Bureau of Engraving & Printing

As the sign says, "The Buck Starts Here!". The printing in the title refers to hard currency: this is where the dollar bill is born. The 40-minute guided tour provides a glimpse into the printing, cutting and stacking of the 37 million banknotes produced daily. It’s all done behind the thickest of plate glass, with scads of security. In the off-season (September to the end of February) you should be able to go in with a minimal wait; lines form at the visitors’ entrance on 14th Street. In summer, you’ll need a timed same-day ticket, given out from 8am from the booth just outside in Raoul Wallenberg Place. Tickets are usually gone by 9am and queues form especially early during peak times such as spring break and cherry blossom season. Alternatively, US citizens can contact their senator or congressman for access to special tours.