Washington, D.C.’s best vantage points

There’s more than one way to get a great view of the District, but for those who want to skip the balconies and instead head straight to the tallest points of the city, here is your guide.

Photo via Gray Lensman QX!

Washington Monument

The Washington Monument rises 555 feet high, making it the tallest structure in the city, excluding radio towers. Unfortunately, the Washington Monument is closed until 2019 for repairs.

For now, it’s worth the mention just to plan ahead.

Photo via Wikimedia Commons/Mike Peel

Old Post Office Pavilion

Sure, this isn’t the tallest building in Washington, D.C, but it is the second tallest. At this point, with the Washington Monument closed, these are the highest attainable views of the city. It’s also located in a Metro-accessible spot near the White House, more specifically at 1100 Pennsylvania Avenue NW.

In March 2017, the historic clock tower in the Old Post Office Pavilion reopened its doors to the public. Admission is free with hours running from Thursday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a last entry at 4:30 p.m. The tower is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Photo via Wikimedia Commons/S. E. Brendel

Washington National Cathedral

Say hello to the third tallest building in the city. For $20, visitors can tour the top of the National Cathedral, led by the Washington Ringing Society. Here, visitors will enjoy an up-close demonstration of the ringing of the Cathedral’s bells. These tours happen twice a year, so keep an eye out for them.

POV Lounge in the W Hotel

If there is one hotel worth searching for in Washington, D.C. for great views, it’s the W Hotel. Why? The views of the White House and the monuments are unbeatable. Here, visitors will also be able to enjoy $15 cocktails and and sometimes even music.

Skydome Restaurant in the DoubleTree Hotel

Last but not least, this Arlington, Virginia, restaurant comes with stunning sites at every turn. Here, visitors can also enjoy good cuisine and professional service. According to the Skydome Restaurant website, the restaurant received the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence Award from 2012 through 2015.