CityBuddy
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
Best time to visit
Morning hours on weekdays are best to enjoy smaller crowds and quieter galleries. Avoid weekends for a more relaxed experience.
Budget tips
Admission is free, making it easy to enjoy without spending a dime. Arrive early to snag free tours and special exhibits with no extra cost.
Recommended for
Families, Nature lovers, Science enthusiasts, Students and educators
Plan your visit
2-3 hours
About
Quick facts: Over 126 million specimens fill its vast collections, from dinosaur fossils to dazzling gems. The iconic Hope Diamond, one of the world's most famous jewels, sparkles here under special lighting.
Highlights: Visitors can stand beneath the giant African elephant in the rotunda, a whopping 12 feet tall and 24 feet long. The Hall of Mammals showcases lifelike dioramas that bring animals' natural habitats vividly to life.
Insider tips
- Wear comfortable shoes as exploring involves a lot of walking.
- Don't miss the giant squid specimen located in the Ocean Hall for a unique photo opportunity.
- The top floors can get crowded; start from the upper levels and work your way down to avoid peak crowding.
- Skip the museum café during lunch hours to avoid long waits, there are nice spots nearby for a break.
Have you heard of free walking tours?
After traveling to 30+ countries, there's one thing I wish someone had told me from day one, and it completely changed how I experience new cities.
Free walking tours. Yes, actually free. No credit card needed. No catch.
Local guide, 2-3 hours
Major sights, hidden gems, local stories
100% tip-based
Guides earn only tips, so they give their absolute best
You tip what feels right
At the end, just tip whatever you feel is right
I've done these in dozens of cities and they've been the highlight of almost every trip. If you're visiting Washington, United States, do this on your first day. You'll thank me later.
