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Old Post Office

4.7
·765 reviews·Chicago, United States

A majestic Art Deco landmark, the Old Post Office offers stunning architecture, vibrant dining, and unique city views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Lunchtimes

Beat the weekend crowds.

CrowdMedium
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Old Post Office - Image 1

Old Post Office

Best Time

Weekday Lunchtimes

Beat the weekend crowds.

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A majestic Art Deco landmark, the Old Post Office offers stunning architecture, vibrant dining, and unique city views.

4.7
(765 reviews)

"Stepping inside, the contrast is breathtaking, modern lines and sleek surfaces juxtaposed against the aged exterior."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Check Event Schedules

Private events may limit public access. Always check ahead to avoid disappointment.

👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

You'll be doing a lot of exploring, so wear comfy shoes for walking around the vast building.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.7 · 765 reviews

Type

Historical Landmark

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Grand Interior Architecture

Grand Interior Architecture

Main Lobby

Marvel at the stunning Art Deco design, where historic charm meets modern elegance. A feast for the eyes!

Old Post Office Pavilion

Old Post Office Pavilion

Rooftop

Enjoy a unique urban oasis with lush foliage and city views. Perfect for a relaxing break.

Hot Chi Food Hall

Hot Chi Food Hall

Ground Floor

Savor delicious eats at this popular food hall, offering a variety of culinary delights.

Washington Old Post Office Tower

Washington Old Post Office Tower

Washington D.C.

Ascend for breathtaking panoramic views of the nation's capital. A truly elevated experience.

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Planning Your Visit

Navigating the Old Post Office

Discover the architectural marvel of the Old Post Office, a historic landmark transformed into a vibrant hub. Plan your visit to explore its unique blend of past and present, from its grand interiors to its modern amenities. Consider checking event schedules for private functions that might affect public access.

Chicago's Historic Gem

The Old Chicago Post Office building offers a glimpse into the city's rich history. Whether you're interested in its architectural grandeur, its role in postal services, or its current use as an event space and dining destination, this iconic structure is a must-see. Researching specific areas of interest, like the food hall or event spaces, can enhance your visit.

Best Times

When
Weekday Lunchtimes
Why
Beat the weekend crowds.
Crowd
Medium
When
Evenings for Events
Why
Experience the ambiance.
Crowd
High
When
Off-Peak Hours
Why
Enjoy a quieter visit.
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#viral #mail #usps #ups #fedex #delivery #package #thieves #thief #mailbox #criminals #tiktok #postalservice #moving #newhome #new #relocate #lifetips #lifehacks
@gbrodgers
161K likes • 1.8M views

🎯 Check Event Schedules

Private events may limit public access. Always check ahead to avoid disappointment. Reddit

👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

You'll be doing a lot of exploring, so wear comfy shoes for walking around the vast building. Reddit

Stupid mistakes at the post office episode 1 . . . . . . . . . . #postofficeproblems #postofficelife #officemistakes #stupidmistakes
@actuallymegmckenzie
100.3K likes • 1.5M views
A treasured destination, discover the wealth of history and grandeur of the Old Post Office, a renowned landmark turned luxury hotel by @WaldorfAstoria. Video by @afarmedia
waldorfastoriadc
11.2K likes • 270.5K views

📸 Capture the Grandeur

The architecture is stunning! Bring your camera for incredible photo opportunities. Instagram

🍽️ Food Hall Delights

Don't miss the diverse food options at the Old Chicago Post Office building's food hall. Instagram

Did you know there’s a lowkey food hall inside old post office? 👀 Swing by @hotchichicken on your next lunch break #chicago #chi #chicagobucketlist
chicagobucketlist
16.5K likes • 573.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Check Event Schedules

Private events may limit public access. Always check ahead to avoid disappointment. Reddit

👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

You'll be doing a lot of exploring, so wear comfy shoes for walking around the vast building. Reddit

📸 Capture the Grandeur

The architecture is stunning! Bring your camera for incredible photo opportunities. Instagram

🍽️ Food Hall Delights

Don't miss the diverse food options at the Old Chicago Post Office building's food hall. Instagram

📍 D.C. Tower Views

For Washington D.C., the Old Post Office Tower offers free, stunning city vistas. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.7
(765 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Old Post Office for its stunning architecture and the successful blend of historic charm with modern functionality. The food hall in Chicago and the panoramic views from the D.C. tower are frequently highlighted as major attractions. Some minor drawbacks include potential access limitations due to private events and the cost of nearby parking.

"If you can't get past the security to view upstairs.... These pictures will show you that it is one amazingly beautiful place.
Private parties and staff get to enjoy the lovely roof top deck that is filled with so much foliage and plenty of balcony seating.
There are several banquet locations through the floors that space out full round bars.
Lobby area when you first walk in had a Walgreens and a few restaurants.
Nice tour spot!"

Marie

"Open to the public historical building not far from downtown. Ideal for casual photo shoots and meetings. The food court inside is amazing with plenty healthy options and a lot of indoor and outdoor seating."

Juan Cardenas

"Stepping inside, the contrast is breathtaking, modern lines and sleek surfaces juxtaposed against the aged exterior. The weathered facade hints at stories of the past, while the interior whispers of contemporary comforts. This harmonious blend of old and new creates a uniquely appealing space. It's a testament to innovative design, seamlessly merging different eras. The result is a dwelling that honors its history while embracing the present."

A L

What People Like

Breathtaking architecture
Historic charm
Modern amenities

What People Dislike

Event access limitations
Expensive parking

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Old Chicago Post Office building is accessible via public transportation. Many Redditors suggest using the 'L' train or buses, as parking can be challenging and expensive. It's located conveniently for those working in the area. Reddit

The Washington Old Post Office Tower is easily reached via the Federal Triangle metro stop. It's also within walking distance of many downtown attractions. Instagram

While parking is available in garages near the Old Chicago Post Office building, it can be costly. Many visitors opt for public transit to save money and avoid traffic. Reddit

Yes, the Washington Old Post Office Tower is centrally located and a pleasant walk from many D.C. landmarks, making it an easy addition to a day of sightseeing. Instagram

For the Old Post Office Pavilion in Chicago, access is generally through the main building entrances. For the D.C. tower, the entrance is on 12th Street NW, behind the Waldorf Astoria hotel. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

General access to the common areas and food hall of the Old Chicago Post Office building is usually free. However, specific events or private functions may require tickets or reservations. Instagram

Visiting the Old Post Office Tower in Washington D.C. for the observation deck is free! Self-guided tours begin approximately every five minutes from the elevator lobby. Instagram

The Old Post Office Tower hours are typically 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., seven days a week. It's always a good idea to confirm current hours before your visit. Instagram

While the D.C. tower offers self-guided tours, guided tours of the Chicago Old Post Office building might be available for special events or groups. Check with the venue management for details. Reddit

Access to the Old Post Office Pavilion, including its rooftop garden, is generally included with entry to the main building. No separate tickets are usually required. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The grand Art Deco interiors, the rooftop garden of the Old Post Office Pavilion, and the panoramic views from the Washington Old Post Office Tower are all fantastic for photos. Instagram+1

Yes, photography is generally allowed in public areas of the Old Post Office buildings for personal use. However, professional shoots might require permits. Reddit

Absolutely! The observation deck of the Washington Old Post Office Tower is a prime spot for capturing stunning photos of the D.C. skyline. Instagram

Drone usage is typically restricted in urban areas and around historic buildings. It's best to check local regulations and venue policies before flying a drone. TikTok

A camera with good low-light capabilities is recommended for the interiors, while a wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the architecture and city views. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The Old Chicago Post Office building features a popular food hall with diverse options, including Hot Chi Chicken, offering a great spot for lunch or a casual meal. Instagram+1

While the Old Post Office Tower itself is an observation point, the surrounding building (now the Waldorf Astoria) and nearby Pennsylvania Avenue offer numerous dining establishments. Instagram

Generally, bringing outside food might be restricted in designated dining areas or during private events. The food hall offers convenient options. Reddit

The food hall at the Old Chicago Post Office building offers a variety of cuisines, from American comfort food like fried chicken to other international flavors. Instagram

While not always explicitly mentioned, the food hall often includes vendors that offer coffee and pastries, providing a caffeine fix. Instagram

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

Explore the impressive Art Deco architecture, enjoy the food hall, relax in the Old Post Office Pavilion's rooftop garden, or attend an event. It's a versatile space for various activities. Instagram+1

The main attraction is the free observation deck offering panoramic views of D.C. landmarks. The building also houses the Waldorf Astoria hotel. Instagram+1

Historic buildings are often working to improve accessibility. It's recommended to contact the venue directly for the most up-to-date information on accessibility features. Reddit

For the Chicago building, you could spend 1-3 hours exploring the common areas and dining. The D.C. tower visit is typically shorter, around 30-60 minutes for the views. Instagram

Yes, restrooms are available in the public areas of both the Chicago Old Post Office building and around the D.C. tower observation area. Reddit

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