These Are the Best (Free!) Tourist Attractions in the World
The world is brimming with incredible sights, and many of them won’t cost you a dime to enjoy. Here are some of the best free tourist attractions that should be on every traveler’s bucket list.
Central Park, New York City, USA: The lungs of Manhattan, Central Park is an urban escape that invites you to stroll, picnic, and revel in performances—ranging from buskers to free summer concerts.
Sydney’s Beaches, Australia: With pristine sands and superb waves, beaches like Bondi and Manly are free for all. They’re perfect for sunbathing, people-watching, or just cooling off with a swim.
The Smithsonian Museums, Washington D.C., USA: This group of museums is an unparalleled trove of history, art, and science exhibits without the admission fee.
The Vatican Museums, Rome, Italy: On the last Sunday of every month, access to awe-inspiring collections in the Vatican Museums is free. Make sure to catch the Sistine Chapel!
Taittinger Champagne Cellar Tours, France: In Reims (with prior booking), you can explore the cellars of this famous champagne house for free on St. Vincent’s day in January.
Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain: While there’s typically a fee to enter this iconic basilica designed by Gaudí, it opens its doors for free worship on Sunday afternoons. It’s an opportune time to admire the stunning interiors without spending a euro.
Hyde Park & Kensington Gardens, London, UK: Right at the heart of London is Hyde Park merged seamlessly with Kensington Gardens. They host public speeches at Speaker’s Corner and offer serene landscapes such as The Serpentine lake and the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain.
Mount Royal Park’s Lookout: Montreal, Canada: A climb up this urban mountain rewards you with panoramic views of Montreal that are especially breathtaking in fall or when the city lights up at night.
Old Towns and Markets: Many cities like Prague’s Old Town and Marrakech’s bustling markets don’t charge an entry fee—providing a feast for the senses and a look into local life.
Natural Attractions: From the Blue Mountains in Australia to Table Mountain in South Africa or even walking amidst the cherry blossoms in Japan during sakura season—nature often provides some of our most memorable experiences free of charge.
Each destination tells its own story without requiring travellers to spend much—if anything at all. So pack your bags and set out on an adventure that combines cultural enrichment with economic savvy.