Washington DC in 2 Days: A $200 Challenge Budget Travel Guide

Washington DC sightseeing is budget friendly travel! Here's how we explored Washington DC in 2 days with just $200 on hand. 

My Washington DC budget travel trip was was sponsored by Hostelling International USA and I thank them for their support. Some links within this blog post are affiliate links, which means we are paid a small commission should you make a purchase through said link.

If you haven't posed with the Washington Monument in the background, have you even really been to DC?

When I announced my intentions to tackle budget travel in Washington DC in 2 days, people were skeptical. REALLY skeptical. When I further clarified that I was targeting the city for my next $200 Challenge (two people travel for two days and just spend $200), folks were downright incredulous. In fact, one friend warned me that she once had to spend $600 for a "cheap" hotel in the city center! But I wasn't worried. For when it came to Washington DC sightseeing on a budget, I had an ace up my sleeve. After all, I live and work in a capital city. I figured I knew all the secrets to cheap eats and free activities in a political town.

But did I? Planning a 2 day trip to Washington DC was about to test my budgeting chops! With my good friend and fellow blogger Hannah from Eat Sleep Breathe Travel by my side though, I was up for the adventure.

Worried about cheap hotels near Washington DC? I've got a much better solution!

Would you sleep here to save money?

When I originally conceived the first $200 Challenge five years ago, I knew that accommodations would be the biggest obstacle to my budget travel dreams. But I didn't want to tell people to crash with distant family or long lost friends, in part because that isn't always possible or desirable, and also because such a set up comes with hidden costs. Your room might be free but a 'thank you' bottle of wine and long metro rides in from the suburbs definitely aren't!

No frills hotels were another option, one that has worked for me in other cities. While there may be cheap hotels near Washington DC, they were still too expensive for the $200 Challenge. No, in order to make things work I had to find accommodations that made the most of my limited time and money.  

Thankfully, Hostelling International USA provided the perfect solution. 

Review: Hostelling International Washington DC.

Posing with HI's "Be A Traveler Not A Tourist" poster in the common room.

Hang on - I know what you're thinking. "Hostels? Uh, Vanessa. You're no spring chicken any more." Gee, thanks!

So let's address that one right away. Yes, you CAN stay in hostels even if you're not 21 years old! Ryan and I - both long past 21 -  are passionate supporters of Hostelling International USA's values and practices and we frequently stay with different HI properties around the world.

Did you know that Hostelling International USA is a registered non profit, and surplus earnings are reinvested into improving their properties and managing community programs? There are few organizations who can beat them in terms of having a fantastically low carbon footprint, a key part of their Pack Your Impact philosophy. They also welcome people of all ages - so much so that it's not unusual to see both young families and feisty seniors with canes sharing the same breakfast table.

Oh, did I mention that they're super affordable too?

How to get the best price at Hostelling International USA.

Home away from home for two nights: A clean bunk and a secure locker.

The hallways had colorful doors and graphics on the walls.

Every dollar counts during a $200 Challenge, even when you're staying at a hostel. If you're looking to do your own $200 Challenge or simply planning to visit Washington DC on a budget, here are some tips to keep in mind.

​Hostelling International USA uses a dynamic pricing model just like hotels. That means if you book at the last minute and there's a festival in town, you're going to pay a premium. Book well in advance however and you'll save substantially. It also doesn't hurt to do a quick internet search for potential promo codes. And you should note that non-members pay a few dollars extra a night. (Side note: Savvy Canadian travelers should purchase their membership before their next train trip with Via Rail in order to save 15% off train fares!)

Dorm rooms at HI Washington DC can cost as little as $25 a person in the 10 bed dorms. If you ask me, $25 is an incredible steal! For the purposes of my budget round up at the end of the post, we'll assume that you booked your bed well in advance and went for the cheapest dorm possible. That's $25 a person or $50 a night for two people. Multiply that by two nights and your accommodations cost $100 for the duration of the $200 Challenge. Is 50% of your budget a good thing or a bad thing? Stay tuned!

Before you get too excited, I do have to point out that I still have to convert these prices into Canadian dollars AND I have to caution you that last minute prices can be double the rates I quoted above. But don't despair! This is still a sensationally better deal than any of the so-called cheap hotels near Washington DC.

If you really think that dorms aren't your thing and you have a little extra wiggle room in your budget, Hostelling International Washington DC's private rooms are approximately $129 to $149 (with an ensuite bathroom!) ​

Breakfast, bananas, free tours, prime postion: All the perks of HI Washington DC.

Free bananas at check in (and, not pictured, free ear plugs too. Just don't eat them.)

I may- or may not- have stolen a few bananas during my stay.

Ryan was so jealous of me and Hannah when he heard that the hostel serves organic, locally roasted coffee.

While bargain prices always hold a very special place in my heart, the low rates at Hostelling International aren't the only reason I'm recommending their DC property. Its fantastic location makes exploring so easy. The hostel is in central Washington, about a 15 minute walk to the White House and most Smithsonian museums. This puts it in the perfect location to periodically provide free guided city tours to guests.

Can I just say we were SO very disappointed that a few flight problems delayed our arrival and we were unable to join in the hostel's free Washington monuments tour? We'll have to put that activity on our list for next time.

In addition to tours, the price includes some much appreciated extra touches. Breakfast is free and consists of bread and bagels (with cream cheese, jelly, and peanut butter), yogurt and granola, cereal and milk, fruit, orange juice, and organic, locally roasted coffee. As well, there were bowls of bananas at the front desk and in the common room. ​Who doesn't love free snacks?

Guitars, washing machines, and murals: What you can expect while staying at Hostelling International Washington DC.

A bit complicated, but we figured it out. Hannah pays and sets up all we need to rent a storage locker at the hostel.

For rock star hostel guests.

More bananas! And board games too.

Hannah left a handful of American coins here at the end of our stay so someone could have "free" laundry.

Things were a bit industrial in nature but there were a lot of colorful murals - this one doubled as the free events calendar.

From a practical point of view, the property offers wheelchair accessibility, an elevator, air conditioning in the rooms (which we were so grateful for, given the hot and humid summer weather), tourists brochures and maps, free Wi-Fi (worked great!), and coin operated laundry machines and storage lockers in the basement. 

For the most comfortable and secure hostel visit, I recommend taking along a combination lock with a flexible "leash" (I use one like this), some easy-to-pack flip flops for the shower (I have these, but in green and blue), and a mesh shower caddie with a suction cup.

When I stay somewhere and talk about it on the blog, I always try to ask myself "who should stay here" and "who is this a good fit for?" One thing you should know is that this isn't a historic property loaded with old-world charm. We've stayed in some really unique HI properties over the years - in Hyannis Port, the hostel is a vintage home that dates back to the days when you could order complete home kits from the Sears catalog! HI Washington DC is a modern building and it has a lot of personality, but it's rather functional in nature. There are no antique shutters or original floorboards here!

This also isn't really a party hostel - and for a low key person like myself this is a most excellent thing. I know a lot of people have a very specific vision of socialization when it comes to hostel life but I like to sleep! ​We did notice that the hostel offers free guided pub crawls, so if it's beer you're after you can certainly find it. But things inside are more sedate. 

In our dorm room, this laid back vibe facilitated some fantastic conversations with our roommates, one who was a researcher from France (currently living in London, with some roots in Italy, as she was eager to tell us), while another was completing a study aboard term at a law school in North Carolina and was originally from China. We had a wonderful conversation that touched on, among other things, Indigenous rights and racism in Canada, interpretations of biblical passages and the changing nature of religion, dialogues between professors and students and - most importantly - the recent Royal wedding!

Time to sleep!

A glimpse inside a typical dorm. Note the extra blankets on the top of the lockers to the left and the adjustable blinds on the window.

Ultimately, whether you're part of a $200 Challenge or not, what matters the most is sleep quality. When I first walked in the dorm room and sat down on the bed, I was SO happy that the mattresses were thick and comfortable, a great blend of firm and soft. As I've had some not-great mattresses in the past, I was super excited to see a quality sleep set-up.

I was also thrilled that there were two pillows on each bed. Hurrah! Little touches like this make such a difference. Rounding out each personal space was a small light and plug unit that could double as a tiny shelf and each bed was assigned a spacious locker. 

While staying with Hostelling International Washington DC, I SLEPT. I burrowed down into my bed, was out in minutes, and slept through the night (including when two new roommates checked in and got into their own bunks). Overall, I'd declare the sleeping conditions a winner. 

Washington DC's best cheap meals.

Markets are always a great choice to get gourmet food on a budget.

When we were planning this trip, Hannah and I joked that we might be eating gruel or even delicious, filling air in order to come in under budget. For a city famed for its power lunches, we knew we had our work cut out for us when it came to sourcing affordable meals.

​Furthering complicating things - or improving them, depending on your point of view - is that we heard that Washington DC was famous for cupcake shops. And what kind of travel writers would we be if we didn't investigate this? We would be nothing if not thorough! But how would it affect our budget? 

The best breakfast in Washington DC is a free one! 

Not too bad for a free breakfast!

Thanks to the well rounded offerings at HI, we were all set for breakfast. We started the day with juice, fruit, yogurt, granola, and bagels.  On our second morning, we had some delicious leftover baguette from the night before (more on that later!) that was scrumptious with cream cheese and jam. With a banana or two from the reception basket stuffed in our bags, we were ready to start the day. 

If you'd like something just a little bit different for breakfast, Red Apron Butchery offers flatbread sandwiches with ricotta, smoked pine nuts, apple, and honey for $4.50. There's a helpful list of Washington DC's best cheap breakfast choices under $10 on this great post.

We found cheap lunches in Washington DC - a lot of them!

We went to Colada Shop for avocado toast and delicious iced coffee, Cuban style.

Isn't this the prettiest avocado toast you've ever seen? It was about $6. If you wanted just a wee snack, buttered toast was about $2.

My only regret? We didn't visit in the evening when Colada's rooftop patio is open.

Colada Shop may just be the most adorable lunch spot in town. Just look at their bewitching baby blue exterior and jaunty little patio! It's a delicious destination inside and out. They have a good selection of snacks and yummy looking baked goods for under $5 and more substantial lunch items around $10. I had delicious avocado toast served on toasted Cuban bread with pickled onions and a fancy iced coffee with sweet cream for about $12.00.

Busboys and Poets for poached pear salad (and MAYBE sangria too???)

Definitely one of the most delicious salads that I've ever had!

We spied herbs and veggies in Busboys and Poets flower planters.

Busboys and Poets is somewhat of a DC institution, with several locations across the city serving up hearty meals with plenty of vegan and gluten free friendly options, as well as warm welcomes and delightful book nooks. The menu is budget friendly, with a lot of lunchtime options coming in around the $10 mark.

I was tempted by a roasted turkey sandwich (maybe with sweet potato fries?), the hot avocado panini (and the homemade kettle chips!) as well as the falafel pita (perhaps with a some fruit or salad) - all which would have rang in at a very reasonable $10. In the end, it was the poached pear salad with goat cheese, caramelized pecans, and crispy herb bread that won for a mere $12. 

While relaxing at Busboys and Poets, we may or may not have enjoyed delicious sangria at $10 a glass. However, a lack of photographic evidence makes this one hard to prove!

And then there was a "miss"...

It looks alright.... it tasted alright... but the cost and service left a bad taste in my mouth.

I alluded to some "misses" along the way and, sadly, we've come to one of them. The cafe at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Cafe was a dud. Their tomato soup and dill potato salad were average at best. And relatively high prices ($5.00 or so for a small cup of soup and $3.50 for an even smaller cup of potato salad) and rude, crabby staff made for a disappointing meal. It was one small mark on an otherwise phenomenal museum visit (as you'll see below).

If you're keeping track, you'll see that I've had three lunches for just two days. Don't judge me! Travel requires serious fuel! If you're a fellow lunch lover, there are more great Washington DC cheap eats suggested in this fun article. 

Gourmet groceries in Washington DC: Exploring Eastern Market.

By late afternoon, there were as many customers as staff members.

Sadly, this intriguing looking small bookstore was closed when we walked by.

It felt like every store had a bold sign and some cute decor to admire.

With a huge kitchen at our disposal, we opted to put a gourmet meal into our own hands! We knew the kitchen at HI Washington DC  would have everything we needed to whip up a delicious dish. All we had to do was track down the ingredients. 

We rode the metro a few stops to visit Eastern Market in search of culinary inspiration and in the process discovered a cute neighbourhood. The area is a short walk from the Capitol Building but you feels like you're in a different city among the colorful streets, winsome shops, and funky bookstores.  

Picking up pasta and pesto at Eastern Market Grocery.

Weighing out the pasta and getting ready to wrap it up.

A lot of tempting choices - we went for the traditional pesto on the end.

We arrived at the Eastern Market just before closing so it was a bit more subdued than usual. And sadly the outside vendors were shuttered for the day. But we found a shop - Eastern Market Grocery - that sold gourmet homemade pasta, sauces, and cheese. After a bit of debate, we settled on ravioli with ricotta, herbs, and lemon zest and classic pesto for the sauce. 

But what about dessert?

This little store was such a happy culinary discovery!

We were excited about our purchases but it still felt like the meal was missing something. Happily, on our way back, we popped into Radici and promptly fell in love. This wee cafe/bakery/Italian grocer was just a delight and I strongly suspect that it would be an ideal spot to pick up affordable lunches to go as I saw containers of pasta salad and caprese salad. We walked out with a giant baguette - whose leftovers proved to be mighty delicious the next day at breakfast - and two toothsome cannoli. Success! 

Putting our hostel cooking skills to the test.

Getting ready to cook at the hostel.

All those bins are food storage for guests.

Multiple stoves means no waiting around.

I don't think we could have had a better meal for the small price we paid.

While we had a few mishaps while preparing our meal (where WAS the cutting board? Oh, on the shelf by my feet? Who knew!?) we were quick to declare our venture a success. The pasta had a delicate flavor and was robust and filling. Leftover bits of pesto were quickly mopped up with our bread. And the last minute addition of rich cannoli was the perfect way to end our meal.

The sinful meal had a saintly price tag. We only paid $25 for all our ingredients. We estimate this is the same cost as a similar serving of a pasta at a fine restaurant. Given that we had food for two plus bread and dessert for the same price made us very happy. ​

A tale of two dinners...

Pasta primavera with spring vegetables and edible flowers: NOT part of the $200 Challenge!

The photo you see above is a decoy. I wish it was part of the $200 Challenge - but no luck! Let me explain. We were scheduled to be in Washington DC for three days and two nights. Given that the $200 Challenge is really a two day, two night project, we more or less had a "free" day where cost was no object. (Spoiler: Cost actually is ALWAYS an object. But it's fun to say that it's not!) We had BIG plans of launching the challenge on day one, carrying on to day two, and then day three would be more footloose and fancy free.

But it was not to be. Bad weather and a few flight fiascoes delayed our arrival significantly and we were wiped out when we arrived at nightfall on day one. We decided to shift the "official" budget to days two and three and to just grab our dinner on night one at a convenient spot close to the hostel. Costs be damned!

That led us to Casa Luca, just two minutes from Hostelling International. It was FABULOUS. And while the prices weren't outrageous, let's just say that they weren't exactly $200 Challenge friendly. But such is life. We knew one of our nights would be outside the confines of the budget. We just weren't expecting it to be on night number one!

​If you too find yourself arriving to the hostel late and night and want a proper meal after a day of airport snacks, this is the place to treat yourself. It was divine. In fact, I think I'll torture you with a few more shots....

Burrata and tomato salad.

Lemon and basil tart.

Our readjusted plan was to enjoy our final dinner Washington DC before traveling to the airport but some unexpected snacking (more on that in a moment...) spoiled our appetites. We ended up eating at a tremendously disappointing kiosk in the  airport. It cost $23 for an awful dinner. That said, I also bought delicious gummy candies in the shape of lobsters, so not all was lost.

However, we truly believe there are tremendously affordable dinner options in Washington DC and we were sad that we didn't have a chance to try more of them. I'm going to make an executive decision and leave this dud out of the final budget results and declare that you could absolutely have a great meal for $10-$15 a person at dinner time. Case in point - this awesome list of fantastic food choices around the city for about $5 (or even less!) 

Cupcakes and iced lattes and croissants - oh my! The best snacks in Washington DC.

Exhibit one: A light-as-air, perfectly buttery croissant and a fancy dulce de leche iced latte in the Hirshhorn Museum.

Exhibit two: A devil's food chocolate cupcake and a vanilla bean cupcake at Red Velvet Cupcakery. No, I did not share them with anyone.

So much temptation!

Exhibit three: More cold drinks!

Exhibit four: Even MORE cold drinks! Did I mention how insanely hot and humid it was when we were in Washington DC? I really think these lemonades should be classified as survival tools, not snacks.

Time for some honesty here. Coffee and snacks have sunk many a previous $200 Challenge. Would they do the same to my budget in Washington DC? 

Our list of treats was a long one that included iced drinks and a decadent croissant at the Hirshhorn Museum. We were lured there by signs advertising gelato but apparently they don't serve it during breakfast hours - outrageous! Next, there were incredible cupcakes at Red Velvet Cupcakery, which we enjoyed with iced drinks at their next door partner business, Bakers and Baristas. We were told DC was very much a cupcake town and this stop did not disappoint. Their classic vanilla cupcake in particular may just be the most perfect cupcake I've ever had. Finally, we had more iced drinks - lemonade this time - while shopping at Eastern Market. Did I mention how hot it was? Iced drinks were absolutely a necessity! 

Washington DC sightseeing: How to narrow down a long list and make the most of your time.

Stop one: A free tour of the "castle" - the Smithsonian Institution Building.

A fairy tale castle in the heart of the city.

There are free tours twice a day but I think it makes the most sense to start early with the 9:00 am tour - it helps you make the most of your morning time and also get your bearings for every thing else you want to see and do.

In past $200 Challenges, I was indeed feeling challenged (see what I did there?) to find plenty of affordable activities. But if you're dreaming of cheap Washington DC sightseeing opportunities, that won't be a problem. In fact, you'll have the exact opposite problem. There is a HUGE assortment of free and very cheap things to do in Washington DC, from classic museum visits to the decidedly more quirky. Don't believe me? Here's a list of 100 freebies for Washington DC tourists and 25 free and low cost locals' favourites. 

It would be no exaggeration at all to say that you could travel to Washington DC for a week and not run out of free activities. But with only two days, you have to pick and choose. Here are my top suggestions to make the most of your time.

If you're an early bird, head to the Smithsonian Institution Building - better known as the Smithsonian Castle - which opens at 8:30 am. I spied a cute little coffee kiosk on the first floor that would be the perfect spot for a pick me up while waiting for the Smithsonian Castle's free guided tour at 9:00 am. It's also a great place to get fairy tale photos, learn about the Smithsonian, and plan your subsequent visits. It also has fancy bathrooms - always a bonus! 

Stop two: A quick look around the Hirshhorn Museum's Sculpture Gallery.

This is a bagpiper. Totally not an astronaut.

We had the chance to watch Hirshhorn Museum staff care for their collection.

A work by my favourite sculptor, Barbara Hepworth.

If you've timed things just right, you'll have a bit of time to kill between your tour and the opening hours of the other Smithsonian museums. I suggest you stop at the nearby Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Gallery. The museum itself won't be open yet but you can take in the striking sculptures outside. We were fortunate to be there when some staff members were cleaning and caring for a few pieces and it was fascinating to watch them at work. Two pieces in particular really jumped out at me. The first, as you see in the top photo, was a shiny man carrying bagpipes. From a distance, I thought he was an astronaut and I incorrectly guessed that we were at the Air and Space Museum. Nope!

I was also delighted to come face to face with a piece by Barbara Hepworth, which you can see in the photo above. Barbara Hepworth sculptures are just remarkable; such a captivating blend of graceful lines and a kind of stark modernity. She is my favourite sculptor and seeing her work was a real treat.​

Stop three: Visit the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum without the crowds.

Hey there, fellow travelers - it's Charles and Anne Lindberg!

Spoiler alert: This sliver of moon rock has been rubbed by so many visitors over the years that it's as smooth as marble. Still, it was neat to say that I did it!

I like my spaceships to have a little bit of bling and sparkle, don't you?

I'm rather glad aircraft are no longer open air, aren't you?

There is an abundance of free and/or cheap things to do in Washington DC and it's best to follow your heart and head for the museums and attractions that really speak to you. With this in mind, we went to the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum. It seemed like a fitting destination for two travel enthusiasts! 

Inside, we excitedly took in displays about Amelia Earhart, Charles and Anne Lindberg, the Wright brothers (and their sister!), along with their original aircraft, and many artifacts and displays from past space missions. 

Along the way, I learned a few important lessons. The first is that you could easily spend an entire day inside a museum like this and still not see everything. The second is that, even if you only have a very short amount of time, you can still see quite a bit in 30 or 60 minutes. With this in mind, don't despair if you arrive a short time before closing - please do pop in. You'll be pleasantly surprised by how much you can enjoy. And keep some flexibility in your schedule so you can spend extra time at a museum which captivates you. 

Stop four: Loop back to the Hirshhorn Museum and step inside for a coffee break.

Thought provoking art is a signature of the Hirshhorn Museum.

The best thing about this curious work of art by the back door is that little bits of grass are sprouting in the boulder!

Fun and funky, striking and strange - that about sums up the Hirshhorn. Whether you enjoy contemporary art or not, this unique building and its even more unique collection is absolutely worth a short visit. Just don't make our mistake and start with coffee and snacks in the lobby. Understandably, you can't bring food and drink into the exhibitions. Explore a room or two, see how you feel, and then head downstairs for a nice caffeinated pick-me-up at the museum cafe, Dolcezza. 

The Hirshhorn offers free daily tours at 12:30 or 3:30 - and it's not alone. Nearly every museum in the Smithsonian group (and many others) offers free daily programs such as tours, docent talks, and films. Combined with their free admissions, it's a spectacular deal - please consider making a donation to show your appreciation.

Stop five: The "secret" Smithsonian garden (better known as the Mary Livingstone Ripley Garden).

Look how happy I am exploring the secret garden!

Look at this delightful "bee barn", also know as a "bee & bee"! I loved it!

There are many beautiful public gardens around Washington DC but my favourite is theMary Livingston Ripley Garden, which runs between the Hirshhorn and the Arts and Industry building. To visit, I suggest you exit the Hirshhorn through its street facing doors, turn right and walk a few steps, and make another right into the garden. With a little luck, your experience will be just like mine - virtually no people around and the few folks you see are clearly locals. Rest on a bench and read a while or take time to slowly walk and learn about all the different plants. Keep a keen eye out for the "bee barn" - a structure of twigs and wooden rods that, well, it's kind of like a hostel for bees. But it's unclear if it's officially associated with Hosteling International!  

Stop six: The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.

A somber collection of shoes representing thousands of victims.

Simply put, this is one of the finest curated and best presented museums in the world. The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum does an exceptional job of distilling complex historical information into a format that is accessible and easy to understand, without oversimplifying or trivializing.  During our visit, I especially appreciated how they did not limit the content to World War II but started a decade earlier with the evolution of escalated antisemitism and the rise of fascism. I also thought they did a remarkable job highlighting the connection between individual Americans and the Holocausts while taking pains to not center the American experience in the overall narrative. 

The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is home to some truly one-of-a-kind artifacts, including a heartbreaking collection of artwork by child survivors, beautifully preserved with still-crisp crayon lines and vivid colors. Another astonishing feature is a section of the museum floor, made of meticulously re-laid cobblestones from a street of the Warsaw Ghetto. 

This is one museum that requires a bit of advance planning to visit. You can reserve your free tickets in advance or make same day reservations starting at 6:00 am. (Online reservations have a $1 administration fee). You can also just drop in but there is a good chance you'll be assigned a time slot starting in an hour or two. When you arrive, don't be dismayed by the long line as it moves very quickly.

After a short welcome, you'll ride the elevator to the top floor to make your way through the museum, with each floor representing a unique theme. You may find yourself in a bit of a bottle neck as you make your way through the first few exhibits. The museum has an arresting effect that forces you to slow down and process what you are seeing. And, while it may be a coincidence, the initial congestion can't help but bring to mind images of how people have been historically ushered together in compact spaces for sinister purposes. I couldn't help but appreciate that I was in a clog of bodies for a very positive purpose - the chance to learn,  remember, and pay  homage. 

Stop six: Visit the city's monuments, memorial, and most famous buildings.

A look at Lincoln's Memorial from the ground.

The man himself: A memorial to President Abraham Lincoln.

A view of the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.

We were amazed by how busy the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall was and how many mementos were left behind.

We later learned that the sea of yellow you see was part of a planned demonstration.

Some of the world's most recognizable monument and memorials call Washington DC home. You can easily visit them on foot if you're keen to get in some self directed power walking. But you can also join free guided walking tours organized by US Park Rangers.

What kind of guided tours, exactly? Well, are you interested in the insect micro-communities that keep the National Mall so beautiful? Or maybe climate change, explored during an early morning jog with a Ranger? Or perhaps you'd enjoy the area's more obscure monuments or a presentation about Black Greek Sororities? This is just a small sample of their list of FREE tours and programs. And unlike other "free" city tours, there's no sneaky fee in the form of an optional-but-really-its-mandatory tip. 

If you're looking for a more relaxed sightseeing solution, like an economical alternative to a pricey hop-on, hop-off tour, you're going to fall in love with the $1 DC Circulator bus. We'll talk more about that soon!

Stop seven: Enjoy some interactive street art.

This jaunty area is known as City Center DC and we're told it has different fun decorations for different seasons.

Just as cute as the Watermelon House is the delightful wee "kiwi wall" behind it.

I'm not normally a big fan of street art but I really loved the Watermelon House.

I'm normally not a big fan of street art but Washington DC has some lovely pieces. The first I discovered while walking to Hostelling International from the Metro. It's a walkway known as CityCenterDC and it has festive, seasonal exhibits year around, like these amusing beach balls celebrating the start of summer. 

The other is the Watermelon House, a privately owned home with a most unexpected paint job. So fun! The owners encourage people to pose next to it (and the adjacent "kiwi wall") - just don't go ringing the doorbell! 

Stop eight: Visit the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History.

Our final museum: The Smithsonian's National Museum of American History.

The entrance of the Star Spangled Banner flag display (where no photos are allowed due to special lighting).

Batmobile!

It seemed only fitting that I drop in on another travel display even though motorcycles are on my (rather lengthy) list of travel things that scare me.

It's the Swedish Chef from The Muppets! And in the background you can see the chairs from "All In The Family".

Hannah and I were running out of time and energy, but we wanted to squeeze in one more museum visit. The natural choice was the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, an ideal stop to soak in a final dose of Americana.

We found this roundup of the museum's 25 top attractions to be invaluable. The museum showcases a little bit of everything. One minute you're hanging out by the Batmobile and the next you're viewing the original flag of Star Spangled Banner lore.  It really helped to keep Google at the ready to make the most of our time and not get overwhelmed.

Getting around Washington DC on a budget.

Make note of these signs. You'll use them to catch the best bus in town! We loved the DC Circulator.

Catching the Metro from Reagan National Airport was an easy and cheap way to get into Washington DC.

Hannah and I are serious walkers. And why not? Walking is free, it's healthy, and it's a great way to discover a new destination. But there comes a time when even the heartiest of adventurers need a little help. That's where the truly amazing DC Circulator bus comes in. It costs just $1 to ride its tourist-friendly routes that take you past DC's most popular sites.

The bus drivers themselves are exceptional folk.  Every stop was clearly announced. They always asked us where we were going so we never missed a stop. They alerted the passengers to traffic problems so they could plan their best route home. They were also among the friendliest locals I've ever met on my travels. Who needs a hop-on, hop-off bus when you have them?

For longer distances and commuting from Reagan National Airport, we rode the Metro. Investing in a SmarTrip card (just $2) was an easy and convenient way to pay our Metro fares and we really appreciated its discounted rates during off-peak hours for extra savings.

Tallying the numbers.

The staff in the Capitol Building aren't the only ones who worry about budgets.

So did we succeed in our mission of a $200 travel challenge? Or were my friends correct? Had I bit off more than I could chew? Let's take a look at the numbers:

$100 - Dorm room accommodations for two people at Hostelling International USA
Free - Breakfast    
$24 - Lunch treats for two at Colada Shop
$43 - Lunch and sangria for two at Busboys and Poets
$20 - Lunch for two at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum cafe
$25 - Ingredients for our homemade pasta dinner at the hostel
$25 - Dinner for two from one of several suggested spots
$12 - Iced drinks and croissants 
$14 - Four cupcakes for two people (NO REGRETS!)
$6 - A round of iced drinks
$6 - ANOTHER round of iced drinks
$2 - Online reservations for two tickets for the United State Holocaust Memorial Museum
FREE - Visiting the Smithsonian museums
$2 - Two trips on the DC Circulator Bus
$12 -Various rides on the metro

Total: $291 US or approximately $380 Canadian.

Yikes! That's a bit more than $200! But was the challenge a complete failure? Perhaps both my friends and I were right. Travel in Washington DC IS budget friendly. It just isn't $200 Challenge friendly.

Could we have done a bit better? Perhaps. If we had been a tad more persnickety, we could have chopped $40 from our budget. We did eat an extra lunch (really, who doesn't sometimes?) and we did indulge in some sangria. This was a civilized trip after all. 

I'm sure some people might point out that all that stood between us and our goal was a steady stream of cupcakes, croissants and coffee. But I <cue defiant voice> REGRET NOTHING! Life is for living and they were well worth the indulgences. 

Is a $200 budget reasonable for two people to travel for two days in Washington DC? That might be pushing it. You would have to be very resistant to treats and strongly committed to research and advance planning. But can you experience Washington DC sightseeing on a budget? Absolutely!

Tell us about your favourite Washington DC freebies in the comments!

Read all about the other $200 Challenges!
Portsmouth
Boston
Providence
London
Las Vegas
Algonquin Park 
Smuggler's Notch

Read the reviews from past Hostelling International visits!
San Francisco
Hyannis Port
Bern, Switzerland
Sydney, Australia