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Traveling in Europe is not cheap. A night of debauchery in Amsterdam, a few too many pints in Dublin, getting pickpocketed in the Louvre, before you know it there are no Euros left in your new European carry-all.
But not to fear, there are still plenty of fun and enlightening and totally free things to do on your trip. Here are some of the best.
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Amsterdam
Free concerts
Assuming you're a classical music aficionado and/or trying to show the Australian girl from the hostel how 'cultured' you are, then you'll be pleased with Amsterdam's many free orchestra performances. The Dutch National Opera & Ballet and Concertegebouw Orchestra hold complimentary lunchtime concerts on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, respectively. There's also the Muziekgebouw aan t' IJ, a slick-looking concert hall where conservatoire students play gratis on the last Thursday of every month.
Athens
Filopappou Hill
The Acropolis is incredible, but it sucks for two reasons: 1) summer admission is going up to $22, and: 2) throngs of tourists crowding your Parthenon selfies. So head down to Filopappou Hill for a panoramic view of Athens, the Acropolis, and even the Aegean Sea. Walking up, there are also a couple more cool (and yes, free) attractions to be found, like a 16th-century church and the prison where Socrates is thought to have died.
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Barcelona
Go to the beach
In Catalonia's capital, the best things in life really are free -- namely, the sun and all that sand. Barcelona has plenty to beaches to choose from -- from relaxed to raver's paradise (at least at night) -- and the further you get away from the city, the more pristine and peaceful the scenery gets.
Berlin
Bearpit Karaoke
Don't miss the Mauerpark flea market, where you'll find thousands gathered at a legendary daytime karaoke party. Located by a former death strip that separated East and West, some of the vocal talent is admittedly depressing -- but some will also blow you away.
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Budapest
Gellért Hill Cave Church
For a tiny chapel carved into rock, Gellért Hill Cave's got an amazing history. It was first constructed in the 1920s and served as a field hospital during WWII before being sealed for 40 years. Open again, monks hold ceremonies here regularly.
Edinburgh
Free Fringe Festival
Every year, Scotland's capital is home to a festival offering live music, standup comedy, and theater shows free of charge. This year's event is scheduled for August and will be the biggest yet, with over 300 performances across dozens of venues.
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London
Guided tour at the Tate Modern
You've probably already got this modern art gallery on your London bucket list (after all, it costs nothing), but make the most of it by catching one of four complimentary daily tours. That way, you can also learn the difference between a Turner, a Pollock, and what's just a used Kleenex on the floor.
Madrid
Museo Nacional del Prado
For a taste of classic art, check out Spain's main national art museum during the evening when there's no entry fee. Here you can find one of the finest collections of European art, including paintings and sculptures from as far back as the 12th century.
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