By Lital Kroll
Summer 2013
Washington, DC, is a city of stark dichotomy, especially when you consider the fact that the entire area spans only 61 square miles. Of course, you can pretty much divide the city between Democrats and Republicans, rich and poor, locals and tourists. However, the chief difference I have noticed during my past month and a half here is the wide fiscal discrepancy in costs, ranging from extremely expensive to unconditionally, indisputably, and absolutely free. If you manage to avoid those pricey brunches, dinners, and happy-hour drinks, you can practically enjoy everything the city has to offer without spending too much money. I’m not saying it’s easy (or even that I’ve managed to succeed in it) but it is possible.
At the memorial to Albert Einstein, outside the National Academy of Science.
Most of the city’s assortment in free opportunities comes from the Smithsonian Institution. The Smithsonian is the world’s largest museum and research complex, with 17 of the 19 buildings located in the DC metropolitan area. It includes such museums as the Air and Space, American History, Postal, Natural History, and American Art, as well as the National Zoo and four art galleries. When I first came to Washington, I made myself the goal of exploring at least one new museum every week. Since most of the museums are along the National Mall, I have managed to exceed this goal by doing a little museum hopping. On one Saturday, I managed to explore three museums and galleries— I don’t think I have ever absorbed so much history and information in such a short span of time!
The list for free events in DC never ceases. If you are not into the museum-central trip, other free DC summer attractions and activities can include things like touring the Capitol, having a picnic on the mall, going to Jazz in the Garden, and attending a concert at the Millennium Stage of the Kennedy Center. And some friendly advice for whatever you do choose: remember to pack your patience and wear your sunglasses because those fluorescent colored shirts are constantly swarming the streets. It is only once you realize that there is no avoiding the masses of tourists that you learn to take a deep breath and truly enjoy what this spectacular city has to offer.
At the White House
Lital is a rising junior in the Environmental Analysis and Policy program at BU. She is interning at the Climate Action Campaign.
