Views over Washington, DC from the Old Post Office Tower

In a city where buildings are not supposed to be built higher than the Capitol dome, there aren’t a lot of panoramic views over Washington.

The Washington Monument is the best vantage point, but the Old Post Office Tower comes a close second.

Old Post Office and Tower, Washington, D.C.

The Old Post Office was built between 1892-1899 in the Romanesque Revival architectural style. It cost $3 million to construct. Its tower stands at 315 feet/96 meters, towering over Washington from its base at 1100 Pennsylvania Avenue.

The tower is administered by the National Parks Service and it is open daily to vistors 9:00 – 17:00, with last entry at 16:30. Entry to the tower is free.

When I lived in Washington, the building, despite its striking architecture, had become somewhat rundown. I often stopped in to admire it, but it hosted a sad little food court and some depressing shops.

Old Post Office and Tower, Washington, D.C.

Sadly, the Old Post Office and Tower was badly in need of renovation work. Redevelopers were sought and offered a 60-year lease.

In 2012, the Trump Organization – long before its head would become President – was offered the bid.

The Trump Organization pledged $200 million to turn the structure into a 250-room luxury hotel.

Today, the sad little food court I once visited to admire its architecture, is now a spectacular lobby for the Trump Hotel – you can see it as you ascend the elevator to the tower.

Old Post Office and Tower, Washington, D.C.

From the top, you can enjoy panoramic views all over Washington. On your next visit to D.C., don’t miss out on the chance to admire the nation’s capital from this bird’s eye perspective.

It’s a great (and free) way to see the city from up on high.

Old Post Office and Tower, Washington, D.C.
Old Post Office and Tower, Washington, D.C.

2 Comments

  1. the #1 Itinerary on August 22, 2019 at 12:12 pm

    Great post 🙂

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