20 Free Things To Do In Washington D.C.

While people often assume that Washington, D.C. is pretentious and overtly political, a vibrant and cultural community exists outside the Capitol Building. However, even the Capitol itself is free to enter and open for tours. Due to its wealth of versatile free activities, the District is ideal for a visit on a budget.

Enjoy Free Museums

Smithsonian institutions are federally funded, which makes admission fees obsolete.

Admire everything from classical Dutch portraiture to abstract modern art at The National Gallery of Art.

Touch an authentic moon rock at The National Air & Space Museum.

Steal the Declaration of Independence at The National Archives (*only free if you don’t get caught).

Watch Smithsonian paleontologists uncover actual fossils at the Natural History Museum’s FossiLab.

Delight in African American cultural achievements at the NMAAHC.

Get Outside

Go for a hike or bike ride in Rock Creek Park‘s expansive trail system.

Appreciate the vibrant fall foliage at these parks.

Have a picnic at locals’ favorite spot, Malcolm X Park.

Relax in the grass with a view on The National Mall.

Smell the roses at the National Arboretum and U.S. Botanic Gardens.

Delight in the lotus and lily flowers at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens.

During early spring, take in the cherry blossoms at The Tidal Basin.

Admire Monuments

Go for a self-guided walking tour of the monuments.

Visit the monuments at night for spectacular views.

Pay your respects to fallen heroes at Arlington National Cemetery.

Schedule a tour of The White House.

Get Cultured

Attend free author talks at local bookstore Politics & Prose.

Attend a free performance at the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage.

Listen To Music

Drink sangria while enjoying outdoor jazz concerts at the Sculpture Garden (summer only).

Support local musicians at Fort Reno’s summer stage concert series.

Attend an underground house show.

Visit The National Zoo

The mecca of free things to in DC, the 163 acre Zoo offers over 400 species of animals, and the groundbreaking research that accompanies them.

Fawn over the most famous Washington residents, the giant pandas (who absolutely need a category of their own.)

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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