Not just the rich and famous can enjoy all that Washington DC has to offer – budget-savvy travelers can have a great time too! From free museums to monuments and parks, there are plenty of options for those looking to save some money. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Save Money by Going During the Non-Peak Season
Although it can be fun to visit Washington, D.C., during popular events and seasons, remember that hotel prices will be higher then. If you still want to come during these times, find ways to save money in other areas, such as by eating at budget-friendly restaurants and taking advantage of free attractions.
One of the best times to tour D.C. is during springtime for the Cherry Blossom Festival. The temperature is perfect, and the humidity isn’t too bad yet. Most of the blossoms are located near Tidal Basin and East Potomac Park, but there are also some cherry trees blooming around the Capital Mall area. However, since it’s spring break, Washington D.C.’s population nearly doubles because families like to take vacations then, so be prepared for large crowds if you go during that time!
The season with the most tourists is summer. Although it can get humid and hot, many people still come to visit D.C. One popular holiday is Independence Day because of all the patriotic festivities taking place. In the morning, there’s a National Independence Day Parade down Constitution Ave NW, and in the evening, you can enjoy fireworks shows around town!
Many people enjoy autumn because the weather is mild and most children have returned to school. Fall is also a great time for activities like taking in a Washington Redskins game or enjoying the stunning fall foliage.
Although winters in Washington, D.C., are fairly temperate compared to the rest of America, snow and cold weather usually arrive by January. A popular winter activity is touring the White House to see all of the holiday decorations.
Budgeting for your trip? You’ll save the most money by visiting D.C. during shoulder season and avoiding peak times when major events are happening and tourists flock to the city. Keep in mind that prices will rise during the winter holidays, so plan accordingly!
You’re more likely to find cheap hotel rooms and less traffic during the week, as people who work in politics and government leave the city on Fridays and businessmen rush home.
Affordable and cheerful places to stay
Always compare rates for hotels in Washington D.C. before planning your trip –you could save a lot of money! Websites such as Priceline and TripAdvisor can help you locate budget-friendly accommodation near the Mall or Reagan National Airport.
Hotels located in different areas of the city offer a variety of nightly rates. For example, the Mason & Rook Hotel on Rhode Island Avenue costs about $200 per night for a room between Logan and Scott Circles. If you are traveling with family, all-suite hotels that include breakfast, a refrigerator, and a microwave in each room would be ideal so you can heat up leftovers or make quick meals.
Local Restaurants
If you’re looking for reasonably priced food in Washington, behave as a college student would. Many visitors forget that the D.C. area is one of America’s leading college towns–because of this, eateries near various campuses must reasonable prices to compete and many even cater to the diverse palettes of students.
Keep in mind that the cafes located in museums on the National Mall are expensive and tend to be crowded. If you’re looking for less pricey options with a little-to-no wait, there are a variety of restaurants and eateries within walking distance of the museums. Checking out a D.C.-specific website run by a local should point you to more wallet-friendly foodie secrets kept by this city.
Getting Around
Our suggestion here is to book a Washington DC limo service. Not only will this provide you with comfortable and stylish transportation, but it will free up your time so that you can focus on sightseeing and enjoying your vacation.
When making reservations, request a quote for hourly or daily rates. For those who are unfamiliar with the city, we recommend hiring a car and chauffeur for at least half a day so you can visit all the major attractions.
Seeing DC Without Breaking the Bank
There are plenty of free things to do in Washington D.C., especially if you visit during the week! Many of the city’s attractions, such as the National Zoo and the Smithsonian museums, do not charge admission fees. If you want to see some of the monuments up close, we recommend taking a guided tour or renting a bicycle–you’ll avoid paying parking fees and save time by not being stuck in traffic.
Another free activity is attending one of the many festivals that take place throughout the year. The National Cherry Blossom Festival in the spring is a particularly popular event, and you can also enjoy live music and performances at the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage every evening.
Of course, no trip to D.C. would be complete without seeing the Capitol Building, the White House, and the Lincoln Memorial. These landmarks are all free to visit, but we recommend getting there early to avoid large crowds.
So there you have it–a few tips to help you save money on your next trip to Washington, D.C.! And with a little planning by booking a trustworthy transportation company, you can enjoy all the city has to offer.
