The best things in life are free: The world’s best attractions that cost you nothing
From museums and historic landmarks to zoos and white-knuckle theme parks, popular tourist destinations are often packed with sights to see and things to tick off the bucket list.
But the cost of visiting tourist attractions can soon add up.
According to Budget Your Travel, the average person on a day out in the U.S. will spend US$55 on admission fees for museums, attractions, sightseeing tours and the like. Fine, perhaps if you’re a solo adventurer budgeting for one — but multiply that cost by a whole family’s worth of sightseers and you’ve soon got a bank-breaking trip on your hands.
It’s true what they say, though — sometimes the best things in life are free.
Wherever you go on vacation (or even if you’re just exploring your local area), there’s bound to be a selection of attractions that won’t cost a cent to stop by… but which of these free-entry attractions are truly worth the visit?
Casago went in search of the best of them all across the U.S. and the world based on the ratings of patrons gone before.
For each U.S. state and 98 countries around the world, Casago found the best free-entry tourist attractions based on the proportion of TripAdvisor reviews that are rated five stars.
Key Findings:
- 94.54% of ratings for the Luc Vanlaere Harpist – Mini Harp Museum in Belgium are five stars, making it the most highly rated free-entry attraction in the world
- In the U.S., the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in Dayton, Ohio, is the best free-entry attraction — 92.85% of its reviews are rated five stars
- In the UK, the best free attraction is the Big Pit National Coal Museum in Wales (89.71% of reviews are rated five stars)
- Three of the top 10 highest-rated free-entry attractions in the world are in the U.S.
- A Belgium Harp Museum Is the Best Free Attraction in the World
What would you guess is the best tourist attraction in the world that doesn’t cost a penny to visit? A beach? An unmanned island? A national park?
The answer is the Luc Vanlaere Harpist – Mini Harp Museum in Bruges, Belgium (94.54 per cent of five-star reviews), a tiny harp museum where visitors can enjoy the music of harpist Luc Vanlaere as he performs daily 40-minute long concerts — all for free.
One glowing review calls the attraction a “captivating musical experience to refresh your soul,” while others advise getting there on time and taking extra cash for donations.
But for those who’d prefer to stay local, we’ve mapped the free-entry attraction in 98 countries that have received the highest proportion of five-star ratings online.
Across the world, they range from scenic beaches (like the “heavenly” Cable Beach in the Bahamas) and national parks (see Ireland’s “extraordinary” Killarney National Park) to museums, shopping districts and historic landmarks.
Ohio’s National Museum of the U.S. Air Force Is the Top Free Attraction in the United States.
From the sandy beaches of California to Manhattan’s skyline, the U.S. is bejewelled with sights to see.
And while the country makes billions of dollars a year from tourism, there are still plenty of things you can do stateside without spending a cent. The best of them all is the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in Dayton, Ohio, for which 92.85 per cent of reviews are five stars. As the world’s largest military aviation museum, one reviewer writes that “you owe it to yourself” to visit if you have an interest in the subject.
The next map reveals the best free attraction in each state, based on the proportion of TripAdvisor reviews accompanying it that are rated five stars.
Attractions range from sites of natural beauty like the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee — the most-visited national park in the country and one of 16 that are free to enter — to art museums, war memorials and entire districts, like the downtown district of Bozeman, Montana, deemed “lively and hopping” by one reviewer.
Eight of the Top Ten Free Attractions in North America Are in the U.S.
U.S. attractions dominate our ranking of the best of the best free attractions in North America, based on the proportion of reviews that are rated five stars. After the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in Ohio, America’s top free-entry attractions include other military monuments and museums, like the “humbling” Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington, Virginia (90.59% of five-star reviews), art museums and religious sites.
But it’s Horseshoe Falls in Canada that ranks as the second most top-rated free attraction (92.70% of five-star reviews) on the continent, the largest of the three waterfalls that comprise the picturesque and free-to-visit Niagara Falls (which attracts 20 million tourists a year). Reviewers can’t stop gushing (pun intended) about this powerful waterfall, with one stoic writer offering: “Yes, not the highest in the world etc. but to observe the falls is impressing and interesting.”
Welsh Mining Museum Among the Top Free Attractions in Europe
After the aforementioned and truly magical-sounding tiny harp museum, the highest-rated free attraction in Europe (89.71 per cent of five-star reviews) is the Big Pit National Coal Museum in a small Welsh town called Blaenavon.
Visitors can park for £5 (you can’t win them all) and make their way onto a 300 ft-deep guided tour of an old coal mine that closed in 1980; one reviewer calls it “a great place to visit as long as you are not claustrophobic!”
Human-made attractions (like the Big Pit coal mine) and landmarks of nature mingle in our ranking of the best-rated free attractions across the continent. Italy is both home to top-rated beaches, like the “simply magical” Cala Mariolu beach in Baunei (89.37 per cent of five-star reviews), and picturesque feats of human architecture, like the centuries-old Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi in Matera (87.09 per cent of five-star reviews). Heading north, you’ll find the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon in Iceland (89.15 per cent of five-star reviews), where “parking is free and plentiful,” but boat trips cost extra.
Brazil Is Home to Six of the Top Ten Free Attractions in South America
90.63 per cent of ratings for the 11,171 ft-tall Cerro Fitz Roy mountain in Patagonia (a region governed by Argentina and Chile) are five stars, making it the highest-rated free attraction to visit in South America. Known to locals as “El Chaltén,” a Tehuelche word meaning “smoking mountain” for the thick clouds at the mountain’s peak, the area today is a popular spot for hiking, climbing and camping. As one reviewer raves: “Free entrance, free camping and you can enjoy the nature!”
Brazil lays claim to six of the top ten free attractions on the continent, led by the Fortaleza Canyon (84.03% of five-star reviews) in the free-to-visit Serra Geral National Park. While the road to the top can be tricky, one reviewer deems the canyon “amazing, breathtaking, and worth … the hardship.” The National Sanctuary of Our Lady of Aparecida in Aparecida ranks after that (82.91 per cent of five-star reviews), but visitors travelling to the “breathtaking” basilica by car take note: parking is R$15.
India’s Golden Temple Is the Highest-Rated Free Attraction in Asia
Asia has no shortage of highly-rated attractions that don’t cost a cent to visit. With nine in ten reviews (90.63%) rated five stars, the best of them all is the Golden Temple in Amritsar, India, a centuries-old, gold leaf-covered gurdwara and “one of the most sacred pilgrim spots for Sikhs.” However, you don’t have to be Sikh to enjoy this sacred site; as one reviewer writes, it’s “well worth the trip out, no matter what faith you come from.” Another notes that “it’s all free, including food, but make a good donation.”
Lanta Animal Welfare in Ban Sala Dan, Thailand, is the next top free attraction in Asia (90.01% of five-star reviews). Founded in 2005, this animal sanctuary welcomes visitors for free, but behind-the-scenes guided tours cost just over seven dollars for adults and four dollars for kids. Paro Taktsang in Bhutan comes next (88.60% of five-star reviews), an ancient Buddhist monastery you can only get to by hiking. One reviewer writes of the journey: “It’s not going to be easy, but it’s worth it!”
Australian War Memorial Is Oceania’s Top Free Attraction
The Australian War Memorial in Canberra, Australia’s capital, ranks as the best of the best free-to-visit attractions in Oceania (90.22% of five-star reviews). Unveiled in 1941, this “powerful” memorial to fallen members of Australia’s armed forces offers free admission and tours to visitors (but booking a ticket is still required). Reviewers’ tips include booking two separate two-hour visiting slots with a break for lunch and eating said lunch inside to stop “feathered friends” from stealing it.
The next highest-rated free attraction in Oceania is the Tongariro Alpine Crossing in Tongariro National Park, New Zealand, for which 84.79% of reviews are rated five stars. One for fans of hiking and Lord of the Rings, this scenic 19-km route meanders across a dramatic volcanic landscape and is “often described as New Zealand’s greatest day walk.” Getting there early is recommended as the trail can get very busy, and visitors by car should note that parking does cost extra.
Lion’s Head Mountain in South Africa Is the Best Free Attraction in Africa
From safari-wild plains to white-sand beaches, Africa’s natural landscape offers something for everyone, which might explain why many of the top free attractions on the continent are landmarks of nature. The best-rated of all is the Lion’s Head in South Africa (76.48% of five-star reviews), a 2,195 ft-tall mountain in the Table Mountain National Park that offers a particularly busy climb during a full moon. One reviewer advises: “I would definitely avoid hiking this during a full moon or leave right after sunset.”
South Africa is home to two other top-rated free attractions in our ranking: Knysna Heads (69.34% of five-star ratings) and Camp’s Bay Beach (61.94% of five-star ratings), two scenic coastal points lapped by azure water. Morocco claims three other top attractions, including the Chefchaouen Medina (76.40% of five-star ratings). Chefchaouen’s streets are lined with pretty blue houses, a sight deemed a “photographer’s dream” by one reviewer (who also advises not to visit in the busy summer months).
How to Find Free Attractions
Whether you’re on vacation or just stepping out in your local town, the high cost of activities and attractions can be a bit off-putting. Big tourist destinations like New York City are bound to be even more expensive; take the Empire State Building, for example, the top attraction in the United States — admission to the viewing deck is an eye-watering $44 for just one adult and a not-much-better $38 for a child. Add anything else to the itinerary and a day out could break the bank.
Fortunately, wherever you find yourself in the world, there’s bound to be something just around the corner that’s free to do. That applies even in New York, where just down the road from the Empire State Building is the free-to-explore Central Park. Researching online is the best way to find these free activities and attractions, which may lead you onto a free walking tour or to a bustling local market.
In some places (like London), even top art galleries and museums are free, so if you play your cards right, you could spend a whole day soaking up the culture with only the cost of lunch and traveling to consider. Local community pages can also be full of tips for finding free local events and festivals, and another reliable resource you can check out is TimeOut.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
attractions australia canberra casago new zealandLatest News
Voyages celebrates 40 years at Uluru with two new immersive experiences
No plans for celebrating your 40th this year? Here's a hot tip from us.
SkyDeck: The inflight entertainment you could never have imagined
Forget those external cameras you can live stream while in the air... With SkyDeck you can check it out for yourself.
Second Boeing whistleblower dies of ‘mystery infection’
Joshua Dean died from a fast-growing mystery infection on Tuesday.
Aussie winners of American Airlines ‘Sell Your Way to the USA’ announced
Show me the money! For the winners, Sell Your Way to the USA was worth getting involved in.
ANZCRO celebrates 30th with special edition of iconic New Zealand Book
Choice bro! ANZCRO celebrates its 30th with a special edition of its iconic New Zealand Book. Chur!
Room to move at Cairns Harbourside Hotel with ‘spacious’ new family package
Moody teens can eat two-minute noodles while younger brothers and sisters get to eat free with mum and dad. Win, win!
A&K unveils lavish around the world wildlife adventure in private jet
The kind of holiday that if you need to ask the cost, you probably can't afford it.
Flight Centre and Reforest hit one million trees target early
Nice one Flight Centre, we think you've earned an early Friday knockoff.
New cruise options spearhead stacked APT 2025 program
Just in case you thought you were running out of cruise itineraries, APT's here with a fresh batch.
Travel Weekly announces a new team to helm Australia’s No.1 travel trade title
Some shameless self-promotion from us, but we thought you needed to know who's bringing you the news.
IHG reveals plans for Brisbane’s first Kimpton in 2028
Just another reason to book that trip to Brisvegas. But don't jump the gun, it's not open until 2028.
Cruiseabout’s first store in five years opens in Perth
Perth gets a break from being behind the rest of the country with the addition of the first Cruiseabout store.
ATAS complaints process acknowledges non-economic loss
A High Court case win over 'disappointment and distress' on a cruise gone wrong prompts ATIA complaints change.
Cunard previews new Queen Anne
Yep, this one does exactly what it says on the tin.
Bunnik Tours unveils latest expansion to Iceland
Just as the Icelandic vikings did many years ago, Bunnik is expanding into new territories.
Australia’s first glamping retreat turns 25
25th anniversary gifts usually come in silver. Ours comes in the way of a news story.
Embrace the journey: Traversing the world with the Shokz OpenRun
If you’ve been on the wrong side of a final call in the airport, or missed the stop on rail journey, it might be time to invest in a pair of Shokz OpenRun headphones. Originally marketed as headphones for fitness fanatics, runners or cyclists with a keen to steer clear of a prang with a car, […]
Tourism Western Australia MD Carolyn Turnbull departs
Turnbull hints her new role will see her staying in the tourism and hospitality industry and who can blame her?
DriveAway launches Brit-Euro Blitz campaign
If agents can put the foot down quick enough and get involved, there are some great prizes to be won.
Fly and Stay Free with the Great Southern
Unlike those dodgy scam phone calls you're getting more and more of, there's no strings attached to this deal.
Sober travel and TikTok guide Australian Gen Z trips
Can you call it a sober holiday if you enjoy a few glasses of red on the flight? We think yes.
Travel DAZE Exec Agenda REVEALED: top execs to speak on airline competition
As the industry reels from Bonza's implosion, it is more important than ever to ask the big questions.
TTC: Deals are driving up demand for September trips
The latest market research from TTC Tour Brands shows interest in international leisure travel remains high for 2024, with 77 per cent of Australians over 18 still planning trips this year. Notably, 28 per cent of those travellers are eyeing September for their journeys. Europe continues to be the most popular destination, with 68 per […]
Skroo says Rex will need deep pockets to fill lost Bonza slots
The door is open for Rex, and anyone else who wants to launch a regional Aussie airline...
Sno’n’Ski Holidays unveils 2025 mega famil to Colorado!
Let the games begin - this is certainly not a famil that you will want to miss!
Walk Japan launches Kyoto: Mountains to the sea walking tour
There are two types of people, one who enjoys walking on holiday and another who enjoys sipping Mojitos by the pool.
Which destination had a 48% boost in bookings following 10 MILLION TikTok views?
Here's a clue: it's not Malabar Beach.
Asher Telford appointed General Manager of SeaLink Whitsundays
Telford has plenty of reasons to smile after SeaLink doubles down and makes him GM after buying his tourism operation.
Qantas ‘working urgently’ to fix app data leak
Qantas is looking into customer reports that passengers have this morning been able to access other passengers’ personal information on the airlines app. X user Lachlan posted that he was able log into different accounts every time he opened the app. My @Qantas app logs me in to a different person each time I open […]
Hilton Expands Presence in North Queensland with the signing of Hilton Garden Inn Townsville
Heading to a North Queensland Cowboys clash? Hilton Garden Inn Townsville is set to open, but not until 2026.
Rail Europe ANZ: making dream journeys come true
Rail Europe's running a lottery! You're not going to win millions, but you might just snag a free holiday.
UPDATE: Bonza hole deepens as administrators investigate financial affairs
Administrators dig deeper as struggling airline unlikely to be revived.
Revamped Wailoaloa Beach hotel opens as Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa
Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa is open and ready for bookings after the first phase of a multi-million-dollar transformation. Part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ premium collection, the transformation has seen the completion of 106 guestrooms showcasing contemporary interiors reflective of the premium Crowne Plaza brand and is a first for the […]
Nielsen Data reveals brands spending big to attract Aussie tourists
Trip A Deal, Virgin and Ignite Travel walk into a bar, blow their cash on travel advertising instead of the pokies.
Kamalaya Koh Samui clinches clutch of wellness awards
Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary & Holistic Spa has so far clinched five prestigious awards in 2024, including being inducted into the ‘Hall of Fame’ at the World Spa & Wellness Awards in London. Founders of the Koh Samui sanctuary and spa John and Karina Stewart expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the awards. “We are profoundly honoured […]
Jetstar offers 200,000 return for free flights to celebrate 20th anniversary
Jetstar hits 20 and everyone else gets the presents with free return flights to domestic and international destinations.