Visit the White House

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Navigating The White House : Answers to common questions

Admission Fee: Tours of The White House are free, but tickets are required and should be requested through one's Member of Congress.
How Long to Visit: Tour duration varies, typically around 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the pace of the self-guided tour.
Washrooms: Accessible restroom facilities are available during the tour.
Hours of Operation: Tours are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis and are subject to availability. Check with your Member of Congress.
Important Information: Advance submission of a tour request through a Member of Congress is required, and security protocols are stringent.
Handicap Accessible: Accessible to visitors with disabilities, including elevator access. Notify The White House of any special needs at the time of tour request.
Pets: Pets are not allowed on tours, except for service animals.
Guided Tours: All tours of The White House are self-guided.
Restaurant or Cafe: No dining facilities available for tour visitors. Numerous options are available nearby.
Gift Shop: An official White House Gift Shop is located nearby, offering a variety of souvenirs and memorabilia.
Parking: No public parking available at The White House. Nearby commercial parking or street parking then walk or use public transportation.
Family Friendly: Tours can be educational for all ages but may be more suited for older children interested in history and government.
Photography: Photography is allowed but with restrictions. No cameras with detachable lenses, tripods, or monopods.
WIFI: Public WIFI is not available during the tour.
Picnic Area: No designated picnic areas at The White House. The National Mall nearby provides spaces for picnicking.

Please note all times and prices subject to change. Please check the offical website for details.

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Map for The White House

Did You Know?

Constructed between 1792 and 1800, the White House was designed by Irish-born architect James Hoban and has been through multiple renovations and expansions.

The building is a symbol of the American presidency and hosts numerous state functions, including state dinners, press briefings, and presidential addresses.

The White House in Washington, D.C., is the official residence and workplace of the President of the United States and has been used by every president since John Adams.

Public tours of the White House are available but require a request through a member of Congress and are subject to strict security measures.

The White House includes the Executive Residence, the West Wing, the East Wing, the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, and the surrounding grounds with the Rose Garden and South Lawn.

Travel Information for
Washington Visitors

Time Zone: Washington, D.C. operates on Eastern Standard Time (EST), which is UTC -5 hours. During daylight saving time, it's UTC -4 hours.

Weather: Washington, D.C. has a humid subtropical climate, with hot, humid summers and cold winters. Summer temperatures often range from 24°C to 31°C (75°F to 88°F), while winter temperatures can range from -1°C to 7°C (30°F to 45°F). The city experiences four distinct seasons, including a beautiful cherry blossom season in spring.

Population: Washington, D.C. has a population of about 705,000 people. It's a significant political and cultural center in the United States.

Size: The city covers an area of about 177 square kilometers (68 square miles). It was designed by French architect Pierre Charles L'Enfant and is characterized by broad streets and avenues.

Language: English is the primary language spoken. However, due to its international presence and diverse population, many other languages are also spoken in the city.

Currency: As the capital of the United States, the currency used is the US Dollar (USD). Credit cards are widely accepted, but carrying some cash can be useful for smaller expenses.

Safety: Washington, D.C. is generally safe for tourists, especially in the areas most frequented by visitors. Like any major city, it's advisable to stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night and in less crowded areas.

Tipping: Tipping is customary in the U.S. In restaurants, a tip of 15-20% of the total bill is standard. Tipping is also common for other services like taxi rides and hotel staff.

Electricity and Plugs: The standard voltage is 120 V, and the frequency is 60 Hz. Washington, D.C. uses Type A and Type B power sockets, like the rest of the United States.

Water: Tap water in Washington, D.C. is safe to drink. The water undergoes strict quality control and meets national safety standards.