If you’re someone who thinks you can’t do anything fun for free, let me be the first to tell you otherwise. While the activities may not be as white-knuckle inducing as zip-lining across a jungle canopy or tumbling down a hill inside a giant plastic ball, there are a host of different things you can do that are completely free of charge and will make you smile at your good fortune for finding them.

Here are some of the best free enterprises to be had on any standard round the world trip. Take THAT budget woes!

Tours – the best educational opportunity

The City Circle Tram, Melbourne – Along its thirty minute run, this iconic 20s-era tramline will clink and clang you around some of Melbourne’s prettiest districts. All for the cost of stepping on. And off. And on again. There’s running commentary onboard to educate you and you can exit at any (or all) of its nearly 30 stops. A most charming way to experience the town, completely gratuit. Check out the City Circle Tram’s daily route here.

The Star Ferry, Hong Kong – While not technically free, it might as well be (the cost equals about .25¢). Probably the cheapest public transportation you’ll ever see, the ferries—um—ferry people back and forth between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island across the famous Hong Kong Harbor. With formidable views of its skyline you’ll forget you even paid the quarter. On the Kowloon side stroll along the waterside promenade then settle in to watch the skyline explode in a 14-minute lightshow that would make even a Pink Floyd fan shed a tear. A truly memorable and cost-neutral experience.

Churches – cleanse your soul, without the cost

St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome – Some will argue it stands alone as the world’s greatest cathedral. And it’s free to enter. Cover your shoulders and prepare to be inspired – the spacious halls, larger-than-life statues, enough marble to make a cake decorator cry, and the masterpiece Pietà by Michelangelo all exist inside. Open daily except during Weds morning papal audiences.

Jama Masjid, Delhi – Immense and majestic, the Jama Masjid is India’s largest and possibly grandest mosques. And the majesty of scale is likely what the architects were going for – the courtyard alone can accommodate up to 25,000 of the pious. The only charge is to tip the guard; don’t forget to remove your shoes. Visit on a Friday to view the secluded Eastern Gateway. Closed during prayers 12:15 – 1:45.

Markets – browsing never costs a dime

Grand Bazaar, Istanbul – Massive, sprawling, labyrinthine, a stroll through Istanbul’s most beloved market will make you pine for a silver cabinet and a wife to wrap in scarves. World renown and unceasingly magical, the Grand Bazaar is page out of a Harry Potter book, with as many muggles. Always free, unless you’re a compulsive shopper.

Ben Thanh Market, Saigon – like the Grand Bazaar but on a smaller scale, and decidedly Asian. Haggling is welcome, if not entirely expected. Most stall-keepers will beckon, if not downright annoy, but feel free to browse. Keep a hand on your wallet, a finger on the shutter release and your eyes on the prize, the place is a feast for the senses. Also, one of the best places in the city to sample the local cuisine once the market starts closing down.

Museums – walk-in museums to spur that weathered creativity

Tate Modern, London – like other London museums, the Tate Modern is free to enter. A repository for the modern art lover in all of us, the Tate is housed in a Metropolis-looking former power station, the elements of which can still be seen in the galleries. One of Europe’s finest modern art museums. Rotating exhibitions.

La Noche de la Museos, Buenos Aires — If you happen to be lucky enough to be in Buenos Aires on the evening November 14, you’ll get this amazing night of free art and culture all over the city. Over 120 galleries, theater and dance troupes, film and multimedia events, and almost half a million people participate in this giant event. A big party really. Sundown till 2am. Cost: free.

Festivals – be lucky, catch one and revel

Celebrate Brooklyn, New York – New York’s longest running and most famed music and arts festival, 30 years and still no charge at the Bandshell in Prospect Park. (A suggested donation of $3 is requested, but if you’re hell-bent on getting a free show, walk on by).  The festival runs over the course of June and July with different events. Watch their Twitter feed for announcements. (Hint: lineup announcement, May 5)

The Love Parade, Berlin – The original Techno-crunch. Originally set up to celebrate the demolition of the Berlin Wall, the city has been hosting the often reproduced but never matched, sometimes scandalous, always jam-packed, raver cause-célèbre. It really must be witnessed to be believed, and all for the price of your trance fairy day-glo bikini costume. Not for the faint of heart, but worth the spectacle.

Gardens – free battery-recharging

Garden of the 5 Senses, Delhi – A garden entirely without zucchini, this rejuvenating park was specifically designed to “awaken all five senses” is located on its 20 acre site in the heart of Delhi. It accommodates plants, flowers, waterfalls, rock sculptures, bells, spirals and live music with which to recharge. The final sense? There’s a food court that serves a variety cuisines. A peaceful and no-cost way to escape the chaos of the Delhi streets.

Higashi-Gyoen, Tokyo – The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace are among Tokyo’s most beautiful spaces. Covering a total of 52 acres, you can gaze quietly over wisteria and azaleas and contemplate the tenets of the Tao. The entry into the gardens is free along with the Sannomaru Shozokan: Emperor Showa’s prized art collection museum. Open 9am – 4:30.

If you have any other opportunities for free activities, no matter where they are, feel free to leave them in the comments section!

Or else plan and submit a trip that hits these destination with our free TripPlanner tool!

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