Washington for 5: A Budget-Friendly Adventure

Explore the capital city without breaking the bank: budget-friendly trip to Washington, USA.

21 June 2023

A trip to Washington on a limited budget can be a fun and engaging experience. Many popular attractions, such as the National Mall and Smithsonian museums, offer free admission. Eating at local cafes and food trucks can also help cut down on expenses while still experiencing the city's diverse cuisine. Consider staying in a budget hotel or hostel located outside of the downtown area to save on accommodation costs.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Discovering the National Mall

Start with a freshly brewed coffee from the local shop before heading to the Capitol Building for a guided tour
Take an easy walk to the National Mall, and snap some pictures of the iconic landmarks including the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial
Visit the Smithsonian Museums and explore the world's largest museum complex with free admission
Try some of the best half-smoked sausages in DC from Ben's Chili Bowl
End the day by soaking up the sunset view from the Tidal Basin
Hotel to stay in: HI Washington DC Hostel in Chinatown

Day 2

Georgetown and Waterfront Walk

Take the Metro to Georgetown and explore the cobbled streets, local boutiques and try some authentic Italian pizza at Il Canale
Head to the Waterfront and take a stroll along the Potomac river and the Key Bridge
Visit the contemporary art museum, The Phillips Collection
Indulge in a cocktail at the speakeasy-style bar, The Graham Georgetown
End the day by picking some classic American sweets at Georgetown Cupcake

Day 3

Monuments at Night

Start the day with some sweet treats from Ted's Bulletin, and continue with a visit to the National Archives Museum, where the original Constitution and Bill of Rights are displayed
Get ready for an evening full of monuments by walking off the calories at Rock Creek Park
Spend the night admiring the Washington Monument, the World War II Memorial, the Martin Luther King Jr Memorial, and the Jefferson Memorial
Get some affordable French cuisine from Le Diplomate for dinner

Day 4

Arlington National Cemetery and Pentagon

Head to Arlington National Cemetery and pay tribute to the nation's fallen heroes
Visit the Pentagon, the headquarters of the United States Department of Defense, and take a guided tour
Grab some classic deli sandwiches with hot pastrami at the legendary Stachowski's Market
Head to the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum for an out-of-this-world experience
End the day by taking a look at one of the six bridges that span across the Potomac River

Day 5

Capitol Hill and Eastern Market

Start the day with a hearty breakfast at The Market Lunch at Eastern Market
Visit the Library of Congress and explore the largest library in the world
Take a guided tour of the United States Capitol and learn more about the country's legislative procedures
Find souvenirs and local crafts at Eastern Market
End the day with some Mexican bites and refreshing cocktails from Taqueria Nacional
Hotel to stay in: YOTEL Washington DC near the Capitol Hill neighbourhood.

Length of stay

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Type of trip

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How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Washington, United States by plane is to fly into Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport which is located in Arlington, Virginia, just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C.

Car

Driving to Washington, D.C. is a great option, as it's easily accessible from major highways, including I-95, I-295, and I-495. Parking may be a bit challenging and expensive, but there are many parking garages throughout the city.

Train

There is a train station in Washington, D.C. called Union Station, where you can arrive from various nearby cities like New York or Philadelphia via Amtrak or commuter rail services.

Boat

While not the most practical way to get there, you can take a boat to Washington, D.C. via the Potomac River. Just south of D.C. is the National Harbor, which serves as a port for many cruises and water taxis. You can also take a ferry from nearby Alexandria, Virginia.

Bus

If you're looking to travel by bus, Greyhound and Megabus offer services from major cities to the DC area. You can arrive at Union Station or the Greyhound terminal.