The White House
The White House at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW is the official residence and workplace of the U.S. President — a National Historic Landmark continuously occupied since 1800. Free, self-guided public tours of the State Floor are available Tuesday through Saturday by advance request through your Member of Congress.
Key facts
| Hours | Tue–Thu 07:30–11:30 Fri–Sat 07:30–13:30 |
|---|---|
| Price | free |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | McPherson Square Metro (Blue/Orange/Silver lines) — ~5-min walk to tour entrance at H St NW & Madison Place NW; Metro Center (Red/Blue/Orange/Silver) also nearby |
| Time needed | 45 minutes for the self-guided interior tour; allow extra time for security screening and arrival |
| Best time to go | Early Tuesday or Wednesday morning — lighter crowds mid-week; avoid federal holidays when tours are suspended |
| Last verified | July 12, 2026 |
Locals Score
- Value6.0
- Freshness5.9
- Crowd level5.0
- Authenticity8.0
- Accessibility6.0
Frequently asked questions
- Are there seasonal or special White House tours?
- Yes. Spring and fall Garden Tours open the South Lawn, Rose Garden, and Kitchen Garden to the public; check whitehouse.gov in April and October for announcements. The annual Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn offers free tickets via an online lottery. Holiday tours featuring seasonal decorations are also offered in December through congressional offices.
- How do I get tickets to tour the White House?
- Tours must be requested through your U.S. Member of Congress (House or Senate) between 7 and 90 days before your preferred date. International visitors should contact their embassy in Washington, DC. Slots are first-come, first-served and can be very competitive.
- Can I see the White House without a tour reservation?
- Yes — the exterior is visible from Pennsylvania Avenue and Lafayette Square at any time. The White House Visitor Center (1450 Pennsylvania Ave NW) and The People's House exhibit at the White House Historical Association (1700 Pennsylvania Ave NW) offer free, walk-in experiences about the building's history.
- How long does the White House tour take?
- The self-guided tour lasts approximately 45 minutes. Part of the route is outdoors, so dress appropriately for the weather. Arrive early, as your assigned start time is strictly enforced.
- What rooms are included on the White House tour?
- The self-guided tour covers the State Floor public rooms: the Blue Room, Red Room, Green Room, State Dining Room, Cross Hall, and Entrance Hall. Note: portions of the East Wing are currently closed due to ongoing ballroom construction, so the route may differ from past visits.
- What items are prohibited inside the White House?
- Bags of any kind (including fanny packs), food and beverages, strollers, video cameras, selfie sticks, pens, aerosol containers, and weapons are all prohibited. Compact cameras with a lens no shorter than 3 inches, cell phones, wallets, and car keys are permitted.
- How much does a White House tour cost?
- White House public tours are completely free of charge. No admission fee is collected at any point during the visit.
- What ID do I need to enter the White House?
- As of May 7, 2025, all guests 18 and older must present a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or a valid U.S. passport. Non-REAL ID documents are no longer accepted. Visitors 17 and under do not need to provide ID.
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Where to stay near The White House
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