Travel doesn’t have to be expensive. Savvy shoppers can secure inexpensive transportation and accommodations, and most local foods can be found somewhere for less, but cost-conscious activities can really save the budget on any trip.
You may have one or two bucket-list activities in mind, and there’s probably a can’t-miss museum admission or top-dollar show ticket you should spring for while in town. But, filling some of the itinerary with free and low-cost activities makes those splurges more affordable overall. Here’s how to find free things to do in any city.
CHECK WEBSITES FOR FREE MUSEUM DAYS
From the Louvre in Paris to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, museum prices aren’t always as steep as advertised. If you have some high-ticket venues in mind, check out their websites in advance and see what kind of deals you can score. The Louvre is free on the first Friday evening of every month, and the Met is pay-what-you-wish if you live in certain states and buy your ticket in person. Many of the world’s top museums have similar policies, so it pays to check ahead before deciding which day to visit these popular spots.
TAKE A WALKING TOUR
Quirky, free walking tours of all kinds are popular today, but the good old, historic walking tour can still be found in most major cities, and it’s often free. Tour guides usually rely on tips, but this small expense yields an educational, fun activity for an hour or two. Plus, walking tours often include insider information on the best of everything local, and you can ask your guide about other free and low-cost things to do in the area.
Schedule a walking tour for your first day in any destination to get an up-front lay of the land and maximize any freebies for the remainder of your stay. And don’t be afraid to ask other guests on your tour for any tips and plans they have for their visits.
CONSULT THE TOURISM BOARD
Most destinations have a tourism board that promotes local businesses and offerings, including free activities and events hosted by partners. Look for announcements and lists on the local tourism board website, and scan the sites of any local chambers of commerce, historical societies, and state or national tourism boards for more free opportunities.
It helps to check out these resources both in advance and on arrival, in case any free events or attractions have been added since you first planned your visit. If your destination has historical societies or a visitor centers with a physical location or phone number, you’ll likely find even more insider tips by reaching out directly.
REMEMBER THE CLASSICS
Take advantage of events and tourist attractions that are free almost anywhere, to fill any gaps in your itinerary. Parks are usually free or donation-based, and often host festivals, exhibitions, gardens, and art installations worth exploring. Likewise, street art is always free to view, and many cities proudly promote their sanctioned pieces through touring trails with guided maps available online or in an app. These not only provide locations of the pieces you’ll want to see, but often include information about the art and artists, themselves.
You’ll also become more acquainted with the city while trekking around town, and should keep your eyes peeled for signs advertising events and attractions. Libraries and galleries occasionally offer free shows and exhibits, and employees are typically excellent resources for further tips, whether they’re hosting their own events or not.
GOOGLE IT
This may seem obvious, but simply Googling free things to do in your city of choice will often reveal plenty of websites offering both evergreen freebies and one-off or seasonal events that may be happening during your visit. Your search results will likely include at least one website with reviews and feedback on the free attractions, which can help you whittle down the list to those most appealing to you.
