10 Things To Do For Free In Washington DC

Are you planning a trip to our nation’s capital? Here are 10 things you can do for free while you’re there.

Go monumenting

One of the first things I always recommend to do when visiting Washington, D.C. is touring the monuments. There are so many to see, and they are all free.

Tour the Capitol Building

The Capitol Building is a must-see, and you can get a tour for free by contacting your congressman or senators or through the Capitol Visitors Center.

Tour the White House

Touring the White House is an incredible experience I would recommend to anyone, and like tours of the Capitol Building, they are free and can be booked through your congressman or senators’ office. Just be sure to book it at least 21 days in advance.

Visit the Library of Congress

The Library of Congress is the largest library in the world and has free guided and non-guided tours throughout the year that do not need reservations. It is a beautiful building and definitely worth visiting.

See a show at the Kennedy Center

The John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, which sits on the Potomac River, has free “Millennium Stage” performances every night, and no tickets are required.

Go to the top of the Old Clock Tower (now Trump International Hotel)

The view from the top of the old clock tower in what is now Trump International Hotel is one of the best views of Washington, DC, and it’s free!

Visit the Smithsonian museums

There are so many museums to visit for free in DC, such as the Air and Space Museum, African American History Museum, American History Museum, and more.

Visit the National archives

The National Archives are a must-see, especially if you love history like I do. You can view our founding documents, such as the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.

Visit the National Zoo

Going to the zoo isn’t typically the first thing you think of when you think of Washington, DC, but the National Zoo is a great, fun place to visit. It is one of the few zoos in the U.S. that has pandas, so definitely go see them.

Visit the Botanic Garden

The Botanic Garden is right outside the Capitol that features plants from around the world. It is one of North America’s oldest botanic gardens and is a great place to visit while on Capitol Hill.