Traveling on a college student's budget is never easy, but I've managed to make it to 21 countries in the last two years. Here's some free must see attractions so you can make the most out of your trip abroad without breaking the bank.
1) France: The Louvre
While tickets to visit this museum in Paris are typically $15, every Friday night after 6:00p.m. admission is FREE for any non-EU resident under the age of 26. If you're under 18 or an EU resident aged 25 and under, admission is always free. You're welcome.
2) Italy: Listen to some music in Piazza Navona
Grab some gelato and spend a couple of hours experiencing the art fair that is Piazza Navona every day.
3) Scotland: Trossachs
This area of Scotland is home to Loch Katrine, which has been known to be a source of inspiration for many artists. Sir Walter Scott wrote The Lady of The Lake after he saw this place. It's kind of a trek from most major cities, but tours go there all the time and it's worth a visit.
4) Ireland: Cliffs of Moher
These cliffs on the western most coast of Ireland are just a short drive from Limerick or Galway and the perfect day trip from Dublin. There is a boat that will take you for a short ride along the coast or you can wander around the edges atop the cliffs on your own. Just don't look down.
5) England: Cross Abbey Road
I don't think this one needs any further explanation.
6) The Netherlands: Defy Death
That may be exaggerating, but riding a bike through Amsterdam is still one of the most terrifying things i have ever done. Borrow a bike from your hostel, or a friendly local who is feeling very generous for some reason, and try to not get run over by the bikes and cars on every side of you.
7) Denmark: Rosenborg Slott
I spent six months living in Copenhagen, Denmark, and this park is where I spent the majority of my time by far. Do like the Danes do on those rare sunny days and pack a picnic or bring a book and enjoy the fresh air. Even on cold, rainy, or cloudy days, which is most of them, there are a million cute cafes around. Coffee culture in Scandinavia is thriving.
8) Sweden: Stonehenge
Ale's Sones is like the Stonehenge of Sweden, but it was made by actual vikings. Plus there are always people hang gliding off the edge of the the cliffs. Need i say more?
9) Germany: East Side Gallery
Well, I mean, this is a public walkway so obviously it's free, but the art is often overlooked. Take some time to walk along the wall and observe.
10) Finland: Suomenlinna
This island that houses an 18th century sea fortress is just a short $5 ferry ride from Helsinki and is a beautiful place to spend the day exploring. It's mostly residential but has some cool cafes and museums to walk around too.
11) Norway: Fjords
Admittedly, I did not explore Norway outside of one day in Oslo, but the fjords are not to be missed. I would recommend exploring the natural landscapes to the west of the city, but if you find yourself in Oslo walk up the ramps on the side of the Opera House for some fantastic views.
12) Iceland: Chase some waterfalls
The only way to truly experience the surreality that is the entire country of Iceland is to rent a car and explore. While en route to the black sand beaches of VÃk we stumbled across the famous waterfall Seljalandsfoss and decided to postpone our trip to climb it. We were soaking wet and freezing afterwards but it was so worth it.
13) Costa Rica: Beaches of Guanacaste
The northern pacific coast of Costa Rica is home to some insane wildlife. Out of my week long stay in the province I don't think a single day went by that I didn't run in to some monkeys on the way to my hotel. Basically find any public beach in this area of the country, like Playa Conchal, and you'll be good.
14) Spain: Centro Comercial Arenas de Barcelona
This old bull fighting ring turned commercial shopping mall has a 360 degree outdoor walkway around the top. It gives the best views of Plaza De España and is the best place to watch the nightly water show at Montjuic.
15) Portugal: Bluesock Hostel
Okay, so this technically isn't free but it's too good to not include. Bluesock Hostel in Porto, Portugal is by far the best hostel I have ever stayed in. It's a fairly new place located just one street away from the Duoro River and walking distance from everything you could possibly want to visit. They have the friendliest staff, clean comfortable rooms, free breakfast, free tours, and the architecture will make you feel like you're sleeping inside a wine cellar.
16) Estonia: Get Lost
Within five minutes of arriving in Tallinn, Estonia on a solo trip I realized that I had left my portable charger on the ferry from Helsinki and that my phone had died on the 2 hour ride over. I was just in the city for the day so I had no place to stay or way to contact anyone. So i started walking. Tallinn city center looks like it was pulled directly from a storybook fairytale so getting lost here is probably one of the best things that could ever happen to you. Turn off your GPS, pick a street, and go.
17.) Luxembourg: Parcs de la Petrusse
Descend beneath the Adolphe Bridge in Luxembourg city and find a maze of walking and cycling trails running through the Pertrusse Valley in the middle of the city.
18.) Czech Republic: Vlatava River
The Vltava river in Prague has vendors that will charge less than $5 for one hour on a four-person pedal boat. This is a cool alternative to walking along the river bank and gives you a unique view of the city's landscape.
19.) Austria: Peterskirche
Vienna has some impressive museums but they can get pretty pricey and don't have many days with free admission to people above the age of 19. Peterskirche is a baroque oasis hidden in a fairly modern part of the city, and entrance is always free.
20.) Hungary: Sunset on the Danube
The parliament building in Budapest sits on the bank of the Danube river and seriously starts to glow when the sun sets. Claim one of the many benches out front or take in the view from the Fisherman's Bastion across the river. Either way, this is not to be missed.
21.) Belgium: Literally any rooftop
When you think Brussels, you might not automatically think of a beautiful panoramic skyline. But trust me, it's there. There are several rooftop bars and cafes with stunning views, as well as a ridiculous number of affordable Airbnb rentals with rooftop patios.