19 Ways to Enjoy Washington, DC on the Cheap This Season

Washington, DC is one of the most accessible cities in the country for affordable entertainment. In addition to cost-free monuments, the city offers a bevy of sweet deals that allow you to take in the sights without breaking the bank. From discounted boutique hotels to walking tours that are actually interesting, DC Cool has culled the best steals of the season. Here, our top picks: 

Eat // There are so many wonderful restaurants serving up delectable fare in Washington, DC how is one to choose? Foodies needn’t fret: Carpe DC Food Tours is offering a 10 percent discount on any of their delicious expeditions where tour-goers get to sample some of the tastiest dishes the city has to offer. If you’d prefer to gather a group and hit the town, Embassy Row Hotel’s Station Kitchen & Cocktails is a social butterfly’s haven. After noshing on small bites and sipping a variety of artisanal drinks, mention this DC Cool Deal for 10 percent off your bill.

Of course, the best way to experience any restaurant is to let its chef craft your meal. At Latin-Asian-inspired restaurant Masa 14, $45 will get you the Chef Tasting Menu with unlimited small plates, while $60 gets you an unlimited supply of select drinks as well.

Stay // Spending the weekend in a contemporary hotel with historic charm doesn’t need to break the bank. Through DC Cool, many hotels are offering a major discount: 15 percent off two-night weekend stays and 20 percent off stays three days or longer*. Spots include the recently renovated Mayflower Hotel, the JW Marriott, which is near the White House, and the cozy-yet-refined Renaissance Washington, which is in the heart of Downtown DC (you can score the deal at their Dupont Circle locale, too!). Other hotels offering the deal include: Washington Marriott at Metro Center, Marriott Marquis and Washington Marriott Georgetown.

You can also book a reservation at one of the chic, boutique-style Kimpton Hotels and get a $25 credit that can be used towards a meal at the in-house restaurant, in-room dining, parking, the room rate or spa services. Several other conveniently-located and luxe hotels are offering percentages off the best available room rate, so you can tinker your schedule for the best possible deal (think: 10 percent off at Arlington Court Suites Hotel, 20 percent off and free parking at Georgetown Suites, and 25 percent off, as well as a complimentary room upgrade and a waived hotel amenity fee at the Embassy Row Hotel).

Traveling with your SO? Up the ante on your romantic getaway by using promo code PCOO to qualify for an upgrade to a junior or Capital Corner suite at The Fairmount Washington in picturesque Georgetown.

Play // With $5 off general admission, Bond buffs will have a field day exploring the International Spy Museum. Meanwhile, other movie fans —of the Harry Potter variety — can challenge themselves in Escape Room Live with a 10 percent discount on their next booking. Wizard-centric challenges ensure an otherworldly experience.

For those looking to learn more about the city, book an educational-meets-entertaining tour (both walking and vehicle available) with Bi-Partisan Tour Company where you’ll score 20 percent off on tour reservations for two, and 25 percent off tours for four people.

For more information about other exciting deals and planning your trip to Washington, DC, click here.

*Each deal is subject to its own conditions, so reference the individual sites for specific promo codes and booking windows.