Lincoln Memorial
The seated marble Lincoln at the Mall's western end, looking down the reflecting pool.
The call
Worth it if you're watching the budget and you only have one day.
Short answer
Is Lincoln Memorial worth it?
Lincoln Memorial deserves a place on most first itineraries. Go early or reserve ahead. Crowds are part of the cost.
The answer depends on your budget, time and travel style; the breakdown below shows who gets the most value.
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.
- 02
The catch: midday it's wall-to-wall tour groups jostling for the same photo.
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're 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're traveling with kids
With kids, Lincoln Memorial is an easy yes.
Think twice if
You're 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