The Pentagon Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience the Pentagon. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Washington DC in One Day: Guided Sightseeing Tour

• VIP Best of DC with US Capitol + National Archives Reserved Entry

• Private Multilingual DC City Tour (Spanish, Portuguese, English)

• Small Group Washington DC Tour with Changing of the Guard

• Washington DC Tour from New York Spanish/English

While official tours of the Pentagon are free, you’ll need to make reservations; these can be booked between 14 and 90 days in advance (if there’s availability). Visitors without a reservation can still see the impressive exterior—there are many guided tours available that include a stop, starting from US$89.

Yes, the Pentagon is worth visiting. History and military buffs, especially, will be interested in exploring the massive building, which includes displays about the branches of the armed forces. Even without joining a tour, you can see the National Pentagon 9/11 Memorial, honoring those who died at the Pentagon on September 11, 2001.

Per one customer who booked the Private Customized Tour of Washington DC with US Veteran, "Tom recommended Arlington for an extended period and to take in changing of the guard and details/other memorials, Pentagon 911 memorial and via the embassy row to the Washington Cathedral (as we requested). We were very impressed in his detailed knowledge of all aspects of these sites and he made it very interesting for all of us—so much so that the time flew by."

Yes, the Pentagon offers public tours on Tuesdays and Thursdays. However, it’s not a case of simply showing up. Tours are available to US citizens who book at least two weeks in advance. Staff must clear all visitors for entry prior to their arrival.

No, you cannot visit the Pentagon without a tour. Security is understandably tight at the headquarters of the United States Department of Defense. Potential visitors must book official tours at least 14 days in advance (and no more than 90). Tours are offered on a first-come, first-served basis and quickly sell out.

Tours of the Pentagon take about 60 minutes. Wear comfortable shoes since you walk around 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers). Tours include the history of the four branches of the military and visit the indoor memorial near the September 11 crash site, the September 11 Memorial chapel, and the Hall of Heroes.

No. To protect staff privacy and security, staff prohibits visitors from taking pictures inside. Visitors cannot bring any electronic devices on Pentagon tours. Since there is no secure storage for these devices, visitors are encouraged not to bring cell phones, cameras, headphones, and other electronics.

While the Pentagon does not have public parking, drivers can leave their cars at the Pentagon City Mall and walk five minutes to the entrance through a pedestrian tunnel. To avoid parking, take the Blue and Yellow metro lines to The Pentagon Station.

There are many things to do when you're done visiting the Pentagon. According to travelers, these are some of the top sights in Washington DC:

• The White House

• Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial

• US Capitol

• Lincoln Memorial

• Washington Monument

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