As a broke college student living in an expensive city, finding cheap (and fun) things to do can be difficult. The party scene, no matter how fun it is, can get old after a while and it’s always exciting to explore an intricate city such as D.C. While searching for free things to do as a financially-challenged student myself, I’ve managed to compile a list of entertaining things for the financially-impaired.
1. The Kennedy Center.
The Kennedy Center has a free performance at 6 p.m everyday. Yes. Every. Single. Day. The performances can vary but you can get a list of all the prospective acts at this website.
2. Eastern Market.
3. Visiting the monuments at sunrise or sunset.
Talk about peaceful. Being anywhere outdoors when the sun is either rising or setting is a beautiful thing. It’s calming; it’s comforting; it’s honestly one of the most relaxing things you could do here. If you somehow find time in your busy schedule to take a break, smell the roses, and visit the monuments, visiting them just as the sun comes through and breaks the darkness really is one of the best (and cheapest) to-dos.
4. Museums.
We’re in D.C for God’s sake! And the best thing is, most of them are free. D.C is so diverse and the museum options reflect that. There are museums for those who interested art, those interested in science, even those who like spies (although the International Spy Museum isn’t free). If you wanted, you could even go visit the house of Frederick Douglass (yes the Frederick Douglass). Just go on the official Washington, D.C site and feast your eyes on one of the many amazing museums.
5. Madame Tussauds Wax Museum.
Even though I’ve mentioned museums already, Madame Tussauds gets its own category. While it’s not free (the cheapest tickets are $15.95 online), it’s home to some of the most realistic wax figures known to man. Grab a group of friends, visit this museum, and take pictures with your favorite (wax) celebrity!
6. Embassy Row.
Embassy Row is the colloquial name for the section of Massachusetts Avenue that’s home to the many international embassies. They sometimes have concerts, exhibitions, various other special events displaying and celebrating their culture. If you’re interested in learning about different cultures, take a trip down to embassy row and get a taste of the diversity in the world.
7. Parks.
There are so many beautiful parks waiting to be explored: Meridian, Montrose, Rock Creek, Dumbarton Oaks, the list goes on. Get creative! Have a picnic or even do something simple and take a walk through the scenic sites. Interestingly enough, Montrose Park has a lovely cobblestone path appropriately called “Lover’s Lane.” If you have a significant other, try going on a cheap date here or any of the other parks mentioned.
8. U.S. Botanic Garden.
Playing on the nature theme, try the U.S. Botanic Garden. It’s also free and beautiful. You can also visit one of the many events that the U.S. Botanic Garden offers: lectures, fitness events, concerts and more. If you’re a fan of nature, of plants in particular, this is the place for you.
9. Concerts.
The Fillmore in Silver Springs, MD is only about fifteen minutes away and you can go to great concerts and still be kind to your pockets. I’ve been to countless concerts here, and, while the venue is standing-room only, every concert I’ve been to here was superb. If you’re feeling adventurous, look on the website to see who’s performing and go to a random $15 concert!
10. Adam’s Morgan/Columbia Station.
Adam’s Morgan is an area in D.C filled with clubs, restaurants, and other nightlife. There are amazing restaurants on the strip including The Diner, a favorite of mine that is open 24 hours. However, Columbia Station is the restaurant that gets a special shout-out for being a cheap and fun experience. If you happen to be musically inclined to jazz, Columbia Station is the place to be. They play live jazz and they’re open until 3:00 AM. Doesn’t get better than that!
11. Busboys and Poets
Busboys
and Poets is a restaurant/bookstore/spoken word venue named in honor of the
great poet, Langston Hughes. Not only can you
eat a wonderful meal, you can pick up a wonderful book at the same time. And on Tuesdays at 9:00 PM, you can listen to
the rhymes and rhythms of spoken word artists.
In short, Busboys and Poets can feed your stomach, your mind, and your
creativity all without breaking your pockets.
