We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.
All 340 Washington DC Attractions »

Old Post Office Pavilion

1100 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W., Washington DC, DC 20004
202 289 4224
Ranked #61 of 215 attractions in Washington DC
4.0 of 5 stars 132 Reviews
Type: Observation Decks/ Towers, Architectural Buildings, Historic Sites
Activities: City walk sightseeing
Fee: No
Description: Historic 1899 building where visitors can go up to the clock tower for dramatic views of D.C.
Useful Information: Activities for older children
Update attraction details
Write a Review

132 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    48
    57
    12
    11
    4
Date Rating
Calhoun, Georgia
Senior Contributor
21 reviews 21 reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 May 2012 NEW

Our group ate there 2x. Finding something you might like was difficult with so many choices. Our bus driver suggested the Old Post Office. I think the most memorable part was one of the electronics stores was taking photos of the students and photoshopping them. They would LAUGH! Got people to buy them too. Did not feel like they were... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Napa, California
Top Contributor
117 reviews 117 reviews
Reviews in 74 cities Reviews in 74 cities
91 helpful votes 91 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 May 2012 NEW

An Amazing View! The building itself is old and historic and definitely worth a stop. It has just been purchased by Donald Trump and will be turned into a hotel. Construction is planned to start next year. However, the clock tower will remain open for tours even after the building is converted into a hotel. With tours of the Washington... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 10 more reviews by WorldWanderer99 for Washington DC
Irmo, South Carolina
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 May 2012
1
person found this review helpful

This is a great place to get an arial view of Washington, DC since the Washington Monument is currently closed. It's free to go up and tower so be sure to do so! It's a little difficult to take pictures due to wire and plexiglass on the top of the tower, but the views are great. There is a mall-type... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 4 more reviews by iteachpc for Washington DC
Montreal, Canada
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 May 2012

Beautiful place, lots of people, many food options, few touristy stores, but the best was the tower. Take the elevators to the top..it's worthed, the view of Washington is breathtaking.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by JOhanne8_11 for Washington DC
Hampshire, UK
Top Contributor
50 reviews 50 reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
22 helpful votes 22 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 May 2012

With the Washington Monument being closed, this is a good substitute to get panoramic views over the city. Unfortunately the plexiglass and wire surrounding the top of the tower make it difficult to take decent photographs. The Pavilion itself is quite spectacular, but none of the retail outlets inside really appealed.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 12 more reviews by williams_tj for Washington DC
Canfield, Ohio
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 May 2012

You most go through security to enter. The view from the tower is breath taking. Minimal crowds were present. Kind of a well kept secret for viewing the city without the lines.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 4 more reviews by Wayicit for Washington DC
Fresno
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 May 2012

Take the elevator (free) up into the bell tower. The view of the National Mall is wonderful. The food court is ok, but a bit over priced (as is most everywhere near the mall).

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 8 more reviews by Miata-lover for Washington DC
Fairfax, Va
Top Contributor
75 reviews 75 reviews
Reviews in 32 cities Reviews in 32 cities
24 helpful votes 24 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 3 May 2012

Havent been here in years, but have always liked this place. THe architecture of the outside is very cool. Inside is just mostly shops, but nice to visit. Make it part of many places to see while in the area. Doesnt take long to check it out.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 24 more reviews by JeffCarter for Washington DC
Camden, SC
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 May 2012

The Old Post Office Pavilion has a huge statue of Ben Franklin, founder of the U.S. Post Office, out front so we seized the opportunity for a photo op with him. Once inside, we had snacks and enjoyed looking at the beautiful architecture before riding the glass elevator to the bell tower atop the building. Because of the bells and... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 4 more reviews by MarlaJayne for Washington DC
outside Washington DC
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 1 May 2012

The Old Post Office Tower in on Pennsylvania Avenue, yet is off most tourists' "to do" list. Put it on. Especially with the Washington Monument being closed, this place will provide you gorgeous views of central Washington, DC. It's a great visit regardless. The architecture is worth having a look by itself - Donald Trump's company recently won a bid... More

Was this review helpful? Yes

Travellers who viewed Old Post Office Pavilion also viewed

National Mall (The Mall)
4.5 of 5 stars 158 Reviews
Washington DC, DC
Smithsonian Institution
4.5 of 5 stars 667 Reviews
Washington DC, DC
 
White House
4 of 5 stars 285 Reviews
Washington DC, DC
Newseum
4.5 of 5 stars 932 Reviews
Washington DC, DC
 

Been to Old Post Office Pavilion? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Old Post Office Pavilion, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing
See all sites
Cruise Critic

The ultimate cruise resource: cruise reviews, deals, news and advice.

SeatGuru

The world's most comprehensive source for airline seats, airline info, & in-flight amenities.

Family Vacation Critic

The best family holidays start here.

Best beach houses of 2012 »