There are a lot of free ways to enjoy the city that was recently ranked as the number 1 city in the Lonely Planet Best in Travel for 2015. We love how easy Washington DC is to get around on foot, and in fact, this city is a fantastic destination for any traveler, particularly those on a budget. Now pack your bags and let’s explore DC! It’s time to visit there now.
- DC. by foot offers free walking tours. They have a wide range of tours available including the signature National Mall tour, Capitol Hill Tour and a U Street Food Tour.
- Just so you know, Smithsonian museums are all FREE, so get ready to learn about history, art, nature, space, history, nature, art, and more.
- Tour the S. Capitol for free! Hour-long tours are available from 8:50 a.m. to 3:20 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Find out more here to get the passes.
- Visit the monuments at sunrise. Start at the Grant Memorial (just in front of the U.S. Capitol), and walk the 2 miles down to the Lincoln Memorial, passing the Washington Monument and the World War II Memorial along the way.
- Have a stroll down the C&O Canal Towpath. It’s 185 miles and has campgrounds along the way. Choose your segments and even cycle it if you wish.
- Visit the Old Post Office Pavilionon Pennsylvania Avenue for an inspiring aerial view of the city. Take the elevator to the top of the 315-foot-tall clock tower to enjoy 360-degree views of downtown DC.
- Stroll around Georgetown. Probably one of the favourite areas in D.C. Wander the streets and marvel at the colourful homes and cobble-stoned streets. It’s cute and has a historic flavour.
- Have a dose of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by starting at Freedom Plazaacross the street from the Willard InterContinental Washington, where he wrote his famous “I Have a Dream” speech. Then head over to the Lincoln Memorial to stand where he delivered it. After that, visit the new Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial on the Tidal Basin. The memorial features a statue of the famous civil rights leader bounded by a wall with inscriptions of some of Dr. King’s most famous quotes.
- The Supreme Courtis free, so why not pay a visit? They have free 40-minute lectures in the main hall teaching you about the history of the court and how it works.
- Witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns, Arlington National Cemetery. You can also see the grave-sites of the Kennedy family.
- Download free maps from culturaltourismdc.org straight to your mobile device and enjoy a self-guided neighborhood walking tour. The trails cover historic neighborhoods (Adams Morgan, U Street and Barracks Row) and themes (Civil War to Civil Rights Downtown Heritage Trail). Signs en route feature stories, historic photos and maps.
- Marvel at the beautiful Cherry Blossoms at the Tidal Basin. A spectacular photographic natural event if you visit D.C. during the months of March or April. The cherry blossom trees were a gift from Japan to the United States. Their blossoming is marked by a celebration that includes concerts and fireworks.
- National Zoo in Washington D.C. is totally FREE! Enjoy their daily programs like animal training, feeding demonstrations, and keeper talks.
- Appreciate art in Raleigh with their monthly Art Gallery exhibition. It involves appreciating local artists work, as well as free wine, and sometimes cheese. DuPont Circle has one on the first Friday of every month. You get live music with the wine and art!
- Catch free outdoor movies in Washington D.C. during the summer months. This event has become popular and is offered at many places around the region.
- Visit Meridian Hill Park on Sundays, from 3pm to 9 pm, to hear the famous drum circle. For more than 40 years it’s been bringing people together from all different backgrounds to hear drum beats and watch African dancing. You can also bring your own drum and join in.
- On Wednesday nights, catch free salsa lessons at Café Citron in DuPont Circle, from 7:30 to 8:30 pm.
