10 Best Free Things to Do in Washington DC
How to Experience Washington DC on a Small Budget
It’s easy to experience low budget things to do in Washington DC as the city is teeming with historical monuments, buildings, and memorials that are free all year round. Without spending a single dollar on admission tickets, you get to spend hours exploring many interesting exhibits, valuables, and archeological findings dating back to prehistoric times.
Washington DC also has many green spaces, with miles of cycling and walking paths, so you can easily explore the city on foot There are plenty of outdoor concerts, exhibitions, and family-friendly activities to enjoy, especially during the spring and summer. From museum-hopping to spotting rare wildlife, check out our list of free things to do in Washington DC.
1. The White House
A must-see for any visitor to DC
Velegnet til: Historie, Billeder, Lavt budget
The White House is a popular stop for most visitors in Washington DC as it has been the official residence of every US president since 1800. Self-guided tours are available, but foreign visitors are required to apply for a tour request at their home country’s embassy in Washington DC.
Even if you’re not able to schedule a tour inside, the White House still offers beautiful snapshots thanks to its all-white exterior, blooming flowerbeds, and fountains. The Visitor’s Center hosts interactive multimedia for a glimpse into the president’s home, as well as artifacts and photos. Check at the information desk for any special events that might be going on inside President’s Park. Læs mere
Adresse: 1450 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20500, USA
Åbningstider: Daily from 7.30 am to 4 pm
Telefon: +1 202-208-1631
The White House
2. Downtown DC memorials
A walking tour of famous monuments and landmarks
Velegnet til: Historie, Billeder, Lavt budget
Washington DC has over 150 memorials to the nation’s most important leaders and world events. Independence Avenue is where you go to visit the iconic Lincoln and Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorials, as well as the World War II, Vietnam Veterans, and Korean War Veterans Memorials.
It’s relatively easy to enjoy a self-guided tour of the historical district as detailed descriptions, photographs, and audio guides are available at each memorial. National Park Service monuments usually have rangers on hand to answer any questions, and some even offer guided tours for free.
3. Rock Creek Park
Huge urban park perfect for hiking
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Rock Creek Park is one of the largest green expanses in Washington DC. It’s a staggering 1,754 acres, and the woodlands are so beautiful it’s hard to believe you’re still in the city.
Hiking is a popular activity as the park has more than 30 trails to suit any fitness level. It’s also a popular spot for picnics, jogging, tennis, and cycling, so it’s a good idea to visit during weekdays for a quieter experience. Make sure you stop by the visitor center for maps and exhibits and to take in a ranger-led talk at the planetarium. There are always lots of events going on, so be sure to check their calendar online. Læs mere
Adresse: 5200 Glover Road NW, Washington, DC 20015, USA
Åbningstider: Daily from sunrise to sunset
Telefon: +1 202-895-6000
Rock Creek Park
4. US Capitol and the Library of Congress
Impressive government buildings
Velegnet til: Historie, Lavt budget
The US Capitol has more than 600 rooms and miles of vaulted corridors built in 19th-century Neoclassical style. Its most impressive feature is a 177-foot-tall white dome with revolutionary period scenes, relief sculptures, and busts of former presidents. Be sure to head there early as tours are only available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Near the senate building is the Library of Congress, where you can enjoy free lectures, poetry readings, and concerts all year round. The library also displays a recreation of Thomas Jefferson’s original library. Be sure to reserve your free timed-entry ticket online before you visit. Læs mere
Åbningstider: Monday–Saturday from 8.30 am to 4.30 pm (Closed on Sunday)
Telefon: +1 202-226-8000
Udforsk hoteller i nærheden af Kongressens forsamlingsbygning i USA
US Capitol and the Library of Congress
5. The National Gallery of Art
A community-driven art museum
Velegnet til: Historie, Lavt budget
The National Gallery of Art displays more than 140,000 artwork from Europe and America from different time periods. Its West and East Buildings are connected by an underground concourse that’s fitted with Leo Villareal’s Multiverse installation, where you can see over 41,000 LED nodes creating hypnotic trailing lights and abstract sculptures.
A highlight here is the Sculpture Garden, which has a large fountain that functions as an ice rink during winter. Admission to the National Gallery of Art is free all year round. Many talks, workshops, and performances are free too, but advance registration is often required. Læs mere
Adresse: 6th & Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20565, USA
Åbningstider: Daily from 10 am to 5 pm
Telefon: +1 202-737-4215
The National Gallery of Art
6. The United States Botanic Garden
Historic gardens housing rare and exotic plants
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The United States Botanic Garden was founded in 1820, making it one of the oldest gardens in the country. The conservatory is home to a variety of medicinal plants, succulents, orchids, and rare flowers, and even a reconstructed landscape of ancient plant groups dating back to prehistoric times. There’s a range of guest exhibits too, so you’re guaranteed to see something new every time you visit.
Free talks, demonstrations, and exhibitions are available for those who want to learn more about the garden. Located in Maryland Avenue, the United States Botanic Garden is next to the US Capitol and the Library of Congress. Læs mere
Adresse: 100 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, DC 20001, USA
Åbningstider: Daily from 10 am to 5 pm
Telefon: +1 202-225-8333
The United States Botanic Garden
7. Smithsonian National Zoological Park
One of the USA’s oldest zoos
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The Smithsonian National Zoological Park is home to over 1,500 animals of 300 species. You can see a rare Sumatran tiger, prairie dogs, and African lions at the Great Cats exhibit and check out sloths, clouded leopards, and red pandas in the Asia Trails section.
Young visitors get to play with alpacas and miniature donkeys at the kids’ farm, while older ones will love the reptile discovery zone. The zoo also offers interesting programs every day, including fish feeding, keeper talks, guided tours, and seal demonstrations. While the zoo is free, entry passes must be reserved in advance, and you might need to purchase tickets for some special events.
Adresse: 3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
Åbningstider: Winter: daily from 8 am to 4 pm. Summer: daily from 8 am to 6 pm
Telefon: +1 202-633-2614
Smithsonian National Zoological Park
8. Washington National Cathedral
Stunning Gothic cathedral
Velegnet til: Historie, Billeder, Lavt budget
The Washington National Cathedral dates back to 1903, though its structure resembles the 14th-century Gothic style you see across Europe. Located in Wisconsin Avenue, the cross-shaped church spans 525 feet in length and accommodates 4,000 visitors at a time. There are over 100 stone gargoyles perched on top of the church, including one that’s carved in the shape of Darth Vader from the Star Wars films.
From Monday to Saturday, the church charges a small admission with guided tours included in the fee, but you can enter for free if you’re visiting for worship services and spiritual visits. Sundays are free throughout the day, with organ recitals and religious services. The gorgeous grounds are also worth a visit. Læs mere
Adresse: 3101 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016, USA
Telefon: +1 202-537-6200
Washington National Cathedral
9. Arlington National Cemetery
Vast and historic military cemetery
Velegnet til: Historie, Lavt budget
The Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place of over 400,000 military veterans, as well as several American leaders and their immediate families. Known as the largest military cemetery in the USA, thousands of people visit this site throughout the year, especially for remembrance services on Memorial Day and Veterans Day.
The Arlington National Cemetery is also where you can watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It’s held every hour from October through March and every 30 minutes from April through September. To enhance your visit, download the ANC Explorer app for history and special points of interest. Læs mere
Adresse: Arlington, VA 22211, USA
Åbningstider: Daily from 8 am to 5 pm
Telefon: +1 877-907-8585
Arlington National Cemetery
10. Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
Huge museum with intriguing exhibits about the planet’s history
Velegnet til: Familier, Historie, Lavt budget
The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History displays over 126 million objects ranging from animal fossils, gemstones, and meteorites to live butterflies and insects. Spanning over 325,000 sq m of exhibition space, it’s regarded as one of the largest museums in the world.
Visit the Hall of Human Origins to learn about the history of human species through an interactive human family tree, an authentic fossilized Neanderthal, and over 70 skull replicas. Alternatively, discover the secrets of Ancient Egypt and marvel at 4 2,000-year-old mummies on the second floor. Check the museum’s itinerary when you visit for intriguing talks and children’s events, all for free. Læs mere
Adresse: 10th St. & Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20560, USA
Åbningstider: Daily from 10 am to 5.30 pm
Telefon: +1 202-633-1000
Udforsk hoteller i nærheden af Naturhistorisk Nationalmuseum
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
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