10 Best Free Things to Do in Washington DC

The White House is a popular stop for most visitors in Washington DC as it has been the official residence of every US president since 1800. Self-guided tours are available, but foreign visitors are required to apply for a tour request at their home country’s embassy in Washington DC.

Even if you’re not able to schedule a tour inside, the White House still offers beautiful snapshots thanks to its all-white exterior, blooming flowerbeds and fountains. The Visitor's Center hosts interactive multimedia for a glimpse into the president's home, as well as artefacts and photos. Check at the information desk for any special events that might be going on inside President's Park.

Washington DC has over 150 memorials to the nation’s most important leaders and world events. Independence Avenue is where you go to visit the iconic Lincoln and Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorials, as well as the World War II, Vietnam Veterans and Korean War Veterans Memorials.

It’s relatively easy to enjoy a self-guided tour of the historical district as detailed descriptions, photographs and audio guides are available at each memorial. National Park Service monuments usually have rangers on hand to answer any questions, and some even offer guided tours for free.

Rock Creek Park is one of the largest green expanses in Washington DC. It's a staggering 1,754 acres, and the woodlands are so beautiful it's hard to believe you're still in the city.

Hiking is a popular activity as the park has more than 30 trails to suit any fitness level. It’s also a popular spot for picnics, jogging, tennis and cycling, so it's a good idea to visit during weekdays for a quieter experience. Make sure you stop by the visitor centre for maps and exhibits and to take in a ranger-led talk at the planetarium. There are always lots of events going on, so be sure to check their calendar online.

The US Capitol has more than 600 rooms and miles of vaulted corridors built in 19th-century neoclassical style. Its most impressive feature is a 177-foot-tall white dome with revolutionary period scenes, relief sculptures, and busts of former presidents. Be sure to head there early as tours are only available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Near the senate building is the Library of Congress, where you can enjoy free lectures, poetry readings, and concerts all year round. The library also displays a recreation of Thomas Jefferson's original library. It's best to reserve your free timed-entry ticket online before you visit.

The National Gallery of Art displays more than 140,000 artwork from Europe and America from different time periods. Its West and East Buildings are connected by an underground concourse that’s fitted with Leo Villareal’s Multiverse installation, where you can see over 41,000 LED nodes creating hypnotic trailing lights and abstract sculptures.

A highlight here is the Sculpture Garden, which has a large fountain that functions as an ice rink during winter. Admission to the National Gallery of Art is free all year round. Many talks, workshops and performances are free too, but advance registration is often required.

The United States Botanic Garden was founded in 1820, making it one of the oldest gardens in the country. The conservatory is home to a variety of medicinal plants, succulents, orchids and rare flowers, and even a reconstructed landscape of ancient plant groups dating back to prehistoric times. There's a range of guest exhibits too, so you're guaranteed to see something new every time you visit.

Free talks, demonstrations and exhibitions are available for those who want to learn more about the garden. Located in Maryland Avenue, the United States Botanic Garden is next to the US Capitol and the Library of Congress.

The Smithsonian National Zoological Park is home to over 1,500 animals of 300 species. You can see a rare Sumatran tiger, prairie dogs and African lions at the Great Cats exhibit and check out sloths, clouded leopards and red pandas in the Asia Trails section. 

Young visitors get to play with alpacas and miniature donkeys at the kids’ farm, while older ones will love the reptile discovery zone. The zoo also offers interesting programmes every day, including fish feeding, keeper talks, guided tours and seal demonstrations. While the zoo is free, entry passes must be reserved in advance, and you might need to purchase tickets for some special events.

The Washington National Cathedral dates back to 1903, though its structure resembles the 14th-century Gothic style you see across Europe. Located in Wisconsin Avenue, the cross-shaped church spans 525 feet in length and accommodates 4,000 visitors at a time. There are over 100 stone gargoyles perched on top of the church, including one that’s carved in the shape of Darth Vader from the Star Wars films.

From Monday to Saturday, the church charges a small admission with guided tours included in the fee, but you can enter for free if you’re visiting for worship services and spiritual visits. Sundays are free throughout the day, with organ recitals and religious services. The gorgeous grounds are also worth a visit.

The Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place of over 400,000 military veterans, as well as several American leaders and their immediate families. Known as the largest military cemetery in the USA, thousands of people visit this site throughout the year, especially for remembrance services on Memorial Day and Veterans Day.

The Arlington National Cemetery is also where you can watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It’s held every hour from October through March and every 30 minutes from April through September. To enhance your visit, download the ANC Explorer app for history and special points of interest.

The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History displays over 126 million objects ranging from animal fossils, gemstones and meteorites to live butterflies and insects. Spanning over 325,000 sq m of exhibition space, it’s regarded as one of the largest museums in the world.

Visit the Hall of Human Origins to learn about the history of human species through an interactive human family tree, an authentic fossilised Neanderthal and over 70 skull replicas. Alternatively, discover the secrets of Ancient Egypt and marvel at 4 2,000-year-old mummies on the second floor. Check the museum's itinerary when you visit for intriguing talks and children's events, all for free.