Visitors Guide To The White House
The White House is one of the worlds most well-recognised buildings, and home every president of the United States but George Washington himself. An Irish builder called James Hoban won a contest for the right to build a home for the American presidents and modelled it after his favourite Irish country house. A well thought out piece of design, the White House is not only impressive from the outside, but inside consists of a series of rooms, each with its own special purpose. A whole floor of the White House is dedicated to welcoming visiting guests, signatories and heads of state.
Dinner is served in this State Floors huge State Dining Room, while guests are received in the Blue Room or Red Room and parties are given in the East Room. The Presidents area of the White House is the West Wing. He works here with his staff from the famous Oval Office, located within this wing. While the exterior of the White House remains unchanged, the interior has been remodelled and restored several times.Tours of the White House have always been popular, not just among tourists, but among American citizens themselves. If youre thinking of planning a special White House tour then take a look through our guide to the White House and its tour process.
Getting there
The White House is close to several metro stations these are Metro Center, McPherson Square and Federal Triangle. Parking however is not so easy to come by in the White House area, so wed recommend taking public transport for a less stressful trip.
Information on tours
Tours of the White House are very popular and are strictly limited in number so it really is essential to book ahead. White House events can often lead to the cancellation or postponement of public tours which operate all week except Sunday and Monday. When booking ahead, remember that places are granted on a first come first serve basis.
The White House Visitor Centre
Before or after your White House Tour, or if you havent managed to secure a place on a White House tour, a trip to the White House Visitor Centre will give you all the background information you need to know about this famous building and its place in the worlds history. Here you can learn about all aspects of this famous house from its inhabitants past and present, to its architecture, interior design and dealings with the press and world leaders. Visiting hours are Monday through Sunday from 7.30am until 4pm.
Dinner is served in this State Floors huge State Dining Room, while guests are received in the Blue Room or Red Room and parties are given in the East Room. The Presidents area of the White House is the West Wing. He works here with his staff from the famous Oval Office, located within this wing. While the exterior of the White House remains unchanged, the interior has been remodelled and restored several times.Tours of the White House have always been popular, not just among tourists, but among American citizens themselves. If youre thinking of planning a special White House tour then take a look through our guide to the White House and its tour process.
Getting there
The White House is close to several metro stations these are Metro Center, McPherson Square and Federal Triangle. Parking however is not so easy to come by in the White House area, so wed recommend taking public transport for a less stressful trip.
Information on tours
Tours of the White House are very popular and are strictly limited in number so it really is essential to book ahead. White House events can often lead to the cancellation or postponement of public tours which operate all week except Sunday and Monday. When booking ahead, remember that places are granted on a first come first serve basis.
The White House Visitor Centre
Before or after your White House Tour, or if you havent managed to secure a place on a White House tour, a trip to the White House Visitor Centre will give you all the background information you need to know about this famous building and its place in the worlds history. Here you can learn about all aspects of this famous house from its inhabitants past and present, to its architecture, interior design and dealings with the press and world leaders. Visiting hours are Monday through Sunday from 7.30am until 4pm.
