Vacationing in Washington Dc on a budget may seem hard if you have never been but once you have done it and learned a few tips and tricks it is quite easy. Take a look at the tips in this article to figure out how you too can vacation in Washington Dc on a budget.

Are you looking for a vacation destination that is within your budget? Washington DC is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and it is a bargain right now! You might think because it’s our nation’s capital, it’s going to be expensive. But you won’t believe how affordable Washington DC really is.

More than three million people visit Washington, DC each year, and most of them are doing so on vacation. Besides being the capitol, the city has plenty to offer to the average tourist. This is why you should definitely consider it as a destination for your next trip and use these tips to have an amazing time without breaking the bank!

Washington, D.C. can be an expensive destination, no matter how you slice it. However, there are ways to have a memorable time in this fabulous city without having to put a hole in your wallet.

Vacation In Washington Dc On A Budget

I live in Northern Virginia and visit Washington D.C. on a regular basis. I often take visitors to the capital city and usually go in the summer so often pay for parking ($15-$20). In the winter, my problem is that I have to fight traffic and it always takes me at least an hour to get there so I try not to spend a full day there. My favorite thing to do is walk around the mall and memorials, ride the metro system, eat eats, do the touristy things and make sure the visitor sees both sides of Washington — corporate and historical. Touring the Capitol is a must; visiting Congress or hearing Senators respond to questions with witty comments can be entertaining or boring depending on their response. You need at least three or four hours in warm weather or five+ hours in cold before you feel like you’ve seen everything, but you can see a lot in less time by eliminating all the long lines.

WASHINGTON D.C. TRAVEL GUIDE

Last Updated: August 15, 2022

NOTICE: The information here is updated as best we can in light of COVID-19. Please check attractions, activities, etc before you go as things can change quickly.

Having grown up in New England, visiting Washington D.C. is something I’ve done since I was a kid. I love the capital. There are over 175 embassies, ambassador’s residences, and international cultural centers here. That means there’s a diversity and culture here you won’t find in most other cities in the US (except maybe NYC). Washington is a city where you can find every type of food and language in the world.

While the members of Congress and those who attend to them drive up costs here, the city’s student population helps keep D.C. semi-affordable (though in recent years it has gotten pretty costly). You’ll find an incredible food scene, lots of new and renovated live/work spaces, and a growing cocktail bar scene.

Add in the history, tons of free museums, and iconic monuments, and you get an eclectic and fun city to visit with lots to see and do.

This travel guide to D.C. will give you a list of all my favorite tips on what to see, how to get around, and how to save money!

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Washington D.C.

1. Tour the Capitol Building

Located on Capitol Hill, this is where Congress has met since 1800 to write U.S. laws. You’ll start with a short intro film and visit the neoclassical Rotunda, the Crypt (not actually a crypt, but so-called because it resembles one), and the National Statuary Hall (originally built as the meeting location for the House of Representatives). Tours take place Monday-Friday from 9am-3pm. Tickets are free, but you need to reserve them in advance.

2. Explore the Smithsonian Museums

Founded in 1846, the Smithsonian Institution is the largest museum, education, and research complex in the world. There are 17 museums, but some of the best are the Air and Space Museum, the Museum of the American Indian, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the National Zoo, the Smithsonian Castle, and the American Art Museum. All Smithsonian museums are free to enter, and most are located right along the National Mall (with the exception of the Postal Museum and the Portrait Gallery/American Art Museum).

3. Take a walk through Georgetown

Georgetown is a historic neighborhood that used to be a transit point for farmers selling tobacco in the 1700s. Its home to the oldest house in DC (built in 1765 and appropriately called the Old Stone House), as well as Georgetown University (one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the United States). Today, the area is known for its fantastic shopping, waterfront harbor, dining scene, and nightlife. Spend some time strolling around taking in the beautiful and well-preserved Georgian homes and architecture. For a unique experience, take a ghost tour of Georgetown with Visit DC Tours.

4. Visit Arlington National Cemetery

This 639-acre (258-hectare) cemetery is the final resting place for more than 400,000 military personnel as well as President John F. Kennedy and his family. An eternal flame marks JFK’s grave. Nearby you can find the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where a changing of the guard ceremony takes place every 30-60 minutes. The cemetery is open daily, 8am-5pm and free to visit if you’re on foot (no vehicles/bicycles are allowed unless attending a service). For an in-depth 5-hour walking tour, go with Babylon Tours.

5. Check out the monuments

All the city’s major monuments and memorials are located at the National Mall and are free. With more than 100 monuments spanning over 1,000 acres (40 hectares), you could fill a good three or four days with them if you wanted. Personally, I’m a big fan of the Franklin D. Roosevelt monument though the Lincoln Memorial is the most popular. Nighttime walking tours of the Mall and its monuments from Get Your Guide last 2.5 hours and cost $83 USD.

Other Things to See and Do in Washington D.C.

1. Tour the White House

Take a tour of where the most powerful person in the country lives. Built in 1800, here you can learn the history of the building and all those who have inhabited it. You have to apply in advance to get tickets through your member of Congress (within 21-90 days of your visit). If you are a citizen of a foreign country, you need to arrange tours through your embassy in D.C. You will be asked to provide security information several weeks before your tour to be approved so be sure to book early! Tours are free.

2. Visit the Supreme Court

This Neoclassical building, known as the Marble Palace, was built in 1935 and is home to the highest court in the land. Court sessions are open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis and there are free 30-minute lectures in the main hall that explain how the court functions. Definitely try to attend one of the lectures as they offer a lot of information about how the court works. Note: The building is currently closed to the public due to COVID-19.

3.Visit the Holocaust Museum

The Holocaust museum is both wonderful and heart-wrenching. It features a large permanent exhibit that takes up three whole levels and tells the story of the Holocaust through films, photos, artifacts, and first-person stories. Tickets are free but must be reserved online (with a $1 USD advance reservation fee).

4. Take a free walking tour

One of the best ways to take in the city is on a free walking tour (I always start my visits to a new city with one). You get to see the city’s main sights, learn about its history, and have an expert on hand to ask any questions you have. DC Walkabout and Free Tours by Foot have a good selection to get you started. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!

For a unique paid tour, check out the history tour & pub crawl from D.C. Crawling.

5. Visit the National Zoo

This zoo opened in 1889 and is home to over 1,800 animals spread over 160 acres (65 hectares). Here you’ll find lemurs, great apes, elephants, reptiles, pandas, and more. It was one of the first zoos in the world to create a scientific research program too. While I normally don’t like zoos, the scientific and conservation work they do here is done ethically. As part of the Smithsonian, the zoo is free to visit though you will still need to make a reservation online.

6. Visit the Spy Museum

Opened in 2002, the International Spy Museum has exhibits on both historical and contemporary spy craft. See shoes with false bottoms, photos of infamous spies, and interviews with former intelligence officers. There are over 7,000 items in the collection, with information going back to ancient Egypt and Greece and how their spies operated. It’s super interesting! Tickets start at $26.95 USD.

7. See the cherry blossoms

If you’re in Washington between March and April, don’t miss the Cherry Blossom Festival, which brings in 1.5 million visitors each year. The trees were a gift from Japan to the United States in 1912 and their blossoming is marked by a celebration that includes concerts and fireworks. Tidal Basin, East Potomac Park, and the Washington Monument are the best places to see them up close.

8. Visit Alexandria’s Old Town

Head across the river to Alexandria, VA, a small town with cobblestone streets dotted with colonial buildings and historical landmarks. One of the most fun things to do here is the pub crawl/haunted ghost tour, where you explore historic places and haunted buildings while also visiting different pubs. Nightly Spirits runs tours for $25 USD per person. While you’re here, don’t miss the old colonial manors, the former torpedo factory, and the skinniest historic house in the USA (it’s just 7 feet wide!).

9. Explore the National Gallery of Art

This museum has two wings: the east wing, which houses the gallery’s more modern works (including works by Henri Matisse and Mark Rothko); and the west wing, which contains the collection’s older works (such as works by Sandro Botticelli and Claude Monet). You’ll see a lot of artists painting here and it’s fascinating watching them work to recreate these historic masterpieces. During the summer, the Sculpture Garden often hosts live music too. Admission is free but reservations need to be made online.

10. Visit Embassies during Passport DC

During this annual springtime celebration, more than 70 embassies open their doors to visitors, staging cultural demonstrations, food tastings, and music and dance performances. It’s a remarkable way to spend a few days learning about various cultures and eating tons of delicious food! It takes place every year throughout the month of May. You can learn more at culturaltourismdc.org.

11. Visit the Library of Congress

This is the largest library in the world. There are over 16 million books here and over 120 million other items. Established in 1800, over 3,000 staff help keep this place running. It’s the main research center of the U.S. Congress and is home to the U.S. Copyright Office. Check the website for any special tours happening during your visit (sometimes they open the Music Division’s Whittall Pavilion for public viewing). Don’t miss Thomas Jefferson’s library, Bob Hope’s personal documents (including his famous joke file), and the Gershwin Room dedicated to famous musicians.

12. Hang out on the Tidal Basin

Built in the 19th century, the Tidal Basin is a manmade pond stretching two miles long the National Mall. It serves as a popular hangout spot for locals and visitors and is the best place to see the cherry blossom trees each spring. In the spring and summer months, you can rent a paddleboat ($32 USD/hour for a 4-person boat) and spend the afternoon relaxing on the pond.

13. See the National Arboretum

The 446-acre (180-hectare) National Arboretum provides a quiet oasis and is a peaceful spot to hang out with a book and enjoy some nature away from the busy city. It’s home to the National Capitol Columns, giant historic columns that once supported the East Portico of the U.S. Capitol from 1828-1958. Surrounding the columns are gardens as well as exhibits devoted to botanical research and conservation. The National Bonsai & Penjing Museum is located here as well. The arboretum and museum are free to visit with no advance tickets needed.

14. Explore the National Archives Museum

The National Archives Museum houses the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, and the Constitution, plus one of the few remaining copies of the Magna Carta left in the world. It’s a great place for history buffs as it’s filled with really informative panels. If you’re traveling with children, there are plenty of interactive exhibits inside too. They also host history lectures and panels, so check the website to see what’s happening during your visit. Admission is free, but space is limited, so online reservations are required.

15. Go distillery hopping

If you’re a fan of fine spirits, Washington has several distilleries around the city — many of which are within walking distance of one another. You can visit Republic Restoratives, One Eight, and Don Ciccio & Figli without having to walk far. Most have a tasting room and some even offer self-guided tours.

16. See live music at Wolf Trap

Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts is a scenic nature park that doubles as a music venue. It hosts tons of live music year-round at the Filene Center. Big performers like Lenny Kravitz, Sting, and The Beach Boys have played here in the past so check the website to see what’s on during your visit.