Washington DC offers many free or low-cost attractions, including the White House, Smithsonian museums, historical landmarks, and outdoor areas. The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts offers a free tour, but shows require payment.
Washington DC is a paradise for travelers on a budget. Most of the attractions worth visiting are free or almost free. This includes most museums, monuments and parks. Your first stop in Washington DC should be the White House. Free guided tours will take you through several rooms, although you’ll have to endure long lines to get in, even if you arrive early in the morning.
The next best free stop in Washington DC is the Smithsonian Institution, which includes 16 museums. Unless you’ve been in town for a long time, pick just a few of the galleries, like the Space Museum, where you can check out the Apollo and touch a piece of the moon. Another great museum is the Navy Museum, where you can see WWII weapons and ship equipment.
History is alive in Washington DC, and you can take part in it by watching the Supreme Court sitting, visiting FBI Headquarters, and strolling through the Pentagon. The Bureau of Engraving and Printing allows you an exciting look into the actual printing of money. Arlington National Cemetery is another must-see in Washington DC. In addition to war veterans, President John F. Kennedy and most of his family are buried here. Watching the changing of the guard is an event in itself. Other free historical landmarks include the Washington Monument, the Vietnam Memorial, Union Station, the IS Capitol Building, and the National Archives, where you can see the original copy of the Declaration of Independence, among many other historical documents.
Outdoor attractions are a big part of Washington DC’s charm. For a quick picnic or a leisurely stroll, head to the Mall, a large green area on the way to the Smithsonian museums. Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, a natural marshland, is a great area for birdwatching and a chance to see thousands of species of flowers. For a peek into Washington DC’s cultural world, head to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and take their free behind-the-scenes tour. The shows are paid, though, and are often sold out. The National Art Gallery, television and radio towers, and broadcasting services are also open to the public and free of charge.
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