The thought of travelling to Europe is known to trigger images of hefty bills in Euros, from the flights right down to the museum tickets. Fortunately, a European escapade doesn’t always have to be expensive, especially if you get a bit creative with your itinerary planning! Whether you’re a culture buff, the life of the party, or an enthusiast of unique sports, here are some activities you can do around Europe for free:
1. Celebrate architecture (Toulouse, France)
The Toulouse Cathedral was built over a period spanning from the 13th to the 17th century, resulting in a unique mix of Roman and Gothic architecture. Impressive features in the cathedral include the magnificent organ, suspended 17 metres up, as well as the intricate rose window dating from 1230.
2. Relive the gladiator days (Rome, Italy)
Is a trip to Rome ever complete without a visit to the majestic Colosseum? If the €12 entry fee could be better spent on other things, then plan a visit there on the first Sunday of the month when free entry is offered to the public!
3. Enjoy a 24-hour stopover (Amsterdam, The Netherlands)
KLM flights originating from Kuala Lumpur to Europe are entitled to a free 24-hour stopover in Amsterdam, which means you can extend your European adventures at no additional cost. The award-winning Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is just a 15-minute train ride away from the city centre, which gives relatively more time to explore the city.
4. Catch up on classical tunes (Amsterdam, The Netherlands)
Every Wednesday from mid-September to June, a free Lunch Concert takes place in Concertgebouw on Museum Square. The concerts are public rehearsals for the official shows later the same evening. If you’re lucky, you may just catch the world-renowned Royal Concert Building Orchestra in action!
5. Breeze through the windmills (Rotterdam, The Netherlands)
It doesn’t get any more authentic than a trip to the windmills and Kinderdijk, a small village just 15km away from the city, is just the place. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has the largest concentration of old windmills in the world. If you have your bike with you, get on the cycling path and soak up the sights.
6. Walk in Tolkien’s footsteps (Birmingham, England)
Fans of the Lord the Rings author can get on the Tolkien Trail and view the places that greatly influenced his writing. A popular stop is at the Sarehole Mill, which is within 300 yards of where Tolkien used to live as a boy. Open from March to October, admission to its grounds and café is free.
7. Take your photography skills to the next level (Glasgow, Scotland)
The Glasgow Botanic Gardens, an arboretum and public park, features a number of glasshouses including the stunning Kibble Palace. With its extensive collection of exotic plants housed in a majestic building characterised by its wrought iron and glass domes, every corner of the glasshouse is just an epic Instagram shot waiting to happen.
8. Practice your French on the Mediterranean coast (Marseille, France)
Head to Pointe Rouge port and soak up the sea, sand and sun, all against the majestic Mediterranean Sea backdrop. Experience life as a true Marseillais while you’re there and join the locals for an afternoon of pétanque on the beach. While you try to roll metal balls as close as possible to the target in this boules game, feel free to try out the French phrases picked up from the phrase book.
9. Join the Festes de la Mercè (Barcelona, Spain)
Plan your visit for late September and you’ll be just in time for the la Mercè festivities, filled with free concerts, colourful parades, fireworks displays, and a whole lot of dancing! Held in honour of the Virgin of Grace, the annual festival’s highlight includes castellers, where groups of people climb on top of one another in an attempt to build the highest human tower.
10. Walk among the tombstones (Paris, France)
The hauntingly beautiful Père Lachaise Cemetery is the final resting place of some of the most influential icons, from literary greats Proust and Balzac, to Oscar Wilde and Edith Piaf. The intricate tombstones and tree-lined avenues make Père Lachaise the most atmospheric walk in Paris.
Source: https://www.businessinsider.my/things-to-do-in-europe-for-free/#sT39gfEoPdhhgC6l.99
