Lincoln Memorial
The seated marble Lincoln at the Mall's western end, looking down the reflecting pool.
The call
Worth it if you are watching the budget and you only have one day.
Why
- 01
Climbing the steps to the towering statue with the Gettysburg Address carved beside it lands emotionally even for the jaded — and it's genuinely best after dark, glowing and quieter.
Our read - 02
The catch: midday it's wall-to-wall tour groups jostling for the same photo.
Our read
Is it a fit?
Go if
This is your first trip to Washington DC
The single most rewarding monument stop if you only have an hour.
You are watching the budget
Lincoln Memorial earns the spend, even on a tight budget.
You only have one day
Short trip or not, keep Lincoln Memorial.
You are traveling with kids
With kids, Lincoln Memorial is an easy yes.
Think twice if
You are planning for two
Lincoln Memorial offers some romance, but not enough to make it the reason to go.
Plan it well
- Cost
- Free
- Timing
- After dark, when it is lit and crowd-free
- Allow
- 30–60 min
- Accessibility
- Steps to the chamber with an accessible side elevator
- Getting there
- About a 15-minute walk from Foggy Bottom Metro; open 24 hours