Old Post Office Pavilion

"The Old Post Office was built in 1899 and features a beautiful hotel now, but also free access (9-4 daily) to the 270ft observation deck in the clock tower, overseen by the National Park Service. The NPS reckons you can see about 12 miles in any direction from the open tower windows. There are NPS guided tours throughout the day and sometimes special events, so check the NPS website for more info before you go. This is important because it does close down periodically for maintenance, and those days are also on the website. We tried to get up there on a weekend and it was a 2 hour wait. I went on a weekday in the afternoon and had the entire tower to myself with one of the awesome ranger’s pointing out all of the cool sites I knew nothing about - it was like a complete VIP experience for free. There is also a museum - signs on a hallway wall really - that explain the history of the area as well as the building itself - definitely a spot to hit."

"I recently visited the Old Post Office Pavilion in DC and it was a great experience! The views from the clock tower are absolutely amazing - it's definitely worth the wait in line. The staff were very helpful and kept the line moving quickly. I would highly recommend a visit to this historic venue."

"I read this was a hidden gem, but it was more hidden entrance than gem. It's in the Waldorf Astoria building, but through a back/side entrance that's practically hidden. No lines and it was free. Okay views of the city, but electric wires or dirty glass prevented great photos /views."

"Can't get tickets to the Washington monument, no worries, this place is just as good if not better. Located in the Waldorf Astoria the old post office is free and gives you great views of DC. The door to the tower/elevator is behind the main entrance of the hotel, across the street from the Federal triangle Metro stop, signs will guide you. You will take two elevators to the open air tower and will be provided with some great views of DC."

"A beautiful landmark in the heart of DC. It's free for the general public and everyone can go up to the top of the bell tower and have the mesmerizing view of the entire District of Columbia. The place has elevators for easy access to the top floor and the lobby. It's not too crowded at the top but it is narrow there. The view is amazing and it's a destination everyone visiting DC should go to."