See more for less: sights and activities

Tickets and tours can eat a big share of a trip budget. These steps help you see the best places without overpaying.

Make a short list first

Pick the three to five things you really want to do on each trip. Spend on those, and enjoy free things for the rest.

Buy tickets from the right place

• Buy from the attraction's official website when you can. Resellers often add a markup.
• For famous sights that sell out, such as museums and towers, book a timed ticket days or weeks ahead.
• Check what a skip-the-line ticket really adds, and decide whether it is worth the price.

Do the math on city passes

A pass can save money if you will visit many of the included places. Add up the individual ticket prices for the sights you really want. If the pass costs more, skip it. Also check whether it includes public transport.

Look for free and low-cost options

• Many museums have free days or free evenings, and free entry for children, students or seniors.
• Walking tours that work on tips give a good overview of a city. Tip fairly.
• Parks, beaches, markets, churches, viewpoints and street art cost nothing.
• Cities often publish free events and festivals. Check the tourism website.

Eat smart near sights

Restaurants right next to a famous landmark tend to charge more. Walk a few blocks away, look for places full of locals, and use lunch menus, which are often cheaper than dinner.

Use local transport

A day pass or multi-day pass for buses and trains can be cheaper than single tickets. Walk when you can. It is free and you see more.

Book tours with care

• Read recent reviews and the cancellation rules.
• Compare the price of a tour with doing it yourself by public transport.
• Ask your hotel or guesthouse owner for tips. Local guides often offer better prices than big platforms.