Old Post Office Tower
A 270-foot clock-tower view over Pennsylvania Avenue — but public access has been suspended as of 2026; confirm before going.
The call
Worth it if you're traveling with kids and you're traveling as a couple.
Short answer
Is Old Post Office Tower worth it?
Old Post Office Tower is a specialist choice, not a default stop.
The answer depends on your budget, time and travel style; the breakdown below shows who gets the most value.
Why
- 01
When it's open, it's DC's best-kept view secret: a free, walk-up clock tower with the second-tallest panorama in the city and almost no line.
- 02
The hard catch as of 2026: NPS tours have stopped and the federal government has moved to sell the building, so access is suspended/in flux — do not route a visit here without confirming it has reopened.
Is it a fit?
Go if
This is your first trip to Washington DC
Was DC's free, line-free view secret — but treat it as 'check first' until access is restored, and default to the Washington Monument or a rooftop bar for a guaranteed view.
You're traveling with kids
With kids, Old Post Office Tower is an easy yes.
You're traveling as a couple
As a couple, Old Post Office Tower is an easy yes.
You're traveling solo
Solo, Old Post Office Tower is an easy yes.
Think twice if
You're watching the budget
Old Post Office Tower can strain a tight budget. Go only when it is a priority.
You only have one day
Keep Old Post Office Tower only when it outranks a half-day elsewhere.
You want context, not just the photograph
Old Post Office Tower offers some depth & learning, but not enough to make it the reason to go.
Plan it well
- Cost
- Free
- Timing
- Any daytime hour; verify the tower is open with the building first
- Booking
- Free, no ticket required
- Allow
- 30–45 min
- Accessibility
- Elevator access; the observation windows are caged
- Getting there
- Federal Triangle Metro, on Pennsylvania Avenue