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The White House

Most visitors see it from outside: the north side from Lafayette Square, the south from the Ellipse. Free tours inside run Tuesday to Saturday mornings and must be requested 7 to 90 days ahead (see Know before you go). The White House Visitor Center nearby has exhibits on the house and its families.

Official website
Photo: (top)Cezary p(bottom)MattWade · CC BY-SA 4.0
Open
The outside can be viewed at any time; public tours run Tuesday–Saturday mornings when offered
Price
Free
Time needed
30 minutes
Best time
Early morning or evening for photos without crowds.
Address
1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20500Google MapsApple Maps
Getting there
McPherson Square or Farragut West (Blue, Orange, Silver).
Accessibility
Flat sidewalks around Lafayette Square and the Ellipse.
On site
The White House Visitor Center nearby has restrooms and exhibits.

Why go

Home of every president since John Adams, the White House is smaller in person than many people expect. Most visitors see it through the fence: the north front with its columned portico from Lafayette Square on Pennsylvania Avenue, and the south lawn and balcony from the Ellipse. Public tours of the state rooms are free but must be arranged weeks ahead.

Tips

  • Request a tour 7 to 90 days ahead through a member of Congress (US citizens) or your embassy (international visitors); places are limited and not guaranteed.
  • Security zones change often; follow the Secret Service officers' directions.

Nearby

National Museum of African American History and Culture13 min walk · Must-seeWashington Monument15 min walk · Must-seeNational Museum of Natural History19 min walk · Must-seeUnited States Holocaust Memorial Museum21 min walk

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