It’s safe to say that international travel is well and truly back. But Some of the world’s greatest destinations are also the most expensive cities, so how do you make the most of these top places without making your wallet weep? We know the best things in life are often free, so we’ve scoured the top 10 most expensive cities in the world to find the best things you can do for nothing.
Get ready to indulge in some frugal fun as we take you on a whirlwind tour of Singapore, New York, Hong Kong, Tel Aviv, Los Angeles, and Sydney. These cities are known for their jaw-dropping price tags, but let’s uncover the best events, festival, museums, sights and more that you can explore for free.
Singapore
Topping the list of most expensive places in the world to live is Singapore and New York in equal place.
1. Visit the world’s tallest indoor waterfall
Just outside Singapore Airport – the main connection to the costliest city in the world – lies The Jewel. And at the heart of this retail center is the HBSC Rain Vortex, the tallest indoor waterfall in the world. Cascading down seven storeys from an impressive 40 meters high, the waterfall is a mesmerizing sight and is surrounded by green jungle. The best thing about it? Every night from 8pm there’s a special light show – and it’s 100% free.
2. Soak your feet at Sembawang Hot Spring Park
Prepare to be intrigued by one of Singapore’s quirkiest attractions – the Sembawang Hot Spring. This hidden gem dates back to 1909 when it was first discovered and the local villagers believed in the mystical healing powers of its waters. Fast forward a century, and the natural waters have been restored and revived. Take a leisurely stroll among the fruit trees and edible plants, and soak your feet in the warm, soothing waters.
3. Stargaze at a rocket ship
Go for an out-of-this-world experience at the Upper Seletar Reservoir. Within the 15-hectare expanse, you’ll find an 18-meter-tall lookout tower that resembles a rocket ship. Climb those winding stairs, break a sweat, and be rewarded with a panoramic view. By night it’s the perfect spot for stargazing.
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New York City
Alongside Singapore, New York takes joint top spot on the list of most expensive places in the world to live. But that doesn’t mean a visit to the bBig Apple needs to cost big bucks – there’s plenty you can do for free.
4. Free museum days
Did you know you can visit some of the world’s top museums for free? New York City is home to dozens of amazing cultural institutions and museums, and places like The Metropolitan Museum Of Art, MoMA or the Guggenheim all offer free days or free hours.
5. SummerStage concert series
For more than 50 years the SummerStage festival has brought a series of free summer concerts to New York. Expect around 80 gigs at Central Park, and more across neighborhood parks. In fact, all through the summer you can find free events, festivals and concerts popping up at parks throughout the city.
6. Music in Times Square
The world-famous Times Square is certainly free to visit, and in the peak season it attracts more than 300,000 people a day. Through the summer you can catch TSQ Live, which is New York City’s biggest free performance series with music DJs, dance and comedy.
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Tel Aviv
Mediterranean beaches, amazing nightlife, and an incredible restaurant scene make Tel Aviv one of the best – and the most expensive – cities in the Middle East.
7. Visit the Nahalat Binyamin Arts and Crafts Fair
Every Tuesday and Friday this arts and crafts fair gathers more than 200 artists in one of the oldest districts of Tel Aviv. Find it adjacent to the Caramel Market and arrive ready to browse the best authentic and original artworks… though you might need some cash to take a souvenir piece home.
8. Wander Old Jaffa
While visiting one of the top 10 most expensive cities in the world you should explore Old Jaffa, which is one of the oldest cities in the world and has claims to be the world’s oldest seaport. These days the area is home to the hottest restaurants, designers, and artists, so arrive and get lost in the streets while soaking up inspiration. Start at the Clock Tower, explore the flea market and window shop.
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Hong Kong
With a little creativity and thinking outside the box you can find free things to do in one of the most expensive cities in the world.
9. Wednesdays at the Hong Kong Museum of Art
The recently renovated Hong Kong Museum of Art features 12 galleries with modern and contemporary Hong Kong art, China trade art, and incredible views of Victoria Harbour. You’ll need to pre-register online for free Wednesday visits.
10. Seek out nature
It’s easy to forget that almost 70% of Hong Kong is officially green when you’re surrounded by towering skyscrapers. There are dozens of hills, parks and coastline to explore that are all free and easy to reach from the city. Consider hiking up Victoria Peak for priceless views of the city, or if you have less time visit the Botanical Gardens or Kowloon Park.
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Los Angeles
The city of stars isn’t all Hollywood glitz and glamor, but it also isn’t the cheapest place to visit in the world – luckily there are free things to do in LA.
11. Seek out art at The Broad
This contemporary art museum in Los Angeles always offers free general admission and features a program of rotating exhibitions, though it’s best to register for free tickets.
12. Visit the Griffith Observatory
Los Angeles’ famous Art Deco observatory is free to enter! Explore the universe for free in the heart of the city.
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Zürich
Somewhat unsurprisingly the capital of Switzerland makes the list of the top 10 most expensive cities in the world, but there are bargain things to do.
13. Jump on a bike
Love the idea of biking through a European city? You can hire free bicycles from Züri Rollt. You’ll need to leave a fully refundable deposit to gain your two wheels, but it’s worth it to explore the riverbanks and city streets.
14. Swim in a river pool
Rub shoulders with the locals when you go for a dip at the city’s river pools. You could try the fast-flowing Lower Letten Pool, or the more relaxed Upper Letten Pool (which has a diving board!).
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Geneva
Also in beautiful Switzerland, Geneva is famous for being a financial power city and the world’s center for diplomacy.
15. Relax in beautiful green spaces
Lush Geneva is home to many green spaces and beautiful parks. Explore Jardin Anglais, Parc La Grange and Parc des Eaux-Vives, then soak up the splendor of a promenade by the lake.
16. Dip in the Bains des Pâquis
Set in the heart of Lake Geneva, locals flock to the popular public baths in the summer for lake swims. In winter, it becomes saunas and the place to enjoy cheese fondue.
San Francisco
Space is at a premium in popular San Fran, making the cost of living in this city rise. Thankfully there are plenty of things you can do for nada.
17. Get to know local subcultures at Dolores Park
San Fran locals flock to his park, making it a great place to people-watch. Bring a picnic rug or wander the grassy area watching people gather for drum circles and aerobatics, DJs and fire dancing. You’ll see tech workers and hippies, Latino families and more.
18. Watch the skaters at Golden Gate Park
On Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons you’ll find roller discos at the “6th Ave Skate Park” within Golden Gate Park. If you have roller skates, bring them – or just enjoy the fun atmosphere. All ages and skill levels are welcome.
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Copenhagen
Scandinavia isn’t the cheapest destination to visit, but there are plenty of free things to do in the Danish capital.
19. Borrow a free kayak
The Copenhagen harbor is clean enough to swim in, and to help keep it that way you can borrow a kayak from non-profit initiative GreenKayak for free. The deal is that you collect trash in a bucket, weigh it and share a picture on social media.
20. Watch the guards at Amalienborg Palace
Amalienborg Palace is the official city residence of Queen Margrethe II and the Danish Royal Family. While there is a fee to see the palace rooms, you can watch the Changing of the Guard for free every day at noon. Arrive in time to see the Royal Life Guard march from their barracks at Rosenborg Palace to Amalienborg, complete with bearskin hats and navy uniforms.
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Sydney
Sunny Sydney might be one of the world’s most expensive cities, but the Australian cultural powerhouse offers plenty of things to do for free.
21. Laze on Bondi Beach
A visit to the world-famous Bondi Beach is a must for visitors in Sydney. So grab your towel, sunscreen and swimmers and venture down to the golden crescent-shaped beach, famous for the long-haired surfers that cruise its barrel-rolling waves.
22. Walk the Bondi to Coogee trail
The famous Bondi to Coogee (or longer Bondi to Bronte) is a coastal pathway that connects the neighborhoods, weaving its way around the rocky coastline with the ocean always in sight. Lace-up your sneakers and hit the trail – don’t forget to look for humpback whales during the winter months.
23. Explore Australian art at the Art Gallery of NSW
Art is easily accessible in Australia with many free galleries, and in Sydney the spot to explore is the beloved Art Gallery of NSW. The permanent collection is always free to visit and includes a beautiful Aboriginal art section.
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Those are the best things you can do in the top 10 most expensive cities in the world. Leave any extra tips in the comments below…