11 ways to see Washington, DC, on a budget

07.04.2024 - 17:35 / lonelyplanet.com

Washington, DC, has a reputation for being expensive, but when it comes to things to do, it's an unfair accusation.

To start, all of the Smithsonian museums are free to visit, and there's also a packed calendar of free and cheap events, ranging from movie nights to open-air gigs at some of the city's top venues. Here are the best ways to get the most out of your hard-earned cash during a visit to Washington, DC, along with a guide to daily costs to help you budget.

Average daily cost: $170+

Prices for accommodation and flights are at their lowest between December and March, so if you can handle the chillier temperatures – in January, temperatures of 25°F (-4°C) are typical – this is a great time to visit DC. Additionally, December is when the city dons its Christmas finery, and the National Mall's snow-dusted monuments look truly stunning. Prices tend to stay low throughout spring, although if you're on a budget, it's best avoid the second half of March, which is when the city's cherry blossom trees bloom. Summer is when many families visit, but don't assume this means high prices – because the high humidity is a deterrent for some, many hotels will often roll out great deals to lure travelers who might be put off by the sweltering temperatures. This is particularly true in August and September – the sweatiest months.

DC's metro system has been transformed in recent years. The extension of the Silver Line means it's now easy to travel from Dulles International Airport to downtown DC, although if you're arriving by air, it's still worth seeing if you can bag a cheaper flight that goes into Baltimore (it takes under an hour to travel between the two cities by train). Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is the closest airport to downtown Washington, DC – just across the water from the National Mall in Arlington, Virginia – but it's served by far fewer airlines.

Here are our other top tips for getting around in Washington, DC

If you need to stock up on supplies for picnics or on-the-go snacks, pay a one-off visit to a supermarket with branches throughout the city like Trader Joe's, or stop by the sprawling Eastern Market on Capitol Hill's 225 7th St SE. Otherwise, you risk racking up costs with frequent visits to smaller (and more expensive) grocery stores, such as the 7-Elevens you'll see on almost every street. When it comes to hotels, if you'd prefer sticking with a well-known brand but are keen to keep costs down, consider Days Inn or Travelodge, both of which have properties throughout the city.

If you love a museum but you're on a budget, focus on the Smithsonian ones – there are 21, and they're all free to enter. But it gets better because the Smithsonian's National Zoo is free to visit, too –