The White House is the official residence and workplace of the President of the United States. It is located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW in Washington, D.C., the capital city of the United States. The White House was designed by Irish-born architect James Hoban and has been the residence of every U.S. President since John Adams in 1800.
In addition to being the President’s home, the White House is also the center of the Executive Branch of the U.S. government. It is where the President conducts meetings with advisors, foreign dignitaries, and other officials, and where he or she signs laws and executive orders. The White House complex includes the West Wing, which houses the offices of the President’s top advisors, and the East Wing, which contains the First Lady’s offices and other functions. Here’s a guide to exploring this iconic piece of American history:
From choosing the land for the White House to approving the design by French architect Pierre Leffon, America’s first president, George Washington, did it all. But he could never set foot in this building
White House facilities include:
- Multiple elevators
- Fireplace
- Tennis court
- bowling alley
- cinema hall
- Exercise track
- Swimming pool and
- Golf course.
Take a Guided Tour
White House offers free guided tours for visitors. But they must be reserved in advance through your member of Congress. Tours are available Tuesday through Saturday and offer a unique opportunity to explore the public rooms of the residence and learn about its history.

Explore the Surrounding Area
The White House is located in the heart of Washington, D.C., and there are plenty of other historic landmarks and attractions nearby. Visit the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, and the National Mall for a full day of sightseeing.
Visit the White House Visitor Center
Located at 1450 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, the White House Visitor Center offers a wealth of information about the history and architecture of the White House. The center also features interactive exhibits and a gift shop.
Attend a Public Event (White House Travel)
The White House hosts a variety of public events throughout the year, including the annual Easter Egg Roll, Christmas Tree Lighting, and garden tours. Check the White House website for upcoming events and ticket information.
Take a Self-Guided Tour( White House Travel
If you can’t secure a guided tour of the White House. you can still explore the grounds and take a self-guided tour of the exterior. Walk around the perimeter of the property and see the iconic South Lawn and the famous Oval Office.
The White House Map:
Enjoy the Architecture (White House Travel)
The White House is an architectural masterpiece, with neoclassical and Georgian styles evident in its design. Take time to appreciate the beauty of the building, including the iconic portico and the famous blue room.
- The entire building is basically divided into three separate parts – West Wing, East Wing and Executive Residence.
- The total area of the building is about 55 thousand square feet.
- It has 132 rooms, 35 toilets and 3 kitchens.
- There are also theater halls, swimming pools, tennis courts, golf courts and jogging tracks.
- It has 412 doors and 147 windows.
- There are 8 stairs and 3 elevators for ascending.
- It takes about 570 gallons of paint to paint the entire exterior of the buildings.
- On the ground floor are a set of other rooms, including the Map Room, China Room, etc.
- The second floor is mainly for family living, and contains the White House. The master bedroom, the yellow oval room, the president’s dining room, a small kitchen, and a private dressing room, among others.
- The third floor has a solarium, game room, linen room and more.
Check out the Gardens:
The White House gardens are a sight to behold, with more than 55 varieties of trees and a wide variety of flowers and plants. The Jacqueline Kennedy Garden and the Rose Garden are two of the most popular areas to explore.
Take a Virtual Tour (White House Travel)
If you can’t make it to Washington, D.C. to visit the White House in person. you can still take a virtual tour through the White House website. The virtual tour offers an interactive experience that allows you to explore the public rooms of the residence.
Valuable information about the White House
- James Hoban, the architect who built the White House, was Irish by birth. He began his career in Philadelphia in 1785.
- This house was called ‘Executive Residence’ until 100 years after it became the residence of the President of America.
- The ‘White House’ was named in 1901, during the time of late former American President Teddy Roosevelt. The White House has architectural similarities to Leinster House in Dublin.
- The White House has an expansive swimming pool. Apart from this, another pool was created during the late President Roosevelt’s tenure. That indoor pool is currently under the James S. Brady press briefing room.
- From choosing the land for the White House to approving the design by French architect Pierre Leffon, America’s first president, George Washington, did it all. e could never set foot in this building
- Although it sounds surprising, this state-of-the-art building was without electricity for the first 100 years. Until 1891, the White House was lit by gas lamps. The first electricity connection came under the 23rd President Benjamin Harrison.
- Like all other high profile buildings, the White House has a secret entrance. The secret passage starts from the basement of the White House and opens at the other end on H Street in Washington DC. This secret tunnel built during World War II. A bomb shelter was also built under the White House.
A visit to the White House is a must for anyone interested in American history and politics. By following this guide. you can make the most of your visit and learn about the fascinating history of this iconic residence. So, take a guided tour, explore the surrounding area, visit the White House Visitor Center, attend a public event, learn about the history, take a self-guided tour, enjoy the architecture, check out the gardens, and take a virtual tour. Happy travels!