Free Attractions

Explore DC’s museums, memorials and other attractions without breaking the bank. There are more than 100 free things to do in Washington, DC.

Requesting a White House tour Touring the White House requires some advance planning. Public tour requests must be made through your member of Congress (find your member of Congress and contact information here ) and submitted up to three months in advance and no less than 21 days prior to your...

Free Things to Do: Events, Festivals & More in Washington, DC

With access to free museums, the monuments and memorials, the Library of Congress and more, Washington, DC is unrivaled for its many free attractions . But at any given time, you can also take advantage of free one-of-a-kind events, groundbreaking exhibits and unique festivals, making DC the...

Free Things to Do: Summer in Washington, DC

As you plan your family trip to DC, we’re here to remind you of all the free things to do this summer in the District. From July 4th fireworks and holiday concerts to special events like the Memorial Day parade, summer in Washington, DC makes for an unforgettable time, and it doesn’t have to hurt...

Visiting the U.S. National Arboretum in Washington, DC

What and where is the U.S. National Arboretum? The U.S. National Arboretum is located at 3501 New York Avenue NE in Washington, DC. The grounds are open to the public from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day of the year except Dec. 25. The Arboretum’s popular National Bonsai & Penjing Museum is open...

6 Reasons to Check Out the ‘Empresses’ Exhibit at the Freer|Sackler Galleries

Empresses of China’s Forbidden City, 1644-1912 , marks the largest exhibit at the Freer|Sackler in more than a decade, telling little-known stories of women whose influence and accomplishments have deserved a much stronger place in history. The free exhibit is open in Washington, DC through June 23...

Visiting the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery in Washington, DC

What and where is the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery? Painting a picture of the many influential people throughout America’s history, the National Portrait Gallery is a must-see for pop culture fans, history buffs and art lovers alike. From activists and actors to presidents and poets, the...

Visiting the Library of Congress in Washington, DC

What and where is the Library of Congress? The Library of Congress is housed across three buildings on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC: the Thomas Jefferson Building (10 1st Street SE), the James Madison Memorial Building (101 Independence Avenue SE) and the John Adams Building (2nd Street SE,...

14 Can’t-Miss Free Museums on the National Mall

To go with its monuments and memorials, the National Mall boasts an impressive lineup of free museums. Visitors should take advantage of the wide range of experiences on hand, from immersing themselves in classic art to marveling at the wonders of aviation and our natural world. Let your wallet...

The Smithsonian Castle: Gateway to Museums & History

Brit benefactor and an American castle For a man who never set foot in Washington, DC, French-born, British-raised James Smithson has had a huge impact on the city. The British scientist (1765-1829), an illegitimate son of a Duke, left his considerable fortune to a nephew with the stipulation that...

Visiting the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC

Planning your visit to the museum The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History opened in 1910 to invoke discovery and education of the natural world. Its green dome and immense size (comparable to 18 football fields) are signatures, as well as the 140 million-plus natural science specimens...