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Few cities pack the history of Washington, DC. The US capital is the home to the country’s most important monuments and museums — it is, after all, where you’ll find the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial and the Jefferson Memorial. But that’s not all you can discover in DC.
Beyond those big attractions, there’s a world of unexpected culture, art and outdoor activities to explore. Better yet, many of them won’t cost you a cent. Here’s 20 unforgettable — and completely free — things to do in DC.
One of DC’s most picturesque neighbourhoods is Capitol Riverfront, set along nearly three kilometres of the Anacostia River. Many come here to kayak, canoe or fish, but the riverfront is just as lovely when explored on foot. Thirsty? Stop in for a drink at one of the many restaurants that overlook the river.
Speaking of must-visit neighbourhoods, don’t skip Dupont Circle. This sophisticated home of charming boutiques, queer-owned bars and chic bistros is also home to the city’s best art walk. On the first Friday of the month, you can explore the neighbourhood’s galleries, museums, and embassies for free on a self-guided evening stroll.
U Street has a history as one of the original hubs of Black culture in America. Start your time here with a meal at the world-famous Ben’s Chili Bowl, a DC favourite since 1958. But it’s not just what’s the restaurant that’s iconic — the building is adorned with a giant mural of African American heroes such as Dave Chappelle, abolitionist Harriet Tubman and Barack and Michelle Obama.
From there, you can poke around the neighbourhood and find many more murals, plus vibrant music, nightlife and the city’s ‘Little Ethiopia’ district. From azaleas to bonsais, beautiful trees and plants abound at the 446-acre U.S.
National Arboretum. The open-air museum can be visited from 8am to 5pm every day except Christmas. Every Wednesday through Saturday at 6pm, the Kennedy Center hosts free performances on its Millennium Stage.
That could mean gigs from renowned artists, exciting world music, classic performances, orchestras, choirs and even film screenings. Similarly, the American Art Museum, Library of Congress, Folger Theatre and more have free shows and concerts throughout the year. Whether you’re after farm-fresh produce or handmade arts and crafts, make a beeline for Eastern Market, one of DC’s oldest marketplaces.
It’s best visited on weekends, when the market opens to street vendors and offers even more stalls to explore. Aching for the outdoors? Hit Rock Creek Park, a 1754-acre national park open year-round. The park is home to a nature centre, golf course, horse stables and even a planetarium, but it’s also a lovely place to just hike or bike the many kilometres of trails.
Pack a picnic to make a day of it. It doesn’t cost a dime to get into the Smithsonian National Postal Museum, home to a vast collection of stamps, postal artifacts and more. Gaze up at the airplanes that hang overhead, explore the 1920s-style post office, or try your hand at stamp making and design.
There’s great shopping, leafy parks and fresh seafood dotted all along The Wharf. Take your time to explore the charming, cobblestone streets on a waterfront walk. DC’s Library of Congress is the largest library in the world, home to more than 164 million items.
Its stunning building also plays host to regular free lectures and events — you can see what’s coming up on the website. Georgetown is one of DC’s most historic neighbourhoods, with tree-lined, cobblestone streets, its very own canal, and an abundance of stunning 18th and 19th century mansions. It’s also a great place to people-watch — grab a bite to eat or window-shop (any excuse to stickybeak at the city’s fashionistas)! DC is home to more than 175 embassies — a long concentration of which can be found between 18th and 35th street on Massachusetts Avenue, a stretch known as “Embassy Row”.
Take a stroll here to admire the architecture of these embassies — many of which are converted mansions. For a few fleeting days every spring, cherry blossoms bloom around the Tidal Basin — the 3,800 trees planted there were a gift from Japan. But we prefer blissing out at the basin after the cherry blossom crowds have gone, and it’s back to being divinely serene.
Named after the famous United States’ civil rights leader, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library runs a free arts program that highlights the history and culture of the DC region. The National Building Museum is devoted to inspiring all ages about the potential of architecture, engineering, design and more.
Its awe-inspiring Great Hall — which features 22-metre-tall Corinthian columns and sky-high ceilings — is always free to the public. Adams Morgan comes alive at night. This eclectic neighbourhood is home to great vintage shops, comedy shows and interesting bites to eat.
Street performers congregate here, so it’s also a great place to enjoy some free entertainment. President Theodore Roosevelt was an early champion of conservation. So as a memorial to his pioneering work, congress named this peaceful island, not far from the White House, after him.
It’s accessible via footbridge and offers three kilometres of trails through lovely forest and wetlands to explore. At the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, you can see two local DC celebrities — Bao Li and Qing Bao, a pair of giant pandas who made their DC debut in January and are now widely beloved. Entry is free.
There are 28 kilometres of glorious outdoor space to explore along the Mount Vernon Trail, which stretches from George Washington’s Mount Vernon to Theodore Roosevelt Island. You can bike or walk its length. Aviation enthusiast? Immerse yourself in the wonders of aviation and space exploration at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC.
Explore iconic aircraft and spacecraft, and experience engaging exhibits that bring the history of flight to life..
