Washington DC has a reputation for being expensive, but it really doesn't have to be! Here are the best ways to get the most out of your money during your trip to Washington DC, from free things to do to budget places to stay to budget eateries to he...
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Free Things to Do
Budget Places to Stay
Where to Eat on a Budget
More Budget Resources
Free Things to Do
Find out the best free things to do in Washington DC so you don't have to spend a cent.
Public tours of the United States Capitol are available to everyone, including non-U.S. citizens.
Book a Tour | U.S. Capitol - Visitor Center
You'll have to submit a tour request months in advance through your representative if you're a U.S. citizen, or through your embassy in DC if you're an international visitor.
Tour the White House - National Park Service
This free DC museum has an amazing collection of fossils, precious gems, and unique artifacts.
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History: Homepage
At this free zoo, you can find bears, monkeys, big cats, elephants, and more.
Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
This free museum has art from the Middle Ages to the present, including a huge collection of Italian artwork.
National Gallery of Art
The free garden exhibits several works from the museum's contemporary sculpture collection.
Sculpture Garden Tour - National Gallery of Art
See the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, and the Constitution.
National Archives Museum: The National Archives in ...
Stop here to see their America's Treasure Chest display with items from each of the Smithsonian museums on display
Smithsonian Castle
This is essentially a huge, free park.
National Mall and Memorial Parks - National Park Service
Budget Places to Stay
Find the best place to stay on a budget in DC.
Modern innovation mixed with historic character
Hotel Hive: Washington D.C.
Trendy hostel is a 7-minute walk from Dupont Circle metro station
Generator Washington DC Boutique Hotel near Embassy Row
Chic hostel in a Victorian townhouse
HighRoad Hotel | Book Direct for 5% discount with code ...
Where to Eat on a Budget
Dine on a budget, without sacrificing tastes, with these cheap eat in DC
One of Silver Spring’s oldest bars
Quarry House Tavern
An agave-fueled bar that sells regional dishes from different corners of Mexico
Mezcalero Cocina Mexicana
Delicious (and affordable) subs and hot sandwiches
A. Litteri, Inc.
Baked hand pies
Julia's Empanadas - Washington, DC - Yelp
Grab-and-go standby
The Well Dressed Burrito - Washington, DC
Bowls of New England clam chowder or lobster bisque
GEORGETOWN SEAFOOD
More Budget Resources
Find more budget travel tips, from budget sightseeing passes to free things to do:
Save up to 60% on DC's best attractions
Washington DC Sightseeing Pass | Washington DC Attraction Pass | Washington DC FLEX Pass
All the best free things to do in DC
27 Free Things to Do in Washington DC
Your guide to visiting the Smithsonian Castle
Visiting Smithsonian Castle in DC: Everything You Need to Know
