Cheap thrills: 10 inexpensive or free alternatives to top international attractions
Editor’s note: The team at The Points Guy loves to travel, but now is not the time for unnecessary trips. Health officials note that the fastest way to return to normalcy is to stop coming in contact with others. That includes ceasing travel. We are publishing some travel guides because we should all use this time to think about and plan our next adventures.
Whatever your next big destination may be, it’s bound to have its iconic attractions -- vast fields of tulips in the Netherlands, the thermal lagoons of Iceland or lofty panoramas in almost every city. But you don't have to pay big bucks and stand in long lines to enjoy these experiences -- there are legitimate alternatives to many international tourist icons. Here are ways to stick to a budget by straying just a little off the beaten path.
Sign up for the free daily TPG newsletter for more travel tips!
Staten Island Ferry (U.S.)
The Statue of Liberty is, of course, one of New York City’s must-sees, but rather than paying for a boat ride to base of the statue, hop aboard the Staten Island Ferry. The transport is free and runs 24 hours a day, serving primarily commuters between Staten Island and Manhattan. As you leave the pier in Manhattan, head to the right -- starboard -- side of the ferry for a clear shot of Lady Liberty. (If leaving from Staten Island, go left.)
Waipu Caves (New Zealand)
Being surrounded by the famous glowworms of New Zealand can feel like you’ve stepped right into Pandora in "Avatar." Tours take you to Waitomo Caves to get a glimpse of these blue-green, bioluminescent wonders, but there’s an alternative farther north: Waipu Caves. An undeveloped, unguided cave, it is free to enter and you can explore as you like. Note that you are venturing inside at your own risk, so remember basic cave safety measures: Check the rainfall beforehand, bring a flashlight and don’t go in alone. Reef shoes are recommended (or any shoes that can get wet from wading).
Myvatn Nature Baths (Iceland)
The warm (around 100° F), azure waters of Iceland’s Blue Lagoon attract thousands of people a day. Venture to the other side of the country, however, and you’ll find Myvatn Nature Baths, which are not nearly as crowded and have a similar stunning color. Both places are man-made lagoons with comparable water temperatures, but the entrance fee at Myvatn is far less.
Sky Garden or Tate Modern Viewing Level (England)
For excellent views of London you don’t have to shell out for a ticket (or deal with the line) at the London Eye. There are two free alternatives. One is the Sky Garden atop a commercial skyscraper. It is London’s highest public garden and offers 360-degree views. Access to the Sky Garden is free, but tickets are limited so you need to reserve them online. Your other option is the viewing level of the Tate Modern — another spot in the city with wraparound views of the skyline. The museum itself is free to enter and you can get to the open viewing terrace from the specified elevator on Level 0.
Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge (Canada)
A trip to Vancouver often includes a hike across the Capilano Suspension Bridge for a thrill and a great photo op. To avoid the pricey admission there, go about 15 minutes away to the suspension bridge at Lynn Canyon Park, a public park with no admission fee. Full disclosure: Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge is 50 meters high compared to Capilano Suspension Bridge’s 70 meters, but you’ll still get a span that sways in exciting, stomach-turning ways with beautiful nature views.
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatories (Japan)
A government building may not come to mind for a vacation stop, but hear us out. You could pay for a ticket to ride up the Tokyo Skytree, the 634-meter tower that is the world's second tallest structure, or you could pocket that money and get your views of the city at the observatories at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. There’s no admission price to go to the building’s north and south observatories, which are 202 meters up. If you look northeast, you’ll even have the Tokyo Skytree in your view or photo.
"Oper live am Platz” (Austria)
Tickets to a world-renowned performance at the Vienna State Opera, or Wiener Staatsoper, aren’t cheap unless you happen to act fast before the lower-priced options sell out — or unless you’re OK with standing room for an entire opera. However, if you’re visiting Vienna in April, May, June or September, you can get your arts al fresco. It's called Opera Live Outdoors or "Oper live am Platz.” A 50-square-meter LED video screen is set up outside the opera house and broadcasts opera and ballet performances live. It’s relaxed, and best of all, it’s free.
Self-tour in De Bollenstreek (Holland)
You’ve seen photos of endless rows of bright, colorful tulips at the famous Keukenhof Gardens. There may be millions of flowers in bloom there, but there are also thousands of visitors and an entrance fee. Alternatively, check out the many rural tulip fields found elsewhere in De Bollenstreek (the Bulb Region) by doing a walking or biking tour on your own through towns like Heemstede, Hillegom, Lisse, and Leiden during the season. Remember: Obey signs on private farms.
Maokong Gondola (Taiwan)
To soak up views from the top of Taipei, your first choice may be the Taipei 101 Observatory. But before you spend the money for that ticket, consider the Maokong Gondola. A ticket costs significantly less than admission to the observatory. Ride the gondola to the highest station, Maokong Station, to enjoy picturesque, panoramic views. If you want to make things even more exciting, ride in one of the “Eyes of Maokong Gondola” Crystal Cabins, which have see-through floors (don’t worry, it’s tri-layer reinforced glass).
Berlin public transportation F10 ferry (Germany)
A cruise along the Spree or Havel rivers is a great way to tour Berlin by water (in good weather). But if your funds are running low from all the kebabs, clubbing and museums, check out the F10 ferry, which is part of Berlin’s public transportation network. It's a 20-minute ride across the Großer Wannsee ("Great Wannsee") and part of the Havel. It may not be a full-out touristic cruise experience, but it does get you out on a nice stretch of water for less than three euros.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.