White House

White House
White House
White House
White House
White House


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 Centre. 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 Centre 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.

Reviews of White House

4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
46
5 - Excellent 32%
4 - Good
61
4 - Good 43%
3 - Okay
31
3 - Okay 22%
2 - Disappointing
4
2 - Disappointing 3%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller

could not get close - works underway

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

At the moment, surrounded by fencing, can't get close.

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

Washington Plaza Hotel

Washington Plaza Hotel

4 out of 5
10 Thomas Circle NW, Washington, DC
Washington Plaza Hotel
Hamilton Hotel Washington DC

Hamilton Hotel Washington DC

4 out of 5
1001 14th St NW, Washington, DC
Hamilton Hotel Washington DC
Hotel Washington

Hotel Washington

5 out of 5
515 15th Street, NW, Washington, DC
Hotel Washington
State Plaza Hotel

State Plaza Hotel

3.5 out of 5
2116 E Street NW, Washington, DC
State Plaza Hotel
The Architect

The Architect

2.5 out of 5
1025 15th Street NW, Washington, DC
The Architect
Club Quarters Hotel in Washington DC

Club Quarters Hotel in Washington DC

3 out of 5
839 17th St NW, Washington, DC
Club Quarters Hotel in Washington DC
Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square

Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square

5 out of 5
806 15th Street NW, Washington, DC
Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square
Motto by Hilton Washington DC City Center

Motto by Hilton Washington DC City Center

3.5 out of 5
627 H Street NW, Washington, DC
Motto by Hilton Washington DC City Center
Hilton Garden Inn Washington DC Downtown

Hilton Garden Inn Washington DC Downtown

3 out of 5
815 14th St NW, Washington, DC
Hilton Garden Inn Washington DC Downtown
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

Near the White House, visitors can indulge in a vibrant mix of activities, including exploring art galleries, shopping in trendy boutiques, and enjoying captivating theatre performances. Washington, D.C. offers a rich cultural experience, making it a perfect destination for tourists seeking both historical insights and modern entertainment. From museums to lively streets, there's something for everyone in this bustling capital.

Shopping

Discover CityCenterDC, a vibrant shopping centre only 966m from the White House, offering a mix of businesses and family-friendly spots. Union Market and Union Station Shopping Center, both 3.2km away, provide a lively atmosphere for unique finds and gifts. If you're up for a drive, explore more options beyond this.

Recreation

At Capital One Arena, immerse yourself in the exhilarating atmosphere of live sports events. A short stroll to Howard Theatre offers an enchanting musical experience filled with entertainment. For a touch of luxury, visit Cosmos Club, where you can indulge in refined dining and exclusive amenities amidst elegant surroundings.

Adventure

At the Rock Creek Tennis Center, located 6.4km from the White House, immerse yourself in thrilling tennis matches. For a scenic hike, explore the Battery Kemble Trailhead, also 6.4km away, where adventure and stunning views await. The East Potomac Tennis Center, only 1.6km away, offers more tennis excitement.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near the White House with a visit to the Kennedy Center or The Anthem for captivating performances that evoke culture and romance. For a cinematic escape, Regal Gallery Place offers entertaining films in a charming setting, perfect for a memorable evening out.

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

Find the best attractions near White House

Visitors to the White House can immerse themselves in a rich tapestry of culture and history, with popular attractions including memorials, museums, and art galleries. These points of interest cater to families and culture enthusiasts alike, offering a unique blend of experiences that highlight the city's heritage. Exploring these local gems promises an enriching adventure in the heart of Washington, D.C.

  • National Mall: A sprawling national park, the National Mall offers a captivating blend of adventure, stunning scenery, and outdoor vibes. Just 1.3km from the White House, you can stroll among iconic monuments and memorials while soaking in the rich history of the United States.
  • Walter E. Washington Convention Center: Located 1.4km from the White House, this bustling event venue exudes business vibes. It's a hub for conferences and events, showcasing the dynamic spirit of Washington, D.C., and providing opportunities for networking and engagement.
  • National Museum of African American History and Culture: Situated merely 805m away, this museum is a profound celebration of African American culture. With its immersive exhibits, it offers rich cultural insights and a deep understanding of the African American experience.

Best time to go to White House

The best time to visit White House can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around White House falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around White House falls in January, 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 SunnyAverageSlightly High
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 LowAverage
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 on your trip to the White House, consider visiting between December and February for lower accommodation prices. Booking a stay on a Friday is more economical than Tuesday. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter for budget-friendly hotels, including Eco-certified options. Additionally, look for package deals that combine flights, hotels, and activities for extra savings. Don't forget to explore free nearby attractions and utilise public transport, which is often the most cost-effective way to navigate Washington, D.C.

  • 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 June, 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: Expedia’s search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and more. You can arrange your search results to display prices from the lowest to the highest, ensuring you find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you can refine your options by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can enjoy potential savings by combining your hotel booking near the White House with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia