Old Post Office Tower
Discover breathtaking, free panoramic views of Washington D.C.'s iconic landmarks from this historic clock tower.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Old Post Office Tower
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover breathtaking, free panoramic views of Washington D.C.'s iconic landmarks from this historic clock tower.
"Seriously one of my favorite trip hacks. #washingtondc #oldpostoffice #observatory #dctiktok"
🎯 Find the Hidden Entrance
Enter via the 'Museum and Clock Tower' door on 12th Street, behind the Waldorf Astoria. :round_pushpin:
💰 Free Admission!
Enjoy stunning city views without spending a dime. No tickets or reservations needed! :moneywithwings:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic City Views
Observation Deck
Gaze upon the Capitol, White House, and Washington Monument from 270 feet up. A truly breathtaking perspective of DC's iconic skyline.
+1
Historic Architecture
Building Interior
Explore the grand interior of this historic building, once a bustling post office, now home to the Waldorf Astoria.
The Bell Tower
Top of the Tower
Marvel at the intricate workings of the tower's clock and bells, a testament to its historical significance.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Find the Entrance
+1Free Views, Big Rewards
+2Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Find the Hidden Entrance
Enter via the 'Museum and Clock Tower' door on 12th Street, behind the Waldorf Astoria.
💰 Free Admission!
Enjoy stunning city views without spending a dime. No tickets or reservations needed!
⏰ Go Early on Weekdays
Avoid long queues by visiting on a weekday morning. Weekends can have hour-long waits. :clock1:
📸 Zoom In!
Wires might be present, but a good zoom on your phone can still capture amazing shots. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Find the Hidden Entrance
Enter via the 'Museum and Clock Tower' door on 12th Street, behind the Waldorf Astoria.
💰 Free Admission!
Enjoy stunning city views without spending a dime. No tickets or reservations needed!
⏰ Go Early on Weekdays
Avoid long queues by visiting on a weekday morning. Weekends can have hour-long waits. :clock1:
📸 Zoom In!
Wires might be present, but a good zoom on your phone can still capture amazing shots. :camerawithflash:
❓ Ask the Rangers
The National Park Service rangers are knowledgeable and happy to answer your questions. :question:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Old Post Office Tower's incredible, free panoramic views of Washington D.C., calling it a hidden gem and a great alternative to more crowded, paid attractions. While the experience is generally positive, some mention long wait times on weekends and a less-than-ideal encounter with one security guard.
"The Clock Tower is awesome. If you come to DC for a visit, you should definitely visit here. You can take the elevator to the top of the tower, where you can see the main buildings of DC. The whole visit was great, almost all the staff we met were enthusiastic.
Except for a security guard who checked the bag at the door. He looked a bit older. His attitude was rude and blunt, and checking process was extremely strict and inconvenient. During the previous Open-Day event, when I visited the British Embassy, I wasn’t asked to take out all the things in each layer of my backpack for inspection. But here the security guard did so. It felt like an officer checking on a suspect! He should be working at the White House entrance checkpoint, not the clock tower tour.
The other lady was very nice and respectful when checking on others."
Henry Zhang
"Good view, had to wait a while. Have to go up two different elevators. They said there was a maximum capacity of 25 people at the top, which was why the queue was so long. There is space for a lot more than 25.
It is free and don’t have to book a time slot so worth the visit."
ellie siebert
"Nice views from the tower. it is free and very quick to see. it opens at 9 AM which is great bc all museums open at 10"
Simona Mihalca
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Old Post Office Tower is located at the intersection of 12th Street and Pennsylvania Ave NW. For the observation deck, enter through the 'Museum and Clock Tower' door on 12th Street, which is accessible from the rear of the Waldorf Astoria hotel.
Paid street parking is available nearby. Many visitors opt for public transportation or ride-sharing services due to the central location.
Yes, several Metro stations are within walking distance, including Federal Triangle and Metro Center. Numerous bus routes also serve the area.
The tower is accessible via elevator, allowing visitors to reach the observation deck. It's recommended to check with the National Park Service for specific accessibility details.
Many visitors find the entrance tricky. Look for the 'Museum and Clock Tower' sign on 12th Street, behind the Waldorf Astoria hotel.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, tickets are not required for the Old Post Office Tower. Entry to the observation deck is free, and you don't need to book a time slot in advance.
The tower is typically open daily from 9 am to 4 pm or 4:30 pm. It's always a good idea to check the official National Park Service website for the most current hours, as they can change.
While generally open, there have been temporary closures. It's advisable to check the NPS website for any advisories before your visit.
Admission to the observation deck of the Old Post Office Tower is completely free.
The National Park Service offers tours of the Old Post Office Tower under an agreement with the building's owner. These tours provide historical context and insights.
📸 📸 Photography
The observation deck offers stunning 360-degree views of DC landmarks. Focus on capturing the Capitol, White House, and Washington Monument.
While photography is generally allowed, be mindful of other visitors and avoid touching any wires or structures.
Yes, the Old Post Office Tower provides an excellent vantage point for photographing the Washington Monument, offering a slightly different perspective than being right next to it.
Consider using a zoom lens to get clear shots of distant landmarks. A polarizing filter can help reduce glare on windows if any are present.
There might be some wires, but with a good zoom on your camera or phone, you can still capture clear and impressive images.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The main attraction is the observation deck offering panoramic views of Washington D.C.'s iconic landmarks. There's also a museum and clock tower to explore.
A visit is typically quite short, often less than an hour, as the main draw is the view from the observation deck.
It can get crowded, especially on weekends and during peak tourist seasons. Visiting on a weekday morning is recommended to avoid long waits.
Yes, restrooms are available inside the building for visitors.
Originally built as a post office and federal building, it's a significant piece of Romanesque Revival architecture. The National Park Service now manages tours of the tower.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families: Arrive early on a weekday to minimize wait times. The open-air observation deck can be windy, so ensure children are dressed appropriately. The rangers are usually happy to engage with kids and share interesting facts about the tower and the city.
💰 Budget Travelers
+2Key benefits: No tickets or reservations are needed, so you can visit spontaneously. It's a great alternative to paid observation decks, allowing you to save money while still experiencing breathtaking vistas of the National Mall and beyond.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1Photography tips: Bring a camera with a good zoom lens to overcome any potential wires and capture distant details. Weekday mornings offer the best light and fewest people. Be mindful of the wind and ensure your gear is secure.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Views: A Guide to the Observation Deck
+1When you ascend to the top, you'll find yourself in an open-air environment, which can be quite windy. While there might be some wires present, reviewers suggest that using a zoom function on your camera can still yield fantastic photographs. Remember the friendly reminder: 'DON'T TOUCH THE WIRES'! The National Park Service rangers stationed here are a wealth of information and are happy to share historical facts and answer any questions you might have about the tower and the surrounding cityscape.
It's worth noting that the tower's capacity is limited to around 25 people at a time, which can lead to queues, especially during busy periods. This is why arriving early on weekdays is highly recommended to make the most of your visit without a lengthy wait.
Finding the 'Hidden Gem': Entrance and Access
+1This entrance is located on the south end of the building, often described as being behind the hotel. Many travelers suggest heading towards the Waldorf Astoria and then looking for this distinct entrance. Once inside, you'll find that the tower is managed by the National Park Service, separate from the hotel operations.
+1While there have been periods of temporary closure, the tower is generally accessible. It's always a good practice to check the official National Park Service website for the most up-to-date information on operating hours and any advisories before your visit.
A Free Alternative: Value and Experience
+2Unlike the Washington Monument, which often requires advance reservations and has a fee, the Old Post Office Tower offers spontaneous visits. You can simply walk in during operating hours, making it a flexible addition to any D.C. itinerary. This accessibility is a major draw, especially for those who might not have planned their trip months in advance.
The combination of stunning, unobstructed views and zero cost makes the Old Post Office Tower a highly recommended stop. It provides a fantastic opportunity to appreciate the city's layout and historical significance from a unique vantage point, proving that some of the best experiences don't have to cost a thing.
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