With rising prices in many areas, budgets for the finer things in life are often tight. However, this doesn’t mean you have to forego a city trip within Europe! Many cities offer a wealth of free entertainment options, allowing travelers to only cover costs for accommodation, food, and transportation.
Travel experts at Holidu (www.holidu.ch) have analyzed the free tourist offerings in the 30 most popular city destinations in Europe and created a ranking. They considered factors such as free museums, tourist attractions, events, and city tours. You can find the complete analysis here: Holidu Analysis.
© Alicia Steels via Unsplash
Dream Cities Surprisingly Affordable
Rank 1: London, England
Immerse yourself in the royal atmosphere of London, where over 1,200 free events and 79 free city tours were available in March—ranging from captivating concerts to comedy shows without an entrance fee. Explore world-famous museums and galleries, including the British Museum and Tate Modern.
Top Free Tourist Attractions in London:
- Natural History Museum
- Covent Garden
- Westminster Abbey
- Observation Deck Horizon 22
Rank 2: Paris, France
Paris boasts a rich cultural heritage, with 30 museums open for free year-round. On the first Sunday of every month, even more museums welcome visitors at no cost. With over 690 free attractions and 685 events, the city offers numerous ways to experience culture without breaking the bank.
Top Free Tourist Attractions in Paris:
- Notre-Dame Cathedral
- Champs-Élysées
- Trocadéro with a view of the Eiffel Tower
- Petit Palais
Rank 3: Madrid, Spain
Madrid offers a variety of free city tours that provide diverse perspectives on the city. With a total of 176 options available, everyone can find a guide that matches their interests—whether you’re into food, art, history, or local trivia tours.
Top Free Tourist Attractions in Madrid:
- Parque del Retiro
- Plaza de Cibeles
- Matadero Madrid
- Fundación Juan March
5 Tips to Save More While Traveling:
- Bring a water bottle! Bottled water can be overpriced in city centers. However, in most European cities, you can drink tap water safely.
- Plan your travel dates wisely! Avoid traveling during school holidays and public holidays when accommodation prices tend to be higher.
- Use public transportation! Taxis can be expensive, especially for short distances. Most European cities have well-developed bus and train networks, and renting a bike is also a great way to explore.
- Check social media for local food spots! Before your trip, search Instagram or TikTok for posts where locals share affordable yet delicious restaurants and cafes—don’t forget to save them!
- Stay within the EU! With EU roaming, you can use your mobile data just as you would at home, without worrying about high fees.
