Washington, DC is the capital of the United States, the seat to US Federal Government where the three branches of government are centered: the Capitol, White House, and Supreme Court. International institutions like International Money Fund and World Bank and 177 foreign embassies are also situated here. It is known for diversity of people and one of the most visited cities in the world.
My travel from the Philippines to US was exhausting. That 15-hour confinement inside the plane on a winter and re-routing to another country is not fun at all. JFK Airport shut down on the day I was supposed to land. Finally getting here is not the end of it all, though. The winter season can get really, really harsh. But it's a shame and waste of time to just stay inside and miss what DC has to offer.
Compared to most Asian countries, traveling to the US is generally expensive. The same perception for Americans who want to travel to Asia. Being the front yard of the United States, DC can be relatively cheap for tourists. In fact, it is also called the "Capital of Free" because of the numerous world-class activities it has to offer. Here are some things to do in Washington, DC for free that's great for every kind of traveler:
1. Strolling the DC streets
DC has a lot interesting scenes that can be found simply by walking in the streets. It has beautiful neighborhood that differs from one street to another. There are street arts, corridor of versatile, colorful houses, bar strips, streets known for vibrant music scene, community of good foods, and of course, the National Mall that's surrounded by Smithsonian museums.
DC streets are all Instagram-worthy! This DC street guide will help you find the streets based on your preference. Stroll and get lost. Rent a car/ride the Uber for convenience or take the friendly DC Metro for legit travel experience.
2. Revisit the past and celebrate freedom at the National Mall Monuments.
Situated at the center of the National Mall are the iconic monuments - Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument. They were built to revisit historical events that shaped the nation, honor the veterans, commemorate presidential legacies, and celebrate freedom and equality.
3. Bring out your inner geek and curiosity at the Smithsonian Museums.
Flanked around the National Mall are the Smithsonian Museums which the admissions are free. There are a total of 11 museums around the National Mall each of which showcases artifacts and exhibits on art, history and science.
Since I only have Saturdays for museums (because I'm back to the 8-5 daily grind), there is still a long list of museums and galleries to visit. The National Air and Space Museum showcases history and science of spaceflight and aircraft used during the World Wars and space explorations. It is really cool and my favorite Smithsonian museum so far.
4. Immerse yourself in millions of books at the Library of Congress.
Its grand facade speaks how huge the Library of Congress collection is. It houses more than 162 million items including books, photographs, maps, manuscripts, and audiovisual collection. This makes it the largest library in the whole world! LoC is the national library of the United States and the official library that serves the US Congress.
You will never run out of attractions and activities in DC. A weekend trip will only show you a glimpse of what DC has to offer. For people who have been here for quite a while, DC can be a rat-race, fast-paced society; but the neighboring suburbs of Virginia and Maryland offer off-beaten paths and outdoor activities that serve as break from fast-paced city vibe.
I am still such a baby for exploring the DC area. I have enough time to do that, though. More travel stories soon!
