Europe is home to a vast array of different tourist attractions. But when you’re interrailing on a budget, it might feel difficult to find attractions that fit within your price range. With many steep admission costs, it may feel as though exploring these cities or towns to the full isn’t within easy reach.
However, luckily there are plenty of free attractions that you can indulge in when interrailing across Europe, regardless of the route that you’ve decided to take across the continent. Whether you love to take in magnificent pieces of art, gaze at enchanting castles or want to put on your walking shoes and stroll across a beautiful natural landscape, the possibilities are endless.
Unsure where to start? Europe is a big place. So whether you’ve planned your trip or not, it’s always nice to have a helping hand. To give you some inspiration, we’ve put together a list of the best free attractions to visit in Europe when you’re interrailing on a budget!
Wander through the magical grounds of Prague Castle
Image by Ralf Gervink from Pixabay
If you’re planning on heading to Prague, you’re in for an unforgettable travel experience. The capital of the Czech Republic, this fairytale city is full to the brim with history. Known as the City of a Hundred Spires, there is so much to see and do here for anyone on an interrailing adventure. And the majority of the attractions are free! From its Old Town Square to its medieval Astronomical Clock and the Charles Bridge.
One attraction, in particular, stands out, however. And that is the magnificent Prague Castle. Plus it’s free to walk around and explore the grounds! Granting spectacular views of the city, you can spend hours taking in the sights, capturing pictures of the castle and all of its natural beauty. Overlooking the River Vltava, at 12 noon you can even see the changing of the guard; who wear incredible traditional uniforms.
Marvel at the beauty of a Parisian museum
Photo by Michael Fousert on Unsplash
Ok, so we know that Paris is renowned for its pricey tourist attractions. But if you’re aged under 26 and are a European citizen, then you’re in luck – the majority of its attractions, from the Louvre to the Musee D’Orsay are free! Everyone needs to see the Mona Lisa at least once in their life, or even the visionary self-portrait of Vincent Van Gogh after all.
But don’t worry – if you don’t fit into the above categories you can still go to these museums on the first Sunday of the month; just make sure you double-check all of the terms and conditions ahead of arrival.
Hike up Arthur’s Seat
Photo by Claudel Rheault on Unsplash
For anyone that’s not been to Edinburgh, now’s your chance. It might not be the first destination you think of when you’re planning your interrailing trip, but it’s a beautiful city to visit when in Europe. This breathtaking Scottish city exudes mystery, and from the peak of Arthur’s Seat, you’ll be able to take in awe-inspiring views that mimic that of a postcard. Located in Holyrood Park, it was once a volcano. And whilst it’s a lengthy walk, the views of the city are well worth the effort.
Step back in time at The Pantheon in Rome
Photo by Thimo van Leeuwen on Unsplash
Rome is already a fantastic city to visit when in Italy. From its delicious food to its welcoming atmosphere, it’s a popular destination for anyone travelling around the country. Although Rome has a handful of free attractions to visit, from the Trevi Fountain to the Santa Maria Maggiore, there is another popular site to visit for anyone wanting to step back in history; The Pantheon.
Built as a temple to the ancient Roman gods, it’s sat within the city since 125 AD. Now a Roman Catholic church, you’ll be in awe as soon as you enter it. In particular, people love to spend their afternoons gazing at the central opening within the Pantheon – known as the Great Eye.
Discover the fascinating Checkpoint Charlie in Berlin
Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash
When visiting Berlin, there’s one attraction that will stick in your memory – Checkpoint Charlie. A must for any history buff, it became the most famous crossing point in the early 1960s when American and Soviet tanks faced off against the city. Although it is now surrounded by tourist-focused restaurants such as KFC and Mcdonalds, this is still a fascinating place to visit whenever in the city. And it’s free!
When visiting Checkpoint Charlie, you can pop into the nearby shop and even purchase a piece of the Berlin Wall – a harrowing yet incredible piece of history that you can bring home with you. Of course, it’s also captivating to see the real thing when in the city; once dividing the West and East Berlin, you can see sections of the wall throughout it. The East Side Gallery is the longest remaining part of the wall in Berlin-Friedrichshain.
Those are just some of the best free attractions to visit when you’re interrailing in Europe on a budget. Of course this isn’t a complete list, and there are other top sites to see when on the continent, including the magical Lake Brienz in Switzerland, the enchanting Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland and the captivating Northern Lights in Norway.
But the above will give you a good place to start – whether you’ve already planned your getaway or you’re still in the exciting process of exploring options of where to visit. Regardless of where you end up going, Europe has an abundance of both natural and man-made landmarks to discover, no matter what your taste.
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