Beyond the beach resorts, glass-bottom-boat tours and canopy adventure parks lies the true Honduras.
The country’s mighty rivers, lush mountains, Mayan archaeological sites and Mesoamerican Barrier Reef beckon adventurous travelers worldwide. Honduras is a popular port of call for large cruise ships, and passengers often squeeze a handful of activities into an eight-hour window. Yet if you can, we recommend visiting Honduras on your own and take the time to experience all this wonderful Central American country has to offer.
Here’s our guide to the top things to do in Honduras.

Scout new ways to explore the planet's wildest places with our weekly newsletter delivered to your inbox.
Head under the sea with (or without) an air tank
Many consider Honduras one of the world’s best snorkeling and scuba diving destinations. One of the country’s three principal Bay Islands, Roatán has many spectacular dive sites within Roatán Marine Park, designated waters in which coral and sea life are protected.
On an excursion with a dive shop like West Bay Divers, it’s not uncommon to spot sea turtles, eagle rays or plenty of tropical fish. If you’re lucky, you may even encounter the elusive whale shark.
However, Roatán isn’t the only premier spot for diving in Honduras. The other two Bay Islands, Guanaja and Utila, along with the smaller Cayos Cochinos archipelago, also boast some of the best scuba dive sites in the world.
Utila is internationally known as a dive destination, both for its marine life and youth culture. At this enclave, backpackers seek to become certified PADI divemasters at dive hostels like Alton’s Dive Center.
Best places to visit in Honduras
Get wet on the Rio Cangrejal
The zip-line canopy tours at Gumbalimba Park in Roatán can give you thrills. But if you want to go on a truly immersive adventure, head to the El Naranjo region of the Cangrejal River valley on the mainland, about 10km (6 miles) from the city center of La Ceiba.
Here, you can take a wild whitewater rafting ride on the Rio Cangrejal through Class III–V rapids that churn from the boulders rising up from the river bed.
Long-running operation La Moskitia Ecoaventuras offers rafting excursions with experienced guides to navigate the course. Trips can also be organized through the Jungle River Lodge.
Another freshwater adventure is canyoning with the guides at Las Cascadas Lodge, who’ll lead you on a jungle hike up the river gorge to rappel down a series of waterfalls. While not for the faint of heart, the slow and meticulous 15m (50ft) descent on a rope as the force of falling water pounds your body offers a rush you won’t soon forget.

The majestic scarlet macaw is the national bird of Honduras © loeskieboom / iStockphoto / Getty Images

Go for a hike and do a little bird-watching
Bird nerds to flock to Honduras: it’s the convergence point of over 760 species of North American and South American bird species.
Bird-watching is especially promising in Honduras’ national parks, where hiking trails let you explore a bit when you’re not standing still with your eyes glued to binoculars.
But you don’t need to be an expert to get excited the wild toucans, hummingbirds and parrots you’ll spot on a rainforest hike through Pico Bonito National Park.
Cerro Azul Meámbar and Montaña de Santa Bárbara National Parks, on opposite sides of Lake Yojoa in the western interior, are also worthy bird-watching destinations with great hiking trails.
Seven species of motmots, along with chachalacas, flycatchers and woodcreepers, create a polyphonic soundtrack as you trek through the cloud forest to caves and waterfalls. Panacam Lodge is a good place to base yourself in the area. From here, bird experts lead hikes and inspire an appreciation of ornithology in even the most seemingly uninterested.
Whether you’re a die-hard spotter or not, Honduras’ national bird – the majestic scarlet macaw – is certain catch anyone’s eye. The chances of seeing one in the wild are high in and around the Macaw Mountain Bird Park and Nature Reserve.
Rather than a national park, it’s a rehabilitation sanctuary for macaws, parrots, toucans, cassowaries and other feathered creatures.
Each June, those graduates of the scarlet macaw rehab program deemed independent enough to survive without human intervention are released into the wild during a grand, media-blitzed ceremony.

Copán is one of the best-preserved Mayan sites in Central America © Kevin Schafer / Getty Images

Channel your inner archaeologist in Copán
You may spot some scarlet macaws in the wild around the ruins of the Archaeological Park of Copán Ruinas, the site of a once-great Mayan city dating back to 300 CE.
Since this former settlement didn’t have much gold, the Spaniards’ pillaging in the 16th century wasn’t as horrendous as at other Mayan sites across the region. Accordingly, though the site is known for its “ruins,” it stands for its high state of preservation.
Up Copán’s famous hieroglyphic stairway, the longest-known Mayan text inscription depicts the stories of five Mayan kings. The staircase gained Unesco World Heritage status in 1980, joining the roster alongside Guatemala’s Tikal.
While the remains of Copán are in good condition, the red colors that once adorned its temples have faded.
To see Copán in all its former crimson-hued glory, head to the Sculpture Museum of Copán, just across the parking lot from the main entrance. The highlight is the imposing Rosalila Temple, reconstructed to look as it did centuries ago.
Admission to the park is L360, which doesn’t include a guide; written explanations are dotted throughout the site. Museum admission is separate from the park, at L170.

Shop for crafts made by local artisans in Tegucigalpa, Honduras’ capital © Quiony Navarro / EyeEm / Getty Images

Visit the cities of Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula
Honduras’ two biggest cities, Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula have less-than-stellar reputations when it comes to crime. Yet since they host the two principal airports in the country, a stopover may be inevitable. Consider spending more than just a night: if you keep your wits about you, you’ll actually find the pair of cities as safe as any major metropolis – and even filled with charm.
The capital city Tegucigalpa is the country's political hub, with government buildings and remnants of its Spanish colonial past. Most of the historical places of interest are in El Centro, the district surrounding the Plaza Morazán, named after the former Central American president (1830–39) immortalized in a statue at its center.
As you stroll among local families and a handful of tourists around this square, you’ll find shops, restaurants, and the city’s Catholic Cathedral of St Michael the Archangel.
Nearby, there’s also the Centro de la Cultura Garinagu, where you can learn about Honduras’ Afro-Indigenous Garifuna community. Several interesting museums lie in the vicinity; if you only have time for one, make it Museo para la Identidad Nacional.
Wandering around, you’ll surely find vendors selling baleadas, the Honduran delicacy of a flour tortilla filled with variations of the traditional mix of refried beans, cream and cheese. Try one.
San Pedro Sula is the country’s industrial and commercial center. Like the Hollywood sign in Los Angeles, tall letters spelling out the instantly recognizable brand Coca-Cola loom atop a towering green hill just east of the city.
From up there, you might be able to spot the other places worth checking out: Angeli Gardens, a cross between a botanical garden and an elegant restaurant; the main Cathedral of St Peter the Apostle at the Parque Central; and the Museo de Antropología e Historia, which offers exhibits on Honduras’ past.
Enjoy Honduras’ sparkling nightlife
Across the country, Hondurans bring on the own alcohol- and music-fueled party when the sun goes down. If you’re into craft beer, San Pedro Sula’s offerings include Cerveceria La20, featuring a chill taproom and outdoor beer garden; Alquimia Cervecera commands a crowd for its live music. For a night of dancing, head to Morena, an indoor/outdoor venue to eat, drink and meet young locals.
The capital city Tegucigalpa (known locally as “Tegus”) also has its share of nighttime hot spots. Head to Santé for live music that ranges from Coldplay covers to metal tribute bands. If the club vibe is more your scene, stop by the Vegas-inspired poolside DJ dance parties at Blu Bar, the rooftop venue of the Real Intercontinental Hotel.
While popular nighttime spots are spread out in the bigger cities, they’re more condensed – and therefore easy to hop between on foot – in smaller towns. La Ceiba’s nightlife is primarily in and around the waterfront area known as El Malecón, where bars are lined up next to each other.
At its eastern end is the popular beach bar La Casa del Jugar. If you’re daring enough, order their signature yet diabolical cocktail shot, Semen del Diablo. (Yes, the translation is exactly what you think it is).
In the Bay Islands, nightlife is concentrated on the main drags of town. In Roatán, head to West End Road, lined with one bar after the next. Sundowners and Blue Marlin are the go-to venues for live music, while pirate-themed Booty Bar has dance floors for DJ nights.
Utila’s main (and only) drag has a similar if younger vibe. If you’re looking to party like a college student, head to party bar Tranquila (sounds like “tequila”) or to La Cueva, which has a killer karaoke night that lasts until the wee hours of the morning.

Top 6 things to do in Honduras from scuba diving to exploring Mayan ruins

In South Korea, you are never far from delicious street food to satisfy your cravings. Skewers of tangy chargrilled chicken, crispy fried veggies and golden fish-shaped waffles with a sweet surprise filling can make for a full meal.
Eat Korean-style – not walking but rubbing shoulders with locals around stalls or in cozy pojangmacha (tented street restaurants) with a cup of soju (a distilled spirit). It’s an easy way to see and taste-test some Korean flavors.
Here are some of the most popular foods to sink your teeth into on the streets of South Korea.
Tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes)
If you dislike spice, look away now. Tteokbokki are rice cakes in a bright red-orange sauce that’s a mix of water, soy sauce, sugar, red chili flakes and gochujang, a paste made from fermented soybeans and red chilis that is used extensively in Korean dishes, most famously in bibimbap (rice with cooked vegetables). Well into the night, just about anywhere Koreans congregate for work, school or socializing, you will find street stalls and pojangmacha stewing oblong pans of tteok (rice cakes that resemble overblown penne pasta) in the bubbling sauce.
A mild version of tteokbokki used to be just for the royal court to eat, but now even partygoers stop on the street to fill up on the chewy rice cakes. They don’t have much flavor and almost demand the spicy and sweet sauce. Dressed-up tteokbokki variations add slices of fish cake, boiled eggs, ramyeon (ramen noodles) and other ingredients. The best place to try this is Sindang Tteokbokki Town, a collection of tteokbokki eateries in Seoul’s Sindang neighborhood, where the modern version of the dish was pioneered and popularized.
For a quick and convenient version, try tteokkochi, where the rice cakes are threaded onto a skewer.
Soondae (Korean sausage)
Soondae is one of Korea’s most popular street foods, and you’ll find it at just about every street stall and pojangmacha. But don’t think bratwurst or salami – soondae is a blood sausage that’s made from cow or pig intestine stuffed with pork blood and some combination of glass noodles, glutinous rice and vegetables.
These soft, chewy sausages are steamed, sliced and usually served with pieces of liver and lung. In Seoul, you’ll get a mix of salt, chili powder, sesame seeds and MSG to dip the sausage in, while in other regions vendors might give you a vinegar-gochujang mix or a soybean-based sauce. Lots of street eaters take a combo approach, ordering tteokbokki and soondae together and dipping their sausage in the spicy tteokbokki sauce.
If you go to Gangwon-do Province, make sure you try ojingeo soondae, which uses cooked squid instead of intestines to hold the filling.
Gimbap (rice and nori rolls)
It looks like a sushi roll, but this is gimbap : dressier, with a dried seaweed ( gim) wrap and bursting with flavor you can see. The rice ( bap) and seaweed are lightly flavored with sesame oil, and the rolls are given a kick with a side of kimchi. Fillings often include canned tuna or beef, spinach, carrot, imitation crab, pickled radish, egg and herbaceous Korean perilla leaf (similar to shiso).
Gimbap comes in both hefty rice-filled slices, which make for speedy hunger busters, and mouthwatering petite rolls with fewer ingredients. The smaller rolls are ubiquitous at street stalls and markets, while the larger versions are staples of the simple lunch and snack shops known as bunsik, such as the Gimbap Cheongook (Gimbap Heaven) chain. Packaged versions can also be found in convenience stores all over the country.
Dak gangjeong (seasoned fried chicken pieces)
Dak gangjeong is something of a fusion food. But what a fusion! Tender chicken pieces are coated with a sweet and spicy sauce and then sprinkled with sesame seeds and peanuts. The boneless bite-sized pieces are usually double fried, giving them a distinctive crackle. A small box is a great way to satisfy a craving. Some stalls will even offer a version sprinkled with parmesan cheese for maximum fusion.
Twigim (Korean-style tempura)
Koreans don’t tiptoe around frying their street food. Twigim are various great-tasting ingredients fried in a batter (think Japanese tempura but more substantial): succulent squid, a hash of vegetables, sweet potatoes and even boiled eggs. You will be hard-pressed to find twigim outside of Korea, so fill up.
At many street markets, you’ll come across sit-down twigim restaurants, where you use tongs to pick up the pieces you want from a buffet-style spread and place them in a basket. Pay for all of them at the cashier, and then the staff will take your basket, fry up your selection and bring your golden plate to your table. An especially good place to try twigim is Gongdeok Market in Seoul.

Dig into mandu (dumplings), filled with pork and kimchi © Anthony Plummer / Lonely Planet

Mandu (dumplings)
Mandu come deliciously fried, steamed or boiled. As a street snack, the most likely choice is kimchi mandu, filled with green onion, ground pork and a lot of spicy kimchi that you can see shimmering orange through the soft skin. Kogi mandu are stuffed with gingery ground pork and green onions. These pockets of flavor are warm and delicious, but sometimes spicy enough to warrant a warning from the chef. Dumplings are typically served six or seven to a plate. Dip them in soy sauce and vinegar and chow down.
Jjinppang mandu are soft fluffy buns filled with pork, tofu, green onions and garlic. Buns just called jjinppang are a sweet version, filled with red bean paste.
Myeon (noodles)
Bowls of myeon soup might not sound like street food, but in fast-moving Korea, everything is ready for a quick meal between meals. Keep warm and satisfied in the winter by popping into a pojangmacha for a bowl of udon or janchi guksu (banquet noodles), a deeply comforting dish of thin noodles in an anchovy-based broth.

Bungeoppang are shaped like fish but filled with a sweet red bean paste © Nabbit / Shutterstock

Bungeoppang and gukhwa-ppang (red bean waffles)
In any town in Korea, you'll find cute fish-shaped sweet cakes on the streets. These bungeoppang have a golden brown, waffle-like exterior that is both soft and crispy to bite into, giving way to hot sweet red bean paste. Today, many vendors also offer versions filled with things like cream or Nutella. What bungeoppang don't contain is any actual fish.
You’ll find street vendors near schools and subway stations pouring kettles of batter into molds of other shapes, too, such as chrysanthemum flowers to make gukhwa-ppang, which are also filled with red bean paste but tend to be less crispy than bungeoppang.

Watching sweet, gooey hotteok pancakes get pressed to order is as much fun as eating them © Shilpa Iyer / Stocksy United

Hotteok (Korean doughnuts)
Hotteok are sometimes called Korean doughnuts, but they’re more like pancakes with a sweet, caramelly filling. The theater of watching vendors press the balls of dough into disks and fry them until they’re golden brown is half the pleasure. Before frying them, vendors make a hole in the dough and fill it with a mixture of cinnamon, brown sugar and peanuts, which turns into a grainy caramel as the dough fries.
It’s hot stuff and burns when you inevitably can’t wait to bite into the hefty, fragrant pancake oozing with the delicious fillings. A version called ssiat hotteok includes black sesame, sunflower and pumpkin seeds. It’s a Busan specialty. Both versions are a sweet tooth’s dream.

Gyeranppang egg muffins are extremely delicious – and addictive © SAHACHAT / Getty Images

Gyeranppang (egg muffins)
Literally "egg bread," gyeranppang is an oblong golden muffin with a moist whole egg baked on top. It’s sometimes finished off with a dusting of parsley. You might have a hard time finding these in the summer, but once the weather cools, stalls selling gyeranppang start appearing with increasing frequency. To try the snack in its birthplace, make a pilgrimage to the port city of Incheon. Dense and comforting, savory and sweet, it's a road to addiction.
Kkochi (skewers)
Korean street vendors know that putting anything on a skewer makes street food easier to handle.
The most common type of skewer is dak-kkochi : grilled chicken and green onion skewers that hum with a smoky charred flavor under a sticky tangy barbecue sauce. Another popular snack is sotteok sotteok, which are like kebabs of mini sausages and rice cakes. If you ever wanted to eat potato chips on a stick, try hway-ori gamja (tornado potato), a potato cut into one long swirl, skewered and fried.
Odeng/Eomuk (fishcake)
Odeng are hot, easy-to-eat fishcakes typically served on a skewer. If you are spice-shy, odeng is your street-eat savior. It’s soft, smooth and only mildly fishy. The fishcake is either shaped like a hot dog or flat and folded over, and the skewers jut out from steaming vats of seafood, green onion and sometimes chili-infused broth that people sip on as they eat. It’s popular in winter, and many Koreans drink the soup alongside soju to temper the alcohol’s fire.
Odeng is self-serve. Just ladle the satisfying broth into one of the paper cups on offer and help yourself to the skewers. You'll usually find either a dish of soy sauce that you can brush onto your odeng or a spray bottle of the stuff that you can spritz on your skewer. The stall keeper counts up the sticks when you’re done. In larger places, you’ll find different colored skewers that correspond to different prices.
Hot bar (fish-cake bar)
Hot bar is a skewer of fish-cake paste that’s been mixed with ingredients like carrot, chili pepper and other ingredients and then deep-fried. More elaborate versions have hot dogs, imitation crab or cheese inside. A perilla leaf is often wrapped around the bar to add extra flavor. Hot bars are a fast-food cross between the fried snacks of twigim and odeng.

Korean hot dogs come fried in batter on a stick and are served with a variety of sauces © july7th / Getty Images

Hot dog
In Korea, this isn’t a hot dog in a bun with mustard and ketchup, but a corn dog (battered sausage). Vendors will offer squirts of ketchup, mustard and chili sauce and sometimes even a sprinkling of sugar. If you want to take things to the next level, try a gamja dog, a sausage fried in batter with a crust of French fries (yes, really). It's the kind of fun food that reminds you of being at a fairground.

A guide to the best street food in South Korea

A 24/7 city with something to do every hour of the day, Seoul can be surprisingly expensive. Visiting famous observation decks, enjoying premium cuts on the Korean barbecue and partying until dawn can definitely do some damage to your credit card.
But veer away from the typical to-do list and you’ll find that the best things to do in the capital of South Korea might actually be free. Fill your hours with scenic walks, visit the city’s most poetic sites and experience views money can’t buy – here are our favorite free things to do in Seoul.

Immerse yourself in the best experiences the world has to offer with our email newsletter delivered weekly into your inbox.

Soak up the atmosphere at Yun Dong-ju Literature Museum
Built in honor of beloved Korean poet Yun Dong-ju, this three-room museum was converted from a former pressurization facility in 2012. Visitors can browse through old photos and first editions of his poems, but the design of the space and the moods it imbues are the museum’s real highlights. Take a stroll behind the museum on Poet’s Hill and admire the N Seoul Tower from a distance, a view that could inspire Shakespearean musings from a hack.
Pay homage at the Jeoldusan Martyrs' Shrine
Built on the site of the worst events from the Byeongin Persecution of 1866, the hauntingly beautiful Jeoldusan Martyrs' Shrine commemorates the many Roman Catholics who were murdered here. The shrine houses a gallery and a museum displaying implements of torture where you can learn about the site’s tragic history. It’s best to visit at dusk when the glow of votive candles lends an otherworldly dimension to the space.
Check out the contemporary art scene at the Seoul Museum of Art
One of the few free art spaces in Seoul, SeMA is a modern art museum housed in a historic building. While special exhibitions at the museum can be quite crowded and pricey, the permanent exhibition is free and often overlooked. One part of the museum that you shouldn’t miss is the Chun Kyung-ja, Eternal Narcissist exhibition, a collection of works by the renowned Korean artist highlighting her global influences.

It's free to explore the traditional lanes of Bukchon Hanok Village © Pakawat Thongcharoen / Shutterstock

See traditional Korean homes in charming Bukchon Hanok Village
Hundreds of traditional Korean homes ( hanok) make up Bukchon Hanok Village, a neighborhood that recaptures the atmosphere of Joseon-dynasty Korea. Although the authenticity of the neighborhood is often debated – some of the hanok are newly built while others are a century old – the verdict on the charm of the small alleyways and incredible views is unanimous.
Increase your exposure to the arts at Oil Tank Culture Park
A cultural center made out of five transformed oil tanks from the 1970s, the Oil Tank Culture Park hosts free concerts, exhibitions and lectures. Even when there’s nothing in particular happening, you can easily pass a few hours exploring the space’s hidden nooks and watching musicians practicing in the outdoor amphitheater. The venue’s unique curves make it a favorite among photographers.
Seoul selections: the top things to do in the South Korean capital
Read at the Cheongun Literature Library
At the foot of Mt Inwang, the Cheongun Literature Library is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful libraries in Korea. The functional lower level is home to an average collection of books, but the library’s reading rooms are housed in a striking traditional Korean house on the 2nd level. Spacious and sunny, it’s a bibliophile’s dream come true.

The Gyeongui Line Forest Park traverses some of Seoul's hippest neighborhoods © Keitma / Shutterstock

Linger in the Gyeongui Line Forest Park
A park built on the route of the 100-year-old train tracks that once led to North Korea, Gyeongui Line Forest Park is one of the highlights of Seoul’s northwest side. The park runs through several trendy neighborhoods, and on summer nights, you’ll see plenty of picnickers having drinks and listening to buskers with guitars in the Yeonnam-dong portion of the park. In good weather, pianos are also set up outside for the musically inclined to put on performances.
The 5 best day trips from Seoul
Browse the National Museum's permanent collection
Displaying more than 12,000 artifacts, spanning a period from prehistory to modern times, the National Museum of Korea is South Korea's largest museum. Special exhibitions have an entrance fee, but you won’t be left wanting after browsing the free permanent collection. Be sure to see the photogenic 10-story pagoda from Gyeongcheon-sa Temple at the center of the museum. There’s also a children’s museum, which is free but requires an online reservation.

Hangang Park is one of Seoul's favorite places to unwind © Maremagnum / Getty Images

Hang out by the river in Hangang Park
Seoul’s most famous free site is this park along the Han River, which zigzags through the city. Beautiful lookouts and pleasant walks can be found at any point in the park, but the views from the Mangwon-dong neighborhood are arguably the best and a firm local favorite. If you're here in summer, many free events take place as part of the Hangang River Festival; the park’s outdoor film screenings are terrific.
Season by season in Seoul: The best times to visit
Learn about the city's past at the Seoul Museum of History
Even special exhibitions are almost always free at the popular Seoul Museum of History, near Gyeonghuigung Palace. While the museum boasts relics from the Joseon dynasty, the exhibition hall of donated items on the 1st floor makes the strongest impression, with everything from old computers, cassette tapes, T-shirts from the '60s and other household goods used by ordinary citizens. Free events showcasing Korean culture often take place during local holidays.
Stage a photo shoot in Ihwa Mural Village
Located near Seoul’s independent theater district, the Ihwa Mural Village is the place to go if you're seeking the perfect selfie. The alleyways are covered in vivid, colorful murals created by more than 70 local artists in an attempt to revitalize this once neglected neighborhood. Popular murals include Angel Wings and Fish Swimming Upstream.

Those who put in the effort to climb Bukhansan's tallest peak are rewarded with heavenly views © CJ Nattanai / Shutterstock

Take in heavenly vistas from Bukhansan's highest peak
With dozens of peaks in the area, Seoul has no shortage of mountains to climb, but ask any avid hiker for the best walk in the area and you’ll likely be sent packing up the slopes of 836m (2743ft) Bukhansan. Those willing to reach the mountain’s tallest peak will be handsomely rewarded with heavenly views – and perhaps even some makgeolli (traditional Korean rice wine) from a friendly fellow climber (locals are known to share their mountaintop drinks with tourists at the top).
Hike Inwangsan for easier city views
Less demanding than Bukhansan, 338m (1109ft) Ingwangsan still offers breathtaking views of Seoul for hikers, as well as a free history lesson. A series of ancient fortress walls are preserved here, and from the trail, you can spot Gyeongbokgung Palace in the distance. Be sure to check out the uncanny Seonbawi (Zen Rocks) and the Guksadang shamanist shrine on your way up.
See the sights for free on a free Seoul walking tour
Make a reservation three days ahead to take advantage of Seoul Tourism’s free walking tour program. The tours are run by volunteer guides. The quality of the tours varies, but they are free and are offered in Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese and other languages with a huge range of themes, from exploring local markets and historic sites to finding traces of the artists and writers who once lived in one of the city's oldest neighborhoods. Tours are currently limited to 10 people each (20 for some palace tours), and reservations must be made in advance.

Free dinner? Opt for samples at the Lotte Mart in Seoul Station © Hahna Yoon / Lonely Planet

Sample the wares at Seoul Station’s Lotte Mart
Larger grocery stores in South Korea tend to offer incredibly generous samples, but few are as benevolent as the Lotte Mart inside Seoul Station. Sample-givers usually speak basic English, Japanese and Chinese and aren’t afraid to give you seconds. Try the instant noodle aisle at 6pm on a weekday and you might be able to skip dinner!
Best places to eat in Seoul
Learn about Buddhism at Gilsang-sa
Although Jogye-sa in the heart of downtown is Seoul's best-known temple, perhaps its most beautiful shrine is Gilsang-sa, located off the beaten path in Seongbuk-dong. A restaurant-turned-temple, Gilsang-sa actually opened in 1997, but its idyllic natural surroundings and wealth of English-language programs make it a must-visit for anyone interested in Buddhism, or those just seeking a place to get away from it all.
Take a breather at Bongeun-sa
Anyone staying south of the Han River and looking for some culture after shopping the packed COEX Mall should check out Bongeun-sa, a temple that traces its history to 794 CE, during the time of the Silla kingdom. Much of the original site was destroyed by a fire in 1939, but the temple's air of serenity, woodblock carvings of the Avatamsaka Sutra and a library of 3479 Buddhist scriptures make it worth a visit.

Browsing the assortment of antiques and bric-a-bra at Dongmyo Flea Market is a fun way to pass an hour or two © Hahna Yoon / Lonely Planet

Window-shop at Dongmyo Flea Market
Many of Seoul’s markets are free to check out and well worth exploring, but the collection of used goods at the Dongmyo Flea Market is more about browsing and less about buying. This random assortment of everything from electronic massagers to old Korean coins and piled-up hills of cheap T-shirts is most active on warm, dry weekends. It's located near Dongmyo Park (84, Nangye-ro 27-gil, Jongno-gu).
Rise above the fray at Seoullo 7017
Often compared to the High Line in New York City, Seoullo 7017 is a " sky garden" that runs from Seoul Station to Namdaemun Market. Converted from a former highway overpass in 2017, this 1km (0.6-mile) park boasts more than 20,000 plants and fine city views, and it hosts a plethora of public events. The brave can stand on glass-covered holes through the overpass and look down at the cars whizzing below.
Channel European energy at Seoul Anglican Cathedral
Although Myeongdong Cathedral is Seoul’s most famous – and perhaps most historically significant – church, it could be argued that the Seoul Anglican Cathedral is the capital’s most beautiful. Designed by English architect Arthur Dixon and built in the Romanesque Revival style, this distinctly European edifice is a sight inside and out. You can visit the church for free, and regular English-language services are held on Sundays at 9:30am in the crypt chapel.

Walking Cheong-gye-cheon's pleasant pathways is a great free way to unwind © Tuomas Lehtinen / Shutterstock

Unwind streamside at the Cheong-gye-cheon
One of the city’s ecological marvels, the Cheong-gye-cheon is a man-made stream that runs through downtown Seoul. Walking the pleasant, greenery-lined pathways that run along the water is a great way to unwind in the evening, and the stream is even more dazzling during the famous Lantern Festival in November. The Cheong-gye-cheon Museum is also free if you'd like to learn about the site’s complex history.
Take a mini-break at Seonyudo Park
Repurposing a former water purification plant, this green island in the middle of the city is the first park of its kind in the country. Locals and visitors come to picnic or sunbathe in the botanical gardens and green spaces.
Bring a date for a stroll along Seoul City Wall
Originally built in 1396, Seoul City Wall is a national treasure and a wonderful place to hike. For locals, it's also a popular date spot. Try an evening stroll along the portion of the wall in Naksan Park, near Hyehwa Station – it’s hard not to be seduced as the warm glow of the ancient fortress's lights and the panoramic city views sparkle in your lover's eyes.

Futuristic Dongdaemun Design Plaza is one of architect Zaha Hadid’s most striking works © T.Dallas / Shutterstock

Admire futuristic architecture at Dongdaemun Design Plaza
Often talked about for its futuristic architecture, the multifunctional Dongdaemun Design Plaza is hailed as one of architect Zaha Hadid’s greatest works. Exhibitions, fashion shows and other events are held regularly; not all of them are free, but the edifice itself is free to walk around and it's definitely worth a look.
See the Moonlight Rainbow Fountain's water show
From April to October, people come to the Banpo Bridge section of the Han River Park to see the Moonlight Rainbow Fountain water show. Choreographed with lights and music, 380 water jets put on a show soundtracked by everything from classical music to pop and rock. Call the Korea Travel Hotline (+82-2-1330) to check the fountain’s schedule on the day of your visit.
Celebrate Culture Day at venues across town
On the last Wednesday of every month – aka Culture Day – performance centers, museums and cultural sites across Seoul open for free or at a discounted rate. The city government works in collaboration with venues to create this extensive list of freebies that includes everything from the five grand palaces to the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art and Seoul Performing Arts Company. Discounts for most major movie theaters are also available on Culture Day.

South Korea on a budget: the 26 best free things to do in Seoul

Set in a flat valley hemmed in by mountains and swaths of saguaro, Arizona's second-largest city smoothly blends American Indian, Spanish, Mexican and Anglo traditions. That unique mix of scenery and history makes Tucson perfect for budget travelers – there's plenty to see and do without ever opening your pocket book. Instead, you can soak up unique neighborhoods full of southwestern flavor and explore the one-of-a-kind landscape full of saguaro cacti, colorful desert flora, and an unbelievable array of wildlife.
If you're looking for free things to do in Tucson, we have ten of the best attractions to start with right here (plus another five not-quite-free but budget-friendly attractions to check out, too).

Visitors to Mission San Xavier del Bac à Tucson can take a free 45-minute tour of a museum on the premises © Gamma-Rapho / Getty Images

View the white towers of Mission San Xavier del Bac
The dazzling white towers of this mission rise from the dusty desert floor 8 miles south of Tucson – a mesmerizing structure that brings an otherworldly glow to the scrubby landscape surrounding it. Nicknamed 'White Dove of the Desert,' the current structure was built in the 1700s in a harmonious blend of Moorish, Byzantine and Mexican Renaissance styles. Carefully restored in the 1990s with the help of experts from the Vatican and still religiously active, the Xavier del Bac one of the best-preserved and most beautiful Spanish missions in the country.
A small museum explains the history of the mission and its construction. Free 45-minute docent tours (four to ten per day, Monday to Saturday) add helpful context. Visit the website for tour times. American Indians sell frybread, jewelry and crafts in the parking lot.

Get more travel inspiration, tips and exclusive offers sent straight to your inbox with our weekly newsletter.
See the works of Ansel Adams at the Center for Creative Photography
The CCP is known for its ever-changing, high-caliber exhibits. It also administers the archives of Ansel Adams – perhaps the best-regarded landscape photographer in American history – and occasionally displays his works.
Witness the diversity of the city with the Tucson Portrait Project
This wall-to-wall mosaic of about 7000 Tucsonian faces is a simple yet powerful testament to the diversity of the city's population. The Tucson Portrait Project is in the underpass where 4th Ave ducks under the railway line. Or you can explore the panels online.

The Raven Gallery in Old Elysian Grove Market is one of many interesting locations in Barrio Histórico District © Alamy Stock Photo

Hang out with the cool kids in Barrio Histórico District
This compact neighborhood was an important business district in the late 19th century, bordered by I-10, Stone Ave, and Cushing and 17th Streets. Today the Barrio is home to funky shops and galleries in brightly painted adobe houses that are begging to be photographed. Don't miss El Tiradito while you're here, either. Located in Tucson's Barrio Histórico, this shrine to a 19th-century local, purportedly killed by his father-in-law when he fell for his mother-in-law, receives offerings to this day for anyone commemorating a lost loved one.
Take in the special exhibits at Tucson Museum of Art
For a small city, Tucson boasts an impressive art museum. There's a respectable collection of American, Latin American and modern art, and the permanent exhibition of pre-Columbian artifacts will awaken your inner Indiana Jones. The special exhibits are varied and interesting, there's a superb gift shop, and the block surrounding the building holds a number of notable historic homes. The museum stays open to 8pm on the first Thursday of the month, when admission is free from 5pm.
Hop aboard at Southern Arizona Transportation Museum
Perfect for families with train-obsessed kids, the Southern Arizona Transportation Museum is located in the historic Southern Pacific Railroad Depot on Toole Avenue. There are statues of “Doc” Holiday & Wyatt Earp, who dispatched Frank Stilwell near this spot in vengeance for the 1882 attack at the OK Coral in Tombstone, Arizona. There's also a Southern Pacific locomotive #1673 – the kind of classic steam engine that originally connected Tucson far-flung western towns from New Orleans to Portland Oregon, as well as Amtrak trains currently in service.

Tumamoc Hill is used as a research station and ecological reserve by the University of Arizona © Getty Images

Hit the trails at Tumamoc Hill hike
A paved trail with stunning views of the city, this three mile hike has moderate elevation gain and is surrounded by wildflowers in the spring. It's also open 4am-10pm, thanks to the fact that Tumamoc Hill is on University of Arizona property. Park on the street along Anklam Road when you go, rather than in the Saint Mary's Hospital lot or the spaces in front of nearby medical offices, which are needed by doctors and their patients. There are limited bathroom facilities and a place to refill your water bottle on site.
Watch street performers at 2nd Saturdays
2nd Saturdays is a free family-friendly music festival that takes place, you guessed it, the 2nd Saturday each month in downtown Tucson from Toole Avenue & Congress west to Church Avenue & Congress. There are musicians, vendors, street performers and more. Note: 2nd Saturdays are temporarily on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Visit one the oldest inhabited places in North America: The Presidio District
The Tucson Museum of Art is part of this low-key neighborhood, bounded by W 6th St, W Alameda St, N Stone Ave and Granada Ave, and embracing the site of the original Spanish fort and upmarket 'Snob Hollow.' This is one of the oldest continually inhabited places in North America: the Spanish Presidio de San Augustín del Tucson dates back to 1775, but the fort itself was built over a Hohokam site that has been dated to AD 700 to 900.
Cheap things to do in Tucson
Travelers on a budget will appreciate that, in addition to Tucson's free attractions, there are even more that give you a lot of bang for your buck. For just a few dollars here and there, you can get access to some of the city's best galleries, state parks, national forests, and more. We've included some of the best almost-free attractions, too.

The DeGrazia chapel in Tucson, Arizona that's part of the larger Gallery complex © Alamy Stock Photo

Learn about historical events at DeGrazia's Gallery in the Sun
Since 1950, DeGrazia's Gallery in the Sun has celebrated both regional art and the work of artist Ettore “Ted” DeGrazia. The gallery boasts six permanent collections of paintings that trace historical events and native cultures of the Southwest, as well rotating exhibits of DeGrazia's own prolific ouevre. Not only is the artwork well worth taking in, the setting is pure Tucson. DeGrazia built the Gallery in the Sun on 10-acres in the Santa Catalina Foothills. Its classic adobe facade fits right in to the landscape, surrounded by indigenous plants and built with the help of local Indigenous peoples. Admission fees are $8.00 for adults, $5.00 for ages 12-18, and kids under 12 are free.
Get active in Catalina State Park
With a day-use area, campgrounds and plenty of hiking, biking and horse trails, this state park in the Santa Catalina Mountains northeast of Tucson is one of the city's favorite playgrounds. The .75 mile Romeo Ruins Interpretive Trail offers an opportunity to learn more about the Hohokam people who lived here 1,500 years ago. There are several other easy one mile hikes here, too, that are easy to squeeze into even a short trip to Tucson. Park entrance fees are $7.00 per vehicle and $3 per individual or cyclist.
Get hands-on at Tucson Children’s Museum
Parents sing the praises of the Tucson Children’s Museum, which has plenty of engaging, hands-on exhibits – from the Discovery Garden to Pet Vet and Bodyology. Admission is $3 on the 3rd of each month.
Take a tram tour at Sabino Canyon
Sabino Canyon, a lush, pretty and shaded mini-gorge, is well worth a visit in fine weather. Narrated hop-on, hop-off tram tours along the Sabino Canyon Trail (adult/child $10/5) depart every half hour from the visitor center at the main car park for a 45-minute, nine-stop loop with access to trailheads and riverside picnic areas. It’s nicest in the afternoon when the sun plays hide and seek against the canyon walls. You will need a Coronado Recreation Pass to visit Sabino Canyon, which runs $8 for the day, $10 for the week, or $40 a year.

Cacti are on fully display at Saguaro National Park © ericfoltz / Getty Images

Head to a desert in playground in Saguaro National Park
Saguaros (sah- wah -ros) are icons of the American Southwest, and an entire cactus army of these majestic, ribbed sentinels is protected in this desert playground. Or more precisely, playgrounds: the park is divided into east and west units, separated by 30 miles and Tucson itself. Both sections – the Rincon Mountain District in the east and Tucson Mountain District in the west – are filled with trails and desert flora; if you only visit one, make it the spectacular western half. A Saguaro National Park Weekly Pass is $25.00 per vehicle.
Do some bird watching in Coronado National Forest
This 2781-sq-mile national forest includes the Santa Catalina and Rincon Mountains, north of Tucson. Rincon Peak is a popular hike in this tiny mountain range, with panoramic views from its  8482 foot summit – but it's 16 miles out and back. More accessible is the scenic drive along Mt Lemmon Highway – the only paved road that reaches the upper reaches of the Santa Catalina Range. Madera Canyon is popular with birders, while in the winter Coronado National Forest has the distinction of being the southernmost ski area in the continental United States. Entry fees are $8 per vehicle per day or $10 per vehicle per week.
See 500 years of work at University of Arizona Museum of Art
Founded in its current building in the 1950s, the university's impressive museum showcases 500 years of European and American creativity. The permanent collection features Rodin, Matisse, Picasso and Pollock. Admission is $8 for adults, $6.50 for seniors, and kids are free.

Things you can't miss in Tucson

You may also like:
Get a taste of Tucson's Unesco-recognized food scene Under the radar USA: Tucson is more than its cactus Live out your "Yellowstone" dreams at these top dude ranches

Best free things to do in Tucson

One of Portugal ’s most captivating cities, Porto can be surprisingly affordable to visit. You’ll find good-value lodging, inexpensive public transport and plenty of budget-friendly places to eat and drink. Porto also has loads of activities you can enjoy without spending any money at all, from taking breezy walks along the seaside to watching the sunset from a hilltop garden.
There’s plenty of opportunity for DIY adventures experiencing Porto’s wide-ranging culture. Hunt for some of Portugal’s finest azulejo -covered murals, track down hidden street art by Porto-based artists or get off the beaten path exploring a 19th-century graveyard. Here are the best things to do in Porto for free.

Ready to start planning? Sign up for our weekly newsletter and get 20% off your next guidebook.
Fall in love with the colorful azulejos
Take one look at Porto and you’ll appreciate the city’s affinity for azulejos, those distinctly Portuguese blue-and-white tiles that add a dash of flamboyance to the cityscape. Many heritage buildings are sheathed in striking geometric designs or impressively detailed murals, with the latter doubling as open-access history files.
The entrance of the São Bento train station takes the cake with 20,000 hand-painted tiles depicting scenes from Portugal’s past – from industrial milestones to wartime victories. Other Insta-worthy contenders include the brilliant, azulejo -covered churches of Capela das Almas, Igreja do Carmo and Igreja de Santo Ildefonso. For a modern take on tile traditions, check out the artist Júlio Resende’s expressionist masterpiece Ribeira Negra, which lies near the base of the Dom Luís I bridge at the entrance to the Ribeira Tunnel. Then there are all the less prominent, but equally endearing tiled façades scattered across the city. Start an azulejo photography journal and you could lose yourself for days.

There are street art murals and installations throughout Porto © Shootdiem / Getty Images

Hunt out the city's best street art
Some of Porto’s best artwork won’t cost you anything to see – apart from a bit of effort tracking it down. You’ll find large-scale murals, hidden stencil paintings and some jaw-dropping installations carved into cement walls. Porto-based artists to seek out include Hazul Luzah (a pseudonym), who creates geometric works that defy convention; Costah, known for his playful, brightly colored murals; and MrDheo, who dazzles with photorealistic pieces.
High on any list should be the Travessa de Cedofeita and Escadas do Codeçal, as well as the parking lot at Trindade, with its large-scale murals. Lapa, just one metro stop north, is another hot spot, as is the gallery-dotted Rua Miguel Bombarda. Another gem is O Coelho – Bordalo II, which is a cute but vaguely cyborg-ish rabbit lurking on a corner in Vila Nova de Gaia. At Largo de Artur Arcos near the riverside, Eime pays homage to Portugal’s elders in a three-story tall stencil. Just up the road from there, you’ll find Vhils’ much-photographed mural – made from chiseling directly into the building.
Take a seaside stroll along the Foz do Douro promenade
An easy 25-minute bus ride west of the center, you’ll find the oceanfront district of Foz do Douro. Here you can follow a paved path for pedestrians and cyclists that takes you past sandy beaches and rocky shorelines all the way up to Matosinhos Beach, around 2.5km (1.6mi) north. Along the way, you’ll pass grassy overlooks, an elegant pergola and some well-placed cafes for refueling while taking in the lovely scenery.

There are panoramic views of Porto from Jardim do Morro © RS-74 / Shutterstock

Watch the sunset from Jardim do Morro
Porto’s golden sunsets have a magnetic pull. Come late afternoon, hordes of sun worshippers find a river-fronting patch of turf to watch the sun make its steady descent into the distant Atlantic. Grab a craft beer from Catraio, a picnic blanket and some Serra da Estrela cheese, and follow the crowds to the slopes of Jardim do Morro (from where you’ll see the romantic picture-perfect panorama of Porto). The journey here is part of the fun, whether walking across the Ponte de Dom Luís I, taking the metro (D line, which also goes across the bridge) or the scenic Teleférico de Gaia, an aerial cable car that travels up from the Gaia riverside.
Attend free concerts at the Casa da Música
Porto’s top destination for concerts is the Casa da Música, the architecturally striking performing arts hall overlooking the Boavista Rotunda. In the summertime, you can catch free outdoor concerts on the esplanade. From Thursday through Saturday nights, groups playing folk, jazz, classical and blues as well as eclectic sounds from Brazil and beyond take to the stage of the cafe terrace. Shows kick off at 9:30pm or 10pm.

An old prison hosts the temporary and permanent exhibitions of the Centro Português de Fotografia © Emily McAuliffe / Lonely Planet

Be transported at the Portuguese Center of Photography
A short hop from the grand Avenida dos Aliados, browse free exhibitions in the eerie enclave of an old prison at the Centro Português de Fotografia. There are both permanent and temporary expositions displayed across the three stories, showcasing a mix of contemporary and historical works from both Portuguese and international photographers. Thick granite walls and windows fixed with forbidding iron grates remind you of the building’s function before its decommissioning in 1974 following the Portuguese revolution – its revival as a gallery space happened in 2000.
See the gardens at Jardins do Palácio de Cristal
The Jardins do Palácio de Cristal provide a serene and sizable patch of inner-city greenery. Stepped terraces offer delightful views across the Douro and Vila Nova de Gaia stretching along the south bank.
These days, the nineteenth-century "crystal palace" is decidedly absent, having been replaced by a domed 1950s-built sporting facility that bears a faint resemblance to a UFO (book a guided climb to the top for a closer look). Use it as a beacon to find the garden entrance, then set off across the eight hectares (19.7 acres) to discover a medley of landscaped gardens.

Take the less crowded route to Felgueiras lighthouse © Fotokon / Shutterstock

Trek to the lighthouse Farolim de Felgueiras
While there’s a certain appeal to clacking along the Douro River in one of Porto’s quintessential old trams, taking the same route by foot can be just as rewarding and undoubtedly less crowded.
Set off from the Ribeira district and head west for 6km (3.7 miles). Pass tangles of fishing nets and boats bobbing with the tide before reaching the point where the river dissolves into the ocean. Continue out to the jetty to watch the ocean throw its weight against the hexagonal 19th-century Felgueiras lighthouse, but stay alert or resign yourself to a soaking from a merciless wave.
Visit the monuments at Cemitério do Prado Repouso
Ambling alongside the dead might not be at the top of every holidaymaker’s hit list, but Porto’s ten-hectare (24.7-acre) Cemitério do Prado Repouso is an unconventional attraction with an alluring calmative quality. Rows of magnolia and camellia trees shade the tombstones of everyday folk as well as former mayors, physicians, actors and writers (identified in both Portuguese and English). There is also a monument that honors those who lost their lives in Porto’s 1891 revolution, which triggered Portugal’s republican movement.
Get a history lesson at Igreja da Lapa
The gallant figure on horseback in Porto’s main square denotes King Pedro IV of Portugal and the first emperor of Brazil, who, despite hailing from Lisbon, had a particular affinity for Porto. He requested that his heart be bestowed to the city upon his death (the scene shown at the base of the statue symbolizes this moment) and it landed in Igreja da Lapa in Porto’s north. While there’s no science-lab jar of preserved remains to ogle at, the Catholic church is a worthy attraction off the main tourist trail – not least for its place in Portugal’s historical timeline but also for its neoclassical architecture and tranquil demeanor. It also has one of the largest pipe organs in Europe.

Just back from: Porto, Portugal

10 of the best free things to do in Porto: seaside strolls, street art and sunsets

Once upon a time, a foray in the French capital wasn’t complete without scoffing a sweet crêpe on a street corner in St-Germain des Prés, eye-balling Notre Dame ’s grimacing gargoyles over silky slurps of Berthillon ice cream and standing in line for falafel from L’As du Fallafel. Throw in a buckwheat galette, Moroccan couscous or steaming bowl of Chinese noodles for lunch from Marché des Enfants Rouges – the city’s oldest covered market, in the street-eats biz since 1615 – and you were practically Parisian.
Contemporary street food in Paris travels taste buds a million miles beyond these faithful old-timers. Current culinary trends place local, seasonal, organic produce on a sky-high pedestal and have morphed ‘ la street food ’ into a movement against ‘ la malbouffe ’ – a French phrase for junk food. The trick to tracking down the finest street eats crafted by experimental chefs with skill, sass and sustainable care? Follow the local street-smart crowd to these new-gen foodie favorites.
Top 10 things to do in Paris in spring

Paris has a number of street vendors selling amazing sandwiches © Will Salter / Lonely Planet

Les sandwiches: savory and plant-forward
Plan D – Dwich & Glace
Urban vegans can’t get enough of this increasingly cult, plant-based sandwich shop by Canal St-Martin. Each dwich is jumbo-sized, with two chunks of succulent olive-oil bread toasted and stuffed with seasonal produce and ingredients. Veggies run the gamut of cooking styles, from raw or charred, to pickled, mashed and marinated, and the smoked sauce is addictive. Grab an ice-cream sundae for dessert, a bottle of fruity pale ale brewed by BapBap in the ‘hood, and lunch like a king on the alfresco banks of the green-hued canal.
Handy pit stop: in between street art discoveries or a bike ride along Canal St-Martin.
La Baguette du Relais
Purists seeking a fix of Parisian steak-frites (steak and fries) need not despair. Head to Le Marais where La Baguette du Relais doles out wedges of crispy baguette filled with tender sirloin steak, a herby sauce whipped up according to a secret recipe and perfectly crisp, skinny fries. The concept might sound hideously ‘un-French’, but anyone familiar with the 1950s brasserie behind this recent street-food venture – Le Relais de l’Entrecôte, famous for serving everyone the same salad-steak-and-chips meal – will instantly understand the allure. Pick from regular, gluten-free or charcoal bread and know how you like your steak cooked: saignant (rare) in France is very pink and à point (medium) is akin to medium-rare or even rare by American and British standards.
Handy pit stop: after Notre Dame and the islands, Mémorial de la Shoah and Centre Pompidou or a boat tour on the Seine.
Discover the Louvre's hidden treasure in this lesser-visited wing

Get local insight on destinations all over the world with our weekly newsletter delivered to your inbox.

Crêpes are a street food staple in Paris © Petr Jilek / Shutterstock

Crêpes: where to find the most authentic in Paris
Crêperie de St-Germain
Authentic street stands are like gold dust, but scoffing a crêpe in the street – laced with warm Nutella chocolate spread and banana slices perhaps or uber-sweet crème de marron (chestnut cream) – remains one of Parisian life’s simple pleasures. Join the eternal queue at Crêperie de St-Germain, a retro racing-green kiosk by Église St-Germain des Près where large thin pancakes have been served to a faithful crowd for decades.
Handy pit stop: after Île de la Cité’s Sainte Chapelle, splendid unsung museums Musée Eugène Delacroix and Musée Maillol or during a DIY walking tour of literary St-Germain des Près.
L’Épicerie du Breizh Café
Authentic Breton crêpes to take-away are the order of the day at this specialist Breton grocery run by the neighboring Breizh Café. Order a savory galette made with organic buckwheat flour and your choice of fillings, and eat it in the small park across the street. Sweet crêpes too, doused in salted-butter caramel and a bevy of other killer-calorie toppings.
Handy pit stop: after the treasured Musée National Picasso or on a Marais shopping spree.
Where to stay in Paris

From Chinese steamed buns to falafel, you can find plenty of foods from around the world in Paris © Lily Chou / Getty Images

Buns & dumplings: go to this takeaway window near the Louvre
Petit Bao
Vegetarians and carnivores alike enter seventh heaven at this trendy neo-Shanghai canteen on Canal St-Martin. Takeaway dishes cooked up by Paris-born Chinese chef Céline Chung at the achingly cool, waterside joint include veggie-stuffed buns and wontons, rice and noodle dishes and deep-fried tofu with a killer homemade garlic sauce. Begin with crispy-fried, cumin-dusted oyster mushrooms from the super-local underground urban farm La Caverne in the 18e arrondissement.
Handy pit stop: during a Canal St-Martin bar crawl or chill Sunday stroll when brunch at noon beckons.
Boutique Yam’tcha
In the Louvre area, dig into succulent baos (Chinese steamed buns) to go from the takeaway window at the upmarket boutique of Michelin-starred chef Adeline Grattard from fine-dining restaurant Yam'Tcha. Unusual flavors include Stilton cheese with Amarena cherries, onions and curry, or Basque pork with Sichuanese eggplant. Wash them down with aromatic green or oolong tea on a bench in elegant Jardin du Palais Royal or between voluptuous statues on the romantic pea-green lawns of Jardin des Tuileries. If a Full Monty Chinese banquet appeals, grab one to take away from Yam’Tcha’s nearby cafe Lai’Tcha.
Handy pit stop: for lunch in the park after hobnobbing with Mona Lisa at the Louvre and/or Monet at Musée de l’Orangerie.
Things you should know before traveling to Paris

Leave some room for some French pastries and sweet treats when in Paris © Will Salter / Lonely Planet

The best Paris pâtisseries that are worth the wait
Cédric Grolet Opéra
Queues stretch down the street for world-renowned pastry chef Cédric Grolet's elaborate creations at his same-name boulangerie-pâtisserie, many of which resemble floral blooms almost too good to eat. Sit in or take away exquisite viennoiserie (pastries), magnificent filled still-warm baguettes and signature cakes aka edible works of art. Gastronomes won’t be disappointed by the unmatched caramel-and-Tahitian-vanilla St-Honoré or Paris-Brest.
Handy pit stop: a decadent bite between fashion-boutique shopping in the Champs-Élysées and Grands Boulevards district.
Tapisserie
An elegant mint-green box of seasonally flavored macarons from Ladurée or a flamboyantly filled éclair from a Chrisophe Adam L’Éclair de Génie boutiques is a Parisian rite of passage. For something more grassroots and experimental, pop into the seductive cake shop of Michelin-starred chefs from neighboring Septime and Clemato. From creamy egg tarts and seasonal fruit flans to sinful maple syrup tartlets, everything at Tapisserie is artisanal and insanely fresh – a sign in the window tells you what time to expect what hot from the oven.
Handy pit stop: a decadent bite between fashion-boutique shopping in the Champs-Élysées and Grands Boulevards district.
Top things to do in Paris
The best burgers in Paris are a gourmet delight
Baby Love Burger
Rumor has it Baby Love Burger in the 11e dishes up the most authentic burgers in town. Certainly the ethically-farmed beef, twice-fried frîtes (fries) and Real McCoy, British cheddar cheese in a bun pack a serious gourmet punch – as does the Pop-styled interior with cherry-red linoleum and house motto ‘No panini, no wrap, no crêpe!’ lit up in neon. Monster-sized triple burgers, a tasty veggie version and crispy fried chicken flesh out the no-messing menu.
Handy pit-stop: after a mooch around the Belleville market or between drinks on a Ménilmontant bar crawl.
The 10 best parks in Paris

Croque monsieurs are a Parisian must © Will Salter / Lonely Planet

Deli picnics: the best takeaway to get away
Chanceux
Back in the new millennium, Thomas Lehoux introduced Paris to decent coffee by co-founding an artisan roastery in backstage Belleville. The visionary barista and epicurean is now injecting serious doses of panache into street food with his gourmet épicerie (delicatessen) in the 11e. Everything on his market-fueled menu – two starters, two mains and two sandwiches, different each week – can be taken away as a deli picnic. Every course has a vegetarian option: young goat’s cheese marinated in Provencal herbs and zaatar perhaps, Hokkaido pumpkin brioche with grilled leeks and mushrooms, a goat’s cheese sandwich with beetroot cream, roasted hazelnuts, apple and watercress.
Handy pit-stop: after a digital light show at Atelier des Lumières or cemetery stroll around Père Lachaise.
Tawlet
Dip into the soul food of multicultural Paris with a lavish picnic of takeaway dishes from this deli-diner by Lebanese food activist Kamal Mouzawak. The Lebanese buffet served at his hybrid épicerie-restaurant screams ‘cuisine maison’ (home cooking) and celebrates regional farmer kitchens. Each day showcases dishes from a different part of Lebanon – green bean moutabbal (dip) or spinach and grilled walnut salad from the north, tabbouleh and stuffed cabbage much-loved in the mountains, warak enab atee (stuffed vine leaves) from the Beqaa wine region.
Handy pit-stop: when exploring hipster Canal St-Martin – there really are few lovelier spots in Paris for a waterside picnic.
The 7 best day trips from Paris: add a new dimension to your city break

Paris. France: Donuts of different tastes are on the counter of a street vendor. © Albert Bugaev / Shutterstock

The best donuts: small batch wonders
Nonette
Bite into an explosive French-Fusion combo at Nonette. Female Franco-Vietnamese chef Khánh-ly Huynh and Pearlyn Lee from neighboring Asian-styled coffee shop, The Hood, craft bánh mì (sandwiches) bursting with creative Asian-French fusion fillings such as spicy turkey pastrami with liver pâté, pickled daikon, carrots and coriander.
But it is their cardboard boxes of sugar-dusted or -glazed donuts to take away that are the icing on the cake: the moreish balls of deep-fried dough overflow on first bite with homemade cream in ‘classic or ‘unapologetically Asian’ flavors (kaya, spicy mango, durian, passion fruit, sweet-and-sour pork floss). Wash them down with a fresh coconut, golden milk latte or bubble tea to go.
Handy pit-stop: during a shopping spree in the fashionable Haut-Marais or at the open-air Marché Bastille on Thursday and Sunday mornings.
Boneshaker Donuts
May-time’s sour rhubarb even manages to sneaks its way into the seasonally filled donuts at Boneshaker in the foodie 2e. What began as American pastry chef Amanda home-frying donuts to fuel the city’s burgeoning coffee-shop scene has now blossomed into a small-batch donut-and-coffee shop. Donuts mix French pastry know-how and American sass to ensure a menu rooted firmly in Paris: vanilla, chocolate and caramel beurre salé (salted butter caramel) alongside wild cards like Fluffernutter (peanut butter cream, marshmallow glaze and peanute brittle), banana cream pie and summer berry crumble.
Handy pit-stop: after a morning at Europe’s oldest science and technology museum, the Centre Pompidou, Bourse de Commerce Pinault Collection or the Louvre.
Paris vs Rome: which iconic city is right for you?

I've authored more than 50 Lonely Planet guidebooks: my top recs for the best street food in Paris for 2022

It’s easy to spend a fortune on a Florida vacation. ( Walt Disney World passes for the whole family, anyone?) Yet with a little research, it’s also possible to take in memorable sights and experiences in the Sunshine State for nothing at all.
We’ve looked all over the state for top beaches, fun walks, natural attractions and more for those who want to stretch their dollars and see as much as possible for less. These are the top free things to do in Florida.
Start with beaches...then continue with more beaches
No trip to Florida is complete without hitting the beach – or many of them. Florida has 825 miles of beaches, and some of its most renowned spots remain totally, happily free to the public. These options span the spectrum from the traditionally buzzing South Beach ( Miami), Daytona Beach and Panama City Beach (in the Panhandle) to the vast, tranquil landscapes in Clearwater and Naples. Keep in mind that convenient parking may cost you, so biking or using public transport to get to the sand may be more cost effective than driving.

Ready to start planning? Sign up for our weekly newsletter and get 20% off your next guidebook.
Admission-free Disney: Disney Wilderness Preserve, Disney Springs and Disney’s BoardWalk
Unfortunately, admission to Walt Disney World is not free. Yet you’ll find a number of Disney-branded activities in and around the parks to get into the magical spirit without breaking the bank. Among them, you can stroll through the dining, entertainment and shopping wonderland of Disney Springs or the action-packed BoardWalk at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn. Eco-minded travelers will like the Nature Conservancy’s Disney Wilderness Preserve, an 11,500-acre area full of bird-watching and hiking opportunities.

The iconic but often elusive manatee is one of Florida's most beloved creatures © Andrea Izzotti / Shutterstock

Watch manatees chill out
Manatees are right up there with dolphins, sea turtles and panthers as some of Florida’s most beloved animals. While it can be tricky to spot one out in the wild or from a boat, there are a few places statewide where they are known to congregate. Among them is Tampa Electric’s Manatee Viewing Center, located approximately 20 miles south of downtown Tampa, where the pleasantly warm discharge water from a power station draws packs of these gentle creatures. In addition to an expansive outdoor manatee sanctuary and viewing areas, there are also butterfly gardens and an environmental education building to explore.
Join a nightly sunset party
It’s the Sunshine State, after all – so why not celebrate the sunset each day? In select Florida destinations, vibrant and often entertainment-filled “sunset celebrations” happen each night up to (and during) the final rays of the day. Notable celebrations include the one at Key West ’s Mallory Square, which boasts acrobats, musicians, clowns and everything in between, and a similar daily party at Pier 60 in Clearwater Beach.

Bustling St George St in St Augustine offers historic sights, quirky boutiques and plenyt of people watching © Andriy Blokhin / Shutterstock

Take a stroll down St Augustine’s historic St George St
Dating back to 1565, the city of St Augustine is the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the USA. No street in the town brims with a balance of history and contemporary life more than its main drag, St George St. On a stroll along this pedestrian-only street, you can see the Oldest Wooden School House, Old City Gate and a plethora of other eye-catching sights.
Enjoy Florida’s creative vibe at public art installations
You can take in some of the state’s most unique and captivating art by simply taking a stroll. Among the state’s highlights is Thrive, a sculpture by South African artist Daniel Popper by the Las Olas Riverfront in downtown Fort Lauderdale. Other top art spots include Miami’s graffiti-festooned Wynwood neighborhood and the newly opened Underline park. At the other end of the state, the Tu Viện A Nan Buddhist Temple and Statue Park in Gainesville offers a tranquil experience.
Get some quirky culture at free museums
Although the majority of Florida’s museums require paid entry, there are a few free-admission options scattered throughout the state, often a little quirkier than the mainstay institutions. From north to south, free choices include the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, the Museum of Florida History in Tallahassee and the Florida Museum of Natural History in Gainesville.
Feel the pull of the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory
Did you know that some of the strongest magnets in the world are housed in a Florida building? On the campus of Florida State University in Tallahassee, the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory is dedicated to testing all forms of magnets, materials and energy under one (strongly fortified) roof. Free public tours of the facility are available on the third Wednesday of each month; with three weeks’ notice, groups of eight or more may schedule a private tour.

Opened in 2019, the wonderfully gaudy Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino puts on a free nightly light show © Felix Mizioznikov / Shutterstock

Jam out at the Guitar Hotel
Is this the most rockin’ hotel in the world? In 2019, the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood opened the 638-room Guitar Hotel on its grounds. The building does, in fact, take the form of a giant guitar stretching 36 stories high. At night, vivid lights and a rooftop beam shining into the sky make for a wonderfully gaudy spectacle. Though you’ll have to pay to check in here, the hotel typically puts on a nightly light show at 9 and 9:30pm.
Watch mammals take flight from the University of Florida’s bat houses
The largest bat houses in the world can be found on the campus of the University of Florida in Gainesville. And we’re not taking about baseball. Each night and shortly after sunset, upwards of 500,000 bats emerge from the two wooden structures for their nightly insect feast. The public can watch the visual spectacle from nearby – and there’s no need to fret, since these bats leave humans alone.
Start (or end) a journey at mile 0
How often do you see a marker for mile 0? Snapping a picture in front of this Key West landmark means more than just taking a cool photo. It means you’ve ventured to the southern end of the continental USA at the southernmost point of US Route 1, which runs from here all the way to the border with Canada, some 2400 miles away.
If geographic superlatives are your thing, you’ll probably also want a pic with the Southernmost Point Buoy (marking the southernmost point in the US – sort of), which can also be found in Key West.

Throughout the state of Florida, roads and paths are shaded by oak branches draped with Spanish moss © Kristi Blokhin / Shutterstock

Linger under the Spanish moss on canopy roads
Whether driving on Interstate 75 through the Everglades or along the Atlantic Coast via State Road A1A, there is no shortage of vistas on Florida’s thoroughfares. Tallahassee is home to nine official “ canopy roads,” where the long branches of Spanish moss–covered live oaks, hickories and other flora creates a tunnel-like and unforgettable drive. You’ll definitely want to make a few pit stops for a picture...or 10.
Feel the old-school grandeur of the Biltmore Hotel
The Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables exudes an old-school elegance that is rare to find in South Florida. Originally built in 1926, it’s now a National Historic Landmark with a 271-room resort as its anchor and more than 150 acres of lush spaces on its property. Every Sunday, two free tours let non-paying guests explore its grounds and history.

Florida fun for free: the Sunshine State’s most budget-friendly experiences

Croatia has some stunning towns and cities, but none can match Dubrovnik for tourist appeal. The only problem? Given the number of visitors to this Dalmatian port’s small and lovely old town, budget travelers can feel squeezed out.
Never fear: while Dubrovnik can be expensive, some of the finest things to do in the city are completely free. Indeed, a lot of Dubrovnik’s appeal comes down to the experience of just being there.
Stone walls surround green-shuttered houses and elegant churches. During the day, the Adriatic sparkles with sunlight, while at night the paved streets – polished smooth by thousands of wandering feet – have a shimmer of their own. Check out great paintings and colorful markets, or take a swim off rocky coves – it needn’t cost you a Croatian kuna.

Squeeze every moment out of your next vacation with tips and tricks from Lonely Planet in our weekly newsletter delivered to your inbox.
Get above the city on the Way of the Cross path and the Petka hills
Green hills dot the city’s outer rim, providing a lovely chance to enjoy nature without leaving Dubrovnik. For the best views, hike up the Way of the Cross path to the top of 413m-high (1355ft) Srđ hill to see the old town’s terracotta roofs spread beneath you like the palm of a hand.
Across town, the hiking trails on the Petka hills lead through the cool shade of Mediterranean forests up to stunning views of the tiny Grebeni rocks and the mystical Elafiti Islands. Timing is everything: avoid the high sun and come prepared with water, sunscreen, snacks and a sunhat.

Fort Lawrence was the filming location for the Red Keep in Game of Thrones © Benny Marty / Shutterstock

Explore the real King’s Landing
Dubrovnik’s old town stood in for the great city of King’s Landing in the epic TV series Game of Thrones, providing the setting for intrigue, murder and some dagger-sharp one-liners – it looks likely to feature in prequel House of the Dragon too.
For a free self-guided walking tour of the highlights you could start at the Jesuit stairs (near St Ignatius church), where Cersei’s infamous “walk of shame” scene was set, heading past the Pile Gate (where a crowd threw manure at Joffrey). Stroll down to the shore (King’s Landing’s harbor), and continue west past Fort Lawrence (the Red Keep) to serene Gradac Park (where Joffrey had a bad wedding experience).
Wander the open-air museum of Dubrovnik’s old town
Dubrovnik’s old town is the city’s greatest sight. Its twin drawbridges and mix of medieval, Renaissance and Baroque architecture give it a fairy-tale feel, and as you explore it every square becomes a stage and every view a postcard. This was once the center of a trading network that stretched from the Adriatic to the Black Sea. Rebuilt after a 1667 earthquake, its promenades and palaces feel like they’ve barely changed in centuries.
The best part for budget travelers? While there’s a fee to climb the famous walls, the streets themselves are open to anyone. You can watch tourists and locals from the stairs of St Blaise’s Church, sit on a bench in the picturesque harbor, or gaze down at swimmers at Porporela.
Take in a Titian at the Cathedral of the Assumption
Churches in Dubrovnik display art by local artists and international greats. In the Baroque Cathedral, you can admire the Assumption of Mary, a three-paneled 16th-century masterpiece by Titian above the main altar. The church, like most in the city, is free, though there’s a small fee to enter the attached Treasury.
Other godly highlights include St Ignatius of Loyola Church, where stunning Baroque frescoes fill the main apse, and St Blaise’s Church, with colorful stained glass windows by renowned local painter Ivo Dulčić.

The knight on the Orlando Column plays an important role in Dubrovnik's system of measurements © b-hide the scene / Shutterstock

Discover what the ell’s going on with the Orlando Column
Many of the visitors who mill around cafe-packed Luža Sq don’t give the carved column in the middle a second glance. But this 1418 statue of an armored knight was once the city’s focal point. The Orlando Column shows the hero of the Song of Roland, a medieval poem that kicked off the whole idea of chivalry. Orlando was adopted by Dubrovnik as a heroic savior – and his 51.2cm (20.2in) right forearm became the city-state’s basic measurement of length, the “ell”.
Enjoy some free nibbles at Grad Market
The Grad Market adds a splash of vibrant color to the old town stone every morning. Many stalls stock such traditional local sweets as dried figs, arancini (Croatian candied orange peel), and bruštulani mjenduli (candied almonds), and offer a free taste before you buy. Foodies should also venture to the city’s main market in Gruž, which has its own fish market.
Remember the fallen at Sponza Palace
The 1991–92 war that followed the breakup of Yugoslavia left Dubrovnik shattered. Impressive repair work means the city’s scars are hard to spot, but if you look closely around the old town you’ll see damage from shrapnel and bullets, as well as plaques of remembrance. The ornate, 500-year-old Sponza Palace has a free Memorial Room that shows the portraits of the young men and women who died defending Dubrovnik during its seven-month siege.

The rocky base of Dubrovik’s walls, Buža offers adrenaline seekers a place for a dive and a dip © Sandra Mori / Shutterstock

Sunbathe on the beaches and rocks with the locals
The beaches are nearly impossible to privatize around Dubrovnik, so even the most popular ones, like Banje or Sveti Jakov, have room for beachgoers who prefer to put down a towel instead of renting a lounger. For sunbathing the way locals do it, head to rugged Danče or scenic Šulić; for adrenaline, dive off the rocks on Buža. For family time, venture across town to Lapad Bay, which offers pebbly shores and dramatic sunsets.
Fall in love with Adriatic coral at Clara Stones Jewellery
Visiting the exclusive Clara Stones Jewellery will teach you all about sumptuous red Adriatic coral. The region’s only semiprecious material is known for its shiny scarlet color – yet before craftspeople have their way with the material, it is neither shiny nor red. At the Clara Stones workshop, you can witness the magical transformation first-hand.
Volunteer on a water excursion with Green Sea Safari tours
It’s hard to believe you can take a day trip to the islands around Dubrovnik at no cost – yet with local NGO Green Sea Safari, you’ll pay for the experience in kind, by helping the group clean up remote bits of the coast. After about an hour’s work, it’s break time, as you swim in crystal-clear waters, island-hop, explore watery caves and more. While the NGO relies on donations, these aren’t obligatory.
Enjoy a free guided tour in the off-season
Each November and December (and sometimes through to March), the Dubrovnik Tourism Board throws in a freebie for the town’s low-season visitors. On Saturday mornings, free guided walking tours of the old town are followed by a folk singing and dancing performance on Luža Sq, providing insight into traditions that have nourished this gem of a city for centuries.

11 of the best free things to do in Dubrovnik: walking tours, Game of Thrones' locations and more

While there aren’t many bargains in Munich, there are a surprising number of one-of-kind activities and sights to take in that are completely free.
Whether you’re a music lover, a car junkie or a fan of world-class soccer, gardens, history or architecture, we’ve compiled this list of extremely budget-friendly attractions for your itinerary. These are the best free things to do in Munich.

Ready to start planning? Sign up for our weekly newsletter and get 20% off your next guidebook

Sprawling Englischer Garten is where Munich residents go to unwind © Matej Kastelic / Shutterstock

Escape the city’s bustle at Englischer Garten
Sure, most parks are free – though few are like Munich’s Englischer Garten (English Garden), which is bigger than London’s Hyde Park and Central Park in New York. Find your way to Kleinhesseloher See (a lake) and stake out some turf on the manicured lawns for sunbathing or a picnic.
Other delightful features of this urban oasis include a Greek-style temple with grand views, and (naturally) several beer gardens. The most famous – and one of Munich’s largest – sprawls around the unmissable Chinesischer Turm (Chinese Tower), a five-tiered wooden pagoda.
Drool over luxury cars at BMW Welt
If you worship at the altar of the automobile, you’ll want to make a beeline for this “cathedral of cars” near the Olympic Stadium. Sitting right next to the actual BMW plant, BMW Welt is essentially a vast showroom where you can admire the company’s entire current product offering, from sedans to Minis, racing cars to electric vehicles and even Rolls-Royces. The futuristic building itself is a showstopper, all glass and steel twisted into a double cone and lidded by a roof reminiscent of a floating cloud. Admission to the showroom space is free, though there is a fee to visit the adjacent BMW Museum.

Inside Munich’s Asamkirche, a rococo gem in the city center © g215 / Shutterstock

Admire the rococo riot of Asamkirche
Of Munich’s many churches, the diminutive Asamkirche is an easily bypassed rococo gem tucked between residential houses on a store- and cafe-lined street in the city center. Richly decorated, the church was the private chapel of the artist brothers Cosmas Damian and Egid Quirin Asam, who lived next door and adorned every inch of wall space themselves with paintings, cherubs, gold leaf and stucco flourishes. The result adds up to an extraordinary whole.

Daredevil surfers take on the Eisbach River © aluxum / Getty Images

Watch the Eisbach surfers from the "shore"
Munich is famous for beer, sausages and...surfing. That’s no typo: at the southern tip of the Englischer Garten at Prinzregentenstrasse, you’ll see scores of people leaning over a bridge to cheer on wetsuit-clad daredevils as they hang 10 on a rolling wave in the fast-flowing Eisbach, a 2km (1.25 mile)-long creek running through the giant park. Rocks, strong currents and the constricted space make surfing here a rather dangerous endeavor – one which, in fact, only became legal in 2010. Visitors are advised to stay on dry land.
Visit the best parks in Munich
Hear – or at least eavesdrop on – live music Olympiapark
A trip out to the Olympiapark, site of the 1972 Summer Olympic Games, is always a lovely excursion, especially so in the warmer months when you can time a spin around the grounds with a free concert. Throughout August and for one weekend in June (Pentecost), the Theatron Festival brings live bands to the amphitheater next to the Olympic Lake, with everything from hip-hop to gospel, pop and punk on the lineup.
Better yet, bring a blanket and a beverage and join the throngs of locals to eavesdrop on the stars from atop the Olympiaberg. The 564m (1850ft) hill just happens to be within earshot of the roofless Olympic Stadium, where acts as big as Beyoncé, Linkin Park and Katy Perry are known to take the stage.

Musicians playing at Hofbräuhaus, a Munich institution © Let Go Media / Shutterstock

No beer purchase is required to enjoy the music and ambiance of Hofbräuhaus
A pilgrimage to Hofbräuhaus, the world’s most famous beer hall, is a must for every visitor to Munich. Even if you don’t feel like downing giant mugs of amber liquid, no one is going to stop you from wandering beneath painted vaulted ceilings in the warren of halls or stopping to listen to the in-house oompah band do its thing. A dubious piece of history to consider as you wander through the merriment: the huge, flag-festooned banquet hall upstairs is where the National Socialist Party held its first large gathering in 1920.
Watch champions practice at the FC Bayern München training facility
Tickets to see world-champion soccer players in a home game with their club, FC Bayern München, Germany’s winningest Bundesliga (premier league) team, are not only frightfully expensive but almost impossible to snag. Yet for no euros at all, you might still get a chance to see these ball magicians kick, dribble and pass during training sessions that are fully open to the public and held regularly at the team’s headquarters on Säbener Strasse, about 6km (4 miles) south of the city center (a 10-minute walk from Mangfallplatz U-Bahn station). Check FC Bayern München’s website for the schedule before heading out.

The swans are as regal as the architecture at Nymphenburg Castle, whose grounds visitors can explore for free © Max Majosch / Shutterstock

Get the royal treatment at Nymphenburg Park
Add a touch of royal flair to your Munich sojourn by sweeping through the grand gardens surrounding Schloss Nymphenburg. The free grounds boast various water features, including a canal that turns into an ice-skating rink in freezing winters, as well as several palace outbuildings. Of these, the frilly Amalienburg is the most noteworthy; a small admission fee is charged if you want to see its opulent interior.
Your guide to Munich’s best neighborhoods
Savor the sounds of Kulturzentrum Gasteig
Hardly the prettiest building in Munich, the postmodern Gasteig cultural center is nevertheless blessed with superb acoustics, as you’ll discover during free lunchtime and early evening concerts starring the talented students of the Hochschule für Musik und Theater (Academy of Music and Theater). There’s usually at least one recital scheduled every day.
Note that as the campus undergoes a renovation scheduled to last years, all events – including free concerts – are taking place at an alternative site in the neighborhood of Sendling.

All Stories

Top 6 things to do in Honduras from scuba diving to exploring Mayan ruins

A guide to the best street food in South Korea

South Korea on a budget: the 26 best free things to do in Seoul

Best free things to do in Tucson

10 of the best free things to do in Porto: seaside strolls, street art and sunsets

I've authored more than 50 Lonely Planet guidebooks: my top recs for the best street food in Paris for 2022

Florida fun for free: the Sunshine State’s most budget-friendly experiences

11 of the best free things to do in Dubrovnik: walking tours, Game of Thrones' locations and more

Superb music, gleaming cars and more free things to experience in Munich

Featured in Best in Travel 2022

Oman

Middle East

Country

Malawi

Africa

Country

Queensland

Australia

Region

Taipei

Taiwan

City