Did you know you can visit the White House for free?

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Did you know you can visit the White House for free?

With the ushering in of a new American president, what better time to make a visit to the White House. We’ve compiled all the information you might need to plan your White House visit below. It’s worth noting that these tours are very popular, so booking in advance is essential.

The White House is one of the world’s most well-recognised buildings, and home every president of the United States but George Washington himself. The White House’ designer was hand picked by city planner Pierre L’Enfant and the then president George Washington. James Hoban, an Irish builder was chosen to build the president’s residence, a project which took eight years to complete.

A well thought out piece of design, the White House is not only impressive from the outside, but inside consists of a series of rooms, each with its own special purpose. The State Floor is where the president formally receives his guests. On this floor are the Blue Room at its centre, the Red Room which is one of four state reception rooms, and the East Room where large parties and receptions are held. Guests are treated to dinner in the State Dining Room which can seat 140 guests. For those of you who missed the TV series, the West Wing of the White House is where the President does business. It was built in 1902 to separate the living area of the President and his family from the offices of the President and his team. While the exterior of the White House remains unchanged, the interior has been remodelled and restored several times.

Transport links and facilities
For those using public transport, you’ll be pleased to learn that the White House is served by several close-by metro stations – McPherson Square, Federal Triangle and Metro Center. If you’re travelling by car, parking is available in the area but it is rather limited. We would advise to leave early in the morning to get a space, or just hopping on the metro instead.

White House tours
Tours of the White House are very popular and are strictly limited in number so it really is essential to book ahead. The tours are carried out between 7.30am and 12.30pm Tuesday to Saturday, but can regularly be cancelled due to special events. You’ll roughly need to book up to one month ahead, but if you don’t get a place in time for your trip to Washington, you can still enjoy the White House Visitor Center.

The White House Visitor Centre
Before or after your White House Tour, or if you haven’t managed to secure a place on a White House tour, a trip to the White House Visitor Centre will give you all the background information you need to know about this famous building and its place in the world’s history. Here you can learn about all aspects of this famous house from its inhabitants past and present, to its architecture, interior design and dealings with the press and world leaders. Visiting hours are Monday through Sunday from 7.30am until 4pm.