8 Free Things to do in Washington D.C.

The capital of the United States is full of history and has many interesting things to see. There are many things to see and do here! I tend to like to travel on a budget, so I have made a list of some of the things to do in Washington D.C. for free!

8 Free Things to do in Washington D.C

  1. The Washington Monument

This monument was made to commemorate the first president of the United States, George Washington. Standing at 555 feet, the monument was constructed starting in 1848. When it was completed, it was the tallest building in the world at the time.

2. U.S. Capitol Building

The Capitol Building is where you can learn the story of Congress and the Capitol. This building is also home to some great American art and history. At the center of the building, you will find the Rotunda, a room where the ceiling goes up to 180 feet.

3. Bureau of Engraving and Printing

Ever wonder how or where money is made? Public tours are conducted on a first come, first serve basis. On your tour, you’ll have the chance to see millions of dollar be printed on the production floor.

4. Library of Congress

Visit the largest library in the world! This library houses over 164 million items. The smallest book here is 1/25″ by 1/25″, or about the size of a period at the end of a sentence.

5. The Smithsonian Museums

Visit the variety of museums, the galleries, and the zoo that are all available to see free of charge! Some of the ones available to visit are the Smithsonian Castle, Portrait Gallery, Natural History Museum, National Zoo, and Archives of American Art.

6. Visit the White House

That’s right, you can visit the White House! In order to do so, you will need to contact a congressional representative well in advance to schedule your visit. You can submit your request anywhere from 3-months to 21 days before your visit.

7. Lincoln Memorial

Built to honor the 16th president, Abraham Lincoln, you can find this memorial at the end of the National Mall. Here you will find the statue of Lincoln, murals, and inscriptions on the walls.

8. The Tidal Basin

This 2-mile long pond can be found lined with the beloved cherry blossoms during the Spring. You can also find the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, and the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial along the basin.

*Side-note: You can usually get really cheap flights flying out of DC!

Have you visited the Washington D.C.? What was your favorite part?

-Haley

 

17 thoughts on “8 Free Things to do in Washington D.C.”

  1. kagould17 – Not much to tell. After working for 3 companies over 43+ years (38 years 7 months with my last company), I finally got that promotion I had waited my entire career for……retirement. I have been exploring this new career for the past 7+ years and while it is not always exciting, the chance to do what I want for myself and my family instead of what my company wants has been very fulfilling. Early on, there was a long list of projects in my “to-do” hopper and I attacked these projects with a vengeance for the first 9 months of retirement. Eventually, my brain told me that this was not what retirement was about, so it took me another 5 months before my industriousness again took over and I attacked another line of projects, this time somewhat shorter and less complicated, as well as many new projects related to the family weddings in 2016. After going hard for 6 weeks and 3 weddings, my body was telling me to relax, then the flu bug hit and as soon as that was done with me, my sciatic acted up. No rest for the wicked. In 2020 and 2021, the Covid 19 pandemic changed the whole retirement gig. I was lucky to not be still working, for sure. I enjoy photography, gardening, working with my hands, walking, cycling, skiing, travelling, reading and creating special photo and video productions obtained in my first pastime. I may never become wealthy in any of these pursuits, but I already feel I am rich in life experiences far beyond any expectation.
    kagould17 says:

    Makes me want to go. Thanks for the good suggestions.

    Reply
  4. stephaniesherlock – Hi! Im a travel blogger that is passionate about National Parks and Monuments, Scuba Diving, Golden Retrievers, and all things Disney. I am actively seeking collaborations. Follow me on my journey as we explore new places.
    stephaniesherlock says:

    That’s incredible. I had no idea all of this was free.

    Reply

  5. We love DC! The last time we went, we walked along embassy row. Technically, each country’s embassy is their country’s land, so we had fun counting how many different countries we had been to in one night 😄

    Reply
  6. Pingback: 8 free things to do in Washington D.C. — Voyages Of Mine – Vietnam Travel & Trade Portal

  7. I would add the National Zoo, which is part of the Smithsonian. And if you like churches, there are two great cathedrals in the city. The Basilica of the Immaculate Conception and the National Cathedral. Spending time on Capitol Hill is worthwhile – great eating and fun to walk around (well, mostly). Then there is Union Station. Don’t forget the Supreme Court, next to the Library of Congress and the Capitol.

    The best time to visit the Lincoln Memorial is in the early morning or the late afternoon. And don’t forget to visit the Vietnam War and Korean War memorials while you are there. Don’t forget to walk to the back of the Lincoln Memorial to have a peek at Virginia (and Memorial Bridge and Arlington Cemetery).

    Lastly, the National Gallery of Art (both East and West Buildings) is my favourite museum in D.C. It s a world class art museum. There is a Da Vinci portrait there, as well as great works by Rubens (Alba Madonna), Thomas Cole, Rembrandt, etc. You could and should spend days there, if you have time.

    Reply
  8. Donna Cameron – Pacific Northwest – After many deeply-satisfying years in non-profit management, I’ve been spending my time exploring the good life that Rachel Remen describes as “pursuing unanswerable questions in good company.” I blog about the power of kindness, and my book, A YEAR OF LIVING KINDLY, will be published in September 2018. Always looking for ways to convey the power of stories in our lives, I believe that we can change the world through our stories . . . and through kindness. http://ayearoflivingkindly.com/
    Donna Cameron says:

    Oh, my gosh, there are so many wonderful things to see in Washington. In addition to your great list, I would add the Einstein memorial (in a hidden glen very near the Lincoln Memorial), the Vietnam memorial (powerful beyond words), and the Roosevelt memorial (honoring both FDR and Eleanor). These are sites I visit every time I go to D.C. Also, Arlington Cemetery is just a quick Metro ride from downtown D.C.—and well worth the trip.

    Reply
  9. Blue Sue – I'm a writer who loves to explore and, by extension I suppose, to travel. A life-long denizen of the Southern portion of the United States, most of my adventures take place below the Mason-Dixon, but occasionally They let me out into the Rest of the World.
    Blue Sue says:

    Looks like part of National WWII Memorial is in your first picture, which is also free.

    Reply

  10. I live in Northern Virginia and spend a great deal of time in D.C. You have captured some great free sites and there are many more! One of my personal favorites is to take a self guided walking tour thru some historic and picturesque neighborhoods.

    Reply

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