ghost Walking Tour Washington D.C.: Capitol Hill Haunted History

Restless spirits, bloodstains, and phantom cats in the halls of power

This 90-minute ghost walking tour through Capitol Hill uncovers the haunted history of Washington, D.C., moving between the U.S. Capitol and the Folger Shakespeare Library. You'll hear tales of presidential tragedies, assassinations, and paranormal activity tied to real events, led by an expert guide in English. All fees and taxes are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each2 stops

1. U.S. Capitol20m
2. Folger Shakespeare Library20m

Haunted Capitol Hill walking tour

• Explore haunted U.S. Capitol
• Visit Folger Shakespeare Library hauntings

The experience

You've got a free afternoon in Washington and you've already done the standard Capitol tour. This one goes where the textbooks stop: into the darker corners of America's political history and the spirits that supposedly never left. The guide walks you through Capitol Hill, stopping at two major sites: the U.S. Capitol itself, where bloodstains mark old violence and a phantom cat is said to roam, and the Folger Shakespeare Library, where former caretakers and librarians are rumored to linger because they couldn't bear to leave their collections. The stories are grounded in real historical events (assassinations, tragedies, documented paranormal reports) not invented ghost lore.

The tour runs 90 minutes and moves at a walking pace through the neighborhood. An expert guide leads the way in English, explaining not just what happened at each location but why people believe it's still happening. The Folger Library stop is particularly detailed: the guide walks through the two theories about why libraries become haunted, whether it's the trauma of a past event or the attachment of people too devoted to their work to ever truly leave. You're not entering buildings or waiting in lines. You're standing outside these landmarks while the guide tells you what your history teacher didn't.

All fees and taxes are built into the price, so there's nothing extra to arrange. The tour is wheelchair accessible, and families with small children can bring strollers. Service animals are welcome. This is the kind of tour that works for history buffs curious about the paranormal side of politics, families looking for something different than another monument visit, and anyone who wants to hear the stories that don't make it into the official record.

What’s included

• Expert guide in English.
• all fees and taxes.
• access to two major haunted sites (U.S. Capitol and Folger Shakespeare Library).

Information

Lasts 1h 30m, runs every day at 21:00, from US$ 29.99 per person, with a live guide in English and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 21:00Last departure this season: 29 NovAnother time? ›

GroupUp to 301 private ›

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (6 to 11 years) · Infant (under 6): free

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPets welcome

Operated by Ghost City Tours of DC

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English throughout, so anyone comfortable following a walking tour in English can follow the stories: families, history buffs, and first-time visitors to D.C. all work equally well here. What sets this apart is the focus on the paranormal history nobody teaches: you're not getting the official Capitol tour again, you're getting the darker stories that stay off the plaques.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 11 years); Infant (under 6): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly happens at the U.S. Capitol stop on this ghost tour?

At the U.S. Capitol, the guide reveals the violent history and paranormal activity that the standard tour glosses over, including bloodstains on the staircase and reports of a phantom cat that haunts the building. You'll learn what happened there and why people believe the spirits remain.

Why is the Folger Shakespeare Library considered haunted?

The Folger Shakespeare Library is believed to be haunted for one of two reasons: either a tragedy occurred there, or the former librarians, caretakers, and benefactors were so attached to the collection that they never left. The guide explains which theory applies to this particular library.

How long does the tour take and what's the pace like?

The tour lasts 90 minutes and moves at a walking pace through Capitol Hill. It's suitable for all fitness levels, and you'll spend time at two main stops (the Capitol and the Folger Library) with the guide providing commentary at each location.

What's included in the ticket price?

All fees and taxes are included in the price you pay upfront. There are no hidden costs or additional charges to add on the day of the tour.

Does the guide speak English?

Yes, the tour is led by an expert guide who speaks English throughout the 90-minute walk.