Sight guide · Washington, D.C. · United States
Visiting Washington Monument
The 169-metre marble obelisk, finished in 1884, was built in two phases, and a change in the stone's shade about a quarter of the way up shows where work stopped for more than 20 years.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Greyfiveys, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Washington Monument is a landmark in National Mall, Washington, D.C.. Allow 1 hour; it is free. Entry to the top is by timed ticket booked online, with a small service fee; tickets for spring and summer go quickly.
Key facts
- Type
- Landmark
- Area
- National Mall
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Book ahead
- Recommended
- Good for
- views, history and kids
- Best months
- September–November
About Washington Monument
The 169-metre marble obelisk, finished in 1884, was built in two phases, and a change in the stone's shade about a quarter of the way up shows where work stopped for more than 20 years. A lift takes visitors to an observation level about 152 metres up, with views over the Mall, the White House and across the Potomac to Arlington.
Tip: Late-afternoon slots give the best light over the Lincoln Memorial and the river.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 1 hour.
- Cost: Free — no ticket needed for the main area.
- Book ahead: Entry to the top is by timed ticket booked online, with a small service fee; tickets for spring and summer go quickly.
- Where: National Mall.
Best time to visit Washington Monument
To avoid the biggest crowds, aim for the quietest of the good months:
- September: 27°C (81°F) highs, about 8 rainy days, moderate crowds.
- November: 14°C (57°F) highs, about 9 rainy days, moderate crowds.
- October: 21°C (70°F) highs, about 8 rainy days, busy crowds.
For the view at golden hour: in mid-September the sun sets at about 19:17 local time (calculated for Washington, D.C.).
When to visit Washington, D.C. has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Our 3-day Washington, D.C. itinerary visits Washington Monument on day 1, together with National Mall and Lincoln Memorial.
- No. 3 of the 20 sights in our Washington, D.C. things-to-do list.
- Day 1 of the 1-day plan.
- Day 1 of the 2-day plan.
- Day 1 of the 4-day plan.
- Day 1 of the 5-day plan.
- Day 2 of the 7-day plan.
- Listed in free things to do in Washington, D.C..
- One of the picks in historic sites in Washington, D.C..
- A family favourite in Washington, D.C. with kids.
Near Washington Monument
Also in National Mall, so you can walk between them:
- Lincoln Memorial — 45 minutes, free
- National Mall — half a day, free
- National Air and Space Museum — 2–3 hours, free
If you like Washington Monument
- Tidal Basin and Jefferson Memorial — West Potomac Park, 1.5–2 hours
- Arlington National Cemetery — Arlington, Virginia, 2–3 hours
- Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center — Chantilly, Virginia, 2–3 hours
- Washington National Cathedral — Upper Northwest, 1–1.5 hours
Staying near Washington Monument
Where to stay in Washington, D.C. compares every area by price and who it suits.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Washington Monument?
Plan 1 hour. With Lincoln Memorial nearby, it fits a half-day in National Mall.
+Is Washington Monument free?
Yes, it is free to visit.
+When is the best time to visit Washington Monument?
September–November, the quietest of the good months. Late-afternoon slots give the best light over the Lincoln Memorial and the river.
+Do I need to book Washington Monument in advance?
Entry to the top is by timed ticket booked online, with a small service fee; tickets for spring and summer go quickly.
+Is Washington Monument good for kids?
Yes, it is one of our family picks in Washington, D.C.. Washington is one of the best US cities for families on a budget: dinosaurs, the Hope Diamond, space capsules and pandas are all free.