Old Post Office
A majestic Art Deco landmark, the Old Post Office offers stunning architecture, vibrant dining, and unique city views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the weekend crowds.
Old Post Office
Best Time
Beat the weekend crowds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A majestic Art Deco landmark, the Old Post Office offers stunning architecture, vibrant dining, and unique city views.
"Stepping inside, the contrast is breathtaking, modern lines and sleek surfaces juxtaposed against the aged exterior."
🎯 Check Event Schedules
Private events may limit public access. Always check ahead to avoid disappointment.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of exploring, so wear comfy shoes for walking around the vast building.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Grand Interior Architecture
Main Lobby
Marvel at the stunning Art Deco design, where historic charm meets modern elegance. A feast for the eyes!
Old Post Office Pavilion
Rooftop
Enjoy a unique urban oasis with lush foliage and city views. Perfect for a relaxing break.
Hot Chi Food Hall
Ground Floor
Savor delicious eats at this popular food hall, offering a variety of culinary delights.
Washington Old Post Office Tower
Washington D.C.
Ascend for breathtaking panoramic views of the nation's capital. A truly elevated experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Old Post Office
Chicago's Historic Gem
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Event Schedules
Private events may limit public access. Always check ahead to avoid disappointment.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of exploring, so wear comfy shoes for walking around the vast building.
📸 Capture the Grandeur
The architecture is stunning! Bring your camera for incredible photo opportunities.
🍽️ Food Hall Delights
Don't miss the diverse food options at the Old Chicago Post Office building's food hall.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Event Schedules
Private events may limit public access. Always check ahead to avoid disappointment.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of exploring, so wear comfy shoes for walking around the vast building.
📸 Capture the Grandeur
The architecture is stunning! Bring your camera for incredible photo opportunities.
🍽️ Food Hall Delights
Don't miss the diverse food options at the Old Chicago Post Office building's food hall.
📍 D.C. Tower Views
For Washington D.C., the Old Post Office Tower offers free, stunning city vistas.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Old Post Office for its stunning architecture and the successful blend of historic charm with modern functionality. The food hall in Chicago and the panoramic views from the D.C. tower are frequently highlighted as major attractions. Some minor drawbacks include potential access limitations due to private events and the cost of nearby parking.
"If you can't get past the security to view upstairs.... These pictures will show you that it is one amazingly beautiful place.
Private parties and staff get to enjoy the lovely roof top deck that is filled with so much foliage and plenty of balcony seating.
There are several banquet locations through the floors that space out full round bars.
Lobby area when you first walk in had a Walgreens and a few restaurants.
Nice tour spot!"
Marie
"Open to the public historical building not far from downtown. Ideal for casual photo shoots and meetings. The food court inside is amazing with plenty healthy options and a lot of indoor and outdoor seating."
Juan Cardenas
"Stepping inside, the contrast is breathtaking, modern lines and sleek surfaces juxtaposed against the aged exterior. The weathered facade hints at stories of the past, while the interior whispers of contemporary comforts. This harmonious blend of old and new creates a uniquely appealing space. It's a testament to innovative design, seamlessly merging different eras. The result is a dwelling that honors its history while embracing the present."
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What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Old Chicago Post Office building is accessible via public transportation. Many Redditors suggest using the 'L' train or buses, as parking can be challenging and expensive. It's located conveniently for those working in the area.
The Washington Old Post Office Tower is easily reached via the Federal Triangle metro stop. It's also within walking distance of many downtown attractions.
While parking is available in garages near the Old Chicago Post Office building, it can be costly. Many visitors opt for public transit to save money and avoid traffic.
Yes, the Washington Old Post Office Tower is centrally located and a pleasant walk from many D.C. landmarks, making it an easy addition to a day of sightseeing.
For the Old Post Office Pavilion in Chicago, access is generally through the main building entrances. For the D.C. tower, the entrance is on 12th Street NW, behind the Waldorf Astoria hotel.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General access to the common areas and food hall of the Old Chicago Post Office building is usually free. However, specific events or private functions may require tickets or reservations.
Visiting the Old Post Office Tower in Washington D.C. for the observation deck is free! Self-guided tours begin approximately every five minutes from the elevator lobby.
The Old Post Office Tower hours are typically 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., seven days a week. It's always a good idea to confirm current hours before your visit.
While the D.C. tower offers self-guided tours, guided tours of the Chicago Old Post Office building might be available for special events or groups. Check with the venue management for details.
Access to the Old Post Office Pavilion, including its rooftop garden, is generally included with entry to the main building. No separate tickets are usually required.
📸 📸 Photography
The grand Art Deco interiors, the rooftop garden of the Old Post Office Pavilion, and the panoramic views from the Washington Old Post Office Tower are all fantastic for photos. 
Yes, photography is generally allowed in public areas of the Old Post Office buildings for personal use. However, professional shoots might require permits.
Absolutely! The observation deck of the Washington Old Post Office Tower is a prime spot for capturing stunning photos of the D.C. skyline.
Drone usage is typically restricted in urban areas and around historic buildings. It's best to check local regulations and venue policies before flying a drone.
A camera with good low-light capabilities is recommended for the interiors, while a wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the architecture and city views.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Old Chicago Post Office building features a popular food hall with diverse options, including Hot Chi Chicken, offering a great spot for lunch or a casual meal.
While the Old Post Office Tower itself is an observation point, the surrounding building (now the Waldorf Astoria) and nearby Pennsylvania Avenue offer numerous dining establishments.
Generally, bringing outside food might be restricted in designated dining areas or during private events. The food hall offers convenient options.
The food hall at the Old Chicago Post Office building offers a variety of cuisines, from American comfort food like fried chicken to other international flavors.
While not always explicitly mentioned, the food hall often includes vendors that offer coffee and pastries, providing a caffeine fix.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Explore the impressive Art Deco architecture, enjoy the food hall, relax in the Old Post Office Pavilion's rooftop garden, or attend an event. It's a versatile space for various activities.
The main attraction is the free observation deck offering panoramic views of D.C. landmarks. The building also houses the Waldorf Astoria hotel.
Historic buildings are often working to improve accessibility. It's recommended to contact the venue directly for the most up-to-date information on accessibility features.
For the Chicago building, you could spend 1-3 hours exploring the common areas and dining. The D.C. tower visit is typically shorter, around 30-60 minutes for the views.
Yes, restrooms are available in the public areas of both the Chicago Old Post Office building and around the D.C. tower observation area.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💼 Business Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architectural Marvel of the Old Post Office
Key architectural features include its massive scale, elaborate ornamentation, and the use of limestone and granite. The interior spaces often boast soaring ceilings, decorative motifs, and a sense of grandeur that harks back to a bygone era. For those interested in Chicago's architectural history, the Old Post Office is a prime example of the city's rich building heritage. It’s a place where history is not just preserved but actively experienced.
In Washington D.C., the Old Post Office Tower offers a different, yet equally captivating, architectural experience. While part of a larger historic building, its observation tower provides a unique vantage point. The blend of historic structure with modern hotel amenities showcases how these landmarks can be revitalized for contemporary enjoyment.
Experiencing the Old Post Office Pavilion
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the Pavilion serves as a versatile area for events and gatherings, showcasing the building's adaptability. It’s a testament to innovative urban design, transforming a functional space into an attractive amenity. The contrast between the urban landscape and the serene garden environment is particularly striking.
For those visiting the Washington Old Post Office Tower, the experience is centered around the breathtaking views. The self-guided tour allows visitors to ascend and take in the panoramic vistas of the nation's capital at their own pace. It's a popular spot for both tourists and locals looking for a unique perspective of D.C.
Dining at the Old Post Office
+1One of the standout vendors, Hot Chi Chicken, has garnered significant attention, with many praising its offerings as a top-tier choice. The food hall's atmosphere is lively, making it an enjoyable experience to explore the different stalls and sample various cuisines. It’s a great way to experience the modern amenities of the historic building.
While the Washington Old Post Office Tower itself doesn't house extensive dining facilities, its prime location means that a plethora of restaurants and cafes are just a short walk away, particularly along Pennsylvania Avenue and within the adjacent Waldorf Astoria hotel.
Social
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