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Tag: free attractions

  • Los Angeles’ Best Free Attractions – Entertainment in LA for Less

    No one would pretend that Los Angeles is a budget vacation destination. Consumerism reigns supreme in the City of Lights, and you don’t need to shop on Rodeo Drive or Melrose Avenue to spend big. However by following our budget entertainment tips, you can ensure your LA getaway doesn’t cost you a packet.

    You probably won’t find yourself at a celebrity party or an A-list event, but a stroll around Grauman’s Chinese Theatre can make you feel a little closer to your acting idols. You can spend hours admiring the handprints and footprints of the stars of yesteryear and modern icons. And if you’re lucky, you might even score a free ticket to a movie premiere!

    If those free tickets sound appealing, a trip to Westwood Village is a must. It’s packed with theaters that regularly host premieres, and no PR firm wants empty seats. Many television shows are also filmed here. Scoring tickets requires a bit of a forward planning, but you can request some through the websites of several live shows and TV networks.

    Los Angeles’ museums and galleries allow visitors to while away the hours without spending a cent. Iconic works from masters like Claes Oldenbury and Mark Rothko sit alongside pieces by the next generation of art pioneers at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA). Admission is reasonable at $12 for adults, but if you want to save money you can visit between 5 pm and 8 pm on Thursdays for free.

    The California Science Center is great fun for the whole family. It’s regarded as one of the best science museums in the United States for its range of interactive exhibits about the human body, aerospace, and inventions. Special exhibitions and IMAX films attract a fee, but the permanent display is always free to see.

    There are more than modern finances at the Wells Fargo Center. The museum at its base celebrates the bank’s story through the Californian gold rush and other key historical periods. The authentic Concord Stagecoach and real gold, including the famous 26-ounch Challenge Nugget, make it worth a look. It’s open on weekdays, and entry is free.

    Don’t let the modest exterior of the Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church fool you. Its art deco styled interior is breathtaking, and you can stroll through the plaza at any time without attending mass. If you’d prefer a closer look, join one of the free tours which leave from the Temple Street entrance every weekday at 1 pm.

    These days though, you don’t need a tour guide to enjoy a walking tour. Simply head to the Downtown LA Walks website and download one of their free podcasts. Each one comes with a free PDF map which will help you navigate around LA’s cultural hotspots, shopping districts, or historic sites.

    The world’s weirdest and most wonderful characters converge in Los Angeles with stars in their eyes and big dreams. That makes people watching a fabulous pastime, especially at the busy Santa Monica Pier and colourful Venice Beach. Sitting on a bench and watching the world go by can look a little creepy after a while though, so why not grab a drink or two during Happy Hour? Los Angeles’ bars have some great deals on booze and small snack plates.

    If the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles’ city streets is grating, then grab some sensible shoes and set off for a hike through the Hollywood Hills. The leafy trails from Runyon Canyon to Bronson Canyon aren’t too challenging for anyone of moderate fitness. And if you’re lucky, you might spot a health-conscious celebrity enjoying their daily workout!

    Santa Monica Beach
    Los Angeles’ famous Santa Monica Beach

    Of course, entertainment is just one getaway consideration in Los Angeles. You can only enjoy so many free samples at the city’s farmers markets before you’ll need to spend money on an overpriced meal. And while avoiding the most popular areas can shave your accommodation costs, the tariffs are still likely to bite. But by spending your days enjoying the city’s free or close to free attractions, you can enjoy a Los Angeles vacation for less than you’d expect.

  • World’s Best Sunsets – Free Breathtaking Natural Wonders

    All frugal travelers know that the best things in life are free. Tourists watching their budget take pleasure in the simple things and take time to smell the roses and appreciate the beauty of the world around them. With that in mind, we thought we’d clue prospective jetsetters in on the best sunsets around the planet. After all, it costs nothing to pause and admire these natural light shows!

    If you can afford the airfare, you won’t regret taking in the sunset at Uluru. This mammoth rock in Australia’s Red Center is impressive by day, but spectacular when the sun goes down. Between 6 and 8 pm, depending on the time of year, you’ll see colors racing across the massive monolith. Special viewing platforms built into the surrounding sand dunes ensure visitors get the best look.

    You’ll see plenty of wildlife with your sunset at Kenya’s Masai Mara. The local leopards, buffalo, elephants, and rhinos become more active as night falls, so sunset safaris are very popular. As Kenya is close to the equator the sun sets at around 6:30 pm each night, no matter what the season.

    Snuggling up to someone special as you both watch the sun set is always romantic, so why not do it in one of the most romantic cities in the world? You’re bound to feel your heart racing as you stand on Accademia Bridge in Venice and watch the vivid colors illuminate the sky and the Grand Canal below. Just take heed of the time, because sunsets vary wildly depending on the season. During winter the sun sets at around 4:30 pm, but in summer it’s as late as 9:30 pm. You wouldn’t want to miss it!

    But you needn’t travel a world away to enjoy a special sunset. At Mallory Square in Florida’s Key West you get an amazing view, and a party. Grab a cocktail and enjoy the sight of the fiery globe dipping into the Gulf of Mexico. The square comes alive every evening between 5:30 and 8:20 pm, but arriving an hour early will help you get a prime viewing position.

    Uluru at sunset
    Uluru at sunset

    And don’t underestimate the sunsets at Maui’s Mount Haleakala. The sunrises get all the publicity, but at sunset the tourists have dispersed, leaving you to enjoy the view in peace. The clouds move from blues and greens through to fiery oranges and reds. No wonder the locals think this spot is just as pretty in the evenings!

    Finally, don’t forget about the sunset in your own backyard. If you can’t afford a getaway right now, taking the time to enjoy the view outside your own window is a great way to recharge and refresh.

  • Free Dublin Attractions – See Ireland’s Capital for Less

    Dublin has so many attractions that you’ll never be bored. However many of them come with hefty admission fees and hidden extras. There’s no need to spend a fortune in the Irish capital though. This article offers plenty of ways to pass the time that won’t cost you a cent!

    Every town has a City Hall, but don’t think Dublin’s is just another building. This architectural marvel was built between 1769 and 1779, so it’s steeped in history. A free tour will tell you all its tales, but you can also explore independently. Make sure you bring your camera (or your Smartphone if you’re traveling light!) and scale the half-spiral staircase to the uppermost level. The paintings and tile mosaics you’ll find here are worth the walk!

    After City Hall make sure you visit its neighbor, Dublin Castle. This beautiful building was originally constructed for England’s King John in 1204. A fire in 1673 destroyed all but the Record Tower, but the building was rebuilt slowly over the following centuries. Today it’s used for state receptions, although it’s also enjoyed some time as a film star. You might have seen it in Barry Lyndon, Michael Collins, or the television series The Tudors. While guided tours of the castle cost a few euros you can look around many areas for free.

    St. Stephen’s Green is a winner for the entire family. The Guinness family built the public park for their beloved Dublin back in the 19th century. It’s like a little oasis in the middle of the city, with grassy spots for picnicking and a pond full of hungry ducks. Spending a few hours here will cost you far less than shopping on nearby Grafton Street!

    If you’ve enjoyed the open space of St. Stephen’s Green, a visit to Howth Harbor should be next on your itinerary. Wander around the cliffs and soak up the vistas and smog-free fresh air. Keep your eyes peeled for the seals that relax by the harbor waiting for fishing boat scraps. Just don’t visit on Sundays if you’re bothered by big crowds.

    Museums and art galleries are always a great option for frugal travelers. Dublin has its fair share of these buildings housing some of Europe’s greatest treasures. The National Museum celebrates local history with its displays of Irish silver and glassware, Bronze Age artifacts, and War of Independence mementos. The focus shifts from man to beasts at the Natural History Museum. The embalmed creatures and buffalo and deer trophies are a bit creepy, but a visit will teach you plenty about Ireland’s living and extinct wildlife.

    Art buffs are also well catered for in Dublin. If you only see one art museum make it the National Gallery, which features more than 2000 works. Irish landscapes make up the bulk of the pieces, but there are also works from other significant European art movements. If the work of the masters seems a bit stuffy then The Hugh Lane Municipal Gallery of Modern Art may be more your speed. It features pieces by modern Irish artists and other leading artisans, including those in the original collection of its late Irish art collector namesake. For extra value, visit on a Sunday between April and June to enjoy the free summer concerts.

    But many of Dublin’s best artworks aren’t found inside galleries. The city’s streets have many public sculptures that make for great photo opportunities. Stop by the tall Spire on O’Connell Street,  the James Joyce statue on Earl Street, and the moving monument to victims of torture in Archbishop Ryan Park, to name but a few.

    St Stephens Green Dublin
    St Stephens Green, Dublin

    Dublin is known for its churches, but don’t be discouraged by the entry fees that St. Patrick’s and Christ Church Cathedrals charge. Some of the lesser known parishes are just as beautiful, and admission is free. The Byzantine style University Church, Carmelite influenced Our Lady of Mount Carmel, St. Ann’s, and St. Mary’s Pro-Cathedral should be on every frugal traveler’s itinerary.

    Dublin’s flat streets are made for walking, so make sure you pack a good pair of shoes to help you see as many sights as you can during your Irish stay!

  • Free Attractions in Greece – See Mediterranean on a Shoestring

    We were all dreaming of a white Christmas, but now the holiday is over the chill of winter is beginning to grate. So why are you putting up with it? A vacation in Greece is a great way to escape the cold, and with plenty of free attractions it won’t cost as much as you think.

    Admittedly Greece does have a little ice and snow during winter, especially near the mountains. But the country’s Mediterranean climate ensures you’ll enjoy a mild heat along the coast. Rainfall is also minimal, so you’ll have plenty of opportunity to soak up some sunshine and see all the country has to offer.

    Fine weather is ideal for exploring the Monastiraki Flea Market, which runs every Sunday. The city’s flea market is famous for its curious mix of fresh produce, jewelry, and handicrafts. It’s the perfect place for finding presents for loved ones and souvenirs to remember your stay. Just remember that while it’s free to browse, those purchases can add up! Visit before 11 am in the morning to avoid the swarming crowds.

    Leaving the markets so early will also give you time to see the changing of the guard ceremony at the Greek Parliament building in Syntagma Square. At 11 am sharp every Sunday you’ll see the Evzone guards come from their camp at Irodou Attikou Street and take their place at the building. There they’ll stand motionless as they protect their president.

    While you’re enjoying some culture it’s worth taking in some of Greece’s free museums. Athens has some of the best, including The War Museum and the quirky Popular Musical Instruments Museum.

    It wouldn’t be a trip to Greece without visiting its historical sites, but admission fees to these key attractions can add up. However popular sites like The Acropolis, The Roman Agora, Kerameikos, and Olympeion offer free admission on special days. Visit on March 6, April 18, May 18, June 5, Sundays between November and March, and Greek national holidays to see the sights for nix.

    While you’re at the Acropolis don’t forget to check out Plaka, the oldest region in Athens. Cars aren’t allowed to drive down its streets so they’re perfect for strolling. It’s also refreshing to dine at an al fresco café without hearing the rumble of engines!

    If a lazy stroll doesn’t sound challenging enough then consider hiking to the top of Lycabettus Hill. It can be tough going, particularly when the sun is at its hottest, so it’s a trip best made early in the morning or as night falls. The 360-degree view of Athens below makes the challenging walk feel worthwhile. Just remember to take your camera with you for some snaps of the vista!

    Greece has several beautiful beaches, but unlike many countries some are private and charge an admission fee. However if you know where to go you can still enjoy your sun, sand, and surf for nothing. Vouliagmeni and Kavouri, both located on the Attica coastline half an hour’s drive from Athens, are some of Greece’s best. Make sure you stay until dusk to watch the sun setting over the sparkling Aegean Sea.

    piggy bank worldGreece loves a party, but a night on the town can drain your finances, especially if you’re indulging in cocktails. For a quieter alternative consider spending an evening at Mars Hill, or Areopagus as the Greeks call it. Religious tourists make a pilgrimage here to see the spot St. Paul the Apostle preached. In later years it was the site of meetings by The Council of Nobles and the Judicial Court. Today it’s a great spot for admiring the lights of the Parthenon as you share a bottle of wine al fresco.

    So why spend a lot of money in Greece? These free attractions should keep you busy on your Mediterranean vacation!

  • Free Fun at Bangkok’s Lumphini Park, Thailand

    Lumphini Park is like a little oasis in the center of bustling Bangkok’s shopping districts and eat streets, a place to enjoy life at a slower pace and get back to nature.

    It's also a great place to spend time in Thailand for free, or close to it! The sprawling parklands are spread out across 142 acres in the heart of the city. Its centerpiece is a beautiful created lake. You can experience its splendor up close by renting a boat or enjoying a picnic lunch on its banks. If you're an early riser see locals performing traditional fan dancing, yoga, and tai chi each morning at 6 am. The running trails are also popular amongst businessmen keen to start their day with a workout. As the sun goes down you can get your heart pumping with a free outdoor aerobics class. Forget about looking silly and enjoy the retro exercise every day from 6 pm. Between February and April, free musical concerts are also held in the park every Sunday evening. Free art exhibitions, fairs, and plays, are also staged at various times of the year. Make sure you listen out for the Thai national anthem, which is pumped through the park each day at 8 am and 6 pm. Visitors should stand still as a sign of respect during these times. [caption id="attachment_5318" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Lumphini Park in Bangkok, Thailand"]Lumphini Park in Bangkok, Thailand[/caption] Unlike many parks around the world, dogs are not permitted at Lumphini Park. You also can't smoke there, so the air is always clean and fresh. Forget about flying a kite or tossing around a football, as these activities are also banned. Cycling is permitted but only during certain hours; you can only ride a bike there between 5 am and 3 pm. Anyone caught breaking these rules is fined 2000 baht, so you'd best stay on the straight and narrow! All those regulations may seem a bit off putting, but they ensure Lumphini Park is a great place for Bangkok locals and tourists alike to enjoy.

    [Image Source: Anna/Flickr]

  • Free Observatories in Tokyo – Sky-High Views of Japan’s Capital

    With its endless stream of traffic and buzzing shopping arcades, it’s easy to feel lost in Tokyo. So why not rise above it?

    The capital of Japan has several free observatories which allow you to best appreciate the city skyline and its surrounds. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building has observatories on the north and south ends of the 45th floor. Make sure you visit on a clear day to admire Japan's most famous summit, Mount Fuji. You'll find another free observatory on the 47th floor of Seiroka Tower. From here you can look down at the manicured Seiroka Garden, and the Sumida River. You can see the Sumida River from a different perspective from the Caretta Shiodome. This waterway and the Hamarikyu Garden are the highlights of the vistas from the 46th and 47th floor lookouts. The Caretta Shiodome has more than views on its side though, with a theater, shops, and eateries all there to entertain. Most tourists visit the Shinjuku NS Building to dine at the famous restaurants on the 29th and 30th floors. While the view from your table is no doubt impressive, you can see the Shibuya area better from the building's free observatory. [caption id="attachment_3767" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Map of Japan"]Japan travel map picture[/caption] Tokyo even has observatories inside its transport hubs! Before you set sail, make sure you visit the observatory inside the Harumi Passenger Boat Terminal. It offers great views of Tokyo Bay and the Rainbow Bridge, and as it's a distance from the metro stations it rarely gets too crowded. You'll even find a couple of free observatories inside Haneda Airport! The travel hub is popular with tourists, as it's much closer to Tokyo than Narita. If you fly in, make sure you take the time to check out the impressive views from the first and second terminals.

  • See Art for Free at National Gallery of Victoria

    The National Gallery of Victoria is so full of art, it needed two campuses in Melbourne to house it all.

    The NGV International and its sister site, the Ian Potter Centre, are home to a stunning array of international and Australian pieces. The National Gallery of Victoria on St Kilda Road opened with a modest collection in 1968. Today it's doubled in size and been rechristened NGV International. The new moniker reflects its focus on art from around the globe. There are more than 60, 000 pieces from artists in America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania, making NGV International's collection arguably the largest assortment of international art in Australia. Stroll across the Princess Bridge and you'll reach Federation Square and the Ian Potter Center. It was named after the late Sir Ian Potter, a prominent Melbourne businessman and long time supporter of the arts. It's thought that the site is the world's first major gallery exclusively celebrating Australia's contribution to the global art scene. Indigenous art from William Barak and Emily Kngwarreye, colonial pieces from Frederick McCubbin and Tom Roberts, and modern works from Sidney Nolan, Arthur Boyd, and John Perceval are amongst more than 20, 000 Australian artworks housed here. Admission to The National Gallery of Victoria is free, although some additional charges may apply for traveling exhibitions. The campuses open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, although NGV International closes on Mondays, and the Ian Potter Center closes on Tuesdays. Both sites are closed on Christmas Day and Good Friday, and open from 1 pm on Anzac Day.

  • Chinese Treasures at Shanghai Museum – Free Display of Asian Artifacts

    The Shanghai Museum houses one of the most exciting and largest collections of artifacts in China, and best of all, entry is free.

    The museum is a wonderful place for tourists to immerse themselves in Chinese culture, thanks to the stunning displays of calligraphy, and porcelain, bronze, and jade artworks. It’s easy to spend at least half a day exploring all four floors of this treasure trove, although parents may find they have trouble keeping children interested for that long.

    While the building is stroller-friendly, it doesn't have the kid-friendly exhibitions we see in so many of the world's museum. If you have little ones, prepare for a few complaints. The audio tour costs a few yuan, but it's an investment worth making to get the most from your visit. The tour will highlight some of the most important artifacts on display and detail the background of these key pieces. While you're thinking about additional costs, traveling exhibitions often stop at the museum. These are also affordable at around 20 yuan, but don't feel pressured to see them, particularly if your time or budget is limited. The permanent collection is certainly vast enough to occupy frugal travelers. The Shanghai Museum is located at #201 Renmin Avenue in Shanghai, at the southern end of People's Square. You can take the subway to People's Square and follow the signs, or tell your taxi driver to take you to "Shanghai boh-oo-gwan." It opens daily between 9 am and 5 pm.