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White House
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Landmark
The White House, located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C., is the official residence and workplace of the President of the United States. Designed by Irish-born architect James Hoban in the Neoclassical style, the building was constructed between 1792 and 1800 using white-painted Aquia Creek sandstone. It has served as the home for every U.S. President since John Adams moved in in 1800. The structure has endured significant challenges, most notably being set on fire by British forces in 1814 during the War of 1812. Over the centuries, the complex has undergone multiple expansions, including the addition of the West Wing in 1902 under Theodore Roosevelt, which now houses the iconic Oval Office. Today, the executive mansion spans six levels and stands as a global symbol of American government and democracy. It remains one of the most heavily secured yet widely visited administrative buildings in the world.
- Location: United States
- Top sights: Interior Museum · DAR Museum · Ford's Theatre National Historic Site
- Nearby: Montross (31 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 0 | 1 | 6 | 12 | 18 | 23 | 26 | 25 | 21 | 14 | 8 | 3 |
| Rain mm | 67 | 70 | 84 | 92 | 109 | 118 | 116 | 109 | 107 | 105 | 80 | 95 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Public tours of the White House are available but require advance reservation months ahead through your embassy. The exterior can be viewed from Lafayette Square and Pennsylvania Avenue.
Typical hours
Public tours are typically Tuesday through Saturday, 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The grounds are open to visitors on select days like Easter Monday.
Photography
Photography is allowed during the public tour, but video recording is prohibited in some rooms. From outside, you can take photos anytime along the fence.
Time needed
A guided tour lasts about 45 minutes; viewing the exterior is quick. With travel time, allow at least two hours.
Combine with
Combine your visit with the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and National Mall. All are walkable along the Mall.
Getting there
The White House is at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue; nearest metro station is Federal Triangle. Parking is difficult; public transport is recommended.
Insider tip
Request tickets for the public tour months in advance through your embassy - demand is very high. For an exterior view, late afternoon provides nice light.
Geography
Facts
- The building contains a total of 132 rooms.
- There are 35 bathrooms and 412 doors throughout the mansion.
- The name 'White House' was officially adopted in 1901.
- The structure was partially built by enslaved laborers.
- The White House kitchen can serve dinner to as many as 140 guests.
- There are 28 fireplaces located throughout the entire residence.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town White House (16)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Can I go inside?
Only with very long advance notice.
Can I see it from outside?
Yes, from the fence.
Who lives here?
The US President.
How long is a visit?
Usually just for a photo.
Is it safe?
Very heavily guarded.
White House: where is it located?
White House is located in United States.
White House: what is there to see?
Highlights include Interior Museum, DAR Museum, Ford's Theatre National Historic Site.
White House: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
White House: why is it worth visiting?
The White House, located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C., is the official residence and workplace of the President of the United States.
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