Becca’s Favourite Free Activities for ANY City
Travelling can soon become quite an expense, and small activities can quickly mount up in cost. As you will probably already know, we like to travel on the minimal side, spending as little as possible while still having a rich cultural experience. You don't always have to spend big bucks to have a good time.
Whether on a small or large budget, navigating cities can be challenging, and over the past few years, as the convoy and as individuals, we have learned a few useful tips for saving a few pennies while still having a great time. Here are some ideas of what to look for and ways to help your budget go further. As many of you know, the tourism industry fluxes, and cities are ever-changing, so it is good to check prices and activities before you go. Always research a city before you go so you get a rough idea of average costs and use websites such as Time Out for local events and things to do.
Free & Low-Cost Activities
When I am heading somewhere new, I always look at what the everyday things to do are, and then I start to look for the not so touristy things, which are often free. Every city will have little to no cost things to do and see, and sometimes it is about getting creative with what is around you. Some of the most common things I would choose to do when in a city and want to save money are visiting markets, finding historical monuments, searching for parks or botanical gardens, befriending locals, admiring the architecture, and making use of any e-bikes or e-scooters available. These are the most important things that I try to research before I go, and it works wonders! Here is a little more detail about why I choose these particular things when I visit a city.
Markets
Markets are a great place to visit to get under the skin of a city and understand its way of life. You will find many locals here, and you don't have to spend anything! It is a great way to see the local life and admire crafts, local produce, and handmade items. Of course, you can buy things here such as food, souvenirs or local goods, but if you are on a really low budget, then there is no pressure. I enjoy an afternoon at a market to feel the hustle and bustle of a city. Sometimes you will find night markets too, which are lots of fun as many street food stalls open up and you will find a buzzing atmosphere.
Monuments and Memorials
These are often free to visit and often showcase sculptures of statues. It is straightforward to find monuments on Google maps, and it makes for a pleasant afternoon stroll while learning a bit about the country's history. Some monuments may have an entry fee, while others are situated in parks or at viewpoints.
Religious Places
Every city will have religious places such as churches, mosques, temples, etc., and these are some of the most beautiful places to see. For a tranquil experience, make sure to see what religious sites are open to the public and to tourists in the city you are visiting. Please always be mindful of dress, and be respectful in places of worship.
Parks or Botanical Gardens
I love to visit any natural place in a city, as I find it a great way to escape and have a break from the crowds. Almost every city will have a botanical garden; some require a ticket, but many are around a few euros to enter, and they are often well kept. Taking a picnic or reading a book is a great way to relax in these natural places. Equally, if you are in a city on the coast, you can do the same at the beach. Beach days are always great fun and often cost you nothing!
View Points
Cities that are surrounded by hills or situated on rugged coastlines will have a viewpoint. These tend to be a short hike from the center, and they offer rewarding views of the city when you reach the top. I like to visit these as they are often free and give you a different perspective. They are also fantastic spots to watch sunrise or sunset.
Architecture and Street Art
As an artist, I love to see street art in cities as there are many styles and unique pieces from city to city. Sometimes I will research a city beforehand to see if there are any interesting local street artists in the area, and then once there, you can wander the streets looking for these pieces. I enjoy the work of Banksy, so I will often check if he has some street art in the city I am heading to.
Walking Tours
Most cities will have walking tours, and they are often free or tip-based. There is no better way to experience a city than to be led by a local through all the unique streets. Walking tours are also a great way to meet other tourists while learning about the city. I find this a genuine way to understand local life.
Food Crawls
I genuinely think that food is the gateway to learning about a new place and its people. Sometimes in tourist areas, restaurants can be highly-priced and not always affordable for everyone. So I often enjoy a food crawl!; Much like a bar crawl but with street food and local markets. Finding where the locals eat is a good start because the costs will be lower and it will be more authentic, but choosing where to start can be difficult. I like to try a little something from each stall or stand, and this is a great way to support local businesses while getting a taster for the different delights. Doing this with someone else is great because you can buy one portion and share, and then you still have room to try more!
Befriending Locals
Getting to know the locals is the key to really understanding a city. It can be challenging to make the first contact, but you will be guided and shown the best parts of the city once you do. I try to do this in most places, often when I am with friends, and it has always been a blast. However, always be cautious and don’t go out of your comfort zone.
City Lights
Walking around cities at night can be a lovely way to experience places in an alternative light. Some cities will offer night guided walking tours, and sometimes you can find special light shows, which are often free. It has become increasingly popular to put on light shows for famous buildings, and you will see relevant images projected onto the walls. This is an excellent way to walk the streets of a city at night. Many cities have started fountain light displays, some of which play music while shining colorful lights into the water. Equally, it is just lovely to see all the monuments and places in a different light.
Atlas Obscura
This is an excellent resource for finding abandoned buildings, complexes, or amusements in cities for the curious type. If you do use it to visit a site, always remember to be careful, and if there is security, then it is better to declare your presence than not, as it can lead to unwanted situations! It can be a fun way to spend the afternoon and learn more about the history of an area as most things that are abandoned happened for a very significant reason, and you will find you know a lot about a place this way.
E-bikes
One of my favourite ways to get around a city is by e-bike or e-scooter. These are often very little to rent, and they make for a good afternoon's entertainment. Look online before you go for rates and cycling routes.
Sunsets and Sunrise
This is a free natural wonder, and I don't think many people take advantage of this spectacle. Heading up to a viewpoint, sitting at a rooftop bar, or being on the beach are all great options for viewing the sunrise or sunset. If you are into photography, you will get some beautiful photos for the cost of nothing!
Tips For Discounts
For a little higher budget or for those of you who have something in mind that you would like to see, here are some tips about museums, attractions, and cities’ activities. I have visited over 100 cities, and I love to visit either an art gallery or a historical museum. However, some museums can have extortionate entry prices, and it can be quite off-putting, so there are some tips to help with this cost. I also like to make the most of being somewhere new, and if there is something you “have” to see, then I will try and add that cost into my budget before I go.
Discounts and Bargaining
You will find that many large and popular attractions have discounts or buy group tickets you get a cheaper rate. I have found this in many places and often ask people around me in the queue if they want to go in together on a group ticket. Often you will only save 2-3 Euros or so, but it all helps, and it is an excellent excuse to get talking to other tourists in the queue. Another form of bargaining power is through numbers, and for specific excursions, it is sometimes possible to shop around to get the best price for your group. Although this can take a bit of time and patience, it has worked out well in most of my experiences. The tour company still gets a fair price, and you get a little discount for your group because you are bringing the numbers. Again it won’t be huge savings, but it all contributes. Bargaining also applies to markets, and it is always encouraged to haggle with locals. Although remember to be fair and never insult the seller with a low price, it can be a fun back and forth interaction with locals if you play it right.
Free Entry
Most museums and galleries in larger cities will offer free entry at some point. I have found this varies between continents and is unique to each place. For example, when I was in Madrid, there was free entry to the art galleries after a specific time. This was mostly because you would only have an hour or so until closing, but it was a great way to have a glance into the creative culture of Madrid. Other museums and galleries offer free entry on their independence days or various holidays throughout the year. You will find that some offer free admission on the last “Sunday” or “Monday” of every month, so check out their websites before you go to see if this coincides with your trip.
These are just some of the things I practice when heading to a city, and I find them all great ways to help support local businesses while saving a few pennies. All of the above will give you a great and authentic experience of a place without having to follow the typical tourist routine!
-Becca