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.
Take a Tour that Includes Transportation
There’s so much to see in Washington DC that you don’t want to waste time walking from one place to the next or navigating public transport. Instead, book a hop-on hop-off bus or trolley tour that takes you to all the top sights. Or, join a Segway or bike tour to learn about the history of top sights.
Book a Combo Tour
One of the best ways to see Washington DC is on a bus tour. To see the city from two perspectives, book a tour that combines a bus trip with a Potomac River cruise. That way, you get a discounted price for both excursions.
Choose a Tour that Includes Lunch or Tastings
In DC’s historic waterfront restaurants,, food and drinks can get expensive. Instead, take a food tour that includes enough tastings to fill you up, and let you get the inside scoop on local culture. Additionally, you can book a brunch or sunset cruise along the Potomac River and see the sights while indulging in an all-you-can-eat meal.
Buy an Attractions Pass
Sightseeing passes such as the Washington DC Explorer Pass are a cost-effective way to enjoy popular attractions and activities such as Mount Vernon, a riverboat cruise, and a hop-on hop-off bus tour. By bundling the attractions together, you can see more without worrying about the price of each individual attraction.
31 Tours and Activities

3-Hour Washington DC "Monuments By Night" Guided Night-Time Sightseeing Bus Tour

Washington DC Monuments by Moonlight Tour by Trolley

DC in a Day: 10+ Monument Stops & Seasonal Potomac River Cruise

Best of DC - With Visit to US Capitol Grounds & Access To National Archives

Washington DC Moonlit Tour of the National Mall & Stops at 10 Sites

Capitol Hill and DC Monuments Tour by Electric Cart

Half-Day Grand Sightseeing Tour of Washington DC with Stops at 8 Top Sites

Washington DC in One Day: Guided Sightseeing Tour

Arlington National Cemetery Guided Walking Tour with Changing of the Guards

3-Hour Small Group Night-Time Tour Of The National Mall with 10 Top Attractions

Washington DC Sightseeing Trolley Tour with 1 Stop

4-Hour Small Group DC Guided Tour of The National Mall with 10 Top Attractions

Washington DC Monuments by Moonlight Electric Cart Tour

Washington DC Monuments Bike Tour

Washington DC "See the City" Guided Sightseeing Segway Tour

Washington DC Premier Dinner Cruise

Washington DC "Monuments By Morning" Guided Sightseeing Tour

Washington DC Sites at Night Bike Tour

DC Morning Monuments Sightseeing Bus & Walking Tour with Guide and 10+ Stops

Washington DC Capital Sites Bike Tour

DC Guided Sightseeing Tour with Arlington Cemetery Entry & Potomac River Cruise

George Washington's Mount Vernon & Old Alexandria Half-Day Guided Tour from DC

Sight See DC with 10+ Stops including Jefferson Memorial, White House, and More
