Luther Vandross and Janet Jackson once perfectly harmonised to tell us that ‘the best things in life are free.’ The dreamy song is not only a catchy 90’s classic, it is actually very true… Everybody loves a freebie! With this in mind, we have selected 10 of the best FREE things to do in 10 different amazing European cities. ENJOY!
1. Witness the king of fountains… Fontana di Trevi
in Rome
If you are like us and love a good fountain, brace yourselves for this one…The Fontana di Trevi is stunning AND free to visit. Also, rumour has it that an average of €3000 is thrown in every day. We know what you’re thinking, and yes, unfortunately ‘rescuing’ people’s wish money is forbidden!
Image www.flickr.com
2. Enter La Catedral in Barcelona
Head to the beautiful Barri Gòtic and witness the epic neo-Gothic La Catedral. Put the wallet/purse/bum-bag away and visit in the morning or late afternoon for, you guessed it, ‘free entry’.
Image www.commons.wikimedia.org
3. Rest and relax at the Red Beach in Santorini
If you are in Greece enroute to the Ancient Akrotiri, do not miss this red wonder. The volcanic sandy strip is much less crowded than the more famous black-sand Kamari Beach, plus where else can you build a red sandcastle?
Image www.flickr.com
4. Staying on the theme of pastel coloured wonders… The Blue Mosque in Istanbul
If you appreciate architecture and your favourite colour is blue, then your eyes are in for a treat. The beautiful Blue Mosque is so called because of its amazing ceiling, covered in 20,000 blue tiles. Feel free to enter and count them.
Image www.commons.wikimedia.org
5. Visit the ‘Wall of Love’ in Paris
Some say romance is dead. Prove the pessimists wrong by taking a date to possibly the most affectionate wall in the world. Get a belly full of warm, fuzzy feelings for absolutely free by witnessing 612 tiles of enameled lava displaying ‘I love you’ written in over 300 languages.
Image www.flickr.com
6. Take a hike up Vitosha in Sofia
Get the trainers on and the camera out for this one, as you embrace the gorgeous greenery of Bulgaria’s famous forests. Conquer the mountain and you’ll be rewarded with the best view of Sofia along with a sweet taste of victory and slightly pumped calf muscles!
Image www.commons.wikimedia.org
7. Explore Kalemegdan Park and the Fortress in Belgrade
Amazing views of Belgrade with a dollop of culture and a sprinkle of history. The Military Museum does cost a couple of euros, however, outside you can see armoured cars, tanks and artillery pieces from World War II on display for zero euros!
Image www.commons.wikimedia.org
8. Take in the views at Fishermans’s Bastion
in Budapest
This has been heralded as one of the best city views in the whole of Europe, and we would have to agree. On the Pest side of the river, head to the top of Castle Hill and get the panorama setting ready for this incredible view of Buda.
9. Sing a along at the Hofbräuhaus beer hall
in Munich
Sorry if we got your hopes up… unfortunately the beer is not free! (Tell us when you find such a magical place!) But there is no charge to enter the world’s most famous beer hall and sing along with the oompah bands.
Image www.commons.wikimedia.org
10. Stroll around the Canal ring in Amsterdam
Did you know that more canals flow in Amsterdam than in Venice? Also, the 400-year-old waterways are a UNESCO World Heritage. Keep them facts in the locker for future pub quizzes!
