More Bang for your Buck in Washington D.C.

Here are some great deals for our Nations Capital...most are free!
(Unless otherwise noted)

If you want to get a taste of the whole world, stroll up Massachusetts Avenue to get a first-hand look at the gorgeous architecture of embassies from around the world.

Don't want to wait in line to go up the Washington Monument? Visit the Old Post Office Pavilion on Pennsylvania Avenue for an inspiring and great view of the city.

Take a walk to the 102-year-young Union Station to find out why its beautiful architecture and special events make it more than just a train station.

See money being made with a free tour of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing.

Play pilot in a mock cockpit at America by Air, an exhibit on permanent display at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.

Walk among living butterflies at the National Museum of Natural History's Butterfly Pavilion. Tuesdays are free! You must acquire a timed-entry tickets are required and are available at the Butterfly Pavilion box office beginning at 10am every Tuesday.

See the original Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights at the National Archives, then stick around to research your own family's immigration records.

Check our the original “Star-Spangled Banner” that inspired our national anthem, or the history of the American Presidency, or even check our Dorothy's ruby red slippers in the permanent exhibition “National Treasures of Popular Culture”.

Watch history being made by sitting in on a ground-breaking Supreme Court ruling.

Have a heart-to-heart with Honest Abe at the Lincoln Memorial, then walk along the reflecting pool to remember and honor the U.S. soldiers at the WWII Memorial.

Frequently Asked Questions...

Which Washington DC attractions require tickets?

• U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum
• Washington Monument
• Bureau of Printing and Engraving
• U.S. Capitol
• White House (Advance Arrangement ONLY)
• International Spy Museum

How much time do I need to visit the Smithsonian and where should I start?
Admission is free, so you can come and go as you wish. You should choose the museum(s) that you are most interested in and go from there. Most of the museums are located within a radius of about one, so plan on wearing comfortable shoes for walking. The Smithsonian Visitor Center is located in the Castle at 1000 Jefferson Drive SW. This is a good place to start to pick up maps and a schedule of events.

How can I tour the White House?
Public tours of the White House are limited to groups of 10 or more and must be requested through one's member of congress. These self-guided tours are available from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and are scheduled on a first come, first served basis approximately one month in advance.

How can I tour the Capitol?
Guided tours of the historic U.S. Capitol building are free, but require tickets which are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. The hours are 8:45 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Visitors can book tours in advance. A limited number of same-day passes are available at the tour kiosks on the East and West fronts of the Capitol and at the Information Desks at the Visitor Center.

Can I watch the Supreme Court in Session?
The Supreme Court is in session October through April and visitors may view sessions on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Seating is limited and given on a first-come, first-served basis. The Supreme Court Building is open throughout the year from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Visitors can participate in a variety of educational programs, explore exhibits and see a 25-minute film on the Supreme Court.

Where can I find public restrooms on the National Mall?
There are public restrooms located at the Jefferson Memorial, the FDR Memorial and World War II Memorial on the National Mall. All of the museums on the National Mall also have public restrooms as well.

Where can I find food?
National Air & Space Museum - Wright Place Food Court
National Museum of American History - Constitution Café and Stars and Stripes Café
National Gallery of Art - Cascade Café (East Building), Café Dada, Pavilion Café , Café Provencal (West Building)
Hirshorn Museum and Sculpture Garden - Outdoor Café
Natural History Museum - Antrium Café , Fossil Café , Jazz Café
National Museum of the American Indian - Mitsitam Café
Capitol Visitor Center - Cafeteria is on the lower level
Union Station - Food court and full service restaurants
Old Post Office Pavilion - Food court with tons of casual dining options
Eastern Market - Farmers Market and Flea Market
The Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center - Food court and full service Italian restaurant

Terms and Conditions

• Payment due with reservation.
• Cancellation - If you must cancel your tour reservation, notice must be given at least 72 hours prior to departure for a refund.
• Driver and Guide Gratuity is not included in price.