A memorable trip doesn’t have to be an expensive one. Fortunately, for the budget-conscious traveller, there are plenty of places to see and things to do in almost any part of the world that won’t cost a dime. Incorporate these seven free activities into your next trip’s itinerary to see and do more while saving money.
Get personally acquainted with a city on foot
Rather than rushing from one location to another on a sightseeing tour, take it slow and explore a new place at your leisure. All you need is a tourist map, GPS and a comfortable pair of walking shoes to plan a walkabout in the most vibrant and happening parts of the city.
Don’t just stop at seeing iconic landmarks and popular spots though. Wander through historic neighbourhoods, check out backstreet alleys, browse local bazaars, look out for street art, watch street performers and buskers, and take your time to observe what life is like for the locals. Along the way, you may discover hidden gems not found in the pages of travel guides.
Examples:
- Spot street art around George Town, Penang, Malaysia
- Wander the narrow back alleyways of Tokyo, Japan
- See the colourful shophouses that line Chinatown and Little India of Singapore
Go to museums and art galleries
Time spent at a museum or art gallery is always going to be worthwhile. Museums are an excellent place to discover local culture by delving into history. Meanwhile, visit art galleries to be inspired by creative works that reflect contemporary tastes and thoughts.
Most national museums and art galleries don’t charge for entry tickets, making them among the first stops for budget-conscious travellers.
Examples:
- The British Museum, London, England
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA
- The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), New York, USA
Visit places of worship
Throughout history, civilisations have built great structures in honour of a higher power. It’s no wonder cathedrals, churches, synagogues, temples, mosques, and monasteries make up some of the world’s iconic landmarks. Not only have these structures played a key role in human experience as places to connect with the divine, but many of them also stand as examples of great architectural feats.
Regardless of one’s personal faith and beliefs, places of worship are worth visiting because of the beauty and uniqueness of their architecture. Just be mindful to dress appropriately and observe respectful conduct when visiting these sacred places.
Examples:
- Jamek Mosque, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Kek Lok Si Temple, Penang, Malaysia
- Notre-Dame, Paris, France
Check out public libraries
Libraries are probably the last place you’d expect to be wowed. But if you are in a city with a lot of heritage and history, you shouldn’t skip libraries. Aside from being free public spaces where one can escape the city noise, some libraries are impressive landmarks with amazing architecture in their own right.
So, if you are looking for a quiet place to chill and rather not spend on coffee and cakes at a fancy café, seek refuge at the nearest local library. Spend a peaceful afternoon among rows of books in long hallways, under soaring ceilings, with sunlight streaming through tall windows.
Examples:
- Royal Portuguese Cabinet of Reading, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Admont Abbey Library, Admont, Austria
- Tianjin Bihai Library, Tianjin, China
Be part of a local cultural festival
Grandiose festivals held in public places in celebration of tradition, culture, religion, arts, and music can make for an unforgettable, eye-opening experience. Plus, it adds an unconventional angle to your travels when connecting with the locals.
Time your visit to coincide with a major festival or holiday at your destination, find out where the action is at and join the crowd. Do keep in mind that these events often draw huge crowds of participants and curious onlookers. So, be sure to take safety precautions and adhere to local regulations when partaking or witnessing the festivities.
Examples:
Spend a day amidst nature
Freely accessible public botanical gardens, parks, waterfronts, riversides, hiking trails, and beaches are amazing places for locals and travellers alike. A few hours spent at these havens of calm amidst chaos in a concrete jungle helps you unwind and recharge your batteries.
So, when in doubt, get out and take a stroll under the shade of tall trees, sit in the sun, feel the breeze, hear the waves crashing and the sound of birds chirping as you enjoy the beautiful view.
Examples:
- Central Park, New York, USA
- Rantau Abang beach, Terrengganu, Malaysia
- Kiya-machi River Walk, Kyoto, Japan
Take a stroll in a cemetery
Visiting a cemetery is not what most people would think of as a touristy activity. Morbid and creepy to some and fascinating to others, visiting cemeteries can be a way to better understand and appreciate the surrounding community’s values and beliefs.
More than just morbid curiosity, there are many beautiful cemeteries around the world with impressive monuments for gravestones and mausoleums. Moreover, some cemeteries are famous for being the final resting places of celebrities and historical figures.
Examples:
- Bukit Brown Cemetery, Singapore
- Highgate Cemetery, London, England
- St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
