The White House Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience the White House, even if you just see it from outside. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• DC Memorials Night Tour: Glass-Roof Convertible Upgrade Option

• National Mall Monuments Night Tour with 10+ Stops, Entry Tickets

• Washington DC Monuments by Moonlight Tour by Trolley

• Washington DC in One Day: Guided Sightseeing Tour

• Washington DC & Philadelphia 1-Day Guided Tour from NYC

Visiting the interior of the White House is currently free; however, you can only gain access by writing a letter to your Member of Congress (US Representative or US Senator), and it’s not guaranteed. Plus, the White House is undergoing renovations, and tours may be paused or canceled throughout 2026. To see the exterior of the White House on a guided tour, expect to pay approximately US$25 per hour per person. You can also visit on your own, but you won’t have the benefit of live commentary.

Yes, the White House is worth visiting, even if you only see it from its exterior (like most visitors). On guided tours, White House visits typically include stopping along Pennsylvania Avenue NW, where you'll have a great view of the exterior, while guides offer insights into what's inside and the architecture. Many important events took place here or close by, so you'll be standing on hallowed ground.

Per one customer who booked the National Mall Monuments Night Tour with 10+ Stops, Entry Tickets, "This was an amazing way to see DC and the monuments at night! The tour guide James (a former college history professor) was exceptional - very informative, educated and shared fun facts and interesting historical information that appealed to the kids and adults alike. He made the experience memorable!"

Yes, members of the public can tour the White House. All requests should be made up to three months (and no fewer than 21 days) in advance via your Member of Congress. If you’re an international visitor, submit a tour request directly to your country’s Washington DC embassy.

Visitors to the White House go through an in-depth screening process and should bring an approved photo ID. A number of items (including bags, cameras with detachable lenses, video cameras, and strollers) are prohibited. In general, bring as little with you as possible, as those with prohibited items cannot enter.

White House tours are typically held Tuesday–Saturday (excluding public holidays), from 9:30am until 12pm. If your tour request is approved, you will be assigned a specific visiting time slot. Note that White House tour times can change with little notice due to official government business or inclement weather.

You can see a range of White House rooms during your tour of the landmark, including rooms in the East Wing (like the Blue Room, the Red Room, and the Green Room), the China Room, and the State Dining Room. You’ll also get views of the White House Rose Garden.

No, there is no official dress code for the White House. However, it’s recommended to dress for the weather, as visitors must wait outside before entering. Avoid bringing bags of all types and other prohibited items, and it’s best to dress respectfully and avoid wearing anything too revealing or controversial.

There are tons of fun things to do when you're done visiting the White House. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in Washington DC:

• Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial

• U.S. Capitol

• Washington Monument

• Lincoln Memorial

• Vietnam Veterans Memorial

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in Washington DC.