Want to visit Washington DC on a budget? You’re in luck! There are plenty of free things to do in D.C. to enjoy without breaking the bank. The capital of the United States has so much to offer budget travelers. The city is filled with history and culture and many of Washington DC’s main attractions are free. Not only can you explore some of the most visited museums in the country, but you can also wander lush parks and incredible neighborhoods and visit historical monuments. Check out our recommendations for the best free things to do in Washington D.C.
This is a guest post written by Sarah from Roadmaps and Restaurants with edits and additions by Claire
How to Have an Epic (and Cheap) D.C. Trip
I love finding free things to do wherever I travel, and you can have an amazing time in Washington DC with a very limited budget. However, some things might be worth paying for if you have the budget to do it. Perhaps by compromising and saving money on some things, you can afford to splurge a little on something you really want to do.
For example, you could save money by staying in cheap accommodation and doing lots of free activities in Washington D.C., and then treat yourself to a food tour, a dinner cruise, or a unique experience like a nighttime trolley tour of the Washington D.C Monuments.
While I love saving money, I also love dining out, and there are some incredible places to eat in Washington D.C., so if you are saving so much money on free activities, you can choose a few things that are worth spending a little more on like a wonderful meal or some of these cool things to do in DC that cost a little more.
We’ve picked out some of the best cheap places to stay in Washington D.C., plus a bunch of free DC activities, so you can do just that – and if you have the budget to treat yourself a little bit, these are some of the most popular paid activities and Washington D.C. tours that you might be interested in:
Or you can browse more activities and tours in Washington DC here. That said, no matter what budget you have, there is no need to pay for activities in Washington D.C. if you don’t want to. You can still have an amazing DC vacation without spending a lot of money and have some unique free experiences you will remember forever!
Cheap Places to Stay in Washington D.C. on a Budget
Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or planning an extended vacation, you can find some decent cheap accommodation in D.C. If you can afford to splurge, you might want to take a look at the hotels in D.C. with a rooftop pool or check out these budget options instead.
HighRoad Hotel & Hostel DC: This hostel and hotel combined offers private rooms or pod-style dorm rooms and is in the Adams Morgan neighborhood, which is great for nightlife. If you’re a solo traveler looking to meet people, this is a fabulous and cheap place to stay in DC. >>>CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY
Location: 1804 Belmont Rd NW, Northwest, Washington, 20009
Hotel Hive: Perfect for friends traveling together, Hotel Hive has basic but comfortable accommodation, including the cheapest rooms, which come with a set of bunk beds so you and your budget travel buddy can share a room. It’s in a great location, close to the Lincoln Memorial and a few blocks from the White House. >>>CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY
Location: 2224 F Street Northwest, Northwest, Washington, DC 20037
The Georgetown House Inn – As the name suggests, this cute and comfortable hotel is in the Georgetown district and gets great reviews for location and cleanliness. There is a shared kitchen here too, so you can bring some food back to eat at the hotel if you like. >>> CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY
Location: 1061 31st St NW, Northwest, Washington, DC 20007
The Best Free Things to Do in Washington D.C.
While you can easily spend a 3 day weekend in D.C. and still not see everything, we’ve brought together the absolute highlights of the very best free things to do in Washington DC, so you can enjoy a budget trip to DC – no matter how much time you have!
Walk the National Mall
The National Mall, situated in the heart of the city, is home to many iconic monuments, memorials, and museums. The United States Capitol Building sits at one end of the park, while the Lincoln Memorial sits at the other. In between are many walking paths, monuments, and memorials to explore.
Popular stops include the Washington Monument, World War II Memorial, and the Vietnam War Memorial. The Mall is surrounded by many of the infamous Smithsonian museums. The National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden is also accessible from the mall.
In addition to the sculptures within the garden, there is a fountain that during summertime is often filled with visitors cooling off their feet along the edge. In the winter, the fountain turns into an ice skating rink which is a wonderful thing do to in DC in winter.
There are even free walking tours that you can take around the mall to ensure that you don’t miss out on any of the unique and rich histories!
See the White House
A trip to the District wouldn’t be complete without taking in the White House, home to the President of the United States. The White House is viewable from the National Mall, but if you want to get closer, you can explore either The President’s Park or Lafayette Square for views of the iconic building.
If you plan ahead you can also join a free White House tour. White House tour requests must be submitted to your embassy or your member of Congress if you’re a US citizen between 21 days and 90 days in advance of your requested tour date(s). For security reasons there are various restrictions on what you can take into the White House, so check the official tour website here.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: The Ultimate USA Bucketlist
Tour the Capitol Building
Tours of the Capitol Building are also free of charge. It’s recommended to reserve in advance but not required as a limited number of day-of tickets are available at the Visitor Center. You can work with either your Congressmen or book online at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center website.
Tours will take you through the Crypt, Rotunda, and National Statuary Hall, while visiting the Senate and House galleries will require separate passes. In addition to taking in the allure of the building, there are many exhibits and statues to view as well!
If you are unable to secure tickets to tour the inside of the Capitol, walk around the grounds and view the beauty of the building from the outside.
More nearby free DC attractions include the Library of Congress, the U.S. Supreme Court, and the U.S. Botanical Gardens.
Visit the Smithsonian National Zoo
The Smithsonian National Zoo is located within the Woodley Park neighborhood in Northwest D.C. and spans over 160 acres. The National Zoo is one of three zoos in the United States where visitors can see Giant Pandas! In addition to Giant Pandas, visitors can view over 390 different animal species.
Make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes, as most of the zoo is built on a hill, and the day will require a lot of walking! Entry tickets are free but you’ll need to reserve in advance to guarantee entry on your preferred day. A limited number of tickets are available on the day.
If you plan to drive to the Smithsonian National Zoo you will also need to reserve a paid parking pass, which often sell out before the free tickets do!
READ MORE: The Best East Coast Road Trips in the USA
Visit Some of the Free Museums in Washington D.C.
All of the Smithsonian Museums in DC are free to visit, though some may require reserving tickets online in advance.
Popular free museums in DC include the National Air and Space Museum, the Museum of African American History and Culture, the Museum of Natural History, the Museum of the American Indian, and the Museum of American History, so you have plenty to choose from!
Art lovers should definitely check out the Renwick Gallery, Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, and the National Portrait Gallery, which are also free.
Tour the Kennedy Center
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is the nation’s busiest performing arts center. Visitors can explore both the interior of the Kennedy Center as well as the outdoor grounds that include Victura Park.
Victura Park is a family-friendly food and wine garden with ample room to spread out a blanket and enjoy views of the Potomac River. Interior exhibits open to the public include the Grand Foyer and Hall of States.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: The Best Vacation Spots in the USA
Explore Washington Union Station
Union Station is a major transportation hub and the city’s main train station. Not only is Union Station home to the Amtrak train, but it also serves commuter rail services, the Washington Metro, multiple bus lines, and the DC Streetcar.
The architecture is incredible, and wandering the Great Hall should not be missed! There are also many shops and restaurants to wander in and out of.
Explore Rock Creek Park
Rock Creek Park is a hidden gem that makes up over 1,700 acres in the Northwest part of the city. The park is full of both indoor and outdoor activities. Visitors can explore the Planetarium or the Nature Center or go for a hike on over 32 miles of trails waiting to be explored.
Other popular activities include fishing and biking, and don’t forget to pack a picnic to enjoy any of the park’s many picnic areas!
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Free Things to do in New Orleans
Visit the National Arboretum
The National Arboretum is a large free outdoor museum. The grounds are open every day of the year except Christmas Day. The Arboretum is also home to the popular Bonsai and Penjing Museum. Parking is readily available, and the easiest way to reach the Arboretum is by car.
In addition to exploring the large collection of plants, the National Capitol Columns are not to be missed. The 22 columns were originally constructed to hold up the dome of the Capitol Building. While the dome ended up being too heavy for the columns, they now sit in the Ellipse Meadow in the Arboretum, creating a unique place to take photos!
Stroll Georgetown
The Georgetown neighborhood is full of shops, restaurants, and stunning brownstones. This area borders the Potomac River and boasts many restaurants with a view. Definitely walk the promenade along the water, it’s beautiful, and there are many places to stop for a snack and drink!
You can also explore the C&O Canal, which runs through Georgetown. Georgetown is also home to world-renowned Georgetown University, and visitors can explore the campus!
After you have wandered in and out of all the shops on M St. and Wisconsin Ave NW, be sure to wander a few blocks past the shops to take in all of the incredible homes and architecture. The houses are picturesque, each one looking even better than the last. Some of them have been around since the 18th century!
Before you visit, make sure to check out the Georgetown DC website for any ongoing events. You can usually find a festival, farmers market, or outdoor exhibit going on!
Explore the National Archives
The National Archives Museum is home to the United States’ founding documents. Visitors can view the Magna Carta, Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights. There are also other rotating exhibits about the history of the United States that visitors can explore.
Try and absorb as much as you can here because photography is prohibited in all exhibit areas! The age and fragility of the documents make them more susceptible to fading from light, including camera flashes.
Walk the Tidal Basin
The Tidal Basin is near the National Mall and is home to the infamous National Cherry Blossom Festival held every Spring. Note that If you are planning a trip to the District during the Spring, plan as far ahead as possible as the festival draws over a million tourists to the area each year.
Visitors can walk the just over 2-mile loop around the Tidal Basin and explore the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, and Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial.
Walk or Cycle the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail
If you want to escape the crowds then this free activity in DC is perfect to get some fresh air and exercise. This 20-mile trail runs on both sides of the Anacostia River and is suitable for cyclists, walkers, runners and skaters. The scenic waterside trail passes through forest, fields, marsh and waterfront.
As you can see, there are plenty of free activities in Washington DC so you can enjoy this spectacular city without breaking the bank. I hope this list of free things to do in Washington DC will help you to plan your DC vacation and allow you to enjoy Washington DC on a budget!
About the Author
Sarah is the traveling foodie behind Roadmaps and Restaurants, a travel blog that explores the world, one roadmap and one restaurant at a time. Sarah explores the world while working full-time and aims to find hidden gems and delicious food wherever she goes. Whether it’s exploring Utah and Arizona by campervan or spending 2.5 weeks exploring Croatia, Sarah does it all. You can follow Roadmaps and Restaurants on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest.
More Washington D.C Travel Tips
Getting There
- Use Skyscanner to find cheap flights to your destination.
- Public buses are the cheapest ways to get to your accommodation from the airport, but a shared shuttle transfer is quicker and cheaper than a taxi - you can pre-book those on GetYourGuide or Viator
- Try Omio for booking trains and Busbud for buses including Greyhound and Flixbus.
Where to Stay
- For hotels, I use Booking.com to check reviews and find the best deals on hotels and apartments wherever I'm travelling to. Hotels.com is another good site.
- If you're on a tight budget, use Hostelworld to find the best hostels all over the world
Hire a Car
- Get a quote for car hire with Discover Cars who compare car rental deals from many companies so that you can choose which is best for your trip.
Book Tours and Activities
- I use GetYourGuide or Viator to book everything from skip-the-line entry tickets to food tours as I can compare options from several companies and choose the best one for me
- If you're staying in a hostel, check out their tours and activities which are usually free or very cheap - and a great way to meet people!
Get Travel Insurance
- Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel. I never leave home without travel insurance, so consider getting insurance for your trip to cover things like adventure sports and activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, stolen items, trip cancellation and more.
- Get a quote for your trip from True Traveller if you're based in the UK, or World Nomads or SafetyWing which both offer travel insurance for backpackers and long-term travellers. Alternatively, use a comparison site like Travel Insurance Master to find the best cover for you.
Check Your Travel Documents
- Don't forget to check the validity of your passport and any other documents for your trip. Use iVisa to check if you need a visa to visit your destination, and get up to date official travel advice from your government, for example on the Department of State website in the US or the UK government website.
Get Cheap Currency
- When travelling abroad, using a travel bank account like Wise means you get great deals on foreign currency - including a fee-free transfer of up to £500 when you use this link to sign up.
Top Money Saving Tip for Backpackers
- Work exchanges are a great way to travel for longer and extend your trip as you can save a ton of money on accommodation. Get an extra $10 discount on Worldpackers here or learn more about work exchanges.
Want More Cheap Travel Tips for the USA?
Check out these blog posts about budget travel in the US, or click here to read all of my USA posts.- The Best Cheap Weekend Getaways for Couples
- How to Travel for Free
- Free Things to do in Washington D.C
- Free Things to do in Miami Florida
- Free Things to do in Seattle Washington
- Free Things to do in Oahu Hawaii
- Free Things to do in New Orleans
- Free Things to do in Chicago Illinois
- Free Things to do in Detroit, Michigan
Like this post? Pin it to read later:
