24 Free Things to Do In (Almost)
Every Big City in the World
Today, GetYourGuide and Viator are the largest and most popular online international travel marketplaces for tours, activities, experiences, and attractions.
These gigantic websites are where many soon-to-be-tourists book things like all-inclusive city passes, guided day trips, sightseeing and food tours, airport transfers, local public transportation tickets, and much more.
However, when you plan a vacation in any major city abroad, you would probably also like to take advantage of the free things you can do at the destination.
After all, most travelers have a limited budget to play with, and managing it wisely will help you maximize your trip’s potential.
We prepared a summary of 100% free activity ideas that are typically available in most city destinations around the world.
Are you ready? Let’s start!
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City Squares
Almost any capital or other large city has at least one famous square, usually located at its heart. It includes various points of interest, such as fountains, monuments, or statues.
In the old days, these open public spaces were where rulers and their people met, but in modern times they have evolved into social, commercial, and touristic hotspots, which still often represent the soul of the city, its cultural and historical DNA, and serve as central focal points that draw the crowds.
City squares are among the best free places to visit, local carnivals of sights and sounds, full of life and energy.
Examples:
- Times Square, New York City, USA
- Saint Peter’s Square, Vatican City
- Trafalgar Square, London, England
- Old Town Square, Prague, Czech Republic
- Place de la Concorde, Paris, France
Landmarks
Every famous city has its own iconic landmarks which symbolize it and carry special historical, cultural, or aesthetic value.
These easily-noticed buildings, monuments, sites, and other man-made structures are often grand, impressive, and beautiful.
Getting into some of them requires buying a ticket, but watching them from the outside is always free, which means you’ll be able to appreciate their remarkable splendor.
Examples:
- The Eiffel Tower, Paris, France
- The Colosseum, Rome, Italy
- Empire State Building, New York, USA
- Sydney Opera House, Sydney, Australia
- Brandenburg Gate, Berlin, Germany
Free Museums
Many cities have free museums which won’t cost you anything to visit.
Museums are a great place to spend time, connect with local and global history, discover different world cultures, learn about scientific advancements, or get inspired by wonderful works of art.
Examples:
- The British Museum, London, England
- Smithsonian Museums, Washington DC, USA
- Topography of Terror, Berlin, Germany
- Getty Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, Wellington, New Zealand
Free Attractions
Tourist attractions are places of interest that attract visitors due to their cultural, educational, recreational, or entertainment value.
In most cases, such places require entrance fees. However, most tourist hotspots offer at least a few attractions that are free of charge.
Examples:
- Pantheon, Rome, Italy
- The Alamo, San Antonio, Texas, USA
- Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore
- Langenberg Wildlife Park, Zurich, Switzerland
- Saint Louis Zoo, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
Parks
Public parks are among the favorite free open spaces that locals and tourists visit frequently.
The reasons? Fresh air, a ‘green’ atmosphere, a slice of unspoiled nature in the middle of the urban concrete jungle, a wonderful place for picnics, walking, biking, and sports, and a great spot for outdoor fun alone, as a couple or as a family.
Examples:
- Central Park, New York City, USA
- Hyde Park, London, England
- Lumphini Park, Bangkok, Thailand
- Park Güell, Barcelona, Spain
- Vondelpark, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
City Center
City centers are the most popular areas to visit and wander around – especially on foot.
They are the beating heart and nerve center of any urban destination, full of famous landmarks, phenomenal monuments, wonderful architecture, historic sites, and famous streets.
When you have some free time and no specific plans, go to the city center, explore it, and experience its true essence firsthand.
Free Walking Tours
Joining a free walking tour led by a local guide is one of the best ways to explore a new city and learn about its history, culture, cuisine, lifestyle, hidden gems, or other interesting aspects of the destination.
The major free tour companies offer them in many major cities all over the world at no upfront costs, but rather on a pay-what-you-like model (meaning, tips). You choose how much to give based on your satisfaction, how much you think is fair, or how much you can afford.
Some of the popular global free tour providers include:
Markets
One of the best ways to sense and experience local culture is through their marketplaces.
Local markets are fantastic places to feel the pulse of a city, immerse yourself in its vibrant atmosphere, and get a feel for daily life.
A bustling market scene is a unique and fun environment, full of friendly people and a true feast to the eyes, which offers a window into food, lifestyle, tradition, and commerce.
It’s where you can get anything from authentic freshly-cooked, tasty, well-priced meals, street food, and snacks to all sorts of merchandise, arts and crafts, antiques, gifts, knick-knacks, and sometimes even true bargains.
Examples:
- Grand Bazaar, Istanbul, Turkey
- Chandni Chowk, Delhi, India
- Chatuchak Market, Bangkok, Thailand
- The Marrakech Souks, Marrakech, Morocco
- Pike Place Market, Seattle, Washington, USA
Religious Places of Worship
Religion has long played a central role in the history of the world and the human experience.
Places of worship have always attracted the masses for prayers, rituals, meditation, inspiration, or just to visit.
For centuries, civilizations have built glorious monuments to honor higher powers and celebrate their faiths: churches, synagogues, mosques, temples, and other sacred sites.
The ability of the human race to create beautiful, holy places with awe-inspiring architecture, grandeur, and majesty – is something that many tourists aspire to experience.
Examples:
- The Golden Temple, Amritsar, India
- The Sofia Synagogue, Sofia, Bulgaria
- The Bahá’í House of Worship, Wilmette, Illinois, USA
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi
- Lotus Temple, New Delhi, India
Public Libraries
Libraries are a wonderful place for people of any age, where you can grab a book or journal, participate in an event or just hang out at the cafeteria.
Air-conditioned in summer and heated in winter, these quiet, relaxing, and welcoming havens of education and culture are free to visit and often housed in impressive buildings with inspiring architecture.
Examples:
- Starfield Library in Seoul, South Korea
- Centrale Bibliotheek, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Seattle Public Library, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Stuttgart City Library, Stuttgart, Germany
- Oslo Public Library, Oslo, Norway
Explore Local Neighborhoods
When you visit a new destination, you will spend a lot of time in the city center, which is the most touristic part.
However, remember that most major cities offer other neighborhoods worth exploring due to their beauty, personality, architecture, food, art, uniqueness, or authentic local feel.
Festivals
Festivals offer a great way to have an amazing time with other people from around the world, enjoy a unique experience and add an unconventional dimension to your travels.
These grandiose events that celebrate life, music, tradition, culture, or religion offer something for everyone and make unforgettable memories.
Examples:
- The Carnival, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Oktoberfest, Munich, Germany
- Mardi Gras, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Just for Laughs, Montreal, Canada
- Venice Carnival, Venice, Italy
Public Beaches
Freely-accessible public beaches are an amazing resource for any traveler.
A few hours at the local beach, under the sun in front of the blue waves, can offer a great way to unwind and relax while enjoying the beautiful view and getting some vitamin D.
Street Art
In recent decades, street art has become a worldwide phenomenon that crosses continents, nations, races, and genders.
Today, it’s widely considered an integral part of contemporary art, urban life, and global visual culture.
Many travelers love this, and cities with a strong street art scene offer amazing collections of public art for all to enjoy.
Window Shopping
For many people, window shopping is one of the most enjoyable things to do, even if they don’t plan to buy anything. This is especially true in legendary shopping areas that have gained worldwide fame and are cultural icons.
Famous shopping streets that house department stores, luxury designer brands, independent boutiques, and spectacular window displays, are places that have unique charm, character, and atmosphere.
Examples:
- 5th Avenue, New York City, New York, USA
- Bond Street, London, England
- Champs-Élysées, Paris, France
- Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich, Switzerland
- Ginza, Tokyo, Japan
Government Buildings
Whether they have a classical or more modern look, world government buildings are designed to impress, make a bold statement and reflect the aspirations and values of the societies they serve.
Examples:
- European Parliament, Strasbourg, France
- Casa Rosada, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- White House, Washington, D.C., USA
- Reichstag Building, Berlin, Germany
- Houses of Parliament, Cape Town, South Africa
Promenades
Tourists love promenades…. And who could blame them? Those wide paved public paths, built next to a sea, lake, or river, are great places for strolling, relaxing, or jogging – not to mention, enjoying the magical scenes of sunrise or sunset.
Examples:
- Copacabana Beach Promenade, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, Hong Kong
- Promenade des Anglais, Nice, France
- Atlantic City Boardwalk, New Jersey, USA
- Tel Aviv Promenade (Tayelet), Tel Aviv, Israel
Bridges
There are cities in which bridges are true architectural delights, steeped in the local history, and play an important role in shaping the destination’s character.
Some picturesque bridges have become iconic and internationally-recognized landmarks that draw in visitors from all corners of the world.
Examples:
- Tower Bridge, London, England
- Rialto Bridge, Venice, Italy
- Charles Bridge, Prague, Czech Republic
- Brooklyn Bridge, New York City, New York, USA
- Szechenyi Chain Bridge, Budapest, Hungary
Central Station
In big and modern cities, central stations are often more than just busy public transportation terminals. Some of these structures are magnificent, uniquely designed, and worth a visit, even if you don’t need to catch a train or a bus.
Examples:
- Helsinki Central Station, Helsinki, Finland
- Gare du Nord, Paris, France
- Kuala Lumpur Railway Station, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Amsterdam Centraal Station, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Antwerp Central, Antwerp, Belgium
Seasonal Activities
If you’re traveling abroad during certain times of the year, you’ll be able to attend local seasonal events and take advantage of unique traditional activities – which are not available during any other time of the year.
Examples:
- Christmas markets
- Public New Year’s Eve events
- Black Friday sales
- Winter sports
- Open-air holiday concerts
People-Watching
Sometimes, sitting quietly on a bench somewhere, observing the hustle and bustle of everyday life, just like a fly on the wall, can teach you something about a city, its character, and the locals who live there.
Playgrounds
When you’re having a family trip abroad, you’re constantly looking for free and entertaining things to do with your little ones.
Public playgrounds are fun areas designed specifically for children and their parents.
They keep the kids active and help them get some fresh air, burn energy and interact with their inner world.
Graveyards and Cemeteries
Creepy and depressing for some, fascinating and mysterious for others, visiting cemeteries is another way tourists can better appreciate what the surrounding community values.
There are many beautiful graveyards throughout the world. Some are resting places of celebrities or other famous people, while others offer dazzling views, impressive architecture, and moving monuments.
Examples:
- Waverley Cemetery, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Highgate Cemetery, London, UK
- Père Lachaise Cemetery, Paris, France
- Mount of Olives Jewish Cemetery, Jerusalem, Israel
- La Recoleta Cemetery, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Iconic Buildings
Humans have been constructing all sorts of buildings for thousands of years, from basic huts to amazing skyscrapers.
Famous buildings throughout the world have gained international recognition for a variety of reasons. Some became iconic due to their architectural charm and aesthetic appeal, while others for their historical significance.
Visiting such an iconic building is not just a great opportunity for a powerful selfie image. It is also a great way to witness an amazing structure that inspired millions all over the world.
Examples:
- The Heydar Aliyev Centre, Baku, Azerbaijan
- Chrysler Building in New York City, New York, USA
- Dancing House, Prague, Czech Republic
- Burj Khalifa, Dubai, UAE
- Space Needle, Seattle, Washington, USA
Do you know of any other free city
activities we may have missed?
Let us know, and we’ll add them to the list!