Library of Congress
Library of Congress
4.5
08:30 - 16:30
Monday
08:30 - 16:30
Tuesday
08:30 - 16:30
Wednesday
08:30 - 16:30
Thursday
08:30 - 16:30
Friday
08:30 - 16:30
Saturday
08:30 - 16:30
About
Though the Library of Congress doesn't own every book ever published, it sure has most of them, with 532 miles of shelves and 115 million items, with 7,000 added each working day.
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Plan your visit
The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Upper Northwest
How to get there
- Capitol South • 5 min walk
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1,587 within 5 kms
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572 within 10 kms
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
9,087 reviews
Excellent
7,123
Very good
1,585
Average
322
Poor
41
Terrible
16
ctimms125
Austin, TX67 contributions
Nov 2022
I loved being here! I even got my library card! This building is beyond beautiful! There is so much here. This is art and history and information and the staff here is amazing.
Written 29 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kmusikgal
13 contributions
Jan 2023
Met our expectations and then some. The architecture is larger than life. The reminder of the history was overwhelming.
Written 19 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dianna R
3 contributions
Dec 2022 • Family
The line for security was long - it took about 45 minutes or more to get through it. Considering that we only spent about 30 minutes inside, it was probably not worth the wait. They were not very picky on the entry times on the passes, they seemed to let everyone in as long as they had a pass around the current time. The building is absolutely beautiful, especially the ceilings and marble. The reading room was closed, so you could only look into it. Some of the spaces/rooms were a little crowded and small compared to other DC buildings. If the security line is short, definitely go! If the security line is long, maybe spend the time doing something else.
Written 1 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Rosemary C
Philadelphia, PA25 contributions
Dec 2022
We made a timed reservation as required, and still had to wait in line for a half hour, probably due to the Christmas holiday. It was well worth the wait to visit this spectacular historic building. There is a self guided tour which is worth the time if you are interested and insures that you see the highlights of the building.
Written 1 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
mermaidkatie
Charleston, SC39 contributions
Dec 2022 • Family
Incredibly beautiful, floor to ceiling! Don't miss it! The mosaic of Minerva is unbelievable. Pretty Christmas Tree up in the Great Hall.
Written 20 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Leonhkny
Hong Kong, China11,317 contributions
Dec 2022
This should be added to any visit to Washington DC. With the largest collection of books in the world, the Library of Congress impresses both readers and visitors. Decor is ornate and opulent in every sense. The Great Hall is particularly photogenic. As the de facto national temple of literature, it is a real gem.
Written 16 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Melissa G
Destin, FL21 contributions
Nov 2022 • Solo
This was a really good experience visiting the largest library in the world! Seeing Thomas Jefferson’s books and the Gutenberg Bible was awesome. The staff were really nice telling stories and answering questions. It is a beautiful building.
Written 16 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
reemakaa
Damascus, Syria35 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
Amazing library. The dream of all book insects. I adored the library of Thomas Jefferson which contains 3000 books of every genre. One vosit is not enough..
Written 12 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kai C
Half Moon Bay, CA1,071 contributions
Dec 2022
Beautiful and inspiring place, done in a mixture of neoclassical, renaissance and Secession styles. There is the Main library, a collonaded atrium, the Jefferson library with a sprinkling of exhibits (this time Gerschwin, early Brazilian documents etc). From the architecture, the paintings, the exhortations, the titles of Jeffferson's. books it becomes clear what were was bedrock upon which this Republic was founded: Science, Truth, Art and Equality (not its marxist perversion, equity). The energy behind the founding was driven by the quest for Bueauty and Truth - you can't build an empire with the lazy phantoms of social justice. If you want to understand the US of A, a visit to this Library is an equivalent of having read a library-worth of books.
Written 7 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Worldtraveler8888
6 contributions
Nov 2022
Required spot to visit when traveling to Washington DC. Amazing architecture and art. Historically, a must see for all Americans. One of the major reasons that makes America special, given the sheer volume of books held in the library. A little know fact is that anyone with a driver's license can register for a library card, which enables you to go on the floor of the Jefferson Building, which is well worth taking the time to do so!
Written 4 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ELKW
United States11,537 contributions
Hi, for the security check before entering the Jefferson building, can we bring water (in plastic water bottle), and food (e.g. bread and energy bar) ? if not, is there a place to put those items for us to get back after the visit? thanks
tjoneser
Manhattan Beach, CA35 contributions
I had a water bottle with me and a small crossbody, i would imagine if you had your energy bar/snacks in a small bag it would be fine. I don’t remember seeing lockers but I wasn’t looking for them (I definitely saw them at the African American Smithsonian). You can check their website to see if they have more detailed info.
Mike R
13 contributions
My family will be visiting DC for a day (so time is short!) and my young daughter wants to visit the Library of Congress. Which of the three buildings is "the one" to visit?
Jefferson, Madison, or Adams?
Thank you!
LQ4L
Kalamazoo, MI160 contributions
Jefferson. With the timed entry pass (because of Covid), you will see the special exhibits, rotunda, gift shop, and several regular exhibits. You can also see into the Reading Room research area from the 3rd level overlook. Architecture is stunning. Worth the visit.
Good day! The Library of Congress is amazing! I write a work about history of library. It is very interesting! But I need your help.
In many sources it is written that the library suffered 4 fires. I found information about fires in 1814, 1825 and 1851 years on sites of American history and in books. However I can't find some information about fourth burning. Tell me please when it happened? Which year was this fourth fire? And how many losses were there?
It is VERY important for me. I would be grateful you so much!
I'm going to DC in May 2019 and would love to take the guided tour at the Library of Congress. How do you sign up or do you have to register ahead of your visit?
colette f
35 contributions
We wandered into the Library on a friend's recommendation and were awed. We sat down to watch a video and were then offered a guided tour on the spot. It was well worth it. The building and its contents are amazing. Our visit was in October, when Congress was not in session, so maybe the availability of spontaneous tours was greater. The library is so interesting, you may want to ask your Congressperson to sign you up for a scheduled time to be sure you get the tour. If that doesn't pan out, you can still try once in the building.
MiriamCG
Madrid, Spain549 contributions
Buenos dÃas,
Me gustarÃa saber qué hay que hacer para acceder a la Biblioteca para verla por dentro. No hace falta que sea con Tour.
Hay horarios establecidos?
Muchas gracias.
Luis P
Valencia, Spain1,585 contributions
Yo la visité sin guÃa ni nada
No creo que haga falta
Entré por el Capitolio
Monica V
Lima, Peru78 contributions
Me recomendaron visitar el Capitolio y de ahi la biblioteca por el túnel, es necesario reservar algún tour para eso?
Fabytoti
Atizapan de Zaragoza, Mexico35 contributions
Muy buena recomendación Para el Capitolio hay tours que se contratan ahà mismo Terminando, ya sin el tour ve por el túnel a la biblioteca que aunque los une el túnel no está en el mismo recorrido
RSValente
Brasilia, DF86 contributions
Pode-se visitá-la trajando bermuda?
MiguelAGPaiva
Sao Paulo, SP4,415 contributions
A Biblioteca e o Capitólio pode se conhecer gratuitamente numa única visita,os prédios são interligados. Embora não tenha restrição à bermudas , o ambiente do Congresso é solene.
traumaqueen09
Mounds View, MN24 contributions
How long would you plan to spend here to see everything?
BChupka
Dallas, Texas37 contributions
I would plan 2-3 hours so as not to rush. The tour guides seem very good. My cousin works there so she took us around herself. Much more than a library!!
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Library of Congress, Washington DC - Tripadvisor
Frequently Asked Questions about Library of Congress
- Library of Congress is open:
- Mon - Sat 08:30 - 16:30
- We recommend booking Library of Congress tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 56 Library of Congress tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Library of Congress:
- (0.30 km) Capitol Hill Hotel
- (0.96 km) Kimpton The George
- (0.31 km) Blubambu Suites
- (1.03 km) Phoenix Park Hotel
- (0.31 km) BluBambu Suites - Capitol Hill
- Restaurants near Library of Congress:
- (0.00 km) Dunkin'
- (0.17 km) Madison Cafe, Library of Congress
- (0.19 km) Burrito Brothers
- (0.25 km) sweetgreen Capitol Hill
- (0.19 km) Le Bon Cafe
- Attractions near Library of Congress:
- (0.17 km) U.S. Capitol
- (0.20 km) Supreme Court
- (0.22 km) National Nightmares
- (0.19 km) Folger Shakespeare Library
- (0.17 km) Bob Hope Gallery of American Entertainment