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    Old Post Office Tower

    4.4 (49 reviews)
    Open 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

    Old Post Office Tower Photos

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    Joyce T.

    It's not located in the old post office building, it's located at the Waldorf Astoria hotel. The entrance is right behind the hotel, getting elevator access to the tower, you pass by the hotel and you will see the beautiful interior of the hotel. The view is good at the clock tower but the wires on the windows are annoying.

    Will M.

    My pictures don't do it justice. Cool quick and FREE tourist thing to do with family or friends visiting. Line moved pretty quick on the weekend. Great views of the city without having to know a VIP.

    Patrick H.

    Spent $20 on a Lyft to get here and they randomly decided not to open today. No info online and no way to find out until we got here.

    Capitol building view
    Adam T.

    Outstanding views and helpful guides. The guides are very knowledgeable so ask them lots of questions. The history and view from the top are spectacular!

    Post Old Fashioned
    Michelle S.

    I accidentally checked in @ the clock tower when I meant to check in @Peacock Alley @The Waldorf Astoria. We were greeted at the Lobby Bar with a beautiful smile from Chenee. I asked about Cherry Blossom Festival cocktails. They sounded a little too sweet for me & I'm not a big fan of vodka. I ended up getting the Post Old Fashioned. Chenee surprised me with a beautiful flower in the ice cube... it was amazing & so is Chenee. Best cocktail in DC. So, to the the manager, please pass this on to Chenee & her manager.

    Daniel R.

    Welcome to the best view in Washington DC! While many people rightfully clamor to go to the top of the Washington Monument, many overlook the incredible and easily accessible Old Post Office. The initial hallway has some cool information curated by the National Park Service, and rangers are stationed throughout the mini museum and are eager to answer questions and provide information too. While the exhibits are certainly nice and well done, it's the view that really knocks your socks off. The panoramic view from one of the tallest buildings in DC provides an unencumbered view of the Capitol, the Washington Monument, and the National Cathedral. I was blown away. There are no tickets required, and bags are allowed (although they will search them). It's a definite must try!

    Up in the clock tower
    Tracy L.

    This really is a hidden gem. It's not too far from the White House and the White House Visitors Center. It requires no reservations and when we went late-morning after our White House tour, there were no other parties walking up with us and taking the elevators with us. If you are looking at the front of the Waldorf Astoria, the entrance is on the back side of the building, so walk towards the back. The tower is hosted by the NPS, so if you collect cancellation stamps, the ranger at the first elevator has the cancellation stamps for you to use. You take a series of 2 elevators to the top. At the top of the first elevator, you get off and see a nice view of the inside of the old post office, the now Waldorf Astoria. You go through a small area with some museum-ish items, and another ranger directs you to another elevator to get to the top of the tower. Once at the top, there is plenty of space to roam, considering not many people seem to know about this gem. We were probably at the top with no more than half a dozen other people.

    Emna J.

    The people that work there are always so nice and the clock tower offers a GREAT view of D.C.

    Danette D.

    Enjoyed the views from the tower. I've been to DC many times and never knew about this place...definitely a hidden gem. No worries you don't have to walk stairs, they have two different elevators that take you to the top.

    View of the Washington Monument from the tower
    Katlyn H.

    The Old Post Office Tower is a hidden gem in Washington DC. It gives amazing views of DC, and it is free and doesn't require a ticket. To get to the tower, you walk to the back of the building and you will see the entrance. You have a quick bag check and then you get you get to go in. On the way to top of the tower, they have some information to read about the area and the building. There are also a couple Park Rangers along the way to give you more info or answer questions. In the tower you get 360 views of DC. The building is also only a few minute walk from the Smithsonian or metro center metro stations, so it is very easy to get to.

    Looking down Pennsylvania Ave towards Capitol building
    Josh B.

    This is such a cool way to see the city!! The entrance is on the back side of the Waldorf Astoria hotel which is across from the IRS. There are two doors. One door that says Museum and Tower and the other for the sushi restaurant. The tower has been closed for so long due to the pandemic and I was glad I was able to just walk right in and head up. Everything is labeled so you definitely can't get lost. Once you enter and walk down to the first set elevator you will be greeted by a NPS ranger who will give you some info about the "Old" Post Office. It was built in 1899 and then revamped in the 1970s to look similar to what it looks like today. The Trump organization did some additional updates to preserve the look and feel when the hotel portion of the building became Trump International Hotel. The Waldorf Astoria now has ownership and the name of the hotel has changed but the "Old" Postal Tower still is National Park Service territory. The first elevator will take you to the 9th floor. You then walk around the wall and can get a great view of the inner structure of the hotel. Then head to the second elevator which takes you to the top. There are park rangers all along the way that are there to inform and help you get up to the top. I loved that you can see DC from a little closer to the ground than the Washington Monument and I didn't have to wait at all or get us super early to get any sort of tickets. I just walked in and went upstairs. Easy peasy lemon squeezy! Or difficult difficult lemon difficult however you look at it. Lol. You can see all the major monuments and museums but I love that I can see DCA airport and all the way to Arlington National Cemetary and the Frederick Douglass bridge. It's so cool! Plus it wasn't busy like many other Washington DC area attractions. I also found some new places I want to explore near the National Cathedral so that is a plus. I highly recommend coming here if you want to beat the crowds and want to see DC from above the height of most buildings. Just make sure you enter the building on the back side which is almost directly across from the Federal Triangle Station exit on 12th St NW.

    Becca M.

    I feel like this is a super underrated view of DC!! The national park service keeps this place up really nicely. I liked all the DC history that's lined on the walls of the building before you go up! I went on the nastiest day ever and it was still really enjoyable. There was also a little booklet about DC birds right before the elevator, which I geeked out about. Also of course the best park, IT'S FREE!

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    1 year ago

    We went two days in a row to try to look at the old post office and it was closed. No indication that it's ever been open.

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    Clean, educational, and breathtaking views of DC! The employees were incredibly friendly, informative, and patient.

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    Review Highlights - Old Post Office Tower

    This is attached to the (now) Waldorf Astoria, however the Tower is manned by the National Parks Service.

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    National Mall - Cherry Blossoms

    National Mall

    (463 reviews)

    The national mall is a must. If you are visiting DC it is a really cool part of history and a…read morelovely place to walk around. You can make it a few hours, a whole day, or just take a morning jog around the park. There are so many open spaces to picnic or let the kids play. There are also many iconic restaurants and museums near by. You can't miss this stop if you are in DC. My pictures are only a few of the highlights. There are so many iconic spots you have to check out.

    The National Mall is a must-visit for both locals and tourists to learn American history. Exhibits,…read moremonuments, and Smithsonian museums showcase historical facts from early European settlement on the eastern shores, post-Civil War Reconstruction, world wars era, Civil Rights era, Asian-American wars era, women's suffrage, modern history, and contemporary history, art, and culture. The National Mall is over 1,000 acres of greenspace, museums, gardens, sculptures, and iconic landmarks all in the heart of downtown Washington D.C. Situated along the thoroughfares of Pennsylvania, Constitution, and Independence Avenues and all cross streets in between, The Mall is open 24/7 with exception to closed door museums. On a beautiful day, the area can seem like a paradise with its ponds, fountains, tree-lined streets, and gardens. Visit during the spring and you can witness the country's most beautiful displays of cherry blossoms and seasonal flowers along the Tidal Basin. At night, the monuments are beautifully illuminated, which can be seen from every vantage point low and high. Much of The Mall's exhibits are best seed during daytime hours. Many of the highly-populated areas are well-lit, however, please be careful as some of the areas around the Tidal Basin, Constitution Gardens, and and Haines Point (East Potomac Park) are dimly lit if not devoid of any lighting at night. However, overall The Mall is generally safe as tourists frequent the area in packs at all hours of the day, but be smart and proceed with caution when walking along The Mall at night. You can spend multiple days just walking and sightseeing along the avenues. A week might be enough time to visit all the major museums. The Mall also hosts many activities and annual events like collegiate commencements, group tours, photography, sports, kite flying, and other pastimes. The Mall is also home to the East Potomac Golf Course and tennis courts. East Potomac Park is perhaps the least glorified area along The Mall, however, it is a great open space for walking/biking, people-watching, picnicking, and dog walking. There are many fields throughout The Mall where locals participate in competitive sports leagues such as VOLO. Often, you'll see large groups playing volleyball, soccer, ultimate frisbee, kickball, football, and even local college teams practicing their water sports along the Potomac River. TIPS: Check the forecast before visiting. Unless you are visiting one of the many museums, The Mall is all outdoors, so ensure your day won't be ruined by weather. Arrive early for parking. You can park along Pennsylvania, Constitution, and Independence Avenues, however, pay close attention to and adhere to parking signs. I recommend downloading the Parkmobile app to pay for parking. If strictly walking around the mall, I recommend parking along a main thoroughfare and walking along the perimeter of The Mall. There are private food and ice cream trucks along The Mall. You can also find refreshment stands and gift shops in and outside of museums and monuments. You'll also find street vendors selling cold soft drinks, water, and ice cream. Bring cash to limit credit card exposure to private vendors. Public restrooms are strategically situated throughout The Mall. I recommend packing hand sanitizer and toilet seat covers if for nothing more than when using the restrooms. The restrooms are generally clean during the winter, however, during the summer when increased tourism outpaces the area's cleaning schedule, you'll need to protect yourself. Overall, a memorable experience each and every visit.

    National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial

    National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial

    (29 reviews)

    I visited a lot of law enforcement museums, and this is the best one I have ever been so far. This…read moreis not a free museum, but it worth the money you spent. They offers law enforcement and student discount tickets. Security and staff were very friendly. My favorite were the use of force demonstration and driving stimulator that visitors can experiences how police officers handle certain situations. There was an instructor, who had 30+ years experience coaching us throughout the experience. I enjoyed that a lot. I will come back again if I happened to be in town.

    This is a low-key memorial that is dedicated to the brave men and women of law enforcement who have…read moremade the ultimate sacrifice. There is metered street parking within a reasonable walking distance. It is right across the street from the Law Enforcement Museum and the DC Court of Appeals. On the other side of the memorial, you will find the Building Museum. The memorial was designed by architect Davis Buckley and dedicated on October 15, 1991. It sits on three acres of federal park land. It has a water feature. However, it was dry during my visit. I looked like they were doing some maintenance on it. The Memorial also features two curving limestone walls along its perimeter, each over 300 feet long, with the names of more than 24,000 officers who died in the line of duty etched on them. The walls are a part of the memorial, along with a line of trees, called "pathways of remembrance". You will find a pathway on each side of the memorial, and each entrance is marked by a powerful statuary grouping of an adult lion protecting its cubs. The sculptures are the work of Raymond Kaskey. They symbolize the protective role of law enforcement officers and convey the strength, courage, and valor that are hallmarks of those who serve and protect. The people being honored date back to the first known death in 1786. The memorial is ever-changing. New names of fallen officers are added to it each spring, in conjunction with National Police Week. I did not see much seating at the memorial, but this place is not a park. It is meant to honor. It does have a peaceful effect, even with the Metro elevator right in the middle. This is not a destination spot, but it is definitely worth a visit if you are in the area.

    Lincoln Memorial - View from the top

    Lincoln Memorial

    (1.3k reviews)

    Can believe I haven't done a review before. First of all I love dc and could look at all these…read morethings over and over again. The memorials are diverse works of art and this temple is no exception The fours score and seven steps that lead to the "Lincoln moment" is one of the truly sacred places in our country. Every American should visit and read two of the three most important American speeches (along with dr kings which was delivered from this spot) Truly beautiful breathtaking architecture Be grateful america!

    The Lincoln Memorial honors Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States, who was…read moremartyred for his contribution in leading the U.S. through the Civil War and eventual freeing of approximately 4 million enslaved Africans and their American descendants after the Emancipation Proclamation. The Lincoln Memorial, at the moment, is the furthest memorial west of The National Mall (with the Desert Shield and Desert Storm Memorial, currently under construction, being adjacent to and slightly further back along Constitution Avenue. The memorial is a little over 100 years old, but you couldn't tell considering its relatively pristine condition due to use of marble and granite in its construction. The stairs of the Lincoln Memorial is the platform of the iconic MLK "I Have A Dream" speech. Normally you can find visitors and tourists sitting on the stairs of the memorial. The Lincoln Memorial is a feature itinerary stop for tour groups, many of which normally a minimum of 25 people. The memorial is in the final stages of completing its $69 million project of a museum and exhibit underground, giving more of a story and construction history of the memorial. The best time to visit the memorial is at sunset and night when it is illuminated and the top of the stairs presents a photo op for the Reflecting Pool, Washington Monument, and U.S. Capitol in the backdrop.

    Executive Office of the President

    Executive Office of the President

    (2 reviews)

    Foggy Bottom

    What's prettier than the White House, the Monument, the Lincoln Memorial and the Smithsonian put…read moretogether? Yes, Ariana Grande is a good answer, but I was looking for the Executive Office on 17th St! A long time ago, the love of my life used to say that this building was the highlight of her trips to DC, and I can see why. I remember walking with her in the pouring rain next to it, and taking pictures of her exposing herself in front of it. Times change... But this building never did. It's glorious and resplendent. It reminds me of something in France, but better kept, perhaps. It looks palatial. If the White House is a little underwhelming then this executive office is completely awe-inspiring. It's level with the Capitol as my favourite building in the DC area, and is the easiest 5-star rating I've given since my Cousin Daniel got drunk and showed me the ropes.

    Didn't really have a lot of time to roam around Pennsylvania Ave. And my friend and I, being…read moreslightly less than ignorant didn't know that the BACK of the WHITE HOUSE would be on Pennsylvania Ave. ** Not impressed** So our pictures we're not exactly anythng to brag about. So we decided to take pictures in front of the Executive Office of the President where the FRONT of this architecture was much more impressive than the BACK of the White House on Pennsylvania Ave. Still a great experience to roam DC and take in the history and political side of the US. (You don't get much of that or appreciate it as much coming from the west coast. Hence, the ignorance of the FRONT vs the BACK of the WHITE HOUSE. =X)

    Old Post Office Tower - landmarks - Updated May 2026

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