The best free things to do in 5 European cities
€59
Top budget cities
All prices shown are starting prices based on a one-way ticket for one person, excluding any surcharges. Prices may vary depending on fare availability.
Take an affordable flight and see the city on a budget!
Do you fancy a city trip but don’t want to spend too much? You can fly cheaply with Transavia to many destinations, and these tips will help you watch your wallet when you arrive! We’ve created a list for you of the best things you can see for free.
Porto
Top 3 free things to do in Porto:
1. Livrario Lello & Irmão: even if you are not really a bookworm, this unique bookshop is worth a visit. The impressive stairs and warm colours of the bookcases and floors give this large bookshop an almost royal look and feel. The entrance fee is 5 euros. But you will get this back if you buy a book.
2. Take a walk through the old town: the oldest neighbourhood in Porto is Ribeira and its right on the Douro River. The narrow streets make it almost feel like time has stood still. Feast your eyes and marvel at the beautiful houses and small local markets.
3. Jardins do Palácio de Cristal: this large park, with the uniquely designed ‘Crystal Palace’, is right in the heart of Porto. This dome-shaped glass and iron palace is primarily used for concerts and sports events. There are many more things to do besides this marvellous building.
Tip: The Virtudes promenade (Passeio das virtudes) offers a fantastic view of the river and the well-known Dom Luís bridge. It’s a good place to watch the sunset!
Paris, France
Top 3 free things to do in Paris:
1. The Louvre: are you an art lover? The world-famous Louvre is a must during your visit to Paris. The museum is free if you are under 26. Are you older than 26? The museum is free to visit on Sundays between October and March.
2. Square Willette: looking for a wonderful view over the city? Before visiting the Sacré-Coeur, find yourself a spot at the famous Square Willette and enjoy. Did you know admission is free to this basilica?
3. Skating through Paris: you can of course explore the city by foot, but we know an even better way to discover in Paris! Put on your skates Friday night and explore the city on a three-hour tour starting at Place Raoul Dautry. The tour is free and it costs a few euros to hire skates at Nomades.
Tip: Paris has free water fountains, just like many large cities. However, only Paris has drinking fountains with sparkling water! Thanks to these fontaine pétillante, you don’t need to buy a bottle of Perrier. You can find all of the locations at eaudeparis.fr.
Barcelona, Spain
Top 3 free things to do in Barcelona:
1. Free museums: Museu Picasso, Museu D’historia, Nacional D’art De Catalunya – you can visit all of these museums free of charge on Sundays between 3 pm and 7 pm.
2. Parc Guëll: a must-see during your city trip. Fortunately, a large part of the park is free. Take the outer ring of the park and see the highlights before you lay down on the grass and take a rest.
3. Mercat de la boqeria: A colourful, covered market where locals stock up with their vegetables, fruit, tapas and wine. It’s a wonderful place to enjoy Catalan culture.
Tip: don’t buy your things from the first stall you see. The prices around the entrance of the market are higher than in the middle.
Split, Croatia
Top 3 free things to do in Split:
1. Trg square: Trg square (republic square) is surrounded by pretty red-brick buildings and is the place for free entertainment. That’s because many concerts and cultural events are held here over summer. See visitsplit.com for the current programme.
2. Riva boulevard: when you wander across this stunning boulevard, you have a splendid view all around you. It feels as if you are walking through an open-air museum, and it doesn’t cost a penny!
3. The Marjan hill: construction is not allowed in this beautiful stretch of nature, so locals use it as a recreation area. There are also cool things to see here, such as the archaeological museum and St Jerome’s church.
Tip: in Croatia, you can relax in the sun and enjoy a swim in the Adriatic Sea. Furthermore, all of the beaches in Split are free, so diving into the water is even more fun!
Prague, Czech Republic
Top 3 free things to do in Prague:
1. Colourful gardens: Prague has many amazing gardens, almost all of which you can visit for free. There are the gardens of Prague Castle and the Baroque style gardens at Wallenstein Palace.
2. City walk: New Europe organises free city walks at various times of day that start at the Old Town Square. Start your city trip with this activity and you will know directly where to find everything.
3. Free museums: There are many museums you can visit for free on certain days and at certain times of the day. For instance, you can visit the National Museum for free on the first Monday of each month. You can view art work for free at the inner courtyard at Kampa.
Tip: you can also admire the astronomical clock and the changing of the guard at Prague Castle for free.
Or fly affordable to...
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Dubrovnik
- from Rotterdam/The Hague € 72
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Ljubljana
- from Amsterdam (Schiphol) € 111
- from Rotterdam/The Hague € 44
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Faro
- from Amsterdam (Schiphol) € 79
- from Brussels (Zaventem Airport) € 49
- from Eindhoven € 54
- from Rotterdam/The Hague € 77
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Tirana
- from Amsterdam (Schiphol) € 89
All prices shown are starting prices based on a one-way ticket for one person, excluding any surcharges. Prices may vary depending on fare availability.