How to Make the Most of Free Activities While Travelling

Sam Burden
May 11
4 min read

Travel doesn’t have to be expensive to be enriching. In fact, some of the most unforgettable experiences around the world don’t cost a single penny. From scenic hikes to public museums and cultural experiences, free activities are a travel goldmine — especially if you're travelling from the UK on a tight budget.

In this guide, you’ll discover practical tips and examples of free activities to enjoy across Europe and beyond, how to find them, and how to make the most of them — with useful resources and affiliate-friendly suggestions along the way.

Why Free Activities Matter

As a UK traveller, your budget can stretch further with a bit of planning — and one of the smartest ways is to prioritise free experiences. Not only are they cost-effective, but they also:

Help you connect more authentically with the local culture
Encourage exploration beyond tourist traps
Offer more flexibility and spontaneity

Whether you're exploring the cobbled streets of Prague or the coastal trails of Portugal, free doesn’t mean basic — it often means better.

1. Join a Free Walking Tour

Free walking tours are one of the best ways to get to know a new city. Usually led by passionate locals or history buffs, these tours cover key landmarks, hidden gems, and personal stories — all for the cost of a tip.

Top Picks

Berlin, Germany – Learn about WWII history and Cold War sites
Krakow, Poland – Explore the Jewish Quarter and Old Town
Barcelona, Spain – Discover Gaudí architecture and Gothic streets
Dublin, Ireland – Hear tales of rebellion and literary legends

Tip: Use platforms like GuruWalk, Civitatis, or FreeTour.com to book in advance (many offer affiliate programmes).

2. Visit Free Museums and Galleries

Many global cities offer free museum days or permanently free exhibits, perfect for art lovers and culture seekers.

Examples

Paris, France – The Louvre is free on the first Sunday of the month (October–March)
London, UK – National Gallery, British Museum, Tate Modern – all free
Rome, Italy – Free entry to state museums on the first Sunday of the month
Amsterdam, Netherlands – Many museums offer free days or discounted evening entries

Travel Tip: Check Tiqets for discounted and bundled tickets when paid access is necessary.

3. Take Scenic Hikes or Nature Walks

Nothing beats a good walk in the wild — and it’s free exercise and mindfulness rolled into one.

Highlights

Cinque Terre, Italy – Picturesque cliffside paths
Madeira, Portugal – Coastal levada walks and mountain hikes
Scottish Highlands, UK – Glencoe and Ben Nevis
Hallstatt, Austria – Lakeside and alpine trail views
Montjuïc Hill, Barcelona – Sunset over the city

Gear Tip: If you're shopping for walking shoes, look at Millets UK or Decathlon for affordable and reliable hiking gear.

4. Explore Historic Neighbourhoods on Foot

Wander the streets of a historic district and soak up architecture, stories, and local charm — completely free.

Neighbourhoods to Explore

Alfama in Lisbon – Fado music and mosaic streets
Plaka in Athens – Cobbled alleyways near the Acropolis
Gamla Stan in Stockholm – Medieval houses and colourful squares
The Marais in Paris – Jewish history and boutique shops
Edinburgh Old Town – Ghost stories and underground closes

Pro Tip: Pair your walk with a self-guided audio tour from GetYourGuide.

5. Enjoy Free Performances and Events

Check local listings and tourism boards for free events — there’s often live music, dance, street theatre or seasonal festivals happening.

Look Out For

Summer music festivals in parks (like Copenhagen or Berlin)
Street performers along Las Ramblas in Barcelona
Public opera screenings in Vienna
Free comedy nights in London and Dublin pubs

Event Resources: Visit city tourism sites like VisitBerlin.de or download local event apps such as Eventbrite or Meetup.

6. Hit the Beach

Beach days are the classic free day out. Many cities have beaches nearby, perfect for a no-cost escape from museums and monuments.

City and Beach Combos

Nice, France – French Riviera beaches are public
Barcelona, Spain – Barceloneta Beach is vibrant and easy to reach
Zadar, Croatia – Pebbled shores with epic sunsets
Brighton, UK – Easily reachable from London for a day trip
Lisbon, Portugal – Train to Cascais or Estoril in under an hour

Tip: Pack your own towel, snacks and reusable water bottle — look at this one on Amazon UK that collapses flat for travel.

7. Download Free Local Apps

Tech can help you uncover experiences on the go. Many cities have free public transport apps, food finder apps and local guide apps that are invaluable.

Best Free Apps

Maps.me – Offline maps with walking and hiking trails
Spotted by Locals – Local tips in 80+ cities
Google Translate – Essential for menus, signs, and chit-chat
Rome2Rio – Free route planner for any country
Couchsurfing Hangouts – Meet locals and other travellers instantly

Affiliate Idea: Link to a travel SIM or eSIM provider like Airalo so your audience can stay connected on a budget.

8. Travel Smart with Discount Transport

To make the most of free activities, you’ve got to get there affordably. Use rail cards, bus deals and flight hacks to save even more.

UK Traveller Tips

Get a Railcard – Save 1/3 on train travel in the UK and Europe with 16–25, 26–30 or Two Together Railcards
Use Omio or Flixbus – Affordable cross-border bus routes from as little as £5
Skyscanner Alerts – Book during off-peak and shoulder seasons
Book local transport passes – In cities like Vienna, Prague or Amsterdam, daily or weekly transport passes can cover metro, bus and tram from as low as £3 per day

Final Tips to Maximise Free Fun

Always check tourist information points on arrival — they often have free maps, vouchers, and event listings
If you’re staying in hostels or Airbnb, ask your host for local recommendations — the free stuff rarely shows up online
Combine free activities with affordable accommodation (see our budget travel accommodation tips if you missed them)

Free activities offer rich experiences, connection, and culture without blowing your travel budget. Whether you’re heading off on a short break or a long adventure, use these tips to explore more, spend less, and make lasting memories.

Want more budget travel hacks for UK travellers?