Old Post Office Pavilion

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  • Address
    12th St & Pennsylvania Ave NW, Downtown
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  • Phone
    606 8691
  • Website
  • Transport
    underground rail: Federal Triangle

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Lonely Planet review

The landmark 1899 Old Post Office Pavilion - nicknamed 'Old Tooth' for its spiky clock tower - is a downtown success story. Threatened with demolition during much of the 20th century, the Romanesque building was restored in 1978 and became a key attraction. Now its beautiful, bunting-draped, 10-story central atrium holds shops, a large food court, a discount-ticket counter and government agencies. Go up to the 270ft-high observation deck.

The Park Service operates a glass elevator that takes visitors to the observation deck for a broad view of downtown and a close-up look at the carillon bells. The free tour starts from the northwest corner of the pavilion's ground floor.