26 Free Things to Do in Washington DC on a Budget

Washington DC is one of the best cities to visit on a budget because so many of its biggest attractions are completely free. You can spend your trip exploring museums, monuments, memorials, parks, and seasonal events without constantly pulling out your wallet.

I’ve visited DC many times, and I’m always impressed by how much there is to do without spending anything. From free Smithsonian museums to beautiful outdoor spaces and festivals, the city makes it easy to plan a full trip on a budget.

If you’re trying to save money on your visit, these are my favorite free things to do in Washington DC.

Wide gravel path on the National Mall leads toward the Washington Monument, with green lawn on one side and the red brick Smithsonian Castle building in the distance. The bright blue sky and people strolling along the path make the scene feel like a classic Washington DC sightseeing day.

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Fun Free Things to Do in Washington DC

1. United States Capitol

View of the United States Capitol building framed by rows of leafy green trees along a wide brick walkway. Visitors walk along the path toward the white domed building under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.

A visit to the U.S. Capitol Building is a must while visiting Washington DC. And it’s free to tour!

Public tours of the United States Capitol are available to everyone, including non-U.S. citizens. The free tour covers the Crypt, Rotunda, National Statuary Hall, and Senate and House Galleries.

2. White House

The White House in Washington DC sits behind a broad green lawn, partly framed by a large leafy tree in the foreground and a row of red flowers near a fountain. The sunny view makes the landmark feel calm and park like while still clearly showing the North Portico.

The White House has been the official residency of the president of the United States since John Adams in 1800.

It is free to tour the White House, but you’ll have to submit a tour request months in advance through your representative if you’re a U.S. citizen, or through your embassy in DC if you’re an international visitor.

3. Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

Large elephant sculpture with raised trunk and long tusks stands in the grand rotunda of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington DC, surrounded by marble columns, balconies, and arched windows. The scale of the animal display against the ornate architecture makes the exhibit feel dramatic and impressive.

The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History explores the history of our planet from billions of years ago to life on earth today.

This free DC museum has an amazing collection of fossils, precious gems, and unique artifacts that you won’t want to miss!

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4. Smithsonian’s National Zoo

Giant panda walks through a lush green habitat at the Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington DC surrounded by rocks, trees, and dense leafy plants. The overhead view makes the zoo enclosure feel spacious and natural while keeping the panda clearly visible as the main focus.

Smithsonian’s National Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the United States and it’s home to over 1,500 animals.

At this free zoo, you can find bears, monkeys, big cats, elephants, and more. Their popular exhibits include the Elephant Trails, Great Ape House, Cheetah Conservation Station, and the American Trail.

5. National Gallery of Art

Two ornate gold framed paintings hang side by side on a museum wall, each showing a hazy blue and cream view of a cathedral facade in an impressionist style by Monet at the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C. The paired display invites visitors to compare the subtle differences in light, color, and texture between the two architectural scenes.

The National Gallery of Art has a collection of 141,000 works of art from around the Western world.

This free museum has art from the Middle Ages to the present, including a huge collection of Italian artwork (and the only painting by Leonardo da Vinci in the Americas).

6. National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden

Red sculpture spells "AMOR" in large stacked letters in a landscaped garden, with trees, shrubs, and a black fence behind it at the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden in Washington DC. The bold public artwork adds a bright focal point to the quiet green museum or city garden setting.

As a bonus, the Sculpture Garden at the National Gallery of Art adjacent to the West Building is also free to visit.

The free garden exhibits several works from the museum’s contemporary sculpture collection and is a treasure trove of botanicals and sculptures.

7. National Archives Museum

National Archives in Washington D.C., a grand neoclassical museum building with tall columns, carved pediment, and wide stone steps rises under a bright blue sky. Colorful banners hanging between the columns advertise exhibits, making the historic facade feel active and open to visitors.

In the free National Archives Museum, you’ll be able to see important documents from the founding of the United States: the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, and the Constitution.

They also have other documents and records that shaped America’s history, including a copy of Magna Carta, presidential papers, and rotating exhibits.

8. Smithsonian Castle

Red brick Smithsonian Castle building with tall towers, arched windows, and a statue at the front entrance stands beneath a heavy gray sky. The dark clouds and historic architecture make the landmark feel dramatic, stately, and central to a Washington DC museum visit.

The Smithsonian Castle (also called the Smithsonian Institution Building) is the visitor center for the Smithsonian museums. It’s the Smithsonian’s first and oldest building.

You can stop here for information on visiting the other Smithsonian museums, to see their America’s Treasure Chest display with special items from each of the Smithsonian museums, to see the tomb of James Smithson, and to tour the castle. All of which is free!

9. National Mall

Gravel path on the National Mall leads toward the Washington Monument in the distance, bordered by green lawn and dark trees under a cloudy gray sky. The overcast weather gives the classic Washington DC landmark view a quieter, moodier feel.

The U.S. Capitol sits at the end of a long green lawn on the National Mall, with people walking, resting, and taking photos along the paths. The wide view and clear blue sky make the landmark feel open, civic, and central to a Washington DC sightseeing route.

The National Mall is the long park space that runs between the U.S. Capitol, the Washington Monument, the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials, and the White House.

Essentially a huge park, you’re free to stroll the sidewalks, plus the Smithsonian’s free museums line the sides, and there are free events throughout the year that you can attend on the National Mall.

10. Arlington National Cemetery

Rows of white headstones stretch across the green hills of Arlington National Cemetery, with the Washington Monument and U.S. Capitol visible in the distance. The orderly graves and iconic skyline create a solemn view that connects military remembrance with the heart of Washington DC.

Arlington National Cemetery is the largest military cemetery in the country. It serves as the final resting place for more than 400,000 military veterans and their families.

Here, you’ll find the famous Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and its popular Changing of the Guard ceremony. You can also see the graves of President John F. Kennedy, President William Howard Taft, the seven Space Shuttle Challenger astronauts, the Tuskegee Airmen, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and many more important people.

The cemetery is free to visit and explore on your own. They do offer a tram tour that costs extra, if you don’t want to walk the entire cemetery. The tram is free for those with disabilities.

11. Pentagon

Paige stands behind a wooden Department of Defense podium in front of a dark blue curtain, an American flag, and a sign that reads "PENTAGON WASHINGTON." The staged press room setup makes the photo feel like a playful visitor moment inside the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia.

The Pentagon is the headquarters for the Department of Defense. It is one of the largest office buildings in the world, covering 6.5 million square feet.

You can tour the long hallways, each of which are filled with information and artifacts about the country’s military history. You can also visit the small indoor memorial and chapel for the September 11 attacks.

It is free to tour the Pentagon, but tours are only available to U.S. citizens, and you must make an reservation well in advance of your visit.

12. Thomas Jefferson Memorial

The Jefferson Memorial rises above wide stone steps crowded with visitors sitting, walking, and taking photos on a sunny day. The bright blue sky and busy plaza make the landmark feel grand, open, and central to a Washington DC sightseeing stop.

The Thomas Jefferson Memorial immortalizes Thomas Jefferson, the 3rd president of the U.S. and the author of the Declaration of Independence.

This monument on the Tidal Basin has a 19-foot-tall bronze statue of Jefferson, surrounded by many of his famous quotes. In the spring, the memorial is surrounded by DC’s famous cherry blossoms.

13. WWII Memorial

Fountains spray in high arcs across the World War II Memorial pool, with the "ATLANTIC" tower and rows of wreaths visible behind the water. Visitors gather around the stone memorial on a bright day, making the scene feel reflective, spacious, and active with Washington DC sightseeing.

The National WWII Memorial in the middle of the National Mall honors the 16 million Americans who served during World War II.

This is a serene memorial with 56 granite columns and a plaza fountain.

14. Washington Monument

Washington Monument rising above blooming cherry blossom trees on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., beneath a clear blue sky.

The Washington Monument is a 555-foot-tall marble obelisk that commemorates George Washington, a Founding Father and the first president of the United States.

And you can ride to the top of the monument for a great view of the city.

Technically, the Washington Monument is free to visit. There are a limited number of walk-up tickets available, which are completely free and without service fee, but these sell out very quickly. To reserve a ticket online in advance, it cots a $1 service fee.

15. Lincoln Memorial

Long reflecting pool stretches toward the Lincoln Memorial, with people walking along the wide path and bare trees lining both sides. The calm water and distant white memorial create a classic Washington DC view that feels peaceful and historic.

The Lincoln Memorial is dedicated to Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States.

The incredible marble monument holds a 19-foot-tall statue of Lincoln as he gazes out over the National Mall’s Reflecting Pool.

16. Cherry Blossoms

Cherry blossom branches in bloom along the Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C., with the Washington Monument rising in the background under a clear blue sky.

Every spring, thousands of cherry blossoms cover Washington DC. You’ll find the beautiful pink and white blooms all over the city, most notably at the Tidal Basin.

The city also holds a free 4-week-long National Cherry Blossom Festival with arts and cultural events celebrating the cherry tree.

This is one of the best times to visit Washington DC!

17. Tidal Basin

Wide view of the Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C., with rows of blooming cherry blossom trees along the shoreline and the Washington Monument rising in the distance beneath a clear blue sky.

The Tidal Basin is the man-made reservoir on the western part of the National Mall. It serves as a pretty backdrop for some of DC’s best monuments.

Walk around the 2-mile Tidal Basin Loop to see the Jefferson Memorial, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, the FDR Memorial, the George Mason Memorial, the John Paul Jones Memorial, the Floral Library, the Japanese Pagoda, the Japanese Lantern, and site of the First Cherry Tree Planting.

18. Georgetown

Brick sidewalk runs beside historic red brick row buildings with tall windows, arched doorways, and a leafless street tree under an overcast sky in Georgetown. The narrow street and old architecture make the scene feel like a quiet walk through a historic Washington DC neighborhood.

Georgetown is a historic neighborhood of Washington DC that is full of cobblestone streets, Federal-style architecture, and old-town charm.

Enjoy wandering the cobbled streets of Georgetown where you can do some window shopping, see Georgetown University, and see the oldest standing building in DC.

19. The Wharf

Long wooden pier glows at night with rows of bright lights, American flags, and small blue floor lights leading toward a lit stage or gathering area at the far end at The Wharf in Washington DC. Boats and dark water on both sides make the waterfront walkway feel festive, patriotic, and scenic after sunset.

The Wharf is a waterfront district in Washington DC that runs along the Washington Channel. This area has tons of shops, restaurants, rooftop bars, entertainment, hotels, and apartments.

Enjoy a waterfront stroll along the Wharf, window shopping at boutique stores, and a visit to the country’s oldest continually operating open-air fish market.

20. Chinatown

Ornate Chinatown archway stretches across a city intersection, with colorful painted beams, tiled roofs, crosswalks, storefronts, and tall modern buildings behind it. The mix of traditional gateway design and busy downtown streetscape makes the scene feel like a clear arrival point into Washington DC Chinatown.

Chinatown is a small historic neighborhood of DC that is home to tons of great restaurants, the iconic Friendship Archway, and the Capitol One Arena.

The intersection of H Street at 7th Street is where you’ll find the beautiful Friendship Archway, a traditional Chinese gate donated to DC by sister city Beijing in 1968.

21. Willard Hotel

Tall white columns and a glass canopy mark the entrance to The Willard InterContinental, with American and Washington DC flags hanging above the historic hotel facade. The low angle makes the building feel grand and classic, highlighting it as an elegant Washington DC landmark hotel.

Ornate hotel lobby with marble columns, hanging chandeliers, patterned rugs, and a richly decorated gold ceiling, with flowering branches arranged in large decorative pots. The grand interior feels historic and elegant, showing the polished atmosphere inside The Willard InterContinental in Washington DC.

The Willard InterContinental Washington DC Hotel, (also called the Willard Hotel) is a historic hotel where DC’s political elite have been hanging out for over a century.

Every president since Franklin Pierce has either attended an event or gotten a room at this elegant, turn-of-the-century hotel. Ulysses S. Grant enjoyed drinking and smoking in the lobby, and hotel lore says that this is the origin of the term “lobbying”.

The hotel is filled with history, and even if you don’t book a room there, you can still pop in and take a look at the elaborate lobby, decked out in gold, marble, and classy wood finishes.

22. SW DC Prehistoric Pocket Park

Tiny garden labeled "SW DC Prehistoric Pocket Park" sits in front of a brick building, filled with rocks, shells, colorful pebbles, and small plastic dinosaurs. The playful miniature display turns a simple planter into a whimsical neighborhood landmark in Washington DC.

The SW DC Prehistoric Pocket Park is a tiny park of toy dinosaurs that someone made in their front garden. You’ll find it at 602 7th St SW, Washington, DC 20024.

This is a fun little free piece of art to find on your walk between the Wharf and the L’Enfant Metro station!

23. Library of Congress

Ornate domed Main Reading Room with marble columns, arched windows, carved balconies, and rows of wooden research desks inside the Library of Congress in Washington DC. The soaring ceiling and warm desk lamps make the historic library interior feel grand, scholarly, and richly detailed.

The Library of Congress is the largest library in the world, and it’s totally free to visit. You’ll get to see the beautiful Thomas Jefferson Building and pieces from the extensive collection, including a Gutenberg Bible.

You can also get a Library of Congress Card for free if you’re a US citizen aged 16+ with a valid government issued photo ID. This gives you researcher access to the library’s catalogue and exclusive access to the ornate Main Reading Room.

24. Planet Word

Large museum installation made from layered white letters projects words across a wall filled with dense text at the Planet Word Museum in Washington DC, with the biggest visible phrases reading "FREEDOM" "WITH LOVE" "YOU" and "BE THAT." The dramatic lighting and oversized typography make the artwork feel immersive and centered on language, identity, and public memory.

Planet Word is an interactive language arts museum. As the world’s first voice-activated museum, there are so many fun displays that let you learn languages, do karaoke, and learn where words come from all just by speaking into a microphone.

The museum is free to visit. They suggest a donation, but it’s not required. They also have a free digital guide and a free little library.

25. Ford’s Theatre

View from the stage of Ford's Theatre in Washington DC shows rows of empty brown seats, curved balconies, white columns, and lighting rigs above the upper level. The performer’s perspective and historic details make the auditorium feel grand, formal, and ready for a live event.

Ford’s Theatre is the infamous playhouse where John Wilkes Booth assassinated President Lincoln in 1865. This National Historic Site is free to tour, however the theater is an active theater and it does cost to see a performance.

A visit Ford’s Theatre National Historic Site includes a visit to the theater (when there’s not a performance), a museum on Lincoln’s presidency and the assassination, and the Petersen House across the street where Lincoln died.

26. Folger Shakespeare Library

Rows of ornate old books are displayed on long glass shelves in a dark museum case with cool blue lighting showing the Folio collection at the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington DC. The reflective glass and carefully spaced volumes make the collection feel rare, historic, and preserved for close study.

The Folger Shakespeare Library is the largest Shakespeare collection in the world. This museum and library is free to visit and free for anyone to become a researcher, however the theater performances do have an additional cost.

The museum has a world-famous collection of Shakespeare’s folios, quartos, plays, and poems. They also have a rare book collection from all different authors and genres. In the Reading Room library, you can even handle some of these delicate editions.

Free Things to Do in DC Map

Ready to explore these fun free things to do in Washington DC? Use the map below to plan out your trip!

I hope you have a great time exploring DC on a budget!

Free Washington DC Attractions FAQ

Are attractions in Washington DC free?

Yes, there are tons of free attractions in Washington DC, from some of the country’s top museums to must-see monuments to beautiful parks. There is a lot you can do in DC on a budget.

What is free at the National Mall?

Free museums and attractions at the National Mall includes:

– National Gallery of Art
– United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
– National Museum of Natural History
– National Museum of American History
– Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
– National Museum of the American Indian
– National Museum of African American History and Culture
– The National Museum of Asian Art
– National Museum of African Art
– National Archives Museum

Do you have to pay to see the Lincoln Memorial?

No, you don’t have to pay to see the Lincoln Memorial. The Lincoln Memorial, as well as other DC memorials, is free to visit.

Top Washington DC Tours

Where to Stay in Washington DC

Find the perfect place to rest your head on your visit to Washington DC, from the top rated accommodations to unique stays you can’t get anywhere else.

Where We Stayed: Hampton Inn Washington-Downtown-Convention Center or the Canopy by Hilton Washington DC The Wharf
Top Hotel: The Hay-Adams
Great Value: Phoenix Park Hotel
Unique Stay: Unique DC Row House Near Historic H Street

Hampton Inn Washington-Downtown-Convention Center

We enjoyed our stay at the Hampton Inn Washington-Downtown-Convention Center when attending an event at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.

This hotel has a great location. It’s just on the edge of Chinatown and is within easy walking distance to the National Mall and all the tourist hot spots. There are plenty of restaurant options and nightlife nearby.

Canopy by Hilton Washington DC The Wharf

We love the location of the Canopy by Hilton Washington DC The Wharf, though the hotel’s customer service could use some work.

The Wharf is a great spot to be for beautiful waterfront views and lots of dining and nightlife. It’s also only a 10-15 minute walk from two different Metro stations, and it’s really easy to get to and from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

More Things to Do in Washington DC

Explore even more of the nation’s capital! Check out these other top tips for visiting Washington DC.

Ready to visit Washington DC? Plan your trip with these tips.

Book Your Flight: Find the cheapest flights using Skyscanner, my favorite flight search engine.
Find Accommodation: You can find top hotels in Washington DC using Hotels.com.
Start Packing: Check out my packing list resources so you’re prepared for your trip.
Explore DC in a New Way: Enjoy a Mystery Picnic in Washington DC to discover more of the city.

Cheers!

Paige

What are your favorite free things to do in Washington DC? Let me know in the comments below!