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.
34 Tours and Activities
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Washington DC Monuments by Moonlight Tour by Trolley
2074
Explore the famous monuments and memorials of Washington DC by moonlight on this narrated sightseeing tour. Hop aboard an open-air trolley and enjoy an educational and entertaining history of the nation’s capital while traveling past each point of interest. Take in the stunning views of an illuminated Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, the White House, and many other landmarks. This is a truly unique look at the iconic monuments of Washington DC by night.
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From
$45.00
From
$45.00
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
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Best of DC Tour - With Access to US Capitol Grounds & National Archives Building
1137
Beat the long entrance lines and experience some of the most popular attractions in Washington, DC like an insider on this full-day sightseeing tour. Enjoy priority entry into the United States Capitol, the home of Congress. Then visit the National Archives Building, where the original Bill of Rights, the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution are on display. In between, see the city’s most famous landmarks and monuments, like the White House, the Lincoln Memorial and more.
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From
$99.00
From
$99.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Washington DC in One Day: Guided Sightseeing Tour
988
Experience the sights and sounds of Washington, DC in one day on this guided walking and riding sightseeing tour around the nation’s capital. Visit the city’s historic, iconic landmarks and monuments, like the White House, the United States Capitol, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the Lincoln Memorial. See and learn about the memorials of famous American leaders who helped shape the United States, like Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, and Martin Luther King, Jr., to name a few. Includes a seasonal Potomac River cruise.
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From
$84.00
From
$84.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Capitol Hill and DC Monuments Tour by Electric Cart
886
Explore the famous monuments and war memorials of Washington, DC on this small-group sightseeing tour. Hop aboard a special eCruiser vehicle and enjoy an educational and entertaining narrated history of our nation’s capital. Get a glimpse of the White House and travel around and through Capitol Hill, the Smithsonian museum complex, plus a plethora of famous memorials and monuments — like the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument — and many other hotspots. This is a great way to see many of DC’s most famous landmarks.
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From
$63.75
From
$63.75
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
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Washington DC Sightseeing Trolley Tour with 1 Stop
1508
Depart from the Washington DC Welcome Center and take a 90 minute Washington DC trolley tour to explore the nation’s capital. The route encompasses the city’s top attractions, including the White House, Lincoln Memorial and the National Mall.
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From
$49.00
From
$49.00
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
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Half-Day Grand Sightseeing Tour of Washington DC with Stops at 8 Top Sites
212
Get a panoramic look at Washington DC on this 4-hour Half Day sightseeing tour that provides a comprehensive introduction to the United States capital and its historical and cultural landmarks. Listen to live narration as you see dozens of attractions, such as Lincoln Memorial, the exterior of the White House, Washington Monument and the National Mall, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, and the Smithsonian buildings. Tour stops at 8 top Attractions including White House, US Capitol, Franklin Roosevelt Memorial, Martin Luther King Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Korean War Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, and Nurses Memorial.
Bonus: Upgrade option available at checkout for those who would like to extend their half-day city hour into an 8-hour full day guided city tour including a visit to George Washington's Mount Vernon.
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From
$59.00
From
$59.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Washington DC National Mall Night Tour - Stops at 10 Iconic Attractions!
459
Washington DC’s monuments and landmarks light up after dark, perfect for dramatic views and memorable photos of the capital city. Explore the sights from the National Mall to the White House and key memorials as your guide provides informative narration about each site. Hop off at select sights to get an up-close look with your small-group and guide. This tour includes transport between locations.
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From
$80.00
From
$80.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Washington DC Moonlit Tour of the National Mall with Pick-Up & Stops at 10 Sites
169
See Washington DC’s best sites light up after dark on a 3-HourGuided Nighttime Tour of the National Mall and monuments. Listen to an entertaining narrated history of the capital city, then stop to explore the most important destinations, from moving tributes to America's 20th-century wars to inspiring presidential landmarks. Take in the White House and the U.S. Capitol building at their most picturesque and get the perfect orientation and overview of Washington, DC.
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From
$56.00
From
$56.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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3-Hour Washington DC "Monuments By Night" Guided Night-Time Sightseeing Bus Tour
109
Head out after dark to see the iconic monuments of Washington, DC, lit up for the night. This evening tour takes you on a scenic ride past the Capitol, the Washington Monument, the White House, the Lincoln Memorial, and other sites. This tour combines a ride in a tour vehicle with some stops where you'll get out to walk for a closer look. Learn about the history of the sites and ask plenty of questions.
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From
$49.00
From
$49.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Washington DC Monuments by Moonlight Electric Cart Tour
703
Explore the famous monuments and war memorials of Washington, DC by the light of night on this small-group sightseeing tour. Hop aboard an open-air, electric vehicle and enjoy an educational and entertaining narrated history of our nation’s capital. Travel around and through the plethora of famous memorials and monuments, with stunning views of an illuminated Washington Monument, the White House and many other landmark locations. This is a truly unique look at the iconic monuments of Washington, DC by night.
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From
$73.25
From
$73.25
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
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Washington DC Premier Dinner Cruise
175
Enjoy delicious cuisine and live entertainment with a view of Washington, DC on this 2.5-3 hour dinner cruise along the Potomac River. On board the elegant Odyssey cruise ship, choose from one of three exquisitely decorated glass atrium dining rooms or head to the open-air observation deck to admire the view. Dine on a delicious 3-course meal, then dance the night away or see the famous sites of the nation’s capital — like the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, Reagan National Airport and much more under a moonlit sky.
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From
$102.28
From
$102.28
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Washington DC City Day Tour with Stops at 10 Top Attractions
360
Experience the history and culture of the nation’s capital on this comprehensive, half-day, small-group tour. Travel in a comfortable vehicle complete with phone chargers, umbrellas, and a flat-screen TV, and see Washington DC’s monuments, museums, and memorials with a guide. See the US Capitol building, the White House, the Mall and more. Avoid the hassles of driving, or navigating public transportation and leave the logistics to your guide.
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From
$80.00
From
$80.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Arlington National Cemetery Guided Walking Tour with Changing of the Guards
349
See the moving Changing of the Guards at the Tomb of the Unknowns on a guided walking tour of Arlington National Cemetery. Be perfectly placed for good views of the moving ceremony, then continue to some of the cemetery's most important gravesites and memorials, including places dedicated to John F. Kennedy, the USS Maine, Second World War soldier Audie Murphy, and more, learning the fascinating history of the cemetery as you walk.
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From
$39.00
From
$39.00
Guides required to regularly wash hands
Contactless payments for gratuities and add-ons
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Washington DC "See the City" Guided Sightseeing Segway Tour
1109
Experience the history and scale of Washington, DC’s monuments, museums, and memorials on a Segway tour with plenty of photo opportunities. Avoid long hours of walking between destinations, and see more the city with a guided tour. Headsets insure you can hear your guide’s insightful commentary as you whizz past prominent buildings and historic sights. This tour is ideal for visitors who want to get a good overview of the city, in order to know where to explore in more depth later.
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From
$66.00
From
$66.00
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
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Washington DC Sightseeing Tour with Photo Stops & Seasonal Potomac River Cruise
338
Explore the famous landmarks and monuments of Washington DC on this guided 6-hour walking and riding sightseeing tour. Hop aboard a deluxe motor coach and enjoy an educational and entertaining narrated history of the nation’s capital. Stop at the White House and the United States Capitol, plus the Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial and much more. The full-day tour features more than 30 sites with stops to at least 12 sites. It’s a great way to see many of DC’s popular attractions.
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From
$82.00
From
$82.00
Washington DC Monuments Bike Tour
267
See the historical sights of Washington DC with an up-close view of significant monuments on a bike tour by comfortable cruiser. Ride an easy route over flat terrain from the National Mall to the Potomac Tidal Basin and view DC landmarks including the Washington Monument, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, and Jefferson Memorial as you explore the attractions with a knowledgeable guide.
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From
$54.00
From
$54.00
Washington DC Sites at Night Bike Tour
232
Experience the beauty of Washington, D.C. at night on this monuments at night bike tour of the city. Check out the Jefferson, Lincoln and WWII memorials once the sun goes down and explore the Vietnam War Memorial and the National Mall at night. This popular tour offers travelers the chance to explore on two wheels after dark when monuments are less crowded.
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From
$51.00
From
$51.00
George Washington's Mount Vernon & Old Alexandria Half-Day Guided Tour from DC
9
Venture beyond Washington DC city limits—and explore some of the nation’s key historical landmarks—on this half-day coach tour. Pick between morning and afternoon departure times, and set off via the George Washington Memorial Parkway: you’ll spy landmarks like the Robert E. Lee Childhood Home, George Washington Masonic National Memorial, and Alexandria’s Christ Church. Upon arrival, go for a self-led audio tour of Mount Vernon’s grounds and museum.
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From
$79.00
From
$79.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Washington DC Scenic Lunch Cruise
149
Enjoy food, fun, and entertainment with a view of Washington DC on this narrated lunch cruise along the Potomac River. Onboard the elegant Spirit of Washington, choose to cruise from three air-conditioned interior decks or the rooftop lounge. Either way, the view is spectacular, there’s a delicious buffet lunch to enjoy and a DJ is spinning the latest Top 40 hits on spacious dance floors. Look and listen as the captain points out DC’s fascinating history while drifting past the Washington Monument, Reagan National Airport and much more.
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From
$79.67
From
$79.67
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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DC to Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown Settlement, American Revolution Museum
2
Explore three top historic sites on this daytrip from Washington DC including Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown Settlement, and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. On your way to the first location you'll have a quick stop for coffee and snacks. Upon arrival to Colonial Williamsburg, the country's largest living history museum, explore a wide variety of sites at your leisure including the Governor’s Palace, Capitol, and Courthouse, gardens, trade sites, and the newly added art museums. Head over to the Charlton Stage and Hennage Auditorium for daily stage performances. Then, explore Jamestown Settlement, a living history museum telling the story of 17th-century Virginia and the arrival of English colonists in Jamestown. Make sure to climb aboard the recreations of the three Jamestown Settlement ships as well as explore a re-creation of Paspahegh Town. End your day with the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, a living history museum exploring the nation's founding.
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From
$200.00
From
$200.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
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The Smithsonian National Air Space Museum Private Guided Tour
33
Get more from your visit to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum on this 2.5-hour private tour. Follow your guide through one of the world’s largest collections of historic aircraft and spacecraft in the world. See items like Buzz Aldrin’s spacesuit, the Apollo 11 module, and real moon rocks brought back form a voyage to Earth’s natural satellite.
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From
$79.50
Price varies by group size
From
$79.50
Price varies by group size
Washington DC "Monuments By Morning" Tour
7
Explore Washington DC’s top landmarks and monuments on a 3-hour Morning Monuments Guided Sightseeing Tour. Ride on a deluxe air-conditioned coach with full narration from an expert guide. Stop at the White House, Martin Luther King Jr Memorial, US Capitol Building, Lincoln Memorial, and more. See 30+ sites with time to walk around about 10 of them with your guide, who shares the history and little-known facts about the nation’s capitol. With so much to see and so little time, guests can take a memorable journey through DC that is quick, efficient and entertaining. You’ll see it all and still have time to do more in the afternoon.
Stop at 10 Sites:
• The Capitol Building
• Martin Luther King Memorial
• World War II Memorial
• Lincoln Memorial
• The White House
• FDR Memorial
• Vietnam War Memorial
• Korean War Memorial
• Air Force Memorial
• Iwo Jima Memorial
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From
$49.00
From
$49.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Washington DC After Dark Sightseeing Night-Time Tour with Stops at 8 Top Sites
33
There's a certain magic to Washington DC that can only be experienced at night. It's a time when the powerful Lincoln Memorial is bathed in soft white light, and the Washington Monument, Capitol, and White House appear even more grandiose. Along with a knowledgeable local guide, take a tour of Washington DC well after the sun has gone down, and feel the buzz, magic, and pulse of America's capital by night.
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From
$59.00
From
$59.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More
Washington DC Capital Sites Bike Tour
135
Washington DC is full of historical sites and while it’s easy to explore on foot or by bus, this 2-wheel tour option gives travelers access to some of the city’s most popular landmarks. Check out the Lincoln Memorial, White House, Supreme Court and the Capitol on this Capital Sites Bike Tour. Your friendly guide shares plenty of history, facts, and city knowledge on this easy bike ride through the nation’s capital.
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From
$46.00
From
$46.00