freebies around the world

Traveling could be expensive. In a series of posts, we will let you know about places that allow you entry into famous, fascinating and/or worthwhile sights or activities for free. Yes, gratis. 

For sights, we are not including public spaces (such as Central Park in New York or the medinas of Morocco) but we may include public (i.e, government run) buildings (such as the museums in London).

So, let’s start with a few freebies, shall we?

United States of America

Los Angeles, CA

1. The Getty – Enjoy a lot of paintings, photographs and a garden that changes with the season for free, but you have to pay for parking.

You can get up close and
personal with the steel curves of
the Walt Disney Concert Hall.

2.  The Getty Villa – You can see Greek, Roman and Etruscan art for free, but you will need to sign up for a (free) ticket. Also, parking isn’t free.

3. Walt Disney Concert Hall – Renowned architect Frank Gehry designed this wonderful jumble of shiny steel. You can roam the grounds – don’t miss the “Rose Garden” in the back of the Concert Hall – and enter the building for free but you have to pay to watch a show. Enjoy being up close and personal with the curved steel.

4. Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) – Only the permanent collection and non-ticketed exhibitions are free on the Second Tuesday each month. 

5. Los Angeles Cathedral of Our Lady of Angels – Renowned Spanish architect Rafael Moneo designed this gem.

6. Bradbury building – You may have seen this building in movies like Blade Runner and (500) Days of Summer, among other things. This beautiful, light and airy building is free to visit up to the first floor landing. Beyond that, the tenants don't want random folks roaming around their space.

7. Santa Monica Pier Twilight Concert Series - Free concert on the beach every Thursday in Summer. Very LA, right? Bring a picnic (and beach chairs, if you want to be comfy) and stake your spot on the south side of the pier. It is illegal to have an open container of alcohol in public and cops roam the beach. Although we've seen folks bring booze to their picnic, they risked getting busted. You've been warned. Also, keep the beach clean by cleaning up after you picnic. Finally, it gets cold at night so wear layers.
8. Jazz Nights at LACMA - Jazz on Fridays. This is more civilized than going to the beach to watch bands play. It's still fun though even though the venue is not conducive for a picnic. 
9. Saturdays Off the 405 - The Getty also gets in on the action with free concerts every Saturday night in Summer. In case you're wondering the "405" is an interstate freeway and the traffic on it is horrid. And The Getty is just off the 405. If you get stuck in traffic, don't say we didn't warn you.

New York, NY

1. Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) – Van Gogh, Monet, Manet, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Free on Fridays nights from 4 to 8 pm.   
2. Shakespeare in the Park - If you like free Shakespeare and Central Park, this is a great place for you to watch thespians do their thing. 

Philadelphia, PA

1. The Liberty Bell Center – Yes, you can see the Liberty Bell - crack and all - for free.

2. Independence Hall – Yes, you can also see the place where the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution were signed for free. But, you may have to sign up for a (free) ticket.

Washington, DC

1. The White House – You can visit for free but you have to jump through hoops. For Americans, you need to contact your Congress person or Senator to arrange a visit. For non-Americans, you need to contact your embassy to make the arrangements for you. Although it is possible to see the President during your visit, don’t hold your breath.

2. The US Supreme Court – Free to visit but if you want to watch oral arguments when the Court is in session, be prepared to wait in line…for days.

3. The US Capitol – You can visit for free but will need to get a (free) pass. For Americans, contact your Congress person or Senator to get a free tour.

4. All the Smithsonian Museums – There are plenty. Go visit them all.

5.  National Archives – You can see the US Constitution, Declaration of Independence and Bill of Rights for free.

United Kingdom

London, England

1. Houses of Parliament – You can visit the Houses of Parliament for free if (a) you know a British person, (b) who can contact their Member of Parliament, and (c) who will arrange their visit with their guest (ideally, you).  Otherwise, you have to pay. So, get on social media and find a new British friend. Or, do what I did and I married one.

2. The British Museum – You can’t miss visiting the British Museum. The British had a huge empire and a strong military at some point, and therefore, had access to a lot of cultural gems such as the Rosetta Stone, sculptures from the Parthenon, etc. Well, guess where they are now... yep, the British Museum.

An outdoor exhibit at the
Victoria & Albert Museum.

3. The Victoria and Albert Museum - A lot of good stuff from sculptures to fashion.

4. The British Library – The permanent collections, which include copies of the Magna Carta and the Gutenberg Bible, are free to visit.

5. The Tate, The Tate Britain and The Tate Modern – British art and (British and non-British) modern and contemporary art galore.

6. The Museum of London – This underrated museum has a lot on display about Londinium. Yes, London was a Roman outpost at some point. The old walls near the museum are from Roman times.

7. The Old Bailey – If you’re into or have a passing interest in Law & Order: UK, or criminal law in general, it is free to not only admire the architecture of the Old Bailey but also to watch how the British criminal justice system works - i.e., watch a trial. Just remember, you have to bow to the judge when you enter the courtroom. Seriously.

Spain

Madrid

1. Museo Reina Sophia – A lot of modern and post-modern art but Picasso’s Guernica reigns supreme. Free only during the following times and only to their permanent collections:

Saturdays: from 14,30 to 21,00 h.
Sundays: from 10,00 to 14,30 h.
You have to power walk through it all during those times but, it's free!

2.  Museo del Prado – Free only during the following times and only to their permanent collections, which include a lot of El Greco, El Bosco, Velasquez, Goya, etc.:

Tuesday to Saturday 18:00 to 20:00.
Every Sunday 17:00 to 20:00.
During the free hours, the line to get in is long, but it goes quickly. But, if you want to make the most of your two-hour free visit, stand in line early (maybe 45 minutes) so you're the first to get in.

3. Museo Taurino (Bullfighting Museum) – You may or may not want to watch a bullfight (at a cost) but visiting the museum is free.

Malaga 

The Roman Theater ruins.

1. Museo Picasso – Picasso was born in Malaga so it is not surprising that there is a museum dedicated to him here. It is free only on the last Sunday of the month.

2. El Teatro Romano (Roman Theater) – You have to pay to see the exhibit but you don’t have to pay to enter the grounds of this Roman theater (but make sure you stay off cordoned areas). 

Fuengirola

1. Finca del Secretario (Secretary’s Estate) – This small but interesting Roman ruin, which includes a salting facility and bath house, is free to visit. As a bonus, one of those Osborne Bulls (that iconographic black silhouette of a bull) overlooks the site.

New Zealand

Wellington

Inside the New Zealand Supreme Court.

1. New Zealand Supreme Court - This fairly new system of meting out justice in a cool building is free to visit - it is architecturally beautiful and it does not appear to be on the tourist trail so you may get a personalized tour - even if you just walk in unannounced. The person who gave us a tour also allowed me to take a picture "arguing" by the lectern of the New Zealand Supreme Court. 

2. New Zealand Archives - New Zealand is the first country to allow women to vote, and it is heartwarming to see a portion of the very long piece of paper containing signatures petitioning the government to allow that to happen.  Go Kiwis!

3. Te Papa Museum – An interactive museum about the history of New Zealand.

Christchurch

The Cardboard Cathedral.

1. The Cardboard Cathedral – A 2011 earthquake toppled the spire of the Christchurch Cathedral and was deemed unsafe. It was replaced by a transitional cathedral made of cardboard tubes (and other sturdier materials). It is a beautiful and serene reminder of the resolve of the human spirit.

2. World Buskers Festival – A festival to watch street performers. It’s free to get in and to watch. Tipping is voluntary but you really should because the shows are a lot of fun.

Taiwan

Taipei

1. Chiang Kai Shek Memorial – There is a museum under the memorial that is free. Don’t miss it. If you're lucky, you might be able to watch the changing of the guards.

China

Macau

The ruins of St. Paul.

1. Ruins of St. Paul – A relic of the Portuguese empire in China (ok, the Special Administrative Region of China).

2. A-Ma Temple – A Taoist temple is a serene (and free) place to meditate.










What freebie sights and/or activities have you enjoyed in your travels?