Sure, there is a lot to do in Washington D.C., but many of the monuments do require reservations or entrance fees. Unfortunately, tourists are often surprised by this and may not plan accordingly and will find themselves having to miss something they want to see. This guide outlines what sites are free and don’t require a reservation, as well as which ones require a timed pass.
Free And Don’t Require A Reservation
Smithsonian Museums
Washington D.C.’s Smithsonian Museums house close to 140 million works of art and objects. This means that there’s plenty to see and learn about at every one of these museums. One of the best parts about going to a Smithsonian museum is that they are free to get into, and no reservation is required. However, they do get busy, so plan on visiting early in the morning or a few hours before they close.
National Gallery Of Art
With quite a few temporary exhibits on display here, you never know what you are going to find, even if you’ve visited the National Gallery of Art before. You can see everything from modern art to some pieces that date back to the Renaissance period. The mediums used are as diverse as the artists.
The Smithsonian National Zoo
If you want to check out some of the animals while in Washington D.C., you don’t have to pay to do so or even make a reservation. The Smithsonian National Zoo has a variety of animals to see. The most popular ones are the giant pandas, as the zoo is known for its conservation efforts. Every year, more than 2 million people visit the Smithsonian National Zoo.
The National Mall
Don’t let the name fool you, as this isn’t an actual mall but the most visited national park in America. It’s filled with various memorials and monuments to see, including that of the “I Have A Dream” speech. This is a common place for people to gather together for celebrations.
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