Top 10 Free Things to Do in D.C.

From tours and music festivals to cherry blossoms and monuments, D.C. has an array of captivating sights and sounds for anyone who steps foot in the nation’s capital.

1. Visit the National Zoo
   3001 Connecticut Ave NW
   The zoo’s most popular residents include the giant pandas Tian Tian and Mei Xiang, along with their cubs Bao Bao and Bei Bei.
2. Take the DC by Foot tour
   1740 18th St Northwest #304
   DC by Foot has no upfront costs. Their signature tour is the National Mall Tour, which covers most of the major monuments and memorials in D.C.
3. Go to Luce Unplugged
   8th and F St NW
   Hosted by the Luce Foundation Center for American Art, Luce Unplugged is a monthly concert series that features local talent.
4. Drop by the National Building Museum
   401 F St NW
   Come to the National Building Museum to admire and explore its architectural design. Tours of the Great Hall and the building are free.
5. Visit the Renwick Gallery
   Pennsylvania Ave at 17th St NW
   Get your fill of art and culture by visiting the newly renovated Renwick Gallery. Housed in a historic building, it features decorative arts and crafts from the 19th century onwards.
6. Go for a walk at the Tidal Basin
   1501 Maine Ave SW
   This artificial inlet is lined with cherry blossom trees that the mayor of Tokyo gifted to D.C. in 1912. The trees bloom in March and April, making the Tidal Basin a sight to behold. There are also three memorials to see in the area.
7. Visit the Washington Monument
   2 15th St NW
   Built in honor of George Washington, the monument can either be admired from the ground or from the observation deck, which is 500 feet up via an elevator.
8. Take a tour of the White House
   1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW
   Take a tour of the public rooms of the White House or come to the Visitor Center for interactive exhibits and a 14-minute film. A gift shop sells souvenirs, book, and other trinkets.
9. Watch a performance at the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage
   2700 F St NW
   Live performances that range from opera, children’s choirs, poetry readings, and classical quartets to comedy shows are staged on a daily basis. No reservations required.
10. Browse through some books at Politics & Prose
    1025 5th St NW
    Attend an author’s reading and book signing in this venue, where locals and writers congregate. Enjoy discussions on politics, literature, and everything else in between.

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Filed under: Area Information, Blog, Things to Do by Andrew Pariser
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