Free Things To Do In Washington DC

Perched precariously on the state line between Virginia and Maryland, the city of Washington DC is perhaps the most historically and politically significant city in the country. As the home of both houses of the legislature, the president and his cabinet, and many other important US government bodies, Washington DC is the place to visit if you enjoy intellectual exercise.

Another great thing about Washington DC is the wealth of things you can do for free. For a lot of us, our travel budgets are quite limited, and we can’t afford to run around wining and dining like there are no limits on our credit cards. Thankfully, if you’re in this predicament, the city of Washington DC has got you covered.

So what exactly can you do in Washington, without going home barefoot and penniless? Well, there are quite a few options! From touring grand government buildings and observing the inner workings of our executive, legislative and judiciary institutions to perusing museums and libraries considered to be the greatest in the world, there’s plenty of things to see and do. Let’s have a look, shall we? 

Tour the White House

The White House is world-famous as the home of the president of the United States of America and the seat of the executive branch of the US government. Perhaps the most recognizable building of its kind in the entire country, the White House has long been a paragon of American values and ideals.

If you want to take advantage of the opportunity to walk the same halls and corridors that some of the most powerful men and women in history have walked, we’ve got good news; you can do it for free! The only caveat is that these tours are in high demand, and must be booked well in advance. That being said, if you make the proper reservations, you can make this fascinating experience yours! 

Visit the Smithsonian Museum

If grandiose government buildings aren’t your thing, why not visit the Smithsonian Museum? This museum holds some of the most valuable artifacts, relics, and pieces of history on the face of the earth, and will surely be of great interest to anyone with an active and inquisitive mind. From dinosaur fossils to historically significant aircraft, there is enough variety here to tickle every fancy.

Want to hear the best part? You can see all of this at no cost! Although visitors must make reservations and receive a timed entry pass either by phone or online, after taking care of this simple task you’ll have free reign of the museum! And, as an added bonus, many of the exhibits and displays are tailored towards children, so you can bring the whole family! 

Explore the Library of Congress

Tired of visiting your local library, only to find that they don’t have the book you wanted? At the Library of Congress, those troubles are a thing of the past. With a catalogue that includes well over 32 million books, the Library of Congress provides us with a safeguard against the loss of culture and history that just so happens to be the largest collection of rare books in the US!

Visiting the Library of Congress is quite a bit easier than you might think; no tickets or reservations are required, and you’re free to walk around and browse to your heart’s content. If you want to make the most out of your visit, we recommend taking the guided tour, which will point out the most significant items in the Library’s collection. You can’t miss this attraction! 

Visit the National Gallery of Art

For the more artistically inclined among our readers, we’ve got just the thing for you: the National Art Gallery! This excellently curated collection of fine art is among the most impressive in the entire country, featuring works from some of the world’s most widely acclaimed artists. With art from a plethora of different periods, no creative genius has gone unappreciated!

Like all the other attractions on this list, entrance comes free of charge, with guided tours available for those who want to gain more insight into the works on display. For old and young alike, this is an attraction you simply cannot miss!

Tour the mint

Ever wanted to know how money is made? We’ve got good news: during a visit to the national Bureau of Engraving and Printing, you can! Arguably the most fascinating entry on this list, this government institution has been responsible for manufacturing the currency you use every day for over one hundred and fifty years!

Like the previous entry on this list, no tickets or reservations are required, except during the busiest period of the year, from March to August. Outside of these dates, you can simply walk in and observe the inner workings of this fascinating institution! 

Conclusion

For economically challenged travelers, visiting a big city like Washington DC can become a very pricey endeavor, with expensive attractions quickly burning through all your hard-earned cash. If you want to avoid this, we hope you’ll look into some of the suggestions on this list, and have an intellectually stimulating yet economical travel experience!

Now, there’s a chance you might enjoy this city so much that you end up wanting to make it your home; if that’s the case with you, contact one of the real estate agents in Washington DC! These experienced professional realtors will do their best to put you in a home at as little cost to you as possible, so you can enjoy this city without undue economic strain. Before you know it, you might just be calling this historic city home!

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