Independent Travel in Europe

Museums and Art Galleries

If you're planning on visiting a lot of museums in one city, look into the cost of a Museum Pass, but make sure it is worth your while. If you're not planning on visiting most of the museums included in the pass, then compare the entrance fees for the museums you plan on visiting to the cost of the Museum Pass.

Find out if the museums offer any discounts at the end of the day or possibly a free day during the week. You definitely also want to find out when they are closed so you can plan accordingly.

Churches

Most churches and cathedrals in Europe don't charge entrance fees, although most will have a donation box at the entrance to help pay for maintenance costs. There are exceptions to this, such as the churches and cathedrals in Florence and London, as well as Sainte-Chapelle in Paris. Be prepared to go through security before entering Sainte-Chapelle. Check guidebooks and websites for opening hours to plan your visits to churches and cathedrals.

Walking the Historic Walls

Many of Europe's towns and cities still have their original gates, partial walls, or entire walls. For a different view of the historic centre, walk around the wall of the historic centre in Lucca, Italy. It is also possible to walk around the old wall of the city of Chester, England, and Rothenburg-ob-der-Tauber in Germany. These acitivities are free, of course, plus they provide an opportunity to walk off that great food!

Art Work - Murals on City Buildings

Take in some of Lyon's best works of art -  for free. Lyon, France, is home to over 150 large-scale trompe l'oeil murals - not only will you enjoy the murals, you'll have fun just trying to spot these wall-size frescoes.