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Washington Monument
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Washington Monument

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See all things to do
Washington Monument
4.5
9,396
#35 of 500 things to do in Washington DC
Monuments & Statues
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9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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About
The Washington Monument elevator is closed until spring 2019.
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Upper Northwest
How to get there
  • Smithsonian • 8 min walk
  • Federal Triangle • 10 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
2,681 within 3 miles
Sweet Home Cafe
254
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Cafe • Vegetarian Friendly
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Cafe
227
0.2 mi$ • Quick Bites • Cafe
Round Robin Bar
328
0.5 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar
G Street Food
18
0.1 mi$ • Vegetarian Friendly
Cafe du Parc
888
0.5 mi$$ - $$$ • French • American • Cafe
Old Ebbitt Grill
12,972
0.6 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Seafood
Constitution Cafe
14
0.3 mi$ • American • Cafe
The Hamilton
2,500
0.6 mi$$ - $$$ • Japanese • American • Bar
Central Michel Richard
924
0.6 mi$$ - $$$ • American • International • Vegetarian Friendly
Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse
1,636
0.6 mi$$$$ • Steakhouse • Brazilian • Barbecue
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Attractions
611 within 6 miles
National Cherry Blossom Festival
182
87 ftCultural Events
The Jefferson Pier
5
393 ftHistoric Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
National Museum of African American History and Culture
3,596
0.2 miHistory Museums
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
11,229
0.2 miHistory Museums
National World War II Memorial
10,146
0.3 miMonuments & Statues
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
12,351
0.5 miNatural History Museums
National Museum of American History
5,011
0.3 miHistory Museums
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
11,933
0.7 miMonuments & Statues
District of Columbia War Memorial
154
0.2 miMonuments & Statues
Bureau Of Engraving And Printing
958
0.3 miGovernment Buildings
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
9,396 reviews
Excellent
5,648
Very good
2,752
Average
862
Poor
82
Terrible
53
Heaton11
Maniago, Italy9 contributions
Washington Monument Tickets Same Day
Sep 2022 • Family
Group of 5 visited on Labor Day weekend. Ticket reservations were sold out online, but I saw that they gave out daily tickets each morning at 9 a.m. Arrived at the building at the base of the hill near the monument at about 8 a.m. and there were roughly 50 people already in line. Hundreds more showed up over the next 45 mins. Booth opened at 8:45ish and had a sign displaying what times were available and got ours for later in the afternoon. Some early times went fast, since people were already there.

A single person can get 6 tickets to make it easier for large groups or families. I'm not sure the total tickets that they were giving out, but it looked like a few hundred were available.

Incredible views from the top. Be sure to pay attention to restricted items. My mother forgot she had nail clippers in her purse and they made her go out and discard them before she could enter.

Well worth the visit though!
Written September 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Andy Y
Sunderland, UK15 contributions
Great views over DC
Jul 2022
We had tried to get tickets to go up the monument online before our trip to DC but this attraction sells out very fast online. Additional tickets are released the day before but even then you're lucky if you get one. So the only option is an early morning queue outside the ticket office to get some last minute on-the-day tickets.
We got there around 8am and the queue was already formed. We were lucky to get two tickets, we weren't bothered about the time as we had all day to explore so if you want a specific time, get there early.
The monument is great to look at from the outside, its amazing that they managed to build it solely from blocks with no steelwork back in those days. I don't think you appreciate the building until you get inside and get to hear from the rangers about the history of the building. when you go up the elevator to the observation deck there is more information to read about and also more importantly 4 viewing windows to see out across DC. The views are stunning and great photo opportunities, with a map above each window to show you what you're looking at.
On the way down the elevator there is a nice little surprise too, I actually wish i'd been able to walk down the 800+ stairs to see the internal block work.
One of the best attractions in DC.
Written July 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
dustythoughts
Manchester, CT1,663 contributions
Meditative, poignant reminder
Jan 2022
This starkly beautiful memorial is a meditative reminder of what this country stands for and what it could achieve. It's not as intricate as some of the other nearby memorials, but it's an integral part of the city's landscape and anchors the surrounding attractions. You can buy tickets to go to the top, but they sell out quickly, so either buy tickets well in advance or be prepared to wait in line to see if there are any remaining on the day of your visit.
Written July 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Brandon K
Flagstaff, AZ1,625 contributions
Get your same day tickets and see the whole city
Sep 2022
Not only is this a great monument on its own, the fact that the elevator to the top is open again and only costs $1 for a reservation on the website is just surprising. i think you can get free tickets if you show up in person when they release new tickets. It is really sad that they just had someone deface the monument just before we left town. This is a must see - easy to stand behind that. You can also come by at night, perhaps after riding an electric scooter, and see it bathed in the lights.
Written September 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Christine
New York350 contributions
Must See DC
Mar 2022
You can go up to the top of the Washington Monument by reserving tickets the morning before. Tickets go live at 10a and get grabbed up quickly.

Do this is you are able to. The views from the top are unmatched. It's really such a unique way of seeing DC. We were there on a cold and extremely windy day. Once inside the monument, all of that went away. This is one of my favorite things to do in DC.

Be aware that even with tickets, the queue for entry is outside in the elements, so if the weather is bad or really hot / cold, be prepared to wait outdoors before you are allowed to enter the monument as they do it in small groups based on reservation time.
Written April 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Elliott P
Skokie, IL488 contributions
The most beautiful place in the world
Sep 2021
From the Grand Canyon to the Chicago skyline, I've seen plenty of breathtaking sites. None, however, were more beautiful than that of the Washington Monument--that towering pillar of white stone which Eliza Hamilton herself raised funds over two centuries ago.
Seeing this is the obvious highlight of any trip to Washington, D.C. The way the Lincoln memorial, reflection pool, Washington Memorial, and Capital dome are all lined up makes for one unbeatable photo opportunity once sunset rolls around (though the view is amazing at any time of day).
Even if you don't enjoy walking, this walk will be worth the effort. Don't miss out on the chance to take in America's most beautiful sight.
Oh, and it's all free.
Written September 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
redhead_roaming
Seattle, WA2,352 contributions
So Tall!
Feb 2022
We went on a random day of the week, around 12pm, when it had been drizzling out so it was pretty quiet in the area. The sun had started to come out, though, and National Mall was getting busier. The Monument was still pretty quiet and as we wandered up, it was around 12:03. We looked to see if we could join the 12pm tour group that was getting ready to go up but looking online, it was sold out for the next hour or so. We didn't have a lot of time to walk the Mall so it was for the better that we didn't go up anyway.

You had to go fairly far away or take a realllllly extreme angle if you're up close to fit the whole Monument in your picture! But when it's against a blue sky, it's perfection!
Written April 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
mfarid2009
Cairo, Egypt213 contributions
A great historical site to visit
Jan 2020 • Couples
I have been to Washington DC several times but this is the first time I try getting up into the monument and I am glad I did. I really liked the way they presented information about how this monument was created and the different stage it went through. It gives a great brief of such a historical symbol. I highly recommend to visit but it is best to reserve your tickets online as it is only one dollar per person but saves a lot of time.
Written January 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sphynxlovers
Dalton, GA100 contributions
Great photo-op
Oct 2021
Pictures do not do this monument justice. You have to walk up to it to be able to take in the sheer height and mass of this monument. It is beautiful and a great place to take a break or take pictures.
You can take a tour to the very top of the monument but you will need to reserve tickets for the tour the day before. We didn't take the tour but you can still go to it and enjoy it.
Written October 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Charise M
Sanford, FL8 contributions
A MUST SEE
Jun 2022 • Family
Never knew you can go up. Tickets are required (only $1pp processing fee) They book up fast and only 30 days prior. I had a 3day window and luckily got the last ones of the last day for my family. SO WELL WORTH IT. Book at recreation.gov
Written June 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Washington Monument (Washington DC) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Frequently Asked Questions about Washington Monument
Washington Monument is open:
  • Sun - Sat 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
We recommend booking Washington Monument tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 105 Washington Monument tours on Tripadvisor