The following does not represent the views of Loyola University Maryland, the Greyhound, or Loyola University’s Department of Communication.
When I decided to attend Loyola, I couldn’t wait to frequent D.C.–yet I have found myself now as a junior having never fulfilled my visions of skipping through the National Mall while chatting with the president. Why? The number one illness affecting nine out of every 10 college students in the world: a disease called ‘being broke.’
I was quite certain that a day in Washington would surpass my very low student budget, so I never followed through with my dreams of exploring our nation’s capital. If you are interested in visiting Washington D.C. without breaking the bank, get acquainted with these tips to stay under budget during your weekend to remember!
Transportation
Washington D.C. is close enough to drive, but city parking can add up. Train tickets from Baltimore can be as low as $10, especially if you book in advance. Rome2Rio is a resource that shows all travel options and prices from different online platforms. If you are interested in driving, Parkopedia is another resource you can use that compares all parking options across the city so you can find the most bang for your buck.
Once you get to the city, there are countless options for how to get around. Apps like Uber and Lyft are always an option, but why spend that money when Washington D.C. is known for having some of the best public transportation in the country? The subway, called the Metrorail, runs during early hours of the morning until after midnight, and tickets are available to purchase ahead of time to make the process even quicker.
Another option is the Metrobus, but it is best to ride during the middle of the day and not during peak traffic hours to avoid a long commute from city traffic.
Hannah Stubbs lived in Washington D.C. for four years attending law school and now lives in New York City.
“I can safely say that I miss the cleanliness, air-conditioning, general safety, and reliability I felt on the DC Metro and buses,” Stubbs said.
She added that she is always happy to see people utilizing the Metro because it is such a great system.
If you’re feeling sustainable, feel free to hop on a Capital bike to get around the city; it is a great way to get some movement into your day and enjoy the outdoors, while still getting around at a good pace.
Should none of these options sound good to you, do not fret; Washington is known as one of the most walkable cities in the U.S., so you can always get your steps in while taking in the city.
Activities
Despite having small city limits, there are countless things to do in Washington D.C., and many are extremely affordable (or even free)! Most museums and exhibitions in Washington are no charge, from all Smithsonian Museums, to the National Gallery of Art, to The National Zoo. You can walk around some of the brightest minds in the country, most iconic pieces or art, and visit cute pandas all for free.
If it’s a sunny day and you want to keep yourself outside, check out sights like the National Mall, Lincoln Memorial, or the U.S. National Arboretum. In places like these, you will find yourself learning while also appreciating natural beauty and having fun. You can even save money by packing a lunch and setting up a picnic in parks around the National Mall, as well as some quieter parks such as Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens or Rock Creek Park.
Stubbs said after four years of being a D.C. resident, she only scratched the surface of all the fun and inexpensive activities the city has to offer.
“My roommates and I followed local Instagram and TikTok accounts to find out about events, and we would send the events we wanted to go to. The Washingtonian Magazine is a great resource for this, too,” Stubbs said.
She also recommends looking for seasonal-specific activities that pop around the year.
“We’d like to go visiting the Christmas market downtown [in the winter]. In the spring we’d…participate in the cherry blossom festival activities. In the summer, we’d sip sangria and listen to jazz on the mall for Jazz in the Park,” Stubbs said.
Food
Forbes Magazine deemed Washington the capital of two things: America, and food. Like any city, you can find a $1 slice of pizza or a Michelin Star restaurant. Chances are, college students are skewing toward the $1 pizza on that spectrum, so check out some inexpensive food options below.
Coffee & Breakfast
Bagels Etc. is a cute coffee shop with indoor and outdoor seating that has been described as “one of D.C.’s best bagel shops” by Austin Graff, a D.C. reporter and self-proclaimed expert. You can enjoy a coffee and breakfast sandwich for about $10 and enjoy city views at this shop.
Filter Coffeehouse is another coffee shop where you can get pastries and specialty coffee for under $10. It is uniquely situated as a two-story modern storefront that is quite large—something that is hard to find in a city. Customers specifically rave about their espresso, with some deeming it the best in Downtown D.C.
If you are looking for a sit-down spot, The Cracked Eggery is a well-known and loved spot with two locations in Washington. Their menu features brunch sandwiches and bowls, as well as a noteworthy tater-tot menu. They were awarded ‘Hottest Sandwich Spot’ in D.C.’s 2022 Rammy’s, the most prestigious award presented to members of the restaurant food and beverage industry in the Metropolitan Washington region. And the best part – everything on the menu is under $15.
Lunch & Dinner
Stellina Pizzeria has earned three Michelin awards and features an expansive menu. Here, you can grab a stone-oven pizza to share with friends, or a pasta dish, sandwich, or salad for yourself- all for about $20. They have cultivated an interior with both a modern yet timeless feel and are recognized for their tentative service as well.
Craving Mexican? Mezcalero Cocina Mexicana has burritos, flatbreads, sandwiches, tacos, and much more, for under $20. The restaurant is known for bringing authentic Mexican flavors to the city in both traditional and creative ways. Plus, if you’re 21, you can swing by between 3 and 7 p.m. for happy hour discounts.
Not sure what you’re craving? The 150 year-old Eastern Market is an iconic and historic staple of Washington’s food scene. Located in Capitol Hill, you can find absolutely anything that fits under any budget. Any meal can be enjoyed here—and you can shop at their pop-up market for local produce, jewelry, crafts, and more!
Stubbs’ advice is to make a bucket-list of all the places you want to visit.
“You might not have time for everything you want to do. But again, that is the beauty of D.C.– there’s always something new to check out when you visit,” Stubbs said.
No matter where you find yourself in Washington D.C., you are bound to have a great time. Despite being known as one of the most expensive cities in the country, someone on a college-student budget can certainly enjoy a plentiful day in many ways. Get down to D.C. and have a day, Greyhounds!
