White House Tours

White House which includes a city, an administrative buidling and heritage architecture
White House showing an administrative buidling and heritage architecture as well as a small group of people
White House showing an administrative buidling and heritage architecture
White House which includes heritage architecture and an administrative buidling as well as a large group of people
White House showing an administrative buidling, a city and a park


Explore the home and workplace of the president of the United States. See entertainment areas and state rooms and learn about the history of this famous building.

Walk the corridors of power and see where presidents entertain heads of state at one of the most famous residences in the world, the White House. The neoclassical-style mansion has been the home and office of every U.S. president since John Adams in 1800.

Start your tour in the Visitor Center. View exhibits and films covering the history of the White House and its famous occupants. Make your way to the mansion’s magnificent Entrance Hall and the Grand Staircase where presidents and their guests descend prior to state dinners. They pause for press photos at the foot of the stairs while the United States Marine Band plays Hail to the Chief. See busts of presidents and portraits of first ladies lining the Ground Floor Corridor. 

Step into the East Room, the largest room in the mansion, used for state dinners, press conferences and concerts. Observe the famous full-length portrait of George Washington by Gilbert Stuart. Look over the Steinway grand piano with gilt American eagle supports it was given to the White House by the manufacturer in 1938. Just off the East Room is the Green Room where Thomas Jefferson hosted dinners and James Monroe used to play cards. Among the other rooms included in the tour are the State Dining Room, the Library and the Blue Room.

The White House is located at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW in Washington D.C. There is no on-street car parking near the mansion. The White House advises visitors to come by public transportation. The nearest metro stations are Federal Triangle, Metro Center and McPherson Square.

Free self-guided public tours of the White House are available from Tuesday through Saturday, except federal holidays. Tour requests must be made through a U.S. resident’s member of Congress, three weeks to six months in advance of an intended visit. Non-U.S. residents will need to contact their embassy in Washington D.C. for help in submitting a tour request. All visitors aged 18 and over must bring valid proof of identification. A passport is the only acceptable form of ID for foreign nationals.

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Reviews of White House

4.2
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
2957
5 - Excellent 50%
4 - Good
1988
4 - Good 33%
3 - Okay
733
3 - Okay 12%
2 - Disappointing
98
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
185
1 - Terrible 3%

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler

Due to construction on the fence and the police car right in front of the building, there is no spot to take a good photo. As one of the main tourist spots in DC, you would think there would be a better plan by the department of tourism.

4/5 - Good

Traveler618

Very cool to see 'up close'. As close as we were able to anyway. The WH is currently undergoing a fence project/replacement (2019-2021). So there were all kinds of barricades up preventing you to get as close as you'd typically be able to.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Only visited the outside of the White House. You must get tour tickets 1-3 mos. in advance. There is a White House Museum nearby.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

An idiot lives there

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler

Can't get close, unless you have a tour I would skip the extra walk.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

With your reservation, you can go later. You cannot go earlier though.

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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near White House

While visiting the White House, immerse yourself in the vibrant nightlife and explore nearby museums showcasing art and history. Enjoy shopping at local boutiques and visit theaters for live performances. Don't miss major attractions like the National Gallery of Art and the Smithsonian museums, offering diverse exhibits that reflect the rich culture of Washington, D.C. Experience the dynamic blend of entertainment and education just steps away from this iconic landmark.

Shopping

Experience shopping near the White House at CityCenterDC, just 966m away, offering a vibrant mix of shops and restaurants. Union Station Shopping Center and Union Market, both 3.2km away, provide a variety of entertainment and local goods. If you're up for a drive, check out additional options further afield.

Recreation

At Capital One Arena, immerse yourself in the energetic atmosphere of live sports events. The Cosmos Club offers a luxurious retreat with elegant dining and social experiences. For outdoor enthusiasts, East Potomac Golf Course provides a scenic setting to enjoy a round of golf amidst nature.

Adventure

Experience the beauty of Soapstone Valley Park, a 6.4km hiking trail offering scenic outdoor adventures. For some athletic excitement, head to the Rock Creek Tennis Center or the East Potomac Tennis Center, located 6.4km and 1.6km away respectively, both providing great vibes for tennis enthusiasts.

Nightlife

In Washington, D.C., enjoy the vibrant nightlife near the White House. The Kennedy Center and The Anthem, both just 1.6km away, offer enchanting performances, while Ford's Theater, located 966m away, immerses you in culture and romance. Experience unforgettable evenings filled with entertainment.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near White House

During your visit to the White House in Washington, D.C., explore popular attractions such as memorials, museums, and art museums that cater to cultural and outdoor experiences. Don't miss the iconic Washington Monument and the White House itself. For additional insights and travel tips, check resources like TripAdvisor to enhance your trip with local recommendations and activities.

  • National Mall: A sprawling green space, the National Mall is a national park that offers iconic views of monuments and memorials. Perfect for leisurely strolls, picnics, and outdoor adventures, this area is steeped in history and serves as a gathering spot for events and celebrations.
  • Walter E. Washington Convention Center: This state-of-the-art conference venue is ideal for business travelers and hosts a variety of events. Its modern architecture and facilities make it a hub for networking and professional gatherings, showcasing the vibrant energy of Washington, D.C.
  • National Museum of African American History and Culture: This culturally rich museum provides a deep dive into African American history and culture. Visitors can explore powerful exhibits that celebrate the contributions and experiences of African Americans throughout history, offering an enlightening and moving experience.

Best time to go to White House

The best time to visit White House is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January35.1°F (1.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
February38.3°F (3.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
March45.7°F (7.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
April56.3°F (13.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
May65.7°F (18.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June74.3°F (23.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July79.5°F (26.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August77.4°F (25.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
September71.1°F (21.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October59.9°F (15.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
November47.8°F (8.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
December40.6°F (4.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for White House

To save money during your visit to the White House, consider traveling between December and February for lower accommodation rates. Fridays are the most affordable days to stay, while Tuesdays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly options by filtering for Eco-certified hotels and sorting prices from low to high. Additionally, booking a package that combines your hotel, flights, and activities can lead to further savings. Don’t forget to explore free activities in the area to enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around White House are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April to May and October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around White House is Friday. The most expensive day to stay around White House is Tuesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to customize your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will show you sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay near the White House with your flights and activities when you book an Expedia package.

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