Forget the Washington Monument or the Cathedral; this spot offers the best view in all of Washington, DC. Sure, the Washington Monument has those tiny windows and the Cathedral is tucked away in a far-off corner, but truth be told, neither can compare. The National Cathedral might have its charm with breathtaking views from its central tower, but it’s a bit out of the way and comes with a $10 entrance fee, not to mention that guided tours of the towers aren’t cheap.
With the Washington Monument closed until at least 2019, you’re probably wondering where you can get the best publicly accessible view of the city. Some might argue for the National Cathedral, but its location isn’t ideal for capturing all the sights you’d want to see from above. It’s also a bit inconvenient and costly to get to.
The closure of such a coveted viewpoint felt like a letdown for tourists. Strolling around the downtown area, you’ll notice other towers, but most aren’t open to the public. Then, there’s the Old Post Office Building, now known as the Trump International Hotel. Regardless of one’s opinion about the hotel’s controversial presence, the tower and museum, still managed by the National Park Service, remain accessible.
When you’re downtown, look for the entrance to the museum and tower on 12th Street, near the Starbucks. The hotel entrance is on 11th Street, but if you plan on visiting the museum and tower, avoid that one to save time. Inside, you’ll find a series of photographs and captions detailing the evolution of the post office building, from its less appreciated beginnings to its status as a historical landmark before it transformed into a hotel.
Construction of the building took place between 1892 and 1899 as the headquarters for the Post Office Department. Though it was initially considered too confining for postal operations, leading to plans for demolition in 1928, it was essentially saved by the Great Depression. Again, in 1964, there were plans to tear it down, but local pressure and subsequent renovations kept it standing. Declared a national historic site, it underwent various changes until the Trump International Hotel opened in 2016.
One intriguing exhibit is an original vault door that once secured valuables like stamps and money orders. It’s been relocated for display, allowing visitors to peek through and ponder the past.
To reach the top of the tower, you’ll need to take two elevators to the 12th floor. The journey offers a glimpse into the hotel’s interior, although cameras are off-limits (cell phones, however, are not). At the top, you’ll find outstanding views of DC’s skyline, including iconic landmarks like the Washington Monument and the Capitol. While the Washington Monument may be taller, its small windows don’t offer the same expansive vistas you’ll enjoy here.
So, have you visited the Old Post Office Tower or the hotel? What do you think—does it truly offer the best view in Washington, DC? Share your thoughts!
Practical Information:
– Entrance: Located on 12th Street (separate from the hotel entrance on 11th Street).
– Hours: Open from 9 am to 5 pm, with the last entrance at 4:30 pm.
– Admission: Free, managed by the National Park Service.
