Sightseeing on a Budget in Washington DC

Sightseeing on a Budget in Washington DC

With free admission to the city’s national museums and monuments, Washington DC is an affordable place to soak up some culture. That said, it’s still easy to overspend on transport, tours, and dining. Here are a few ways to see more while spending less.

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Take a tour that includes transportation

Book a hop-on hop-off bus or trolley tour that takes you to all the top sights.

Washington DC Monuments by Moonlight Tour by Trolley
Washington DC Monuments by Moonlight Tour by Trolley
  • star-4.5
    3318
2 hours 30 minutes
English
Free Cancellation
From
US$59.95
Big Bus Washington DC Open Top Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
Big Bus Washington DC Open Top Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
  • star-3.5
    2774
2 hours
English
Free Cancellation
From
US$54.00
Washington DC Hop-On Hop-off Trolley Tour with 15 Stops
Washington DC Hop-On Hop-off Trolley Tour with 15 Stops
  • star-4
    1995
1 hour 30 minutes
English
Free Cancellation
From
US$49.95
Small Group National Mall Night Tour with 10 Top Attractions
Small Group National Mall Night Tour with 10 Top Attractions
  • star-5
    1051
3 hours
English
Free Cancellation
From
US$99.00

Book a combo tour

One of the best ways to see Washington DC is on a bus tour, or a Potomac river cruise.

Potomac River Cruise, Arlington Cemetery, and City Bus Tour Combo
Potomac River Cruise, Arlington Cemetery, and City Bus Tour Combo
  • star-4.5
    76
7 to 8 hours
English
Free Cancellation
From
US$135.00
DC Combo: City Bus Tour, Seasonal Cruise, US Capitol Grounds & Capitol Hill
DC Combo: City Bus Tour, Seasonal Cruise, US Capitol Grounds & Capitol Hill
  • star-5
    2
6 hours
English
Free Cancellation
From
US$87.00
Washington DC Combo Tour: Daytime & Night-Time Sightseeing City Tour with Stops
Washington DC Combo Tour: Daytime & Night-Time Sightseeing City Tour with Stops
    7 hours
    English
    Free Cancellation
    From
    US$118.00
    Smithsonian Natural History + Air & Space Museum - Exclusive Tour
    Smithsonian Natural History + Air & Space Museum - Exclusive Tour
    • star-5
      41
    5 hours 30 minutes
    English
    Free Cancellation
    From
    US$200.34

    Choose a tour that includes lunch or tastings

    Take a food tour that includes enough tastings to fill you up, and lets you get the inside scoop on local culture.

    Washington DC Signature Scenic Lunch Cruise
    Washington DC Signature Scenic Lunch Cruise
    • star-4
      298
    2 hours
    English
    From
    US$69.05
    Washington DC Premier Brunch Cruise
    Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out
    Washington DC Premier Brunch Cruise
    • star-4.5
      170
    2 hours
    English
    From
    US$106.45
    U Street: Food, History, and Street Art Tour
    U Street: Food, History, and Street Art Tour
    • star-5
      230
    3 hours
    English
    Free Cancellation
    From
    US$112.00
    Tastes of Georgetown: Food & History Tour
    Tastes of Georgetown: Food & History Tour
    • star-4.5
      119
    3 hours
    English
    Free Cancellation
    From
    US$129.00

    Buy an attractions pass

    Sightseeing passes are a cost-effective way to enjoy popular attractions and activities.

    The Washington DC Sightseeing Flex Pass: Capital Savings at 15+ Attractions
    The Washington DC Sightseeing Flex Pass: Capital Savings at 15+ Attractions
    • star-3.5
      11
    30 days
    Free Cancellation
    From
    US$59.00
    Kayaking in Deception Pass State Park
    Kayaking in Deception Pass State Park
    • star-5
      79
    1 hour 30 minutes
    English
    Free Cancellation
    From
    US$54.94
    Washington DC Unlimited One Day Water Taxi Pass
    Washington DC Unlimited One Day Water Taxi Pass
    • star-4
      5
    25 minutes to 1 hour
    English
    From
    US$39.60
    The Washington DC Sightseeing Day Pass: Save Big at 15+ Monumental Attractions
    The Washington DC Sightseeing Day Pass: Save Big at 15+ Monumental Attractions
    • star-2
      4
    1 to 3 days
    Free Cancellation
    From
    US$67.00

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