Best Budget-Friendly Things to Do in Washington DC

THE 10 BEST Cheap Things to Do in Washington DC

Best Budget-Friendly Things to Do in Washington DC

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  • Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.


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What travelers are saying

  • Jose R
    12 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Lincoln memorial is undergoing renovations and construction of the Lincoln memorial museum which are supposed to be completed in 2026. Some of the views will be obstructed.
    Written March 17, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jose R
    12 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This museum is huge so you may need to stay at least 3 hours. We stayed only 1/2 hr as we were in a rush and it was our second time. The kids enjoyed that little bit we had though, especially the dinosaurs.
    Written March 17, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jose R
    12 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    You need free advanced tickets to get in. Make sure you get them at least a few days in advance. The museum is under renovation until 2026, so half of the museum is closed. You can see it in less than 2 hours, including the planetarium (which is not free, 4 people is $32). It’s nice and educational for the kids.
    Written March 17, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • D M
    Cincinnati, OH33 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Top notch art and experience. I sat in the gallery on a couch and sketched for an hour.
    Clean bathrooms and secure. Beautiful sculptures and art.

    Easily accessible on the national mall.
    Written February 29, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jose R
    12 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    You need free, timed tickets to get in. It’s a beautiful library with plenty of history. The reading room is only open to researchers and can only see it from the second floor. We were able to use the Children’s library and spent there about an hour.
    Written March 17, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Boyd J
    Maleny, Australia1,688 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum requires a timed pass to get in and the security procedures similar to boarding an aircraft. The exhibits are laid out so that you take an elevator to the third floor. The lift is steel, has no buttons or signs and 15 people are crammed into the car. Half way up a short announcement begins about – I can’t remember what – as I was still taking in how the elevator car ride is meant to represent in a minuscule way the journey of Jews in airless freight cars to a concentration camp. The door opens and the exhibits are unrelenting from there on, as they should be. The story then unfolds over three floors as you move through the exhibit and descend each floor. The special children’s exhibit tells the story of Daniel in a way that doesn’t shy away from what happened, yet in a sensitive way more suitable for children.
    It is a confronting, sobering, yet compelling experience. Not to be missed out of all of the museums in Washington D.C.
    Written February 24, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • montanapescado
    Albuquerque, NM1,316 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    When I first heard what design had been selected for this memorial, I thought it grossly inartistic and unworthy of what was to be memorialized. When I saw it in person , I realized how wrong I was. This is utterly compelling and a must stop for DC visitors.
    Written March 1, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • montanapescado
    Albuquerque, NM1,316 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    For me, this is the ultimate war memorial. While uniformly gray, the Pancho clad statues slogging through the field have a compelling life to them. Pro tip: try to go at dusk for maximum effect. One of my visits was on a very foggy evening, which was positively overwhelming.
    Written March 1, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jaclyn H
    Raleigh, NC43 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This was my first time visiting DC. I was visiting my son who was recovering from an injury during deployment. We took advantage of this opportunity and explored DC. National Mall was nothing like you see on TV and in movies. What an experience to see it up close. Stunning. The reflecting pools are stunning, everything was well-maintained. Expect it to be busy, but everyone was super courteous even all the kids on a field trip. This is a must.
    Written March 17, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • LesleyDublin
    Dublin, Ireland217 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We booked this in advance. There is no charge. You get a tour of the building, it's very interesting. If you want to go into the Gallery of the Senate or House of Representatives you need to contact your Public Representatives in advance to get passes. I don't know the details of this as I'm not American. There is a gift shop in the Capitol building and also a large cafeteria downstairs. This building is the heart of the American politics system and well worth a visit.
    Written March 9, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • montanapescado
    Albuquerque, NM1,316 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Everything about this varied and detailed memorial is well thought out and not only appropriate to commemorating the conflict, but also the generation and their position in the broader base of the historical period. The layout, architecture, and display take the visitor to the 1940s while providing place and peace for reflection.
    Written March 3, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jaclyn H
    Raleigh, NC43 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This was my first time visiting DC. I was visiting my son who was recovering from an injury during deployment. We took advantage of this opportunity and explored DC. Fantastic monument to see. I am not a fan of heights, so I didn't go up, but everything around it was incredible.
    Written March 17, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • SongbirdSpirtWalker
    Albuquerque, NM71 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The National Museum of African-American History and Culture is a top of the line museum!

    There are 4 floors to see. You can begin your experience on the bottom level where the story of a “stolen people” is told. You work your way up to the fabulous collections which highlight the contributions of African American people!!! These achievements hard earned achievements have really only had about 60 years to blossom through a degrading institution called “slavery.”

    There is so much to see and feel and reflect upon. It took me 2 days and a second visit to begin to engage the brilliantly displayed exhibits!

    There are references to: Jim Crow, Black Codes, Segregation, civil rights, education, industry, sports, music, and the people who persevered to help build the nation. There are references to the African American people who built the U.S. Capital and so much more!!!

    The gift store has free information cards to take as well as books, dolls, statues, jewelry, clothing and wonderful Knick knacks for purchase.

    You need to plan to have had a hearty breakfast, break for lunch and a dinner plan. Wear comfortable shoes as you will walk a great deal.

    Reservations can be made online. The Smithsonian has formulated one of the finest museums in the nation.

    This is a place to visit at least once in your lifetime!
    Written March 16, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • GreenMountainGirls
    Montpelier, VT209 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Take your time here! The presidential gallery is wonderful, and there are special exhibits which can be great so check them out also. The portrait gallery and American Art section are both in this building, be sure to see the American art, which includes landscapes, modern, etc.
    Written March 13, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Cassie S
    30 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This memorial is unique and beautiful. It's not like the other memorials, yet it's one of the best. It's an educational memorial showing about FDR. It's definitely a must-see. Coming back.
    Written March 13, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.