The World's Best Value Tourist Attractions: Big Sights for Little Money
The world's best value tourist attractions – free museums in London, cheap-to-visit wonders and must-sees with free days – plus tips to save on sightseeing.
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Some of the world's greatest sights cost nothing at all, and many others offer remarkable value compared with the experience they give. This list of the world's best value tourist attractions mixes free wonders with paid sights that are worth every penny, plus tips to stretch your sightseeing budget. Prices change, so always check before you go.
Free world-class sights
1. London's national museums
The British Museum, the Natural History Museum, the National Gallery and Tate Modern are all free to enter, with optional donations and paid special exhibitions.
Dinosaur skeletons in the Natural History Museum's great hall, the Rosetta Stone in the British Museum – and all free.
2. The Smithsonian museums, Washington DC
Around twenty museums and the National Zoo, all free – from the Air and Space Museum to the Museum of African American History and Culture.
Moon rocks, the Wright brothers' plane and the Hope Diamond – free museums lining the National Mall.
3. The Blue Mosque, Istanbul
One of the world's most beautiful mosques is free to visit outside prayer times. Dress modestly.
Thousands of blue tiles shimmer under the domes – entry is free, outside prayer times.
4. Central Park and the Staten Island Ferry, New York
Walk the park, then ride the free ferry for views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline.
The free ferry glides past the Statue of Liberty, with the Manhattan skyline behind you.
5. Berlin's East Side Gallery
The longest surviving section of the Berlin Wall, covered with murals – free and open all day.
A long stretch of the Berlin Wall covered in colourful murals – walk along it for free.
Exceptional value
6. Angkor, Cambodia
A multi-day pass gives access to hundreds of temples spread over a vast area – incredible value for one of the world's great sites.
Sunrise over Angkor Wat, and tree roots wrapping around the stones of Ta Prohm.
7. The Pyramids of Giza and Luxor, Egypt
Ancient wonders at a modest entrance fee compared with Western attractions – see our guides to the pyramids from Hurghada and the Luxor day trip.
Standing at the foot of the Great Pyramid, or among the giant columns of Karnak – history on an unimaginable scale.
8. The Alhambra, Granada
Moorish palaces and gardens for a reasonable fee – book well ahead, as tickets sell out.
Carved stucco, fountains and courtyards – one of the most beautiful buildings in the world.
9. Machu Picchu, Peru
Not cheap, but unforgettable – combine your ticket with a hike up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for the full experience.
The mist lifts and the ruins appear on the ridge, surrounded by green peaks.
10. National parks in the USA
The America the Beautiful annual pass covers entry to all national parks for a year – excellent value for road trips.
Canyons, geysers and redwood forests – one annual pass opens them all.
Tips to save on sightseeing
- City passes can pay off if you visit several attractions a day.
- Free entry days: many museums have free days or evenings each month.
- Book online for cheaper advance prices and to skip queues.
- Mix in free experiences: markets, viewpoints, parks and walking tours (tip-based).
- Travel off-peak for lower prices and fewer crowds – see our tips on the most visited cities.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best free attractions in the world?
London's national museums, Washington DC's Smithsonian museums, Berlin's East Side Gallery, Istanbul's Blue Mosque and New York's Central Park and Staten Island Ferry are all free.
How can I save money on sightseeing?
Look for city passes, free entry days, student and youth discounts, combined tickets and online advance prices – and mix paid sights with free walks, parks and viewpoints.
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