Planning
Money and costs in Washington DC
Many major DC museums and memorials have free general admission, while reservations and special activities can have separate charges. Budget for lodging, food, transport, taxes, mandatory fees, and discretionary tips.
What is free, and what is not
The DC Smithsonian museums have free general admission, although some require passes. Many National Mall memorials are free to visit; individual buildings, facilities, and tours have their own hours and entry rules. Washington Monument advance reservations cost $1 even though admission itself is free.
Lodging, food, paid attractions outside the Smithsonian, and transport still add up. Compare the complete hotel total for your dates and party, including mandatory fees and taxes, rather than the headline nightly rate.
Taxes and paying
For DC purchases, the Office of Tax and Revenue currently lists a 6% general sales tax, 10% on restaurant meals and prepared food, and a 15.95% transient lodging tax. Its published guidance includes dated changes and extensions, so recheck the rate for your transaction and stay dates, particularly for travel after September 2026. Maryland and Virginia use their own rules.
Cards and contactless payments are widely useful. On Metro, each rider needs a separate card or device and must use the same method throughout the trip; SmarTrip is still needed for passes and reduced fares. Keep a payment alternative for individual merchants.
Tipping
For planning, around 18–20% at a sit-down restaurant is a common tipping convention, not a fixed charge that every bill requires. Bar service, drivers, housekeeping, and luggage help have different customary amounts; use your judgment and budget for the services you use.
Read the bill for any service charge or included gratuity before adding another tip. Ask how an unfamiliar charge works; a card-terminal tip prompt is a choice, and counter-service tipping is discretionary.
Sources
Reviewed source trail
- Smithsonian — free admission and visit info — checked 2026-09-12
- DC Office of Tax and Revenue — sales tax rates — checked 2026-09-12
- National Park Service — National Mall (free monuments) — checked 2026-09-12
- National Park Service — Washington Monument reservation fee — checked 2026-09-12
- WMATA — contactless payment — checked 2026-09-12