Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Washington DC

"Anchoring the Mall's west end is the hallowed shrine to Abraham Lincoln, who gazes across the Reflecting Pool beneath his neoclassical, Doric-columned abode. The words of his Gettysburg Address and Second Inaugural speech flank the huge marble statue on the north and south walls. On the steps, Martin Luther King Jr delivered his famed 'I Have a Dream' speech; look for the engraving that marks the spot (it's on the landing 18 stairs from the top)."

"A 19-foot-tall (5.7-meter-tall) marble statue of President Abraham Lincoln dominates the Lincoln Memorial, situated at the edge of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on the National Mall in Washington DC. The most visited National Park Service site in the city is an homage to the 16th president of the United States, who helped to preserve the Union during the Civil War and delivered the Gettysburg Address and the Emancipation Proclamation.More"

"Looking at the reflection of the Washington Monument in the Reflecting Pool from the top of the stairs at the Lincoln Memorial is a memory you won’t forget. Washington DC Itinerary: Day 2"

"A short distance south of the White House is the Washington Monument, a structure built in the mid-1800s to honor the United States’ first president, George Washington. The monument is the world’s tallest stone structure and, at one point from 1884 to 1889, was the tallest structure on the planet. Visitors can go inside the Washington Monument with a ticket."

"The 555-foot white shaft of the Washington Monument is a familiar icon of the National Mall, and a beautiful sight, especially when mirrored in the long Reflecting Pool at its foot. Construction of the obelisk to honor the nation's first president did not proceed smoothly. The plan was approved by Congress in 1783, but ground wasn't broken until 1848."

"Peaking at 555ft (and 5in) and composed of 36,000 blocks of stone, the Washington Monument is the district's tallest structure. Political shenanigans followed by the Civil War interrupted its construction."

"The Capitol building is a relic to behold in of itself, with its royal blue and deep brick Minton tiles and embellished bronze-cast doors. Marble and bronze statues of such luminaries as Rosa Parks and Helen Keller, the latter commemorated in a tactile sculpture that visitors can touch for its Braille writing, flank the building’s Emancipation and National Statuary Halls. Constantino Brumidi’s famed 1865 fresco, “Apotheosis of Washington,” illuminates the eye of the Capitol’s rotunda 180 feet above ground, depicting President George Washington rising toward the heavens among Greek and Roman gods."

"The U.S. Capitol dome towers above the Roman columns and manicured gardens of this iconic heart of American government. Topped by the bronze Statue of Freedom, the Capitol is the political and geographic center of Washington D.C. The building houses the legislative branch of Congress, with the Senate meeting in the north wing and the House of Representatives in the south wing. When Congress is in session, visitors can watch politicians debate all flavors of legislative issues, as they’ve done here since 1800.More"

"Take a tour of the U.S. Capitol Building and see the Hall of Columns, the rotunda, and the old Supreme Court chambers. From the visitors’ gallery, you can watch bills being debated, votes being counted, and speeches being given. Tours of the Capitol are free; however, tour passes are required."

"With more than 167 million items, the Library of Congress is the second-largest library in the world. Its shelves hold everything from rare, fragile books to contemporary recordings for popular music. It also boasts maps, manuscripts, photographs, paintings, murals, news reels, sheet music and just about everything else that a seeker of knowledge could want."

"The Library of Congress is a "must see" attraction as it is a beautiful neoclassical building and the world’s largest library containing more than 128 million items including books, manuscripts, films, photographs, sheet music, and maps. It is open to the public and offers exhibitions, interactive displays, concerts, films, lectures and special events."

"The grand architecture of the Library of Congress makes it a must-see Washington, DC tourist attraction for anyone interested in the history and architecture of old buildings. It is also a must-see for anyone who loves art or books as the building has plenty of both to look at. The Library of Congress offers self-guided tours at the moment."

"Explore the world-famous museums and national memorials on the National Mall, see the iconic government buildings (the White House, U.S. Capitol, and Supreme Court) and check out the local food, arts and culture, history, or shopping destinations. Weekends are often busy, so be sure to check the schedule of events and know what to expect. Here is a two-day itinerary to help you plan ahead, determine what you really want to see and set your own personal priorities. Note, you will need to book a few tours in advance."

"Play image association with the words “ Washington, DC, ” and chances are the first thing that comes to mind is the White House. The president’s pad is likely to take your breath away the first time you see it,... Top ChoiceMuseum in Upper Northwest DC"

"Contact your congressional representative for tickets at least three weeks before your trip. Reservations can be made up to three months ahead, so book early."

"With over 1200 acres, Anacostia Park follows the Anacostia River and is one of Washington, D.C.'s largest recreation areas. Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens and Kenilworth Marsh offer beautiful nature walks and exhibits. There is an 18-hole course, a driving range, three marinas, and a public boat ramp."

"1200 plus acres of parklands following along the Anacostia River. One of the largest recreation spots in The District, this giant area welcomes countless visitors 365 days a year."

"The first major monument to honor George Washington, it was completed in 1829 and stands at the center of the Mount Vernon neighborhood (pictured below). And while you're there, visit the Walters Art Museum; admission is free and the art spans the ages, from the third millennium B.C.E. to the early 20th century."

"This plantation and the surrounding lands had been in the Washington family for nearly 70 years by the time the future president inherited…"

"After your time in Inner Harbor, take a short stroll into the town of Mount Vernon and grab a bite."

"Arrive early at the Capitol Visitor Center (Hours are Monday-Saturday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.) and learn about the history of the U.S. government. The main entrance is located at the East Plaza between Constitution and Independence Avenues. Take a tour of the U.S. Capitol Building and see the Hall of Columns, the rotunda, and the old Supreme Court chambers."

"The Capitol Visitor Center has an exhibition gallery, two orientation theaters, a 550-seat cafeteria, two gift shops, and restrooms. Tours of the Capitol begin with a 13-minute orientation film and last approximately one hour."

"The Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site is located in Northwest Washington, DC. Mary McLeod Bethune was a world-renowned educator, civil rights champion, leader of women, and presidential adviser. She was the first African American woman to hold so high an office in the federal government. Today the house museum features permanent and changing exhibits interpreting her life and black women's history."

"This national historic site is located in 1318 Vermont Avenue in Northwest, Washington DC. The site is where the house of Mary McLeod Bethune is, which is a three-story Victorian house with a two-story carriage house. The carriage house is where the archives of the Black Women’s history is hidden. There is also a research center within the property, on top of the National Archives."

"Mary McLeod Bethune Council House NHS is located in Northwest Washington D.C. The park is open year-round and offers tours of the historic home and a park movie. Mary Mcleod Bethune was born in 1875 to parents who had been enslaved prior to Emancipation. She was very focused on her education."

"Located outside of Washington, in Bethesda, Maryland, Mon Ami Gabi is a French bistro that takes a fresh approach to classic French favorites. This eatery features an art deco look..."

"Modeled after a French bistro and serving simple French comfort food is the Bethesda, Maryland outpost of Mon Ami Gabi. The classic onion soup au gratin, finished with Gruyere chee..."

"Founded in 1856, Old Ebbitt Grill is the oldest saloon in Washington, DC. The restaurant’s convenient location near the White House means you won’t have to travel far to eat good food. The restaurant’s atmosphere is family-friendly and people of all ages will be intrigued by the famous dinner guests of days past, including President Teddy Roosevelt, Alexander Hamilton and many more. The Hamilton is a recently opened restaurant near the White House designed to honor Alexander Hamilton."