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Best Free Things to Do in Washington DC
THE 10 BEST Free Things to Do in Washington DC
Best Free Things to Do in Washington DC
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Libraries • Government Buildings
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Speciality Museums • Castles
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What travellers are saying
- Shane GNorth Carolina778 contributionsThis tour of the Smithsonian can come as a guided tour or stand alone which is what we chose. It has replicas of various animals and also of microscopic organisms important to humans. The gift shop has lots of gifts to choose from and there is an outdoor garden one can view.Written 6 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Douglas MMount Vernon, ME624 contributionsWe throughly enjoyed visiting and touring the air and space museum with our family. Seeing all the planes, helicopters, and the Discovery Space Shuttle was truly rewarding.Written 12 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- kkob3North Stonington, CT19 contributionsLincoln is a must see when in Washington DC. Walk up the steps and take in the enormous statue. Take the time to read the inscriptions.Written 11 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- beerwriterIndian Harbour Beach, FL1,550 contributionsOne of the world's great collections of art, from Renaissance to 21st Century modern. Spaces for study and reflection, and cafes for refreshements. Docents and education events are available.Written 13 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- NoraatcSudbury, MA40,562 contributionsIt was my second visit, so I expected to spend a couple of hours and head to the National Portrait Gallery, but I guess the more you read about the horrors of the Holocaust, the more you want to see the atrocities with your own eyes, the more you want to listen to the survivors, the more you want to learn from the documents and artifacts from that terrible time. So I spent five hours… I think I know quite a bit about the Holocaust after reading countless books, visiting Auschwitz, Dachau, Yad Vashem, the Shoah Memorial in Paris, the Jewish Ghetto and Museum in Rome, Museum of Jewish History in NYC, Anne Frank’s House in Amsterdam, but United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is the place where you really see the whole picture of the most horrific event in the history of the mankind.
The visit starts on the fourth floor presenting the story of Nazism coming to power, the tragedy of the Kristallnacht (the photos of one of the most beautiful synagogues in Germany, Essen Synagogue, before and after the pogrom and its desecrated door are especially poignant), the surrender of Austria, the Netherlands, France, the occupation of Poland, Latvia, Lithuania and eventually the invasion of Russia. Surprisingly, there were groups of really young kids, maybe 8-10 years old on this floor - their teachers taught them a great lesson of the importance of making everything possible to prevent dictatorships and absolute power. The kids were very attentive and well behaved… I felt so good looking at their happy faces of the generation for which the Holocaust is remote tragic history. I hope they will remember those who perished in the ovens of concentration camps…
The third floor is dedicated to the “Final Solution”… There were no kids on this floor…rightfully so. The atrocities of all concentration camps, hundreds of them, are presented without hiding anything… The photos and the artifacts (the shoes, the train car, the bunks, etc.) tell the story that will bring a stone to tears.
The second floor is the story of the Death March and the liberation. The photos and the documentaries are devastating… The Nuremberg Trial recordings are well known but a normal person still cannot and should not understand the “Not Guilty” pledge barked out by the defendants. The recordings of the Israel trial of Adolf Eichmann are also there… the monster didn’t change, didn’t repent, denied everything and blamed his superiors. What a familiar tune! How rightfully the Israeli court condemned him to death…and it happened in the country where death penalty doesn’t exist.
One of the most impressive displays are the stories and the names of the Righteous from all occupied countries. I read many books about these people who risked their own lives and the lives of their families every single day to save a Jew. There is no better example of courage, decency and compassion in the whole world.
The stories of the life and death in the Eastern European Ghettos, the uprising in the Warsaw Ghetto, the resistance of young Jewish fighters in the Vilna and Lodz ghettos… so much suffering and unparalleled courage…
And no words to describe the emotions in the Remembrance Hall…
I spent five hours in the museum and left totally shocked and devastated. To calm down I just went for a walk… that’s all that could be done…Written 19 December 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Isa bGatineau, Canada1,487 contributionsWe loved our visit at the library. I loved the exhibits, the opportunity to peak inside the actual library while people are researching there, the niceness of staff.
The Thomas Jefferson Library is stunning and so well documented. The photographs exhibit that was there was pretty cool too. The treasures are indeed treasures to be seen.
We went on Halloween Thursday during one of the Thursday's Live at the library events. We put on costumes, grabbed a drink and walked around collecting candy to the sound of DJ music. It was very very cool.Written 5 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Isa bGatineau, Canada1,487 contributionsWe had a great tour of the Capitol. We had booked for 9:30 AM, and it was full of youth tour groups before us. I guess a suggestion might be to go a bit later when they are in. We booked directly on the website on the opening day for tickets for the day we wanted.
It was very well organized and our tour guide was very informative. I liked to see the old Senate with the markings on the floor and multiple statues from the different states. It is neat to see staffer walk by too.
We didn't get to see the actual senate or house rooms. I would say the tour with waiting was about 90 minutes. It is walking up and down steps, so if you need accessibility, please be sure to confirm that and path ahead of time.Written 5 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Isa bGatineau, Canada1,487 contributionsWe walked up and down and across the street all the way to the Jefferson Memorial. We did it once during the day; and once at night. Be ready to walk 30 000 steps. ensure to have wifi. Its all free, but there is barely no contextual information by each memorial. You need to research it online to understand the full breath of the monument's creation and of the individual legacy it was made to recognize. The Roosevelt one is the one with more information, including about his wife and dog which deserved their own memorial as well.
Of course, the Jefferson and Lincoln memorials and statues are to be seen and reflected upon when you read their magnifient speeches. My favorite memorial was the Martin Luther King one, still so relevant today. It really make one think about peace and how we treat each other.Written 5 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Richard - AtlantaAtlanta, GA13 contributionsNote that tickets are required to take the elevator to the top. They are released 30 days in advance and sell out within minutes. They also release a limited number of tickets at 10 AM for the next day, and a limited number of same day In person tickets are available at 8:45 AM. You will pay a one dollar per ticket charge when ordering online. Do not pay the $25 per person being listed here on TripAdvisor.
That being said, it is the best view of Washington DC you will have during your trip. Incredible views of the National Mall as well as the Reflecting Pool, Lincoln Memorial, White House, and the US Capitol. Be sure to bring a pair of binoculars or a camera with a long zoom lens. I was even able to take a great video of a plane taking off from Reagan National airport during my visit.
Security screening is required as is common at most government building these days. After screening, you’ll be taken to an elevator that will carry you up 500 feet to the observation level. There are two windows facing all four directions. The left window at each station has steps available for the kids to stand on to take in the view.
Then you can go down a set of stairs to a small museum, which contains some interesting history about the monument. I won’t spoil anything, but there are some interesting hidden articles inside the monument.
I also suggest a night visit if possible. The monuments along the national Mall take on a whole new life at night.Written 5 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - ecellobrillDurham, NC67 contributionsI tried to get tickets on a previous trip to DC and couldn't, so when I had some extra time on a day trip, I snagged the next available spot for this museum. Its quality and collection is as outstanding as the other Smithsonian museums: detailed, comprehensive, moving, educational. Do not expect to take it all in during one visit.
Thankfully someone else told me before going: descend BELOW the entry level when you arrive, to take in the three history sections first. (This wasn't made evident by the museum upon arrival.) These sections sweep from the 1400s to the Obama administration. This is intense history: if you can visit with someone else and process together afterward, I would recommend that. I was particularly touched by the Emmitt Till memorial and the restored Tuskegee aircraft. I was VERY grateful for the Contemplative Court when I exited the history sections, to be still and let it all settle emotionally. That's also a good moment to visit the Sweet Home Cafe.
Since this was my first visit, I spent less time on the upstairs levels, but loved the exhibit themes: sports, military, music, dance, etc. This museum is also beautifully designed and in a great spot on the Mall, so there were plenty of opportunities to savor the view in ascending.
This museum deserves its accolades. Make sure to visit.Written 11 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Ericka ROrlando, FL167 contributionsStrange to rate. I think it's specific to each person but it was interesting to see during the holidays. It was dressed up even more because of the season. Gave a cute and yummy chocolate at the end. Have that ID ready cause it will be checked to death. Like....a lot but makes sense. Pictures are possible but everyone will photo bomb you mistakenly as theres many people on the tour in a limited space. Downloaded the app but it wasn't much help beyond entrance.Written 18 December 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- SayCheeseTrenton, NJ422 contributionsLOCKERS -- Free lockers as soon as you walk in, arrived 11:30 and there were some available. You can bring a water bottle, lots of bottle refill stations.
OVERALL - Photography allowed virtually everywhere but Star Bangled Banner Flag. LOVED first ladies exhibit with all the china sets and dresses. Entertainment Nation was good - spans several decades so something for everyone to relate to. Easily can spend 4-5 hours. There are 2 buildings - an east and west building, connected to each other - easy to transverse between the two. Exhibts were great, well labeled, written displays for everything. Oddly, they didn't have the "audio tours" where you can listen to someone speak about an exhibit through your phone - only written descriptions. Exceptionally clean bathrooms.
FOOD -- Cafeteria $18/lb hot food and salad bar (salad items were fresh), $13 chicken tenders & fries (huge, can split with someone else), $20 hamburger+fries+soda, cafeteria and Jazz cafe closed about 2:30, Jazz cafe is NOT Starbucks but they serve all the Starbucks coffees, frappachinos, ... long line. Cheesecake $8.Written 4 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - NoraatcSudbury, MA40,562 contributionsThe National Portrait Gallery and
Smithsonian American Art Museum, which are located in the same building. I have no idea why I waited so long to pay a visit there. I started with the American Revolution portraits (not just the founding fathers, but also the artists, the scientists, the governors, the military leaders, etc.). The very first picture I saw was my favorite portrait of Benjamin Franklin - that was a great start. I spent a lot of time in this section. Then I proceeded to the Gallery of the American presidents, which is a fascinating display of portraits of all American presidents from George Washington and to the latest ones. It was interesting to trace the personality of the Presidents I read about in their portraits. Their eyes, facial expressions, outfits tell you the story of their the characters…
I have already mentioned “Brilliant Exiles: American Women in Paris 1900-1939)“ exhibition and I can only add that this is just one more proof of how talented, versatile and creative women artists are. Highly recommend to see it.
Smithsonian American Art Museum has an interesting collection of the American Impressionism and the Art of the Gilded Age.
And I loved the portraits of the 20th century prominent figures: the scientists (Robert Oppenheimer, Albert Einstein, Richard Feynman…), the military leaders (General Patton, Douglas MacArthur, Dwight Eisenhower, John Marshall…), actors (wonderful portrait of Catherine Hepburn), etc.
Another special exhibition is “Star Power: Photographs from Hollywood's Golden Age by George Hurrell”. He was a remarkable photographer, one of the very best in Hollywood.
The National Portrait Gallery is located is the former Old Patent Office Building, which was meticulously restored and now visitors can enjoy its gorgeous Great Hall on the third floor and its full of light Courtyard.
IWritten 20 December 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - emptynestingnowLouisville, CO36 contributionsFun experience and beautiful displays. All ages can enjoy and great for families with little kids. The poinsettia displays and the architectural exhibits were amazing.Written 8 December 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Ofamily2014Chicago, IL126 contributionsGet there early unless you don’t mind standing in line for security which can take awhile especially if you show up later in the day. This museum has the original docs to the Declaration of Independence, The US Constitution and The Bill of Rights. Staff is friendly. There is a very nice gift shop. Bathrooms are available. Photography is encouraged, just no flash! Highly recommend!Written 28 December 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
