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Best of Washington DC

Free Things to Do in Washington DC

Washington DC is one of the cheapest capital cities in the world to explore. Every Smithsonian, every monument on the Mall and most of the best gardens cost nothing. This guide is our pick of the free things locals actually recommend to visiting friends, grouped so you can build a day without opening your wallet.

Some sites now use free timed-entry passes to manage queues. Where that applies we have flagged it. Everything else is walk-up, all year round.

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Smithsonian Museums

Every Smithsonian museum on the National Mall is free every day, no ticket required for most. Plan two per visit; each rewards a slow morning.

1
National Air and Space Museum
National Mall · Free
The Wright Flyer, the Apollo 11 command module and the SpaceShipOne hang in one room. Free timed-entry passes are required online.
Local tip: Reserve passes a few days ahead; walk-ups sell out by mid-morning.
Official site
2
National Museum of Natural History
National Mall · Free
Home to the Hope Diamond, the Hall of Human Origins and a rotunda-sized African elephant. Best for families and rainy afternoons.
Official site
3
National Museum of African American History and Culture
National Mall · Free
A three-storey descent through slavery, segregation and civil rights before rising into culture and community. Emotionally heavy. Give it half a day.
Local tip: Same-day timed passes drop at 8:15am weekdays.
Official site
4
National Museum of American History
National Mall · Free
The original Star-Spangled Banner, Julia Child's kitchen and Dorothy's ruby slippers under one roof.
Official site
5
Smithsonian American Art Museum and Renwick Gallery
Penn Quarter and Foggy Bottom · Free
Two free art museums a short walk apart. The Renwick's craft installations make for the best photos in DC.
Official site

Monuments and Memorials

The Mall's monuments never close, never charge, and are best at dusk when the marble catches the light.

1
Lincoln Memorial
West Potomac Park · Free
Climb the steps at sunset for the classic view down the Reflecting Pool to the Washington Monument.
Official site
2
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Constitution Gardens · Free
Maya Lin's black granite wall lists more than 58,000 names. Rangers help visitors locate specific names.
Official site
3
Martin Luther King Jr Memorial
Tidal Basin · Free
The 30-foot Stone of Hope stares across the Tidal Basin. Best paired with a walk to the FDR and Jefferson memorials.
Official site
4
Washington Monument
National Mall · Free
The observation deck is free with a timed pass. A small daily allocation is released at 10am the day before.
Local tip: Set a calendar reminder for 9:59am to grab passes when they drop.
Official site
5
Jefferson Memorial
Tidal Basin · Free
Under-visited compared with the Lincoln, and unbeatable during cherry blossom season in late March.
Official site

Parks, Gardens and Views

DC is greener than most first-time visitors expect. These spots are all free and unticketed.

1
United States Botanic Garden
Capitol Hill · Free
A working conservatory at the foot of the Capitol. Orchid room, jungle room, and a rose garden that peaks in May.
Official site
2
Rock Creek Park
Northwest DC · Free
1,754 acres of forest inside the city. The Boulder Bridge and Pierce Mill loop makes an easy two-hour walk.
Official site
3
Georgetown Waterfront Park
Georgetown · Free
Flat riverside stroll from Key Bridge to the Kennedy Center. Fountains for kids to run through in summer.
Official site
4
Meridian Hill Park
Columbia Heights · Free
The 13-basin cascading fountain and Sunday drum circle are pure DC. Bring a picnic.
Official site
5
Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens
Northeast DC · Free
The only national park in the country dedicated to water plants. Lotus blooms peak in July.
Official site

Free Buildings Worth an Hour

A handful of civic buildings run free tours and quiet lobbies well worth a detour.

1
Library of Congress
Capitol Hill · Free
The Thomas Jefferson Building's Great Hall is the most beautiful room in Washington. Free timed passes required.
Official site
2
National Gallery of Art
National Mall · Free
The only Leonardo in the Americas hangs here. The East Building's Calder mobile and rooftop terrace are the best free art view in DC.
Official site
3
US Capitol
Capitol Hill · Free
Free guided tours of the Rotunda and Statuary Hall. Book through your Congressional office for the best slots.
Official site
4
Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Southwest · Free
Watch dollars being printed. Free tickets go fast in peak season; try the walk-up line after 2pm off-season.
Official site
5
Kennedy Center Millennium Stage
Foggy Bottom · Free
Free live performances several nights a week, no ticket required. Arrive 30 minutes early for a seat.
Official site

Planning notes

The Mall is a 3km walk end to end. Metro's Blue, Orange and Silver lines drop you at Smithsonian station in the middle.
Bring a refillable water bottle. Free fountains sit outside most Smithsonian buildings.
Cherry blossom peak bloom (late March to early April) and the July 4 fireworks are the two busiest windows. Book timed passes at least a week ahead.
Winter mornings are the quietest time to see the most popular museums without a queue.