They may be the world’s most expensive cities according to the latest report from UBS but at Skyscanner they’re not put off by statistics!
So, they’ve put together a list of wonderful, quirky and best of all FREE things to do in the world’s most expensive cities.
1. Oslo, Norway
The Norwegian capital may be the priciest city in Scandinavia but one of the most unforgettable experiences of the region is yours to be had and it’s completely free; the Northern Lights. Top of the list for places to see the Aurora Borealis, in Oslo you can see them almost every night during the winter time on clear nights.
Whilst you could take a special Northern Lights Safari out of town – having a guide will cost. Alternatively, just gaze up at the night sky to see the spectacular bluey-green light-show absolutely free. Find cheap flights to Oslo
2. Zurich, Switzerland
This example really holds true to the saying ‘the best things in life are free’. Swiss chocolate is as famous as Heidi and cuckoo clocks and although Zurich may be a stretch on the wallet you can visit the Lindt Chocolate Factory for free! Chocoholics are in for an unforgettably sweet experience with a tour around the famous factory that’s been making exquisite chocolate here since 1845.
It includes a visit to the chocolate museum and, best of all, free chocolate samples at the end of the tour. Heaven. Find cheap flights to Zurich
3. Geneva, Switzerland
One of the loveliest places to visit in Geneva also happens to be free. Genevans themselves love to spend balmy summer and crisp winter days walking and swimming in and around beautiful Lake Geneva or Lac Leman as it is known locally.
There are stunning views to admire and a lush green park where the soft sound of trickling fountains fills the air. There is even free wi-fi in the area for those who want to surf the net, while free bike hire is available for those who want to cycle the lake’s perimeter. Find cheap flights to Geneva
4. Copenhagen, Denmark
Denmark’s beautiful capital city, Copenhagen, with its stunning architecture, picturesque streets, vibrant art and long, leafy canals with miles of cycle paths lends itself beautifully to exploring by bicycle. The City Bikes scheme in Copenhagen offers trendy, free urban bikes for all which are a popular and fun way to whizz around the city seeing the sights. You need to leave a coin deposit but you get this back when you return the bike. Find cheap flights to Copenhagen
5. Stockholm, Sweden
As the unmistakeable scent of cinnamon fills the air, you know it’s winter time in Stockholm. Christmas markets begin to pop up with their cotton wool lined rooftops, twinkling fairy lights and mouth-watering aromas of goodies being freshly baked.
One of the nicest ways to spend a day in Stockholm at this time of year is ice skating. From mid-November until March, there is free ice skating at theKungstradgarden ice rink in the heart of the city, with live music and stands serving steaming hot drinks to keep you toasty warm. Find cheap flights to Stockholm
6. Tokyo, Japan
The neon lights of Tokyo are an urban dwellers paradise. Bustling streets, outdoor markets and frenzied traffic create the electric atmosphere that this city is so famous for. However, if you need an escape from the street hawkers take a trip to the Imperial Palace. Free to visit, this one of the most venerable sights in Tokyo.
Surrounded my ancient moats and thick stone walls, it has some of the most beautiful gardens in the city as well as Emperor Hirohito’s collection of kimono and magnificent Japanese paintings. People flock to the palace in early April to catch sight of the gorgeous pink cherry blossoms coming in to full bloom; a tranquil sight in such a cosmopolitan city. Find cheap flights to Tokyo
7. Sydney, Australia
Beautiful Sydney is one of the most ‘liveable’ cities in the world according to many people, with cafés, culture and art on every corner. Although it can be expensive, thanks to the almost endless summer sunshine and outdoor lifestyle that Australia is famous for, there are plenty of free outdoor activities to enjoy.
One of the most exciting is going for a stroll across the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge that joins the north and south parts of the harbour. It is one of the most recognised structures in the world and offers a view to die for out across Sydney and beyond. Find cheap flights to Sydney
8. Helsinki, Finland
Not one, not two but three festive Christmas markets grace the glorious streets of Helsinki come winter time. Surrounded by wild and remote coastal landscapes, Helsinki’s magnificent architecture, proud statues, wide boulevards and narrow cobbled streets are covered in lights and surrounded by the scents of baking and hot chocolate.
Selling arts, crafts, handmade decorations, cakes, sweets and much more, Helsinki’s Christmas markets are a delight. Wrap up warm as you crunch through the snow soaking up the truly festive atmosphere. Findcheap flights to Helsinki
9. Toronto, Canada
The funky, bustling city of Toronto is another of the world’s most expensive, famed for its fresh food, healthy living and wonderful outdoor lifestyle. While all these things can come with a hefty price tag, Toronto does have some little gems up its sleeve that don’t cost a thing. Riverdale Farm is slap bang in the centre of the city.
Unexpected, but a worthwhile visit, this little sanctuary offers the usual farm animals like pigs, cows, chickens and sheep and a wonderful farmers market selling local cheeses, pickles, meat and veg with a gorgeous green space to bring your own picnic and relax far away from city life. Find cheap flights to Toronto
10. Singapore
With its cloud piercing skyscrapers that reflect the urban landscape in their simmering glass fronts, Singapore is a super-efficient, super-clean and super-expensive city.
However, there is a bastion of elegance and colonial grandeur that must be seen: Raffles Hotel. This iconic hotel is one of the oldest in Singapore and still requires an elegance of dress just to enter the lobby, but its free to take a look.
The effort is well worth it though as you glimpse the bar where James Bond ordered his famous Martini, marvel at the interior of the toilets, drink a Singapore Sling (not free – but the nuts are!), sit in the courtyard surrounded by tropical plants, pretend you’re staying in one of the luxuriously appointed rooms and watch Singapore’s colourful past come to life. Find cheap flights to Singapore
