budget Tips for visiting Washington DC for first timers
Washington DC on a budget
Washington DC is the capital of the United States of America and is therefore a popular place to visit, full of history and culture. Although it is the capital there are many free things to do and see here as well as some affordable options. Here are my tips for visiting Washington DC for first timers.
If you are visiting New York City as well check out my Comprehensive Guide to Visiting New York City for Budget Travellers
Best time to visit Washington DC
Cherry Blossom season is for sure the best time to visit Washington DC. Be warned that it is incredibly busy as a lot of people flock to the capitol to see them but it is so beautiful. It is also very hard to time as they have an estimated forecast however it may not be right.
If you are not interested in seeing the Cherry Blossoms, I would suggest visiting in autumn between October and November where there are minimal crowds and a lot cooler than the summer months.
Where to stay in Washington DC on a budget
Staying directly in Washington DC can be pretty pricey. I would recommend staying out of Washington DC in the states of Maryland or Virginia. I stayed in Virginia and it was a metro journey away from the capital and was a fraction of the price of Washington DC.
I stayed at the Marriot in Virginia. A fairly short walk to the metro and they also had a Wegmans (American supermarket) close by.
Transport in Washington DC
I would download the app “Citymapper” to help you get around. What I particularly like about this app is tells you the cost of your journey and it is pretty accurate from experience.
Washington DC is run by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA). You will need a SmarTrip card to get around (see next paragraph). This national capital area system includes Metrorail, Metrobus and the DC Circulator.
Tips for visiting Washington DC: At the moment you need to buy a metro card to use the metro (they don’t do contactless payments like they do in London and New York City). However, I do have a trick up my sleeve. Instead of buying a physical card if you are an Apple user, you can add it to your Apple wallet. To do this tap on Apple Wallet, there is a plus icon top right click on there and tap travel card. Then scroll down to the United States and click on SmarTrip – this is the metro service you will need. From there you can top up however much you need.
Uber and Lyft apps are another alternative if that’s what you prefer.
How to plan a trip to Washington DC on a budget
Although Washington DC’s closest airport is Jules Dallas, you may want to have a stop in New York City and fly from JKF which has more daily flights. You therefore might be able to get a cheaper flight – it always helps to fly off-peak too!
I would start to plan a trip to Washington DC on a budget by looking at museums. Washington DC has 19 Smithsonian museums all of which are completely free to enter (although some require you to get a timed ticket to help with crowd control but at least it is still free).
Smithsonian Museums
National Museum of African American History and Culture
The National Museum of African American History and Culture. This is such a unique museum enriched with the history of African Americans.
Tips for visiting Washington DC: Be sure to start on the lower level as this museum is in chronological order. I’ve also heard the restaurant has great food.
Don’t forget to book your FREE timed ticket for this museum here.
You may be interested in an African American history tour. I did this tour with USA Guided Tours which is only 3.5 hours in duration and gives you guaranteed access to the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The tour ends at the museum so you can go straight in.
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
Another popular favourite is the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. If you have some time to spare this museum is very educational and doesn’t have timed entry so you can walk in and out at your leisure.
Other museums that I fully enjoyed were the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum and the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. I managed to see Judy Garland’s red slippers she wore in The Wizard of Oz and also Elizabeth Moss’s red cape in The Handmaid’s Tale. Just a reminder that all these museums are completely free to enter.
Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
The National Zoo in Washington DC is also free to enter however you will need a timed ticket. It is considered Washington DCs most popular attraction so you will need to plan your trip. You can book tickets here.
Spy Museum
I have to mention the Spy Museum as it was my favourite museum in Washington DC. It is so good that tickets usually sell out. You literally become a spy. When you enter you get given a pass and answer questions which gives you a secret identity. The Spy Museum is interactive and will give you missions throughout. It was so educational with real-life spies stories and the gadgets they used. It is also laid out in Ikea style so you know you have visited every part of the museum. It even tells you how much of it you have done.
You can find all the information and get your tickets here.
Tips for visiting Washington DC: If you are heading to the Spy Museum but want an affordable bite to eat, check out L’Enfant Plaza just a short walk away from the museum. There are various options available and I opted for Panda Express (if only they came to the UK). Orange chicken will always be my go-to.
Fords Theatre
The famous Fords Theatre where the 16th President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated is a must-see for anyone interested in American History. Tickets are affordable and it is advised to book in advance.
Tips for visiting Washington DC: There are different ticket options available for Ford’s Theatre. Whether you prefer to go to the museum or you want a ranger talk in the theatre. Just make sure you get the correct ticket for what you want to see.
The National Mall
The National Mall is free to see and is very popular in Washington DC. Landmarks you will find at the National Mall are:
Lincoln Memorial
The most viewed memorial in Washington DC and it truly is a masterpiece in itself. Don’t forget to find the Martine Luther King Jr “I Dreamed a Dream” plaque on the floor.
Tips for visiting Washington DC: Check out the Lincoln Memorial at night if you can as it is all lit up and is also less busy. You can also get amazing pictures of the Washington Monument from here.
Washington Monument
Tips for visiting Washington DC: There is an option to go up to the Washington Monument. You may have to wait in a queue to get your ticket and there aren’t very many – sadly I was unable to get a ticket but the option is still there!
Monuments and Memorials in the National Mall:
All of these monuments and memorials in the National Mall are very close together so you can easily walk to each one. Everything listed is free to see.
- National World War II Memorial
- Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial
- Korean War Veterans Memorial
- Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
- Vietnam Veterans Memorial
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
Tips for visiting Washington DC: There are not many metro stops near the National Mall however there are buses and you can also use Uber and Lyft as well to get around.
You may be interested in a Washington DC tour. I would recommend USA guided tours which have a selection of various tours on offer. I did the African American tour which includes entry to the American History Museum and also the full-day tour of Washington DC. They also have a night tour and a highlights tour if you are short on time.
Tidal Basin
If you are coming to Washington DC to see the Cherry Blossoms you need to visit Tidal Basin. The Cherry Blossom trees are all around this circular walk. You can see many well-known landmarks here including the Washington Monument and Jefferson Memorial downtown.
Did you know that the statue of Jefferson in Jefferson Memorial is in the direct line of the White House?
The White House
There is no front or back side to the White House. You can see the White House from the North (Pennsylvania Ave NW) or the South (where the National Mall is). The north side is the best view of the white house as you can get closer to it. You can view it from the south side however the security has moved how far you can get to it so the view isn’t great.
Tips for visiting Washington DC: Check out the White House Garden Tour. This only happens twice a year and you will need to queue in the morning for tickets. This allows you to get right up close to the White House and Gardens which is super cool.
Where to eat in Washington DC
L’Enfant Plaza has a food court and also has a metro. What I particularly liked about this plaza is that they had many food options so if you are with a bunch of fussy eaters you can still all eat together. As most of the food here is fast food it is affordable and convenient. Also a great option if it is raining.
Tips for visiting Washington DC for first-timers: Beware of the food trucks. They are conveniently placed around the museums as they know there are not a lot of restaurants nearby. A lot of them will not put their prices on show and you could get ripped off. I saw a lady buy a hot dog without realising it was $12 for one hot dog. When she refused to pay it got quite nasty and the vendor followed her until she paid. Rule number 1, always ask the price before you buy!
Tips for visiting Washington DC
- Make sure you get an ESTA (for UK Citizens) this is a Visa Waiver program and you NEED one to enter the USA. I would apply as soon as you book and no later than 72 hours before you fly. Having said this mine took 2 hours to get approved and is valid for 2 years.
- Immigration wait is hit and miss. I flew to Jules Dulles airport and waited for an hour and a half to pass through immigration. I’ve heard it can be pretty quick so just be aware it can take longer than expected.
- Book accommodation in advance especially during high season/cherry blossom season.
- Book FREE timed entry into Smithsonian Museums you would like to visit well in advance to avoid disappointment.
- Be prepared for the weather. Highly recommend a raincoat. Both times I’ve been to Washington DC it has chucked it down.
- Add SmarTrip to your Apple Wallet and add funds.
- Download Uber and Lyft and compare the two for the cheapest fare.
I hope these tips for visiting Washington DC have been useful. If you feel there is something I have missed please let me know and I shall add it to the list.
