USA · Mid-Atlantic
Washington, D.C.
The world's greatest free museum collection, plus monuments
Washington DC is a spectacular value destination — nearly every world-class Smithsonian museum, the US Capitol, the Lincoln Memorial, and the entire National Mall are completely free. Accommodation runs expensive (government demand is year-round), but by being smart about where you sleep and eating your way through diverse neighborhoods, DC can be done on nearly any budget.
Budget/day
$100–$175
Best time
March, April, May, September +2 more
Currency
USD
US Visa
Visa required
Top things to do in Washington, D.C.
- Spend an entire day at the National Air and Space Museum or National Museum of Natural History — both free
- Walk from the Lincoln Memorial to the Capitol along the Mall at sunrise
- Explore the Georgetown neighborhood's canal, cupcake shops, and Federal-style rowhouses
- Visit the National Zoo, including the giant pandas — also free
- Tour the Library of Congress, one of the most beautiful buildings in the US
What a Washington, D.C. trip actually costs
Estimates for a 7-night trip for 2 people from a major US hub, all-in.
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Washington, D.C. travel tips for US visitors
Visa: Domestic — no travel documents required.
- 1Cherry blossom season (late March–early April) is stunning but hotels quadruple in price.
- 2The Metro is reliable and connects all tourist areas.
- 3Eat in Adams Morgan, U Street, or H Street for affordable, diverse food.
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