Free time in Washington DC
Washington DC, United States
About This Activity
Washington DC has 21 Smithsonian museums, all free. On a free day consider the National Museum of African American History and Culture (timed passes required), the National Portrait Gallery, or the National Zoo. The Tidal Basin is surrounded by cherry trees and several memorials. U Street and the Atlas District offer DC's most exciting local restaurant and bar scenes.
See This in an Itinerary
This activity appears in 33 of our curated itineraries.
Best 5 Days in East Coast USA — Without History
New York City → Washington DC
Best 7 Days in East Coast USA — Without History
New York City → Washington DC → Boston
Best 7 Days in East Coast USA — Based in Washington DC
New York City → Washington DC
Best 10 Days in East Coast USA — Walking Tours
New York City → Washington DC → Boston
Best 10 Days in East Coast USA — Relaxed Pace
New York City → Washington DC
Best 10 Days in East Coast USA — Without Walking Tours
New York City → Washington DC → Boston
More Activities in Washington DC

National Mall & Monuments Walk
Walk the 2-mile stretch from the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial past Washington's greatest monuments

Smithsonian Air & Space Museum
See the Wright Flyer, Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis, and the Apollo 11 command module

National Gallery of Art
See Leonardo da Vinci, Vermeer, and Rothko in two connected buildings on the Mall

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
Move through three floors of permanent exhibits documenting the Holocaust and its victims

Arlington National Cemetery
Visit the JFK eternal flame and watch the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Georgetown Waterfront & Historic Walk
Walk Georgetown's Federal-style streets, the C&O Canal towpath, and the Potomac waterfront

Eastern Market & Capitol Hill Food Tour
Shop at DC's oldest market and eat your way along Barracks Row on Capitol Hill