Things to Do in Europe

When you think of Europe, you begin to imagine yourself among the magnificent architecture, the lively streets, the spectacular mountains and the moving art galleries. Then there is of course chocolate, cheese, beer, vodka and many other temptations. Europe could easily be the most "vacation friendly" continent on the planet, but it is also among the most expensive, especially for Pakistani travelers. Do not let this discourage you though. Here are some incredibly fun things you can do in Europe without spending a dime.

1. Psst…Some Iconic Attractions Have NO Entry Fee

Image result for Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris

Europe has some of the most formidable architecture and millions of people around the world flock to these iconic places. The good news is that not everyone charges a fee. The Pantheon in Rome, St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, the Berlin Wall in Germany, the Gellért Hill Cave in Budapest, Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris and the Charles Bridge in Prague can be enjoyed free of charge.

2. Take Advantage of Unrestrained Entry to Some of the Best European Festivals

Europeans love to party and each country celebrates its culture in a unique way. The Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland, the Siena horse race in Italy, Rhine in Flames in Germany, Tomatina in Spain and the World Championship in Finland are free, among many other local festivals. Most of these parties are held during the summers. Plan your dates accordingly.

3. Explore the Beautiful Gardens without a Ticket

Gardens in Europe symbolize the architectural splendor and classic virtues of their time. Some even offer free admission! The Vigeland Sculpture Park in Oslo features 212 bronze and granite sculptures, all created by Gustav Vigeland. In Austria, come and visit the Schönbrunn Gardens in Vienna. In Berlin, stroll through the beautiful gardens of Charlottenburg Palace, the largest in the city and the only royal residence. In Paris, visit the beautiful garden of Luxembourg created by Marie de Medici in 1612 and the Park Buttes-Chaumont, which is the 5th largest park in the city.

4. Pay Complimentary Visits to the Exquisite Museums

The National Museum of Contemporary Art Reina Sofia

Several museums in Europe offer free admission to art lovers. Madrid offers free admission to the Bullfighting Museum and the National Museum of Spain "The National Museum of Contemporary Art Reina Sofia", which houses works of art of the twentieth century. Visit the War Museum in Athens, Greece and take a stroll on the Seine River, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Eiffel Tower in Paris, which require no tickets.

5. Walk through the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin

The Berlin Wall fell for the first time in Brandenburg in 1989. Therefore, any visit to Berlin is incomplete without a trip here. In fact, you can cross the gate for free and visit the Holocaust Memorial near the Brandenburg Gate. Also visit the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe and the Memorial of Homosexuals persecuted under Nazism. While you are in Berlin, you can take a free guided tour that operates on a donation basis.

6. Don't Miss the Chance to Sample Free Food in Europe

You can taste cheese with wine and enjoy delicious free dishes in many European restaurants. Most bars in Milan offer free appetizers when you buy a drink. Biciclette and Bar Brera are famous for their free dishes. Similarly, you get traditional tapas with your drinks in Spain. Of course, you will have to pay for your drinks, but the tasty tapas are quite plentiful if you do not want to indulge yourself with a full meal. If you are in a flamenco bar, you can also enjoy the enchanting dance performances for free.

7. Soak up the Sun on the Free-for-All Beaches

You are spoiled for choice on the seafront when you visit a continent bordered by the Arctic Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. The summer sun is mild and you can swim and surf all day on some of the most beautiful beaches in the world at no cost.

8. Bars That Offer Free Drinks—Yes, They Are a Thing!

In Dublin, all visitors for the first time are invited to enjoy a free drink and to chat with a local population as a welcome to the country. In fact, "Viniportugal" offers free glasses from 11am to 7pm to promote Portuguese wines. In Berlin, you have to learn about "pay-what-you-want" wine bars. Here's how they do it: have a drink, fill it as many times as you want, and finally pay what you feel is right. A good deal indeed!

9. Draw Your Own Graffiti at the Lennon Wall

In Prague, the Lennon Wall is an interesting public art group that began as a resistance to the communist regime. This is constantly changing with innumerable messages of love and peace. If you want to spread a message, it's the best canvas.

10. Attend a Free Concert

Most operas and concerts require reservations, but we have a way around this problem. In Amsterdam, you can watch a free show at the Boekmanzaal Opera House and the Concertgebouw. It's a great way to catch some classic performances without having to pay a dime. In Berlin, you should attend the chamber concert at lunchtime.

Europe as a whole is a continent in full swing that offers endless possibilities to travelers. There is always something more, like the "changing of the guard ceremony" in Warsaw, La Rambla and the Boqueria market in Barcelona, and the tile tour in Portugal, famous for its painted ceramic tiles. None of these cost a dime, yet they are the most incredible gifts you will ever experience.