You don’t have to miss out on wonderful culture simply because you don’t have a lot of money. There are many interesting attractions to see that don’t require an entrance price. Some of these are well-known free museums, like the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C., and London’s natural history and art galleries. Others are lesser-known hidden gems throughout Asia, Europe and beyond.
This guide to free attractions throughout the world will provide you the most up-to-date travel advice.
1. Washington, D.C.
The Smithsonian Institution
There are 19 museums, galleries, and the National Zoo in the massive Smithsonian complex and all of them are free to access.
Some of the best places to view are
- The National Museum of American History, which has the Star-Spangled Banner
- The Air and Space Museum, which has the Apollo 11 Command Module
- The American Art Museum.
- These are locations that everyone, whether they are on a budget or love culture, should see.
- You might have to visit all of them over the course of a few days, so wear comfortable shoes.
National Gallery of Art
This is another amazing free museum containing things from the Middle Ages to now. The quiet sculpture garden is a nice spot to go for a budget art tour.
2. England
The British Museum in London
The British Museum is one of the most visited museums in the world. It has limitless halls of human history, from the Rosetta Stone to the Elgin Marbles. You may go in for free every day, which makes it one of the top free museum tours in Europe.
Renovation Coming Up: A big renovation worth £1 billion is in the works to make the north and south gates nicer for visitors by spring 2026.
The National Museum of Scotland (Edinburgh)
You can learn about Scottish history, science and wildlife by looking at things like Dolly the sheep and a giant T-Rex skeleton. With big, interactive galleries, it’s a great spot for tourists to go that doesn’t cost much.
The Tate Modern and the Natural History Museum in London
People who love art and people who love nature will be glad to know that Tate Modern’s collection of modern art is free. You may also see the dinosaur skeletons and stunning buildings at the Natural History Museum for free.
Science Museum in London
You don’t have to pay to get in, however some special exhibits might cost money. Still, the main experience is filled with exciting, scientific surprises that are great for families and those who are curious.
3. Berlin’s East Side Gallery
The Berlin Wall’s largest section that has been turned into vibrant public art is this open-air gallery which is almost 1.3 kilometers long. It’s free, it’s a part of history and it’s a terrific way to see the attractions without spending a lot of money.
4. Te Papa Tongarewa in Wellington, New Zealand
A one-of-a-kind, bilingual museum that celebrates Maori culture, natural history and what it means to be a New Zealander. A museum that a lot of people appreciate and is free.
5. Other Famous Museums
The National Museum of China in Beijing
It has things from thousands of years ago and tells the story of Chinese history and it’s all free. It is one of the biggest and most interesting free museum attractions in the world.
The Prado Museum in Madrid
You generally have to pay to get in, but there are a few hours each day when you may see paintings like Velázquez, Goya and El Greco for free. This is a beautiful illustration of how everyone can enjoy art.
Museums in the Vatican City
You can go to the Sistine Chapel and Raphael Rooms for free on the final Sunday of every month. This is a rare chance to go to one of the world’s most famous museums for free.
The National Museum of Korea in Seoul
One of the biggest museums in Asia, it has art, history and national heritage. It’s free to get in which is wonderful for people who love history and people who are on a budget in Asia.
The State Hermitage Museum, St.Petersburg
Every first Thursday of the month, you may walk in for free and experience an astonishing collection of more than three million items. People who love art and history will adore this deal.
Nicholson Museum, Sydney, Australia
This free museum on the campus of Sydney University boasts the biggest collection of ancient artifacts in the Southern Hemisphere. It also features mummies, which are wonderful for anyone who likes to investigate.
Museo Nacional de Culturas Populares in Mexico City
There are many colorful displays at this museum that are all about Mexican traditional cultures. It’s a fun and free place to visit in one of the cities with the most museums in the world.
Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, Poland
A powerful and sad site to remember and learn about history that lets everyone see a significant aspect of world history for free.
The Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, Philadelphia
Free stories on how America began. These well-known emblems of democracy are free for any budget visitors who want to see where history happened.
The Art Gallery of NSW in Sydney
Known for its holdings of Aboriginal and foreign art. It’s a world-class place to visit on a budget because general admission is free.
Melbourne’s Koorie Heritage Trust
You may learn about Indigenous Australian stories through collections and free events. This is a cultural stop in Melbourne that you have to see.
Events that are free and cultural celebrations that happen every year
May 18, International Museum Day
Over 150 countries and thousands of museums let you in for free and have special events. A trend of free things to do around the world that is fantastic for tourists who know about it.
European Heritage Days, end of September
You can get into museums and historic places for free in a lot of European towns. This is a terrific method to learn about history and architecture without spending a lot of money.
Smithsonian Magazine’s Museum Day, USA
People can go into participating museums for free with digital tickets during this event which happens every year in September.
How to arrange a trip to free attractions
- Not all places let you enter for free all year so check online for free days.
- Get there early especially on busy free days like the Louvre or Vatican free hours.
- Get passes for public transit. During events like the Long Night of Museums, a lot of cities give free or cheap trips.
- Pack the essentials, such snacks, drinks and suitable shoes for walking. Long walks are frequent in museums that don’t charge.
- Follow hashtags, especially during Museum Week and International Museum Day to obtain news about what’s going on in your region, anecdotes from visitors and tips from those who work at the museum.
There are a lot of free museums and other places to see across the world that are worth visiting. The Smithsonian, the British Museum and the Hermitage are some of the most well-known. Some people admire Te Papa, Nicholson and Coyoacán’s cultural pearls more than others. You don’t have to pay to enjoy the excitement of discovery whether you plan your vacation around International Museum Day or just happen to stroll into free art galleries in cities. You can still appreciate art, history and community on a budget in 2025 without spending a lot of money. Plan your dream trip with this guide, use a hashtag to mark your museum visits and see the world for free and with delight.