20 FREE things to do in Washington, D.C.

Discover 20 FREE things to do in Washington DC that will save you $500+ on your trip! From the top of the Washington Monument to hidden gems like the Floral Library, this complete guide shows you the best free attractions, museums, and experiences in America’s capital.
WHAT’S COVERED IN THIS VIDEO: Free admission to world-class Smithsonian Museums How to get FREE tickets to the top of Washington Monument Kennedy Center’s daily FREE performances (6 PM several times a week!) Best free viewpoints: Watergate Steps & Georgetown Waterfront Hidden gardens: Bishop’s Garden, Meridian Hill Park, Floral Library Free government tours: Capitol Building, Library of Congress Secret spots: Bureau of Engraving & Printing, Arlington Cemetery Local favorites: Union Market samples, The Wharf, outdoor markets

FREE LOCATIONS FEATURED:
00:21 Well Known Gems-
Washington Monument (top access)
Smithsonian Museums (all locations)
Lincoln Memorial & National Memorials
Arlington National Cemetery
1:45 Beautiful Viewpoints
Watergate Steps
East Potomac Park & Hains Point
Georgetown Waterfront Park
Kennedy Center + rooftop terrace
2:58 Hidden Gardens and Peaceful Spots
The Floral Library
Meridian Hill Park
Bishop’s Garden at National Cathedral
Kennedy Center + rooftop terrace
4:44 Cultural and Government Experiences
Library of Congress
The Supreme Court Building
Capitol Hill & U.S. Capitol tours
Embassy Row walking tour
The Bureau of Engraving and Printing
6:23 Vibrant Neighborhoods and Markets
The Wharf & free Jitney transportation
CityCenter DC public spaces
Union Market (free samples!)
Dupont Circle & other outdoor markets

MONEY-SAVING BREAKDOWN:
All of these things are free in Washington, D.C.!
Smithsonian Museums: $25 each (FREE in DC!)
Washington Monument observation: $30 typical cost (FREE with advance tickets)
Kennedy Center performances: $50+ typical cost (FREE daily shows)
Government building tours: $20-40 each (FREE in DC)
Total savings: $400-500+ per person

PERFECT FOR:
First-time Washington DC visitors
Budget travelers and families
Anyone wanting to avoid tourist traps
Local residents discovering new spots
Solo travelers, couples, and groups

BEST TIMES TO VISIT:
Washington Monument: Book timed tickets 1 month in advance
Museums: Weekday mornings for smaller crowds
Outdoor spots: Early morning or golden hour for photos
Kennedy Center: Arrive early for free daily performances

GETTING AROUND: Use DC Metro system to reach most locations affordably. Many spots are within walking distance of each other on the National Mall.

USEFUL LINKS:
Washington Monument free ticket reservations: [https://www.nps.gov/wamo/planyourvisit/fees.htm]

Kennedy Center free performance schedule: [https://www.kennedy-center.org/whats-on/millennium-stage/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=299478384&gbraid=0AAAAADruI3jwq8HW_f6wl2j2W2Odp-LQm&gclid=CjwKCAjw3_PCBhA2EiwAkH_j4rIACrLY54wXgG_wVffQPoQzlzxu8Dj5uJ1HN_yiW_Jp64xP3BF-4RoC9U8QAvD_BwE]

Smithsonian Museum hours and locations: [https://www.si.edu/visit/museums]

DC Metro trip planner: [https://www.wmata.com/]

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COMMENTS: Which FREE DC experience are you most excited to try? Drop a comment below with your travel plans!

WATCH NEXT:
“Union Market District”- https://youtu.be/PLE0doLbseA
“$50 Challenge in D.C.” – https://youtu.be/G5vM4QQsHE4
“Georgetown Bakeries” – https://youtu.be/pOtn60_CEFs

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