Free Things To Do In Washington Dc

Washington DC is one of the best places in America for free and cheap activities.

It’s one of the most history-abundant places in the US and as it’s the capital of the United States of America, it has both historic and modern fascinating tales to tell.

If you’ve got a trip planned to the country’s capital but you’ve no idea where to begin when it comes to planning your travel itinerary, check out our detailed guide below!

You’ll find the 10 best free attractions in Washington DC, as well as the top-rated paid activities too!

Free Attractions in Washington Dc

Top Rated Washington Dc Attractions

Free

Lincoln Memorial

Located on the western side of the National Mall, the Lincoln Memorial is without a doubt one of the most iconic structures in Washington DC.

Opened in 1922, it was built to honour the 16th president of the United States; Abraham Lincoln, and is a pillar of historic foundations for the city, and for the whole of America.

The whole family will enjoy a stroll along the National Mall where you’ll recognise the...

Spy Museum Skip-the-line Ticket

clock Duration: 2 hours
  • At Washington DC’s International Spy Museum, enter a world of gadgets, weapons, cameras, vehicles and technologies used for espionage throughout the world. Hear stories of secret missions, examine artifacts and mystery-revealing photos and enjoy a slew of interactive displays, putting you right in the action all the while testing you on your...read more
Free

Georgetown

The historic suburb of Georgetown actually dates back before Washington DC by around 100 years so it’s a great place to visit if you’re looking to soak up even more American history.

Georgetown is an ideal place to visit with the whole family as there are hundreds of eateries, cafes and bars to try out, as well as the famous Georgetown Cupcake Bakery which sells some of the fanciest and finest treats in the area!

The...

Washington DC Premier Brunch Cruise

clock Duration: 2 hours
  • Engage your senses with the Washington DC Odyssey Brunch Cruise where you will be indulging yourselves in an afternoon of sensational sights, amazing food and joyous music.
  • A delicious, all-you-can-eat buffet will be served on the cruise while you listen to a live jazz band providing you with amazing tunes and sounds.
  • This
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Free

The National Gallery of Art is said to be one of the most important art museums in the world!

Home to more than 141,000 paintings, sculptures, drawings and photographs, the museum is a pivotal point in art history.

If you’re an art lover, then you can easily spend hours getting lost in the works of the world’s most famous artists such as Picasso, Kruger and Calder.

The National Gallery of Art is also home to...

Washington DC Premier Dinner Cruise

clock Duration: 3 hours
  • Engage your senses with the Washington DC Odyssey Dinner Cruise where you will be indulging yourselves in an afternoon of sensational sights, amazing food and joyous music.
  • A delicious 3-course dinner will be served on the cruise while you listen to a live jazz band providing you with amazing tunes and sounds.
  • This will be a
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Free

National Capitol Columns

The National Capitol Columns are a famous landmark inside the incredibly substantial 446-acre National Arboretum, just north of Washington DC Capitol.

The 22 Corinthian Columns are beautiful to walk around and photograph and definitely one of the highlights in the Arboretum, if not in the whole of Washington DC itself!


Of course, while you’re inside Washington DC’s botanical gardens, you can also enjoy a...

Washington DC Signature Dinner Cruise

clock Duration: 3 hours
  • Engage your senses with the Washington DC Sunset Dinner Cruise where you will be indulging yourselves in a night of sensational sights, amazing food and joyous music.
  • A delicious, all-you-can-eat brunch buffet will be served on the cruise while you listen to a DJ spinning your favourite tunes to liven up the atmosphere.
  • This
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Free

White House

One of the most famous buildings in the whole of America, the White House is home to the President of the United States and has been a famous DC landmark for hundreds of years.

You can take a free tour of the public rooms inside the White House, but the effort to do so is quite an extensive process; you’ll have to contact a local congress representative and then you’ll be put on a list to schedule a visit.

Instead,...

Washington DC Signature Scenic Lunch Cruise

clock Duration: 2 hours
  • Engage your senses with the Spirit of Washington DC Scenic Lunch Cruise where you will be indulging yourselves in an afternoon of sensational sights, amazing food and joyous music.
  • A delicious, all-you-can-eat buffet will be served on the cruise while you listen to a DJ providing you with amazing tunes and sounds.
  • This will
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Free

Smithsonian Museums

Undoubtedly one of the best free attractions to enjoy in Washington DC is to pay a visit to the numerous Smithsonian Museums.

As they’re “America’s Museums”, the Smithsonian buildings are completely free of charge to visit and they’re home to some truly incredible artefacts, history and collections.

The National Air and Space Museum is a must-visit for the whole family, especially with young...

U Street: Food, History, and Street Art Tour

clock Duration: 3 hours
  • This is a guided tour around the city of Washington DC where you will be indulging in an exploration of the city's most famous cuisines and prominent food places.
  • You will be trudging along U Street, where you will be visiting some of the restaurants to have a taste of Washington DC's delicacies.
  • Learn about the city's
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U Street: Food, History, and Street Art Tour

clock Duration: 3 hours
  • This is a guided tour around the city of Washington DC where you will be indulging in an exploration of the city's most famous cuisines and prominent food places.
  • You will be trudging along U Street, where you will be visiting some of the restaurants to have a taste of Washington DC's delicacies.
  • Learn about the city's
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Washington DC Sites at Night Bike Tour

clock Duration: 3 hours
  • The is a night bike tour where you will be delving into an exclusive exploration of Washington DC.
  • The highlights and attractions you will be travelling to are the National Mall, Washington Monument, the White House, National WWII Memorial and a slew of other memorials.
  • This is a 3-hour jam-packed bike tour which will
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Private Marine Corps Tour of Washington DC by Luxury Car

clock Duration: 6 hours
  • This is a guided tour entailing a very special tour exprience relating to the United States Marine Corps.
  • To understand more about the history and importance of the United States Marine Corps, you will be brought to places such as the Marine Corps War Memorial, the Marine Barracks, Marine Corps Base Quantico and the National Museum of
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Capitol Hill Food Tour

clock Duration: 3 hours 30
  • Get to know more about Capitol Hill as you will be indulging in an exploration of the city's most famous attractions and delicacies.
  • You will have a taste of a multiplicity of cuisines from Anglo-Indian, Salvadorian and Asian cultures, as well as soul food.
  • This will be a small-group tour which will allow for personalised
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Gastronomic Georgetown Food Tour

clock Duration: 3 hours 30
  • This is a guided tour around the Georgetown neighbourhood of Washington DC where you will be indulging in an exploration of the neighbourhood's most famous delicacies and prominent food places.
  • You will be trudging around and visiting some of the restaurants to have a taste of a variety of cultural delicacies, ranging from Korean
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Arlington National Cemetery Walking Tour & Changing of the Guards

clock Duration: 90 to 120
  • This is a guided walking tour at the Arlington National Cemetery in Washington DC, where you and your group of 15 participants will be roaming around the cemetery to learn more about its history.
  • You will be visiting attractions such as The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Arlington House - The Robert E. Lee Memorial/
  • This
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Private Family-Friendly DC Tour by Bike

clock Duration: 3 hours
  • A private tour through the city on a bike.
  • Enjoy the privilege of customizing your own itinerary.
  • Take in the sights of the Mall and other landmarks at your own leisurely pace.
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