10 Free or Cheap Things to Do in Washington, D.C.

        

CAPITAL SITES

Washington, D.C., is one of the most tourist-friendly cities in the United States. Not only is the nation's capital packed with historical monuments and museums, but many of the best attractions are free.

Related: 50 Free or Cheap Things to Do in New York City
           

           

CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL

[post_ads]The National Cherry Blossom Festival is held in late March and early April. The spectacular cherry trees at the center of the celebration were a gift to the United States in 1912 from Japan. Hundreds of thousands of people now attend the annual festivities, which include fireworks, a parade, and a kite festival.

Related: 20 Prime Places to See Beautiful Cherry Blossoms
        

           

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY & CULTURE

More than 1 million visitors have passed through the doors of the Smithsonian Institution's newest museum since it opened in September 2016. This is the hottest ticket in town -- and it's free. There are no advance passes remaining for timed entry through June; July passes reportedly will be available online on April 5. There are also a limited number of same-day online and walk-up passes.

              

            

NATIONAL MALL

The National Mall is home to many of the city's most iconic monuments and it doesn't cost a dime to visit. From the Lincoln Memorial to the Washington Monument, visitors can soak up highlights of the nation's history within a two-mile span.
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CAPITOL BUILDING

Learn more about the nation's political system at the center of the action. Free hour-long tours of the Capitol give visitors access to the crypt, the National Statuary Hall, and the Capitol Rotunda, with its unique art. This is a popular attraction, though, so it's best to reserve a spot ahead of time.
              

           

ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

Home to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the John F. Kennedy Eternal Flame, the cemetery across the Potomac River in Arlington, Virginia, has enormous historical resonance. The gravesites of 300,000 American soldiers are a reminder of the sacrifices made throughout the nation's history.

Related: 15 Awe-Inspiring Memorials and Other Places to Honor Our Vets
           

              

WHITE HOUSE

[post_ads]Who wouldn't want to sneak a peek at where the president lives? A free White House tour does take some planning, though. Contact your congressional representative for tickets at least three weeks before your trip. Reservations can be made up to three months ahead, so book early.
            

         

NATIONAL AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM

The most hands-on of the Smithsonian museums, the Air and Space Museum is a must-see for both adults and kids. Admission is free to the enormous collection of historical planes and rockets, and all kinds of educational activities and events.
          

         

ROCK CREEK PARK NATURE CENTER

The Nature Center is the first stop for visitors to Rock Creek Park, a natural area in northwest D.C. Ranger-led programs and some of the park's shorter trails begin at the center, where visitors can find trail maps, a planetarium, and a children's discovery room.
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NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY

The National Portrait Gallery holds paintings of all the U.S. presidents, as well as famous poets, activists, athletes, and a long list of others who have influenced American history. At no cost, visitors can explore at their own pace.