Once you’re there: Seating for the Monday-Wednesday hearings is first-come, first-served, so you might not get in. Either way, the building itself is open for self-guided tours weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (except federal holidays). Expect to see lots of marble as well as a statue of John Marshall — known as “the great chief justice” — portraits and busts of justices. If you have time, docents offer 30-minute lectures on Supreme Court history from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (The lectures are offered when the court is not sitting or after it has adjourned for the day.)
What’s in the neighborhood: After listening to all those arguments, it might be time to give your brain a break. Grab some pub grub and zone out watching sports at Bullfeathers (410 First St. SE). Or if the words inspire you, head to the Folger Shakespeare Library (201 East Capitol St. SE) to admire Shakespearean artifacts.
Info: 1 First St. NE. 202-479-3030. www.supremecourt.gov/visiting.
Cost: Free.
Transit: Union Station or Capitol South Metro stations.
U.S. Capitol
The U.S. Capitol is one of the city’s most popular tourist destinations, especially during the Cherry Blossom Festival (March 20-April 27). “We go from a few thousand people a day in January and February to close to four times that number in the springtime,” says Tom Fontana of the Capitol Visitor Center.
Have a plan: Make sure to allow plenty of time for this stop; you can easily spend a half-day here. You must get tickets in advance for Capitol tours (up to 90 days before your visit) through the visitor center or your representatives’ offices (limited day-of tickets are available at the center’s information desk). You also need to go through your representatives’ offices to see the House and Senate chambers or to get a staff-led tour, which can be faster and provide more personal attention. The downside? Your tour guide might be an intern who isn’t steeped in Capitol lore.
Once you’re there: Your visit begins at the visitor center; plan to arrive about 45 minutes before your tour to get through security (the building is open Monday-Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). While waiting, browse the center’s exhibition space, which features such historic treasures as the table used by Abraham Lincoln during his second inaugural address in 1865 and the House gavel used during the roll call vote to declare war on Germany and Italy in 1941. In fact, even if you don’t have tour tickets, the visitor center is worth a stop if you’re in the area.
What’s in the neighborhood: After your visit, check out the Tune Inn, a Capitol Hill institution (331 Pennsylvania Ave. SE), and the go-to option for burgers and beer. Eavesdrop on congressional aides and reporters swapping stories on the latest political doings. And if it’s frigid out, there’s nothing like stepping into the jungle room of the U.S. Botanic Garden to warm up (100 Maryland Ave. SW).
Info: First and East Capitol streets. 202-226-8000. www.visitthecapitol.gov.
Cost: Free.
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