How to Find Free Activities While Travelling: A Simple Guide for Budget Trips
Travel doesn’t always mean spending a lot. Many people think holidays are only for those who have extra money. But that’s not true. With the right planning and a bit of local knowledge, you can enjoy your trip without spending much. One smart way is to include free activities in your travel plans.
This guide by Couriers is written especially for Indian travellers who want to enjoy more while spending less. From walking tours to free events, we’ve covered easy ways to make your trip fun without extra cost.
Why Should You Look for Free Things to Do?
When you’re on a budget, the biggest concern is how to manage daily expenses. Entry tickets, transport, food, and sightseeing—everything adds up fast. But the good news is, every city has free things to offer. These are often just as enjoyable, and sometimes even more meaningful, because they show the real side of the place.
At Couriers, we help you travel smart, so your trip is fun and affordable.
Free Walking Tours in Most Cities
In many cities, you’ll find free walking tours. These are run by locals who take small groups around and share stories about the place—its culture, history, and hidden spots. There’s no fixed charge, but you can give a small tip if you like the tour.
Where to look: Search online or check with your hostel. Some even begin from the city centre or a popular square.
Enjoy Public Parks and Gardens
You don’t need a ticket to sit under a tree or walk through a peaceful park. Most cities have public gardens or lakes where you can walk, relax, or even do morning yoga. These are calm places away from crowds.
Best for: Early morning walks, sunset photos, or just sitting and reading a book.
Couriers often share park lists and budget-friendly green spots in our travel blogs.
Free Entry Museums and Cultural Centres
Many museums have free entry on certain days or for a few hours. Art galleries and cultural centres also organise events that don’t need tickets. You can learn about local history, art, and music without spending anything.
Pro tip: Always check the museum’s website for free-entry days before your visit.
Visit Temples, Churches, and Mosques
Religious places are not only for prayers. They often show the city’s traditional style and local habits. These places are free to enter. You just have to be respectful and follow basic rules.
Some famous ones:
- Golden Temple (Amritsar)
- Sensoji Temple (Tokyo)
- Notre Dame (Paris)
- Blue Mosque (Istanbul)
These places offer peace and a break from the busy streets.
Local Events and Festivals
Many cities host festivals, fairs, and street events. These often have food stalls, music, and cultural performances—all free. You may not see ads for them online, but locals always know what’s happening.
How to find them:
- Ask people at your hotel or homestay
- Visit tourist information booths
- Search for “free events in (city name)” on Facebook or Google
At Couriers, we regularly update our Budget Travel section with such local happenings.
Local Markets and Bazaars
Markets are a good place to spend time without spending money. You can walk around, see what’s being sold, talk to vendors, and even get free samples. From handmade items to spices, it’s fun to see what each city has.
Try this: Even if you don’t plan to shop, markets give you a good idea about the local lifestyle.
Street Performers and Free Shows
In cities like London, Berlin, or even Mumbai, you’ll find street artists performing music, dance, or magic. These shows are open to everyone. Just find a spot, stand for a few minutes, and enjoy.
Good places to watch:
- Near bus or train stations
- City squares
- Popular tourist streets
Libraries and Book Corners
Public libraries often allow tourists to visit for free. Some even have corners where people leave or pick up books. If you enjoy reading or just want a quiet hour indoors, this is a good option.
Bonus: Free Wi-Fi is often available here.
Look for Free Transport Options
In some places, cities offer free buses, trams, or shuttles for tourists. Even if it’s for a short route, it helps save money and gives you a quick city tour.
Examples:
- Tallinn (Estonia) offers free public transport to its residents
- Geneva (Switzerland) gives free city travel cards to hotel guests
- Many airports offer free shuttle buses to nearby towns
Useful Apps for Free Activities
Here are some free tools you can use while travelling:
- Google Maps – Find free parks, temples, or museums nearby
- Meetup.com – Check for hobby groups and free social events
- Eventbrite – Find free talks, music events, and workshops
- TripAdvisor – Read travel guides and lists of free things to do
Couriers will soon share a full blog on the best free travel apps Indians can use in 2025.
Final Words
Traveling doesn’t have to be costly. With just a little planning and curiosity, you can enjoy a lot without spending. Free activities not only save money but also bring you closer to the city’s real heart—its people, streets, and daily life.
Whether it’s a park in Singapore or a temple in Thailand, good memories don’t always need money. You just need the right mindset and a few tips.
- Follow Couriers for more budget travel advice
- Plan your trip using our simple guides
- Enjoy more by spending less
Your next trip can be both smart and fun. Just keep it simple—and free where you can.