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30 Free Things To Do While Traveling

By: Author Zachary Friedman

Posted on Last updated: March 4, 2024

Categories Travel , Travel Budgeting , Travel Tips

Home » Travel » 30 Free Things To Do While Traveling

You don’t have to go out and spend money on expensive tours, admission tickets, and activities every day to enjoy your trip. In fact, you can have an exciting and fulfilling day in pretty much any city without spending any money at all. Travel doesn’t have to be expensive. This list outlines 30 free things to do while traveling. Wherever you’re traveling, there is always something free to do.

Take a Free Walking Tour

Walking tours are a great way to see the main tourist sites and get to know your way around a new city for free. You’ll meet with local guide in a central location. Usually a park or plaza. They’ll walk the group to the most important landmarks, monuments, tourist attractions, and historic sites in the city and explain the significance of each.

Most free walking tours start in the late morning or afternoon and last an hour or two. The guides are usually local students or freelance tour guides. Most either grew up in the city or spent a good amount of time there.

You can usually find information about free walking tours on hostel bulletin boards or online. Freetour.com and Freetoursbyfoot.com are good resources for finding free walking tours.

Walking tours work best in pedestrian-friendly cities. Some popular cities for walking tours include New York, Paris, Berlin, London, Madrid, Sydney, and Rome. Almost every decent-sized city has a free walking tour these days.

In some cities, you can find themed tours. For example, brewery tours are common in cities with a big beer culture. Street art tours are common in cities with a large art scene. Some cities offer tours related to one historic event such as WWII.

The free walking tour trend started in Europe in the early 2000s. Since then, it has become a popular offering all over the world. I’ve gone on free walking tours in many cities throughout Latin America, Europe, and Asia.

Of course, there is a catch to free walking tours. They’re not 100% free. You’re expected to tip the tour guide at the end of the tour. That’s how the guide makes their living, after all. How much you should tip depends on the quality and length of the tour. Anywhere from $5-$20 in local currency is usually sufficient. Some tours also require that you take public transportation. Tickets might cost a couple of dollars.

One drawback with free walking tours is the fact that they tend to make lots of promotional stops. For example, during the tour, the guide will walk you through a market, local shop, or restaurant. Typically, the guide makes a commission when you buy something or receives a kickback from the business for taking the tour group there. Some tours are too heavy on this. I bailed on one walking tour in San Cristobal, Mexico because every stop was just a sales pitch.

If you don’t want to tip or stop at a bunch of shops, you can go on your own free walking tour. Simply do a Google search for a free walking tour map of your destination. Follow the map and see the sites yourself.

Go to the Beach

Pretty much every city that lies near a body of water has a public beach that you can visit for free. This is a great way to spend a couple of hours or the whole day. At the beach, you can go for a swim, go surfing, go snorkeling, take a walk along the shore, go fishing, view wildlife, or just sit down and relax in the sun. Some beaches offer free amenities such as volleyball nets, barbecues, and lounge chairs.

Some cities offer a better beach experience than others. For example, in cities such as Los Angeles, Sydney, and Rio de Janeiro, the beach is a major tourist attraction. In other cities, the beach might just be a quiet natural area. Even if you’re traveling in a landlocked country, you can almost always find a nearby lake or river where you can spend a day enjoying the sun and the water.

When you hit the beach, be sure to bring some sunblock and a towel to sit on. I recommended you leave all of your valuables and electronics at your hotel or hostel when you go to the beach so they don’t get damaged or stolen while you’re in the water.

Go to the Library

Browsing the library is a great way to spend a rainy or cold afternoon. Head down to the main branch of the local library and thumb through some books. Some libraries also allow you to listen to music or even watch movies. This can be an excellent cultural experience. Libraries often offer free wifi as well. The main branch in big cities usually has the most to offer. Small town libraries and university libraries can be interesting as well.

While browsing the library, look for books about the city. You might learn something about the sites that you’re visiting. If you’re in a country where you don’t speak the local language, look for the English language section. Most libraries have one. When you’re just visiting, you won’t be able to check anything out. You’ll have to enjoy the books at the library.

Some large libraries are tourist destinations on their own. Many libraries have incredible architecture. Some are modern and some are classical. Some libraries are housed in historically significant buildings that are hundreds of years old.

A few of the most famous libraries that you can visit for free include the Biblioteca Vasconcelos in Mexico City, New York Public Library in New York City, and Vancouver Central Public Library. For more famous libraries, check out this list.

Some famous libraries are not free to enter. Sometimes you have to take a tour to enter. Some libraries are only open to locals who have a library card.

Go for a Hike

A great free way to experience a country is to get out of the city and explore the natural environment. In every region that you travel, you’ll see different plants and wildlife. You’ll view beautiful natural scenery such as rivers, mountains, waterfalls, lakes, and forests. You’ll see sites that you can’t see in the city that most other tourists miss. Many cities also have a viewpoint that you can hike to get a bird’s eye view of the area. This is a great way to get the lay of the land.

While you can simply walk out of your hotel and begin hiking, you’ll probably want to go to an actual hiking trail for the best experience. This may involve some transportation costs. Most cities have some kind of park or natural area within the city limits or nearby where you can day hike. To find a hike, do a Google search for ‘hikes near (your destination)’.

Some trails may cost a bit of money to hike. For example, most national parks around the world charge an entry fee or require a permit. Sometimes there is a way around the fee. Maybe you can walk in for free. Occasionally parks offer free entry on holidays or special occasions. It’s almost always possible to find free hiking options.

Go to a City Park

Pretty much every decent sized city has a public park that is free to enter. Going to the park gives you a nice break from the crowds and noise of the city. You can spend your day strolling the park’s pathways or simply relaxing on a bench or on the grass. If you’re feeling more active, you could toss a Frisbee or kick a soccer ball with your friends. Many parks also have a children’s play area. Going to the park is a great free activity for those traveling with kids.

Large city parks have even more to offer. They may have a lake or pond where you can swim, fish, or feed the ducks. Some parks offer free gym equipment, basketball courts, or tennis courts. Some have table games such as chess or checkers. Many parks also offer beautiful gardens that you can enjoy.

Some of the most famous city parks that are free to visit include Central Park in New York, Chapultepec Park in Mexico City, and Jardin du Luxembourg in Paris.

Not all city parks are free. Occasionally, there is a small entrance fee. Sometimes you have to pay to use certain amenities such as a pool. Some large city parks include paid attractions such as a zoo or historical buildings.

Visit a Free Museum

These days, it is possible to visit many of the world’s best museums for free. Countries offer free museum entry to make their history, art, and culture more accessible to locals and visitors alike.

Many museums offer a weekly or monthly free entry day. You can plan your trip around this. Sometimes entry is free on specific holidays. Some museums offer free entry for students or retirees. Occasionally, museums open for free for a limited number of hours per day. Usually in the evening before closing. There are also museums that are completely free at all times. These operate on donations only. To find when a museum is open for free, do a Google search for ‘(museum name) free entry’.

There are lots of free museum opportunities. For example, the Louvre museum in Paris is free on the first Sunday of every month. The Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburgh is free to enter on the third Tuesday of every month. Almost all of London’s major museums are free to enter including the National Gallery of London, the Natural History Museum, and the Tate Modern art museum. The Smithsonian Museums in Washington DC are also free at all times.

For more free museums check out this great list. The only drawback to visiting a museum on a free day is that it may be crowded. Give yourself a bit of extra time because the crowds will slow you down.

Go Swimming

If you’re traveling during the summer or in a warm climate, you can almost always find a free place to take a dip. Pretty much every city has a nearby lake, river, or beach that is open to the public. Many cities also offer free public swimming pools that you can use.

Before jumping into a natural body of water, be sure to do your research and ask around to make sure that it’s safe. You never know what kind of parasites or dangerous creatures are lurking under the water. Strong currents can also pose a risk.

View Architecture

You don’t have to go to a museum to view art. It’s all around you. Take a walk through the city and admire the architecture of government buildings, religious buildings, bridges, homes, subway stations, and other structures.

Different countries often use different building styles and materials. In older cities, you can see how building styles changed throughout the decades.

You can enjoy renaissance architecture in Florence, Contemporary architecture in Dubai, classical architecture in Athens, or futuristic architecture in Brasilia. Check out this list of the best cities for architecture for some more info.

View Street Art

Another type of art that you can enjoy for free while walking around is street art. This includes both illegal works as well as sanctioned works.

Street art includes graffiti, murals, sculptures, paintings, stickers, and installations. Some of these works are of incredibly high quality. You can find street art in almost every big city. Simply do a search online for street art in your destination city to find the best works.

Some of the best cities for viewing street art include Melbourne, New York, Buenos Aires, and Los Angeles. Check out this list of the best cities for street art for some cool examples.

Walk Through a Local Market

Shopping is free as long as you don’t buy anything. Browsing a local market is an excellent way to learn about the country and the local culture. You’ll learn about different foods and products that people buy and sell and see normal people going about their daily lives. You’ll probably see some things that you didn’t even know existed and learn something new. The sites and smells of a large and crowded open-air market are an experience of their own.

There are a number of different types of markets you could visit. You could walk through a local farmer’s market, fish market, tourist market, open-air market, flea market, spice market, bazaar, swap meet, or even a local grocery store. These places are all free to enter.

Some of the most famous open-air markets include the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, Floating Markets in Bangkok, and Pike Place Market in Seattle.

While visiting the market, look at the goods on offer. You may see herbs and spices, fresh fruits and veggies, street food, arts and crafts, household items, and more. Look at the items that people are buying. Check the prices of various products and compare them to prices in your country. Talk to vendors about their products. Talk to friendly locals. This is a great way to learn about a country.

My favorite type of market to visit is a large outdoor market. I love experiencing the sites and smells of a crowded market. Of course, I usually end up spending some money. A local market is a great place to score a cheap lunch.

Visit a Church, Mosque, Synagogue, Temple, or other Religious Building

It’s almost always free to enter a place of worship to take a look around. Religious buildings are also some of the most historic, intricate, and beautiful buildings in the city. Even if you’re not religious, you can appreciate the awesome structures and artwork. You’ll see stained glass, murals, statues, and more.

In Europe, you’ll find countless historical cathedrals and basilicas that are hundreds of years old. In the middle east and north Africa, you’ll find spectacular mosques. You’ll find exotic temples all over east Asian cities. In India, you’ll find colorful Hindu temples. Pretty much every city has some kind of religious building that you can visit. The architecture varies greatly by region.

These religious buildings are on every tourist map and are usually centrally located. They often have an incredible history. Inside, you’ll find interesting artwork and artifacts. Also, note the craftsmanship. These buildings were usually built by the best craftsman of their time.

When visiting places of worship, be sure to dress appropriately. In many cases, you’re only permitted to enter if you’re wearing long pants and a long sleeve shirt. Sometimes you’re required to remove your shoes or cover your head before you can enter. Plan ahead so you’re not denied entry.

People Watch

People behave, dress, speak, interact, and express themselves differently all over the world. You can experience these cultural differences by simply sitting down and observing people as they live their lives.

This free activity can teach you about the local culture. It’s also a good way to reflect on your own culture. Good places to people watch include parks, beaches, plazas, markets, restaurants, bars, and sidewalks. Simply sit down in a crowded area and watch people walk by.

While you’re watching people, think about where they might be going. Imagine what their day-to-day life is like. Think about their background and their job.

Behavior that might be strange or unacceptable where you’re from might be perfectly normal in a different culture. Something that a local may find mundane and ordinary might fascinate you. For example, while visiting Lake Malawi, I sat by the beach one afternoon and watched people doing their laundry in the lake. Something as simple as doing laundry is a completely different experience for them than it is for me. Watching people talk to one another can also be interesting. In some cultures, people speak passionately, almost yelling at one another. In other cultures, people speak calmly and quietly. It’s also interesting to look at people’s clothing. People dress completely differently in India than they do in Brazil.

Attend a Free Party, Festival, or Event

Many cities offer parties, festivals, concerts, or shows that are free to attend and open to the public. These events might focus on art, music, food, a holiday, a season, or some kind of activity. They usually take place in a park or public street during the summer or on a holiday. The best way to find these types of events is to search online.

Some of the world’s biggest free events include Carnival in Brazil, Oktoberfest in Munich, Holi in India, Full Moon Party in Thailand, and Mardi Gras in New Orleans. These events are all free to participate in. Of course, there might be costs involved such as transport and food and beverages. For more

Go for a Walk

Taking a walk is the best way to get to know a city. You discover places that you otherwise wouldn’t get to see. As an added bonus, walking is completely free. You save money on taxi or bus fare if you walk for transportation.

Walking is my favorite way to get to know a new city when I first arrive. After dropping my bag off at my accommodation, I take a long walk around the area I’m staying. This helps me get the lay of the land. I like to look for a high point where I can get a view of the city.

In some cities, you do have to be careful while going for a walk. It’s possible to wander into a dangerous area. If you’re traveling around an area where pickpocketing or mugging is a risk, map out your walk first and avoid walking at night.

Work out at a Free Outdoor Gym

Many cities around the world offer free outdoor gyms in parks and public areas. These are sometimes called calisthenics parks. Anyone can use the equipment. These outdoor gyms are a good place to get in a workout and meet local people.

These gyms are like the adult version of the jungle gym. This equipment uses your bodyweight or hydraulics for resistance. Outdoor gyms can be found all over the world but seem to be most popular in Asia.

These gyms usually include pull-up bars, dip bars, balance beams, exercise bikes, chest press, etc. Even though the equipment is pretty basic, you can get a pretty good workout without spending money on a gym pass.

If you don’t feel like lifting weight, you could go for a jog or run. Many cities have free running tracks. You could also run on the sidewalk or in a city park.

Take Some Travel Photos or Videos

Photos and videos make for the best souvenirs. They’re free to take, don’t take up any room in your pack, and they will help you remember your trip years down the line.

As long as you have some type of camera, taking photos and videos is completely free. You don’t need to buy fancy photography equipment to take travel photos and videos. A modern smartphone camera will work just fine.

Spend your day walking around looking for the perfect shot. Wherever you’re traveling, you’ll find something interesting to photograph. You can photograph people, landscapes, animals, cityscapes, bodies of water, buildings, or whatever interests you.

To improve the quality of your photos and videos, spend some time learning about what makes a good travel shot. Study composition, color, and shape. Learn about ISO, white balance, shutter speed, and aperture and how they relate to one another. Learn how to operate all of the settings on your camera. Modern cameras come with excellent software that can greatly improve the quality of your shots and help you take more interesting shots. Learn how to edit photos and videos. Some basic editing can greatly improve the quality of your photography and videography. This way, you learn a new skill and gain a greater appreciation for the art form.

I enjoy photography but usually don’t take many photos while traveling. I find taking photos kind of distracting. On future trips, I plan to spend more time on video. I hope to put together some travel videos to go along with future trip reports.

Taking photos and videos isn’t completely free. You need to buy a camera. A handful of countries requires you to pay for a permit before you’re allowed to take photos. You also need to be careful about what you photograph in some countries.

Visit Historic Buildings

Many historic buildings are open to the public to visit for free. Some, you can only view from the outside for free. Some charge an entry fee. A few, you can enter and walk around and explore without paying anything.

A good example is Grand Central Station in New York City. This building is a National Historic Landmark. It is still in use and is completely free to enter and walk around. The Pantheon in Rome and Lotus Temple in New Delhi are also free to enter. Of course, there are many historic buildings that you can view from the outside for free.

Have a Picnic

Pack yourself a picnic lunch and find a shady place to sit in a park, waterfront area, or scenic area. You can pack something simple and cheap like a sandwich. If you want something a bit fancier, pack some local cheese and crackers and fresh fruit.

Having a picnic does involve spending money on food. Of course, that is money that you would have to spend anyway because you have to eat. Having a picnic lunch much is cheaper than eating at a restaurant. The view is often better too.

I picnic often while traveling. Before I head out sightseeing, I make myself a sandwich and pack some snacks in my day pack. When I get hungry, I find a comfy place to sit and eat my lunch.

My favorite picnic location was at Teotihuacan in Mexico. After climbing the largest pyramid, the Pyramid of the Sun, I decided to sit down right on the top and enjoy my lunch and the view.

Watch a Local Movie or Television Show or Listen to Some Local Music

Turn on your hotel room TV and flip through the local channels. This is an interesting cultural activity, even if you can’t understand what’s going on. By watching local television and movies, you’ll learn what kinds of stories local people find interesting and what they find funny. You’ll also learn some local pop culture. Every country has its own celebrities.

Listening to local music is also fun. Go on Youtube and search for music from the country you’re visiting. Ask locals about their favorite singers, bands, and songs and give them a listen. You’ll also hear local music in restaurants and shops. Take a moment to listen.

I really enjoyed the local music and movies while traveling in Africa. On long-distance bus rides, they would often show movies and music videos to pass the time. They showed things from all over the continent. I enjoyed watching cheezy Nigerian TV shows, crazy Ethiopian music videos, and low-budget Kenyan films. While visiting India, I enjoyed watching Bollywood movies in my hotel rooms.

Cook a Local Meal

If you’re staying in a hostel or Airbnb, chances are you have access to a fully stocked kitchen. You might as well make use of it.

Spend some time searching for a new recipe and learning how to cook it. Preferably a local dish. Once you find something that sounds tasty, visit the local markets to shop for the freshest ingredients. Haggle with the vendors to try to get the local price. Ask the vendor about cooking techniques. Chances are, they’ll be happy to explain or recommend different ingredients. Spend the evening carefully preparing and cooking up a masterpiece of a meal.

Buying ingredients costs money, but you have to eat anyway. Cooking for yourself costs much less than eating out. You might learn some new cooking techniques while you’re at it.

If you’re staying in a hotel without a kitchen, you can still cook. Check out my guide to cooking in a hotel room for details.

Go Watch a Free Sporting Event

Amateur athletes play in parks and small stadiums all over the world. You can often watch these events for free. To find a free sporting event, you’ll just have to ask around. You could also go to a small stadium or field to have a look around and maybe catch a game.

I did this in Nairobi. My friends and I heard about a soccer game that was going on and decided to go check it out. We thought it was a big game but turned out to be a couple of unknown teams playing in a small dilapidated stadium on the edge of the city. We walked right in for free and watched the game with a couple of dozen fans. It turned out to be a fun free way to spend the afternoon.

Read a Book

Reading a book is a great way to gain some deeper knowledge about the region that you’re traveling in. Find a book that is related to the country you’re visiting. It could be a fictional book that takes place in the country or a nonfiction book about the country. You could also look for a book that is written by an author that is native to the country. Alternatively, you could also find a book that is generally related to travel. Of course, you could also read a guidebook.

Reading is a great activity to kill some time while you’re in transit or before you go to sleep. I carry a book in my day pack and pull it out when I’m on a long bus or train ride, relaxing in a park, or waiting for my food in a restaurant.

Write, Draw, Paint, Sculpt, or do Something Creative

Let your travels inspire your art. This could be as simple as writing a diary about your travels. You could also buy some pens and a notepad and draw what you see. If you’re more serious about art, you could get some painting supplies and a canvass and paint a landscape. Alternatively, you could use your computer to create digital art.

If you’re not a naturally artistic person, you can always learn to be. Look up some tutorials on Youtube about drawing and draw some pictures. You’ll learn a new skill and have some fun.

Even if you’re like me and have no creative talent, it can still be fun to try. For example, I enjoy writing. After all, I write this blog. Most of my writing is not creative. It is explanatory. Every once in a while, I like to write out a story about something that happened during my travels. Usually, these fall flat when I post them but I still enjoy writing them. In the future, I would like to learn how to create digital art.

These days, you can find free wifi almost anywhere. This includes your hotel or hostel, bars, restaurants, cafes, libraries, and even many public parks. Brig your computer or phone with you when you go out and surf the web.

This probably isn’t the best way to spend your vacation but it is a way to get some things done. While you’re online, research your destination. Book your accommodation for your next stop. Price out airline, train, and bus tickets. Check your bank balance to make sure you’re staying on budget. Watch some videos or read the news. Play games. Arrange a date. Communicate with friends and family back home. Do whatever you normally do online.

Study the Local Language

Being able to speak a few words in the local language can greatly improve the quality of your trip. You’ll be able to communicate more easily with locals. People will also open up more when they see that you’re putting in some effort to talk to them in their language.

Start out by learning the basics such as yes, no, hello, goodbye, how are you, and please and thank you. Next, start learning basic grammar and expanding your vocabulary. If you spend 30-60 minutes per day, you can pick up enough words to get by in a week or so. Of course, some languages are easier to learn than others.

Learning a new language is free. You can use free apps such as Duolingo to learn the basics. You can watch Youtube videos of natives teaching and speaking. After you learn some words and phrases, you can start talking to locals. Ask them how to say different words. Learning a new language is fun, even if you have no use for it.

Browse a Local Art Gallery

If you don’t want to pay an expensive entrance fee to visit a museum, you can walk through retail art galleries for free. Here, you’ll see the works of local undiscovered or up-and-coming artists. You might even get to meet the artist if you attend a gallery opening event.

Have a Conversation With a Local

One of the best ways to learn about your destination is to talk to someone who lives there. They can tell you what day-to-day life is really like. Your new local friend can also tell you about the best places to eat and drink. They can suggest some interesting activities in the city. Maybe you’ll discover a hidden gem that’s not in the guidebook.

Having a conversation with a local is completely free. The only problem is that finding someone to talk to can be challenging. Most people can’t just strike up a conversation on the street. The language barrier can also make this more difficult. I recommend you use the internet to help you out. Try using Couchsurfing, Meetup.com, or a dating app to meet a local that you can talk to. If the language barrier is an issue, use Google Translate to help you communicate. For more help, check out my guide: How to Meet People While Traveling.

Play a Game or Sport

This is a great way to make some friends. A deck of playing cards is packable and allows you to play dozens of games. Many hostels have board games which you can use. Chess is another popular option. Some parks have boards built into tables. You can find someone who knows how to play chess pretty much everywhere in the world. If you don’t have anyone to play with, you can always go on your phone or computer to play a game online. I have even met travelers who travel with a gaming laptop.

You could also play a sport. Buy or borrow a basketball, Frisbee, or soccer ball and find someone to play with. If you’re friendly, you might even be able to join someone else’s game. All you have to do is ask.

Find a Free Campsite and Go Camping

Camping is a great free activity that you can do pretty much anywhere in the world. Spend your day setting up camp, exploring the area on foot, making a campfire, cooking, and relaxing in nature.

One of the greatest things about camping is that it can save you money on one of your biggest travel expenses, accommodation. Most of the time you can camp for free if you’re willing to spend some time looking for a site and rough it a bit.

You can find free campsites all over the world. If you’re in a city try asking at churches, fire departments, schools, or people who are in their yards. Eventually, someone will point you in the direction of a safe place where you can camp.

Wild camping is also a good option if you have the nerve. Simply find a hidden place where you’re unlikely to be discovered and set up camp. Try to draw as little attention to yourself as possible by setting up at dusk and leaving before dawn.

Some countries, such as Sweden, Scotland, Norway, and Finland allow you to freely camp almost anywhere as long as you’re not disturbing anyone.

Of course, camping isn’t always free. Sometimes it’s just not safe or possible to find a free site. Sometimes free camping is illegal. In this case, you’ll have to stay in a campground if you want to camp.

Visit National Parks

Most national parks charge an entry fee but there are a few exceptions. You can often enter for free if you walk or bike in. Many countries offer free national park entry days throughout the year. Usually during the summer or on a holiday. If you do your research or travel at the right time, you may be able to visit for free. Some national parks are always free to visit.

If you want to be productive while traveling, you could consider volunteering. You’ll meet like-minded people and locals while doing some good.

Finding a legitimate volunteer job while traveling is a challenge. Many volunteers end up doing more harm than good. You really have to do your research before accepting a position. You don’t want to take a job from a local or slow down a project.

Stay in, Rest, and Get Organized

If you’re traveling long-term, you don’t need to fill every hour of every day with activities. There is nothing wrong with taking a day off to rest. Sometimes this is necessary after a particularly long or stressful day of travel.

On your rest day, you could sleep in or take a nap, watch TV, read, or take a long hot shower or bath.

A rest day is also a good time to take care of some housekeeping. You could do your laundry, organize your bag, sort and organize your travel photos.

A day off is also a good time to do some planning. Check your bank balance and do some budgeting. You might also need to spend some time researching and planning the next leg of your trip and booking tickets.

Sometimes it’s necessary to take a day off to get all of these little jobs done.

Tip: Don’t Miss Out on Major Attractions Because You’re Cheap and Don’t Want to Pay

Some activities cost money. There is no way around it. Even though you could easily fill your trip with the above free activities, you shouldn’t miss out on the bigger tourist sites just because they cost money.

After spending thousands of dollars on airfare and accommodation to travel to the other side of the world it would be a shame to skip going on a safari or to the Taj Mahal just because they aren’t free.

In my travels, I have missed out on a couple of experiences because I wanted to save money. This is always a mistake that I end up regretting. I’m still just as cheap as ever but I try to avoid missing out because an activity is expensive.

My biggest regret while traveling was skipping gorilla trekking in Uganda. The tour cost about $1200. That’s quite a bit of money for me. After all, I could travel for 1-2 months on that. My friend went while I stayed back in the capital. When he returned and showed me his pictures and videos, I was so envious and sad that I had missed out. The only silver lining I can think of is that I have an excuse to return to that part of the world now. While visiting Australia, I also skipped SCUBA diving on the Great Barrier Reef because it was expensive. I regret that decision to this day.

At the same time, there are some tourist attractions that are overpriced and not worth it. You don’t have to do everything. Do your research before your trip to help you decide what you want to see and what you’re okay with skipping.

Final Thoughts

Wherever you’re traveling, you can always find something free to do. You don’t need to spend every day on a tour, in a museum, at an event, or participating in some kind of tourist activity. You can have an exciting day without spending a dime.

There are also ways to cut costs on other parts of your trip. For example, to save money on transportation, you could hitchhike. You can also use credit card points to cover airfare. To save money on accommodation, you can housesit or couch surf. For more money-saving ideas, check out my guide to extreme budget travel .

What are your favorite free things to do while traveling? Share your tips and experience in the comments below!

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More from Where The Road Forks

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• 25 Common Travel Scams and How to Avoid Them
• 22 Benefits of Traveling
• 10 Years of Travel: How Travel Has Changed Over the Past Decade

Zachary Friedman is an accomplished travel writer and professional blogger. Since 2011, he has traveled to 66 countries and 6 continents. He founded ‘Where The Road Forks’ in 2017 to provide readers with information and insights based on his travel and outdoor recreation experience and expertise. Zachary is also an avid cyclist and hiker. Living as a digital nomad, Zachary balances his professional life with his passions for hiking, camping, cycling, and worldwide exploration. For a deeper dive into his journey and background, visit the About page. For inquiries and collaborations, please reach out through the Contact page. You can also follow him on Facebook.

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10 Activities to Get You Outdoors While Traveling

Many of us would enjoy getting outside and escaping our day-to-day with some fresh air while traveling, and we all know science shows spending time outdoors is good for us. But where do you start? Try out a few of these activities, and you're bound to find a new outdoor hobby to help you enjoy nature on your next vacation.

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Hiking is a standard activity for getting outside. Trails exist all over the world for all experience levels, but getting past the first few miles of any hike will often get you out of the tourist zone and into more serious solitude with nature. Or combine hiking and camping on a backpacking trip to really sync up with the outdoors.

MORE: The Most Thrilling Day Hikes in the U.S.

Star Gazing

One big advantage of actually getting out of the city when traveling is the night sky. Free from light pollution, you can check out constellations, planets, meteors and more. Finding a good dark sky place or an area far from cities can open up a new hobby and great opportunities to learn about astronomy .

MORE: 10 Dreamy Ways to Sleep Under the Stars

Fly-Fishing

For an excuse to stand in a river enjoying the sounds, smells and scenery of some of the most beautiful locations, try fly-fishing. Fishing is a perfect multi-generational activity to enjoy with children, grandparents or whoever. With enough practice, you may even catch a coveted cutthroat trout.

MORE: 8 Great Fly-Fishing Destinations

Horseback Riding

Many people may shy away from this, citing lack of experience with horses, but most operations have horses for riders of any experience including none. Horses can take you greater distances in a shorter time, covering terrain that would be difficult or inaccessible otherwise.

MORE: Best Places to Go Horseback Riding

Cycling + Mountain Biking

On the trail or the road, spending time on a bike allows you to slow down and take in your surroundings. Mountain biking can give the biggest adrenaline addict a rush, while road cycling may offer a more peaceful and calming experience. Travel with your bike or rent one at your destination, and your possibilities for exploration have already expanded.

MORE: 10 Amazing Mountain Biking Destinations in Colorado

Whitewater Rafting

Are you looking for some adrenaline to go with your nature? Check for guided whitewater rafting trips around your destination, especially if you're going somewhere with mountainous terrain. Rafting will let you connect with the rougher side of nature while enjoying the comfort of a team and an experienced guide.

MORE: Extreme Whitewater Rafting

Rock Climbing

For a more physical and challenging experience outdoors, try your hand at rock climbing. You can get a feel for climbing in a gym, but it's real rewards lie in putting those skills to use outside. Many popular travel destinations have great climbing within a day-trip distance.

MORE: 50 States of Adventurous State Parks

Stand-up Paddleboarding

Want a more peaceful connection with water? Stand-up paddleboarding is a great way to get some exercise and explore lakes or slow-moving streams. Meditation or yoga is encouraged but not required. Not confident in your balance? You can likely get a kayak or canoe at the same place.

MORE: After-Dark Water Sports

Camping is the tried-and-true method for getting outdoors. It's perfect for people new to spending time in nature and a favorite of more experienced nature-lovers. Plus, you can combine it with almost any other outdoor activity to create a truly immersive experience.

MORE: Best National Park Camping Sites in America

Skiing + Snowboarding

For many people, winter travel means warmer weather, but you can always mix things up by finding some mountains and learning how to enjoy the snow that so many of us dread each February. Bundling up near a fireplace is nice, but it's best after a day spent carving powder in a winter wonderland. If you feel less agile and coordinated, snow-shoeing is another excellent way to get out in the snow this winter.

MORE: America's Best Family Ski Resorts

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• 1.2.1 Regions
• 1.3 Backpacking
• 2.1 Air sports
• 2.2 Wilderness sports
• 2.3.1 Scuba diving
• 2.4 Hiking, riding and running
• 2.5 Quad bikes
• 2.6 Snowmobiles
• 2.7 Winter sport
• 2.8 Zip lining
• 2.9 Other sports
• 3 Agritourism
• 4 Learning languages abroad
• 5 Photography
• 6 Hygiene and body care
• 7.1 Gambling
• 8 Other activities

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Many travelers seek out destinations that are particularly suited to specific activities , such as scuba diving or rock climbing. Some of these travel activities require specific gear, training, or planning to pursue, while others may be as simple as slipping into a warm spring to enjoy the soothing waters.

Outdoor life

While most of the world is outdoors; the concept includes activities outside built-up areas, where travellers need to bring much of the needed equipment themselves.

• Car camping
• Cruising on small craft
• General aviation
• Offroad driving
• Winter driving
• Foraging – Picking berries, mushroom and other edible things from wild nature.
• Outdoor cooking

Wildlife watching

This is an activity that is undertaken by professional scientists, by amateur scientists or wildlife watchers, and by other travellers who visit areas with interesting birds or beasts.

Be very cautious about dangerous animals .

Wildlife photography generally requires a telephoto lens ; this allows you to keep your distance, both for your own safety and to avoid ruining the shot by spooking the animals.

There are separate articles on birdwatching and whale watching . See Marine life , Diving and Snorkeling for seeing underwater wildlife.

• Wildlife of Madagascar
• North American wildlife
• Central and South American wildlife
• Arctic wildlife
• Australasian wildlife
• Hiking in the Nordic countries#Wildlife
• Wildlife in South and Southeast Asia
• Wildlife of the Southern Ocean

Backpacking

• Urban backpacking
• Wilderness backpacking
• Cross country skiing
• Straight line missions

Many of the activities below can also be practised as gentle pastimes and are not seen as sports by all practitioners.

Air sports are those that take to the air, and may use an aircraft as a launch platform, but that don't themselves involve sustained flight. The latter are covered under flying , "gliding", "aerobatics" and general aviation , while the air sports include:

• Ballooning, i.e. with a hot air balloon, rather than a powered rigid balloon, dirigible or zeppelin, which would be "flying".
• Skydiving or parachuting, ie jumping from a plane into freefall then opening a parachute - see main article.
• Paragliding with a parachute-like wing, but with no freefall, and so light that they're capable of extended flight. See Paragliding in Kosovo for specifics on Kosovo.
• Hanggliding is similar, with an unpowered wing with a rigid frame, and with shorter flights, e.g. gliding down a mountainside.

There's some blurring of categories, and new sports continually evolve as materials and other technologies make new things possible. They all started out as daredevil, edge-of-the-world stuff, before becoming systematised and regulated, with training and competition structures.

Wilderness sports

• Rock climbing
• Mountaineering
• Mountain biking

Water sport

• Beachcombing
• Ice skating
• Ice swimming
• Kitesurfing
• Sea kayaking
• Whale watching
• Whitewater sports
• Windsurfing

Scuba diving

Scuba diving is a sport in which people breathing from tanks of compressed air explore underwater areas. It's most popular in areas with tropical coral reefs, but there are scuba diving sites in most areas of the world with water.

Hiking, riding and running

• Hiking , Wilderness backpacking
• Horse riding
• Orienteering

Riding quad bikes (also known as ATVs – all-terrain vehicles) is a sport that involves riding on a small, rugged vehicle, usually in off-road areas.

Riding independently, quad bikers should check local regulations and consider possible damage to soil and plants, prior to embarking on a trip.

Normally, quad bikes are designed only for a single rider (although are frequently rented for riding by two). There's only one model of quad bike that has is designed for two persons, and that model is quite rare in commercial rent.

Snowmobiles

Snowmobiles are the equivalent for winter conditions. They are extensively used by locals in some Arctic areas (for getting around, reindeer husbandry etc.), and snowmobile "safaris" may be a common activity offered to tourists. On straight legs on prepared tracks and frozen lakes, speeds can be around 40 km/h (25 mph), but in difficult terrain the speeds are low and safe maneuvering requires much practice.

Winter sport

• Downhill snowsport
• Telemark skiing
• Winter swimming
• Snowboarding
• Snowmobiling

Zip lining refers to an activity where participants (often referred to as “zippers”), are suspended from a pulley that moves across a cable suspended between trees or man-made structures. The cables are mounted descending from a higher to lower point which propels the zipper purely by the use of gravity. The amount of incline as well as the weight of the zipper determines the speed at which the participant travels from point to point.

Zip line courses can be designed purely for speed (adrenaline rush), while others are designed to allow zippers to enjoy the natural surroundings such as forest, jungle or waterfalls (often referred to as canopy tours). While others employ elements of both.

Other sports

• Recreational shooting , including hunting

Agritourism

Agritourism means travel organized around farming or animal husbandry. Visiting a working farm or ranch for the purpose of enjoyment and education are key parts of this often rural experience. Farmer's markets, wine tourism, cider houses and corn mazes all constitute examples of agritourism. Travelers who participate in this type of vacation frequently desire to see how food is grown and prepared or to learn how animals are raised. Occasionally there are opportunities to tour small, local food manufacturing companies, such as cheese factories, although this is becoming less common as mass production increasingly crowds out the independent operators.

Wine tourism is travel organized around the appreciation of, tasting of, and purchase of wine. A kind of tourism highly developed in many regions, it can be as simple as hopping on a wine shuttle in Napa Valley or as complicated as renting a villa in the south of France for a month. Wine tourism is a great way to learn about the people, culture, heritage, and customs of an area. Some of the famous wine producing regions of the world have been producing wine for centuries or even millennia, and the production and consumption of wine is deeply ingrained in the local culture.

Learning languages abroad

Travelling to a foreign country both for leisure purposes and to study the local language can be an excellent way to deepen one's experience in a foreign culture and to combine leisure with learning. Although perhaps more common for people between the ages of 18 and 24, language tourism is undertaken by people of all ages and backgrounds. They tend to enroll in non-intensive foreign language courses that allow considerable free time in which to practice the language outside of class and travel extensively. Typical stays range from 2 to 5 weeks, and trips are often repeated in subsequent years.

Photography

Hygiene and body care.

Hygiene and body care is not just necessity; cleaning up thoroughly after a tough ride might be the greatest experience of a journey.

Sauna is a bathing facility where sweating in a hot room is an essential part of the cleaning procedure. Sauna is used for getting clean, but very much also to relax and socialize. Sauna is also used for getting warm before and after ice swimming (and any swimming in cold water).

A trip to the spa is a common travel activity. It can be a great way to experience local culture and customs, enjoy some serious relaxation and/or remove the grime that accumulates while on the global road.

Some urban activities are guided city tours , nightlife , shopping , urban rail adventures , urban sketching , industrial excursions , urban cycling and urbex .

While gambling is outlawed in some countries, whole cities such as Las Vegas , Atlantic City and Monaco are world famous for their casinos. Macau passed Las Vegas as the highest-revenue gambling destination around 2008 and is now far ahead.

Other activities

• Amusement parks
• Haciendas of Ecuador
• Hacker tourism
• Science tourism
• Cultural attractions ; experiencing mankind's heritage
• Events for the very largest events where you need to plan long in advance, or should aim to avoid
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The Complete Guide to Adventure Travel

From the best hiking trails to how to get scuba certified. 

Where Should You Go on Vacation Next?

The 26 Most Adventurous Experiences Around the World

How to plan a responsible outdoor adventure, the 15 best countries for adventure travel, water activities.

Why I Keep Returning to Michigan’s Leelanau Peninsula

How to Get Scuba Certified for Your Next Vacation

A Look Back at Waikiki's Surf History—and Why It's Still the Best Place to Learn the Sport

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The Vacationer • Travel Guides

20 Best Ticket Websites for Booking Tours, Activities, Excursions, and Attractions in 2024

Tours, guided activities, and excursions are, for many travelers, one of the best ways to experience a new destination. Often, a local guide will take you around, show you the sights, and let you in on local-only know-how. You get more info than you might from a guidebook or travel blog. And the best part? You hardly need to do any planning. Just book your tour or activity online and you’re done. So, all that’s left on your end is to show up. 

However, you do have to do the work of finding that great tour or excursion. Therefore, for that, we look to some of the travel industry’s best ticket websites. There are a lot of them out there. 

Go with one of these 20 best options. That will ensure you’re purchasing tickets from reputable sellers only. (And that way, you’re not left stranded in a foreign country! You won’t be wondering where your guide’s gone off to!)

Table of Contents

Screenshot: viator.com

Owned by TripAdvisor, Viator is one of the more popular options for booking tours and excursions . You can find experiences and tours at a very wide range of attractions. There are an impressive number of international and national destinations. 

Viator doesn’t operate its tours, though. Instead, it’s more of the middleman that connects you with the local tour operators in a given destination. That does come with a little risk. However, Viator is known for being very reputable and trustworthy. Therefore, it’s not as much of a risk as you might think. 

Cancel Policy: The Viator cancel policy will differ. As such, this difference is according to the experience you book. The policy will range from free cancellation to “strict.” Under free cancellation, you get a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before your ticket’s start time. Under the “strict” policy, you have to cancel seven full days before your experience’s start time. If you do, you’ll get a full refund.

• Many tickets come with free cancellation. 
• Viator offers 24/7 customer support.
• A Reserve Now & Pay Later feature allows you to do just that.
• This is one place where you’ll find a LOT of options.

Cons: 

• The “free” cancellation isn’t necessarily 100% free (time limits apply).

Click Here to See Cheap Activity, Excursion, and Ticket Deals at Viator

2. GetYourGuide

Screenshot: getyourguide.com

GetYourGuide is very similar to Viator. As such, it focuses on a lot of tours and experiences. It’s not just about straight-up attraction tickets. Unlike Viator, though, GetYourGuide isn’t just a third-party booking site. It also offers its own collection of experiences. These are called GetYourGuide Originals. These tours are more customized. Frankly, they’re better than what you might find elsewhere. When you book one of these tours, you get more flexibility in rescheduling and canceling. The tours are also capped at 25 people. 

GetYourGuide offers tickets for more than 60,000 experiences around the world.

Cancel Policy: Most GetYourGuide experiences come with a 24-hour cancellation policy. This means you can cancel up to 24 hours before your ticket’s start time.

• This site offers lots of tour and experience options, all over the world.
• You can find special, GetYourGuide Original tours for an upgraded experience. These are not third-party.
• The third-party providers, however, must be legal, insured businesses, to list on the site. This may give you a little more peace of mind. 
• GetYourGuide offers 24/7 customer service.
• You’ll notice that GetYourGuide Original tours are capped at 25 people. That’s intended to be … intimate? In other words, if you like small tours, you might not find them as easily here.

Click Here to See Cheap Activity, Excursion, and Ticket Deals at GetYourGuide

The Vacationer Tip

While you are planning your excursions, tours, and activities for your trip, please read our other guides:

• Best Websites to Book Cheap Flights & Airfare
• Best Websites to Book Cheap Rental Cars

Screenshot: tiqets.com

Tiqets is a good third-party option to buy tickets for specific attractions. However, it’s not a good option for booking tours. Instead, think of museums, historic sites, etcetera. Don’t expect to find customizable, one-on-one tours or bookable airport transfers here. 

Furthermore, Tiqets is a good option if you want to browse various attractions in one destination and do all of your ticket bookings in one place. (Versus going to each attraction’s website individually and booking that way.) 

Cancel Policy: When you purchase a ticket through Tiqets, you’ll have the option to choose a “free cancellation” ticket. If you book this, you’ll have free cancellation up to midnight the day before your reserved ticket.

• Easily book all of your attraction tickets for one destination in one place.
• Access all of your tickets from your phone.
• Enjoy flexible cancellation that a particular attraction might not otherwise offer.
• Tiqets offers 24/7 customer support.
• You can buy some tickets without set dates. This lets you be more flexible with your travel itinerary.
• Tiqets only really offers tickets in major international destinations. 
• For free cancellation, you have to choose the “free cancellation” option. This is available when making your ticket purchase.

Click Here to See Cheap Activity, Excursion, and Ticket Deals at Tiqets

Screenshot: stubhub.com

Third-party ticket provider StubHub focuses on events . As such, this can be great if you’re looking to attend a concert, theatrical show, or sports game. However, do note that StubHub sells tickets from existing ticket holders. The tickets are not directly from the venue or event. Accordingly, this comes with its pros and cons. On one hand, you might pay more for a particularly in-demand event. A ticket holder might be attempting to flip their ticket for a profit. On the other hand, if someone’s desperate to sell a ticket they don’t plan on using, you could get your ticket for a great deal. 

Cancel Policy: You cannot cancel, or receive a refund on, a transaction on StubHub once it’s been completed. In response, the website recommends reselling your ticket on the site if you decide you no longer want or need it.

• You can sometimes snag great deals on StubHub. You can likewise find tickets to sold-out events.
• All ticket sellers are verified. You’re not relying on unscrupulous scalpers.
• There are no refunds and no cancellations.

Click Here to See Cheap Activity, Excursion, and Ticket Deals at StubHub

5. TripAdvisor Attractions

Screenshot: tripadvisor.com

We know what you’re thinking. “TripAdvisor? Attractions? You told me that Viator sold tickets for TripAdvisor!” 

And while that’s true, TripAdvisor also has its own, separate third-party ticket marketplace. It operates very similarly to Viator. But, it comes with all the benefits of TripAdvisor. When you view an available activity on TripAdvisor Attractions , you’ll see all the need-to-know info about an attraction or tour, plus reviews. If you decide you want to book something, you can do so in literally a matter of seconds. 

Cancel Policy: Most tickets allow for a full refund up to 24 hours ahead of your experience.

• Firstly, there are lots of options to choose from, in a lot of destinations, even small ones.
• Secondly, you can get free cancellation in most cases.
• Thirdly, you’ll see that most listings include reviews and substantial info on any attraction you’re considering.
• TripAdvisor Attractions does lump in non-ticketed attractions with its ticketed attractions. Things can get confusing.

Click Here to See Cheap Activity, Excursion, and Ticket Deals at TripAdvisor

6. Expedia Activities

Screenshot: expedia.com

You likely know Expedia as the place to go for booking flights and hotel rooms. However, did you know that Expedia also offers tour booking and event tickets? 

Unfortunately, the third-party provider’s activities section isn’t quite as searcher-friendly as you might hope. This is because everything is grouped by destination, not necessarily tour types. 

Additionally, you won’t find many experiences in small destinations on offer. However, what you will find is very affordable. In fact, costs are as low as $7 per ticket in some cases. 

Cancel policy: Cancellation policies differ according to the activity you book. As such, some activities offer free cancellation within a certain period. However, some charge you an additional fee for canceling.

• Find cheap experiences in mid-size and large destinations.
• Browse for activities at the same time you book your flight and hotel.
• You won’t find attractions in many small destinations. 
• The booking platform (at least where activities are concerned) isn’t that user-friendly.

Click Here to See Cheap Activity, Excursion, and Ticket Deals at Expedia

7. Kayak Things to Do

Screenshot: kayak.com

Similar to Expedia, Kayak also offers “things to do” tickets . This is in addition to the flights, hotel rooms, car rentals, and train and bus tickets the site offers. Further reading: See our complete guide to booking travel with Kayak .

Likewise, Kayak does offer more experiences in off-the-beaten-path destinations. You can search for available experiences based on a range of factors. Beyond just location, you can also look for experiences based on accessibility and safety measures. 

However, since the travel aggregator is a third-party ticket provider, it doesn’t always help you with the booking side of things. For booking an experience, you’ll be redirected to whatever individual tour provider is offering the tour. Once you’re there, you can find more information. Sometimes, though, that information differs from what Kayak provides.

Cancel policy: Kayak only points you to experience and tour operators. As such, it does not help you book. Because of this, the cancellation policy will entirely depend on the individual provider.

• You can search for a wide variety of experiences in a wide variety of destinations.
• You can look for things to do at the same time as you book the rest of your travel.
• You can’t book your experience directly on Kayak. You have to book elsewhere.

Click Here to See Cheap Activity, Excursion, and Ticket Deals at Kayak

8. Travelocity Activities

Screenshot: travelocity.com

Owned by Expedia, Travelocity similarly offers an “Activities” booking feature. 

Many of the above ticket booking platforms allow you to browse through a range of options, to get inspiration. You don’t need to pick a destination. Travelocity, however, does force you to pick where you’re going, as well as dates. This is a bit limiting. That’s especially the case if you’re in the middle of planning your trip and are pretty flexible.

Still, if you pick your date and city, you’ll find … That you’re led to a booking page that’s almost identical to what Expedia offers on its Activities page. You’ll find the same tours and the same prices. Using one or the other all comes down to whether you prefer Travelocity or Expedia.

Cancel policy: Just like with Expedia, cancellation policies differ. The difference is according to the activity you book. Because of this, some activities offer free cancellation within a certain period. Some, though, do charge you an additional fee for canceling.

• You can find an array of cheap activities and tours in top travel destinations.
• You won’t find many available tours or activities in lesser-known destinations.

Click Here to See Cheap Activity, Excursion, and Ticket Deals at Travelocity

9. Orbitz Activities

Screenshot: orbitz.com

Likewise, Orbitz , another Expedia-owned travel aggregator, features an identical setup. You pick where you’re going and the dates you’ll be there. Orbitz will show you the same tour options in the same format. You’ll also see the same search functionality. 

So, again, whether you choose to use Orbitz, Expedia, or Travelocity, you’re going to have the same experience across all three platforms. The only reason why you might choose one over the others is if you’ve already booked other parts of your travel with one of them. Then, it makes sense to continue booking your experiences with that platform. That way, you have all of your travel details in one place.

Cancel Policy: Cancellation policies differ according to the activity you book. Some activities offer free cancellation within a certain period. Some charge you an additional fee for canceling.

• You can find an array of cheap activities and tours in top travel destinations. 
• Additionally, if you’ve already booked your flights and hotel with Orbitz, booking your activities here will keep things streamlined.
• You’re out of luck finding something to do unless you’re staying in a known travel destination.

Click Here to See Cheap Activity, Excursion, and Ticket Deals at Orbitz

10. Musement

Screenshot: musement.com

You can probably take a quick look at this platform’s name and guess exactly what it specializes in. Musement focuses on museums , of course. Then, it also offers tours and tickets to attractions like theme parks. You can choose between open tickets and set time tickets, depending on the attraction. Some tours even include transportation services.

Cancel Policy: Musement is a third-party booking platform. Cancellation policies are left up to the individual service provider.

• Find thousands of experiences in top destinations all around the world.
• Custom tours are available. 
• Customer service is available 24/7. 
• Many experiences are available in multiple languages. Some include other fun perks like skip-the-line.
• Musement requires you to print your tickets. This isn’t exactly convenient while traveling.

Click Here to See Cheap Activity, Excursion, and Ticket Deals at Musement

11. Civitatis

Screenshot: civitatis.com

Civitatis was originally founded as a tour and experiences provider for Spanish-speaking travelers. However, now, you can find a range of experiences available. 

This is a third-party platform. 

Depending on where you are in the world, you’ll notice that the platform pushes experiences in your supposed language. This makes the platform a good option for those who travel abroad quite frequently. More specifically, it’s good if you need experiences in a certain language. 

The platform mostly specializes in typical tourist activities in major international destinations. One cool feature, though? You’ll find free tours and activities. These are in addition to the paid options. 

Cancel Policy: The cancellation policy will differ according to the individual tour or activity provider.

• Find activities in your language in major destinations.
• Browse and book free tours and activities.
• You won’t find that many options in smaller destinations. You also won’t find many off-the-beaten-path activities.

Click Here to See Cheap Activity, Excursion, and Ticket Deals at Civitatis

12. Ticketbar

Screenshot: ticketbar.eu

Go to the Ticketbar website. There, you’ll automatically notice a difference between this booking platform and some of the other options on this list. Ticketbar is admittedly a little outdated. However, with its European focus, you can find a wealth of activities in smaller European destinations. Think from Andalusia to Delft. You might not find these on the bigger, international platforms.

Looking for private tours, combo tickets, attraction tickets, nightlife experiences, or airport transfers? They’re all available via this third-party seller. Many are available for a discount.

Cancel Policy: The cancellation policy will differ. The difference is according to the experience you book.

• Find tours and discounted tickets in both large and small European destinations.
• The website is a little clunky. There’s not a ton of information on it. Just in the planning stages of your trip? You might not find all the info you need here, before booking.

13. TourScanner

Screenshot: tourscanner.com

Want to compare and contrast various tours and travel activities on one platform? TourScanner is a good place to go . The travel aggregator compiles tour and activity tickets. It pulls the available options from more than 30 different booking sites. From there, you can pick the best activity and the best price for your trip.

TourScanner is a third-party platform. This means you do have to book your activity directly with the provider, not TourScanner. You’ll also be subject to their cancellation policies and their rules. TourScanner is just the place to go for your research and window shopping.

Cancel Policy: The cancellation policy will differ according to the experience you book. As a result, the policy will be the provider’s cancellation policy, not TourScanner’s.

• Find activities and tickets from more than 30 other sites, in one spot.
• You can’t book with TourScanner directly.

Click Here to See Cheap Activity, Excursion, and Ticket Deals at TourScanner

14. TourRadar

Screenshot: tourradar.com

TourRadar is a great place to go if you’re looking specifically for multi-day, guided tours. You can browse tour options based on location and dates. You can also browse by tour types. Tour type options include themed experiences such as trekking or cultural, or even river cruises. There are tours available all over the world. You’ll likewise find frequent tour sales and private tours available. 

TourRadar is a third-party platform. However, it does work with a variety of operators who are vetted and well-reviewed. 

Cancel Policy: The cancel policy will differ according to the tour provider you book with.

• Find multi-day tours all over the world. Additionally, many are from vetted tour providers.
• You’ll get access to 24/7 customer service. Furthermore, the customer service has been highly reviewed as some of the best in the travel biz.
• Enjoy access to frequent tour sales and a best price guarantee.
• If you’re not looking for a multi-day experience, go elsewhere.

15. Klook Travel

Screenshot: klook.com

Originally started in Asia, Klook Travel now offers a growing number of experiences and travel services. They are available in a range of worldwide destinations. Go beyond just booking tours and experiences. Klook also allows you to purchase car rentals, train tickets, airport transfers, and even WiFi and SIM cards. 

In addition to the website, there’s also an incredibly convenient Klook app. 

Cancel Policy: The cancel policy differs according to what experience you book. Many offer free cancellation within a certain timeframe. That might be 48 hours ahead of your experience or 72 hours ahead of your experience.

• Klook offers the ability to book way more than just experiences. The platform probably has the greatest variety of offerings out of any of the platforms on our list.
• The Klook app makes booking and managing your travel even easier.
• You’ll mostly find offerings in Asia and Europe. There is, though, a growing number of activities in major international destinations elsewhere.

Click Here to See Cheap Activity, Excursion, and Ticket Deals at Klook Travel

16. WithLocals

Screenshot: withlocals.com

If you prefer a more hands-on approach, WithLocals might be one of the better travel experiences for you. With hosts in more than 100 worldwide cities, WithLocals provides experiences and tours led and hosted by locals. The experiences and tours are always private, too. Hosts focus on off-the-beaten-path, personalized experiences. It’s not about the tourist traps. Think of a private food tour in Amsterdam or a neighborhood tour of Paris’s Montmartre. 

Cancel Policy: You can reschedule your experience, multiple times, up to the day of your experience. You can cancel entirely for free and receive a 100% refund up to seven days before your experience.

• Enjoy private, personalized tours and off-the-beaten-path experiences.
• Tours are only available in limited cities and the cancellation policy is a bit strict.

17. Thrillophilia

Screenshot: thrillophilia.com

Third-party platform Thirllophilia will connect you with more than 12,000 activities. These are from more than 5,000 suppliers in more than 125 destinations. However, it is worth noting that the site heavily focuses on Asian countries. So, this is a great place to go to find experiences if you’re heading to that side of the planet. It’s not so great if you’re traveling elsewhere. 

Thrillophilia partners with an admirable range of reputable providers. These might include national tourist boards or Uber, Airbnb, or Marriott. In addition to booking activities and tours, the platform also gives you the option to book rentals and staycations. It also offers a handy gifting feature. 

Cancel policy: All purchases and reservations are final and non-refundable. This is according to Thrillophilia’s terms and conditions.

• Find a huge number of activities and experiences in Asian countries. 
• This is one of the only tour and experience-booking platforms where you can gift an experience to a fellow traveler.
• In addition to booking experiences, you can also book homestays and rentals.
• You won’t find many experience options outside of Asia.
• The cancel policy is unforgiving, to say the least.

18. Manawa by Adrenaline Hunter

Screenshot: manawa.com

Manawa by Adrenaline Hunter is a niche third-party provider. But, if you’re looking for its particular niche, you’re in luck. This is your place to go to book high-energy, intense, extreme activities. Think shark diving, skydiving, caving, or heliskiing. 

Of course, not everything is quite that extreme. You can also find more low-key adventures, like sailing or fat biking. However, in general, everything will be an active adventure. There are more than 5,000 bookable experiences in destinations all over the globe.

Cancel policy: The cancel policy ranges from super-flexible to super-strict, depending on what you book. If your activity has the “super-flexible” policy, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your activity and get a full refund. If your activity has the “super-strict” policy, you must cancel 90 days in advance of your activity to get a full refund. If you cancel less than 30 days in advance of your activity, you’ll receive no refund. Any cancellations between 30 and 90 days will warrant refunds in varying amounts.

• Find niche adventure experiences all over the world. 
• If you’re not into this niche, you’re not going to find much of interest.

19. Airbnb Experiences

Screenshot: airbnb.com

If you already use Airbnb for booking your travel accommodations, you might want to check out the platform’s various bookable experiences. You can book not only local-hosted experiences in a travel destination but also online experiences if you want to go the virtual route. 

Experiences range vastly in terms of both price and subject matter. From goat cuddling to sailing, food tours to cycling tours, you’ll find a bit of it all. Tours and experiences are either private or in small groups. The focus is often on things you wouldn’t be able to do on your own, as a traveler in a new destination. 

Cancel policy: To cancel your experience and get a refund, you have to go through your experience host to request a refund. If they do not grant a refund or if they do not grant a refund in an amount to your satisfaction, you’ll have to submit a claim to Airbnb.

• Many travelers already have experience booking accommodations with Airbnb, so booking an experience is a comfortable next step. This is especially the case if you’re wary of working with a provider that you may not have heard of before.
• You’ll find unique tour and activity options, led by locals, in small or private settings.
• Canceling your experience can be a really big hassle that will depend on your host and how agreeable they may or may not be.

20. Atlas Obscura

Screenshot: atlasobscura.com

You know Atlas Obscura. It’s the place to go for all your random, weird, travel facts and tidbits. But this publication also offers guided trips, with multi-day tours focusing on a range of topics, from arts and culture to wildlife and nature. 

Each trip is carefully crafted to zoom in on what makes a destination special. Each brings in the local history and culture as much as possible, so you go deeper than just the surface-level tourist stuff. 

Trips are conducted in English only and groups are kept small. A lot of the people who participate in the trips are solo travelers. The trips are a good fit for those who maybe want to explore with others, but who maybe don’t have anyone in their lives right now who’s up for an adventure.

Cancel Policy: You can cancel without penalty within seven days of booking, up until your final payment for the trip’s due date. After that final payment is made, you’ll have to pay a cancellation fee.

• Enjoy small group travel tours led by a trusted travel publication. 
• Tours are kept as sustainable as possible. 
• You can easily make your entire trip one of these multi-day tours, for easier travel with less planning on your end.
• These tours are mostly designed with younger, solo travelers in mind. They’re not a suitable option for families. 
• The tours can be on the pricier side, especially if you consider yourself a budget traveler.

When planning your trip, if you already know you want to visit a certain attraction — like a museum or theme park — booking your tickets in advance can save you time during your trip. (Because who wants to wait around in line when there’s travel fun to be had?)  Additionally, when you book with one of the above platforms, you can often save money by booking the best deals. You’ll also get to see the full range of options available to you, including some you may not have even known existed!

If you hate itinerary planning and just want to show up at a destination and have a great time, a multi-day tour may be perfect for you. The pros do all the work, so you have a unique and enjoyable experience, without the hassle of researching and booking everything on your own. Additionally, if you’re a solo traveler or a couple or a few friends who like to meet other travelers on your journeys, you’ll enjoy the small group environment a multi-day tour often provides.

If you like to go at your own pace, without any strict timelines or itineraries, you might not enjoy the structure of a multi-day travel tour. Likewise, if you don’t care about getting to know fellow travelers and like to go it alone, you may find the multi-day tour environment annoying. Additionally, some travelers just love all the planning and research leading up to a trip. If that’s you, you may have more fun planning your journey on your own.

By Holly Riddle

Holly Riddle is a freelance travel, food, and lifestyle journalist who also dabbles in ghostwriting and fiction. Her work appears in publications ranging from Global Traveler to Golf Magazine, Mashed to Forbes, and Bloomberg. When she’s not writing, you can find her exploring the mountains near her home in the Adirondacks. Her favorite travel destinations include Chicago and New Orleans.

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Los Angeles   Travel Guide

Courtesy of Az Jackson | Getty Images

33 Best Things to Do in LA

Los Angeles has an exhaustive array of fun things to do, from the family-friendly La Brea Tar Pits and the must-visit Natural History Museum to a behind-the-scenes studio tour at Universal Studios or Warner Bros. Out-of-towners love the palm-lined

• All Things To Do
• 1-Day Itinerary
• 2-Day Itinerary
• 3-Day Itinerary

Griffith Observatory and Griffith Park Griffith Observatory and Griffith Park free

Griffith Observatory sits on the south face of Mount Hollywood and overlooks the Los Angeles basin. Its location gives visitors impressive views of the surrounding area, which many rave about. But there's more than just a pretty photo-op here. The observatory hosts fascinating exhibitions and features a top-notch planetarium.

Most recent visitors cited the beautiful setting as Griffith Observatory's main draw, though the free entry was certainly a bonus. However, you will have to pay between $6 and $10 to see the planetarium shows. A gift shop and cafe can be found on-site as well. For information about parking, public transportation and other information to plan your visit, check out Griffith Observatory's  website .

The Getty Center The Getty Center free

The Getty Center is one of the most impressive architectural achievements in the United States – and it also contains some of the finest works of art in the world. The circular concrete-and-steel structure was designed by renowned architect Richard Meier, and it houses an abundance of art from various ages and nations. Here you'll find Renaissance paintings, 20th-century American photography, Baroque sculptures, historic manuscripts and more, all housed inside a sprawling, modern campus amid the Santa Monica Mountains. The museum also offers spectacular views of Los Angeles on clear days.

Recent travelers loved the museum for its vast collection and beautiful grounds and views, with some stating that they enjoyed the tram ride to get to the museum. Many visitors suggest taking a guided tour, noting that the volunteer guides were very knowledgeable. Tours of the Getty Center's architecture and gardens are available, as well as a Collection Highlights tour and tours of art in specific eras. Tour times and days vary depending on tour type. Check the Getty Center's website for a complete calendar . Visitors can also download the GettyGuide app for self-guided tours.

Hollywood Walk of Fame and TCL Chinese Theatre Hollywood Walk of Fame and TCL Chinese Theatre free

U.S. News Insider Tip: In this area, you'll find people dressed as celebrities and Hollywood characters, such as Spiderman, Shrek, Marilyn Monroe and Darth Vader. Have some cash on hand as a tip if you want to take photos with any of them. –  Sharael Kolberg, Contributor, Travel

One of Hollywood's most iconic and memorable sites, the TCL Chinese Theatre (originally Grauman's Chinese Theatre) opened in 1927 and represents the excess of Hollywood's Golden Age. You can take a 30-minute walking tour of the theater for $16; tours are offered daily at multiple times. Because of this attraction's popularity, it's best to reserve your spot online in advance. This working theater also shows various newly released films throughout the year.

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Santa Monica Pier and Beach Santa Monica Pier and Beach free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Don't miss trying the classic (and yummy!) funnel cake, a kind of fried waffle topped with powdered sugar and your choice of toppings, such as strawberries, chocolate syrup, caramel syrup, whipped cream and ice cream. They are big enough to share. –  Sharael Kolberg, Contributor, Travel

West of downtown Los Angeles, Santa Monica contains one of the most legendary beach scenes in the United States. It also boasts an abundance of great restaurants and excellent nightlife spots. Its more than 3 miles of shoreline are renowned as some of the best in the area thanks to the soft sands, ideal weather and bevy of attractions. "State Beach," as it's known, has more than 300 days of sunshine a year and acted as the backdrop for the popular TV series "Baywatch."

Zuma Beach Zuma Beach free

Malibu has a reputation for excessive wealth and exclusivity, yet all of the town's beaches are public – everyone's welcome. If you're seeking an LA beach spot for sunbathing and swimming, look no further than Zuma. This 1.8-mile beach is far cleaner than those at Santa Monica or Venice Beach .

Malibu's Zuma Beach is considered one of the finest beaches in the Los Angeles area. Locals and tourists laud Zuma for its awesome waves, ample parking and easy access to beachside snacks. Plus, there are a plethora of lifeguard stations and bathroom facilities. Beach wheelchairs and a beach mat (from April to October) are also available.

Sunset Boulevard Sunset Boulevard free

One of the most iconic thoroughfares in the United States, Sunset Boulevard continues to live up to its legend. In the old days, it represented the classic and glamorous Hollywood lifestyle and became the setting of several famous films, including the obvious classic "Sunset Boulevard." Today, the palm-lined street (which connects downtown LA to Hollywood, Beverly Hills and the Pacific Coast Highway) retains its cinematic appeal, and the Sunset Strip portion has become a popular nightlife spot. The strip is also home to many classic music venues, including the Rainbow Bar & Grill and The Roxy Theatre .

Recent visitors loved driving along this famous boulevard, adding that gorgeous sunsets can be enjoyed during late afternoon drives. But like other parts of LA, this thoroughfare gets congested with traffic.

The Original Farmers Market and The Grove The Original Farmers Market and The Grove free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Kids will love riding the free, open-air, double-decker trolley that runs through The Grove and connects to The Original Farmers Market. It runs daily from 1 to 8:45 p.m. – Sharael Kolberg, Contributor, Travel

Sitting south of West Hollywood is one of LA's most beloved landmarks: The Original Farmers Market. Founded in 1934, this cream-colored facility reels in both residents and tourists with the promise of fresh produce and the aroma of ready-to-eat snacks. You can visit throughout the week, although hours vary depending on the day. Entry is free, but you'll want to have some cash on hand should any of the treats whet your appetite. You can park for free for up to 90 minutes at the market's two lots, provided that your ticket is validated at the market. (Fees apply for parking after the allotted 90 minutes and for non-validated tickets.) For a little help navigating the market, you can also take a guided foodie tour  (one of the best California tours ).

Los Angeles County Museum of Art Los Angeles County Museum of Art

Next door to the La Brea Tar Pits sits the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the linchpin of the Los Angeles museum district. Since its 1965 opening, LACMA has showcased thousands of pieces, from Islamic artifacts to European impressionist paintings to modern art. With constantly shifting exhibitions and unique architecture, LACMA offers a rewarding experience for both serious art buffs and casual travelers.

Currently, the museum is constructing a new building for its permanent collection, called the David Geffen Galleries, which is scheduled to open in 2024. For now, pieces will be on display in the BCAM and the Resnick Pavilion. The Urban Light and Levitated Mass exhibits remain open to visitors. There is a restaurant and grab-and-go eatery on-site. Many visitors appreciated both the indoor and outdoor art exhibits and were impressed with the size of the collection of modern and contemporary art.

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The Broad The Broad free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Two of the most popular exhibits that have blown up on social media are Yayoi Kusama's "Infinity Mirror Rooms." You have to book tickets online for timed entry to these exhibits, but they are free and include general museum admission. – Sharael Kolberg, Contributor, Travel

Philanthropists Eli and Edythe Broad founded The Broad museum in 2015 and the structure made for a stunning addition to downtown Los Angeles. The eye-catching, honeycomb building, designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro in collaboration with Gensler, is home to an expansive collection of contemporary art dating from the 1950s to the present. The collection includes works by Jean Michel Basquiat, Jeff Koons, Cindy Sherman, Kara Walker and Andy Warhol. In addition to the permanent collection, temporary exhibits showcase new and emerging artists. The museum gets high marks from recent visitors who loved both the artwork and the architecture.

Runyon Canyon Park Runyon Canyon Park free

Just two blocks from Hollywood Boulevard, Runyon Canyon Park is an often-overlooked urban park that offers some great views. The park boasts several hiking trails and is a popular spot for celebrities to exercise. During your hike, you'll see plenty of palm trees. Atop the canyon, you'll be treated to sweeping views of the San Fernando Valley.

Hikers recommend bring plenty of water and going later in the day since it can get hot on the trails. Some recent visitors lamented the lack of facilities, while others raved about the views.

Paramount Pictures Studios Paramount Pictures Studios

Since 1912, Paramount Pictures Studios has showcased the talents of film's all-time heavyweights, including Mae West, Alfred Hitchcock, Eddie Murphy and Meryl Streep. The notable site has been home to everything from classic television shows like "I Love Lucy" to modern favorites like "Glee" to box-office hits like "Mission: Impossible" and "Titanic." Today, Paramount Pictures is the only remaining film studio in the Hollywood area.

For an authentic Hollywood experience, set aside some time to tour the grounds . On the 2-hour studio tour, a guide will take you around the site's 65 acres in a golf cart, and you'll also be able to hop off and explore sound stages and recognizable studio sets from many current TV shows and movies. Previous visitors praised the friendly and knowledgeable tour guides, although some felt the tours offered at Warner Bros. Studio were better. Also, keep in mind the tours' age restrictions. Studio and VIP tours permit visitors ages 10 and older.

Hollywood Bowl Hollywood Bowl

If you can catch a gig at the Hollywood Bowl, LA's beautiful amphitheater, don't pass it up. Since its inaugural season in 1922, this unique stage, set in the Hollywood Hills, has entertained thousands of fans and hosted some of the biggest names in music, including Stevie Wonder, Igor Stravinsky, Madonna, Elton John and Tina Turner.

Many travelers praise the Hollywood Bowl, touting everything from the sound quality to the scenic overlook. Several also add that all of the seats offer great views and suggest arriving early with a bottle of wine and a picnic basket. Available facilities include 14 picnic grounds, a gift shop, three restaurants, a marketplace, restrooms and multiple food and beverage concessions.

Walt Disney Concert Hall Walt Disney Concert Hall free

This Frank Gehry-designed concert hall's curvaceous, stainless-steel façade is an imposing structure in downtown LA. The hall helped revive this particular section of downtown, which was once dominated by mundane office buildings and lackluster entertainment options. Now, nightlife and culture burgeon in the area and the concert hall is at the forefront. Music-loving travelers will want to catch one of the Los Angeles Philharmonic's performances here. (For ticket and price information, visit the Los Angeles Philharmonic's website .)

You don't have to invest in concert tickets to experience this performance venue: You can follow  a self-guided audio tour of the exterior and interior (though the actual concert auditorium is off-limits). Past visitors recommend the free hourlong audio tours; self-guided tours are also offered daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For a full tour schedule, visit The Music Center's website .

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Hollywood Homes Tours Hollywood Homes Tours

Once you've seen where the stars shop, where they eat, where they surf and where they party, you'll want to see where they live. A variety of Hollywood homes tours provide ample opportunities to spot homes owned by the rich and famous. You probably won't see the celebs themselves, but you can snap pics of the homes affiliated with A-listers like Sandra Bullock, Tom Cruise, Bruno Mars and Halle Berry. Also, expect to see facades that once housed the likes of Lucille Ball, Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson. Along with the stars' abodes, buses usually make stops at the Hollywood Walk of Fame , the Sunset Strip and Rodeo Drive .

Some recent travelers were disappointed because many homes are at the end of long driveways or behind hedges. Be sure to check the weather for the day: Extreme heat or a sudden shower can put a damper on an open-top bus ride.

Rodeo Drive Rodeo Drive free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Stop for lunch at the hidden Mexican steakhouse, The Hideaway, on the subterranean level of the Rodeo Collection. – Sharael Kolberg, Contributor, Travel

Immortalized by Julia Roberts' "Pretty Woman" shopping spree, Rodeo Drive is an upscale shopping street in Beverly Hills that features world-class designer stores and small private boutiques. The area is popular with wealthy shoppers, sunglass-wearing celebrities and tourists hoping to see fashion icons.

Hollywood Forever Cemetery Hollywood Forever Cemetery free

As morbid as it may seem, your best chance of spotting a celebrity in LA is at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Here, you'll find the final resting places of Rudolph Valentino, Douglas Fairbanks, Judy Garland, Cecil B. DeMille and other stars who once worked at the adjacent Paramount Pictures Studios . Maps detailing the celebrities' gravesites are available at the cemetery's flower shop or on its website . A 2 ½-hour walking tour is also available starting at $25.

Recent visitors described the cemetery's quiet grounds as "peaceful," adding that the grounds are well-maintained. Some recommend doing a walking tour to learn the stories of famous people buried there. The venue also offers cultural events, such as outdoor classic film screenings, concerts and author evenings. Visit their events calendar to find out more.

The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens

You could spend an entire day at this property that includes a research library with 11 million items, an art museum with more than 42,000 pieces and a 130-acre botanical gardens with more than 12 themed gardens. The Huntington opened in 1928 and is a nonprofit that provides humanities scholarships, fellowships, special exhibitions and hosts more than 800,000 visitors a year. Ongoing exhibitions feature items such as Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales" manuscript, replicas of Pacific Electric Railway Company's "red cars," rock slab art in the Japanese Garden, contemporary art and so much more. There are also temporary exhibits that rotate regularly. The Botanical Gardens include themed gardens – such as the California garden, jungle garden, rose garden and Japanese garden – botanical living collections and is the site for botanical conservation and research. Most visitors enjoyed touring the gardens the most and said that the gardens alone can be a full-day excursion.

The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens is open from Wednesdays to Mondays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Reservations are recommended from Monday to Thursday and required for weekend visits.

Angeles National Forest Angeles National Forest

In about a half-hour, travelers can trade busy downtown LA for the serenity of nature at the Angeles National Forest. The almost 700,000-acre forest is an easily accessible place for locals and visitors to hike, bike, ski, ride horses, swim, fish and even camp. Encompassing the San Gabriel Mountains, terrain ranges from desert to dense forest. Perhaps one of the most visited sites is Mount San Antonio (nicknamed Mount Baldy), which is the highest peak in the San Gabriel Mountains at 10,064 feet. There you will find a variety of hikes, from moderate to challenging. Recent visitors loved the views and found the range of trail options perfect for different types of hikers.

Visitors to the Angeles National Forest must purchase a National Forest Adventure Pass. It’s $5 for a daily pass or $30 for an annual pass; the pass is good at other national forests in the area. There are visitor and information centers in different areas of the forest, which offer general information, activities and educational events.

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La Brea Tar Pits La Brea Tar Pits

If your kids go crazy for dinosaurs – and really, what kid doesn't? – then a visit to La Brea Tar Pits is sure to be the highlight of their trip. Although the pits look like the set of a cheesy PG movie, hot tar has been bubbling from the earth at this spot along Museum Row in the Miracle Mile for about 50,000 years. And from the gooiest part of LA, more than 3.5 million fossils have been discovered. The adjoining museum houses many of the artifacts found at the tar pits; consequently, it is home to one of the largest collections of Ice Age fossils in the world. Recent visitors said the site was very educational and the amount of fossils was impressive.

The museum is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, though it closes the first Tuesday of the month. The tar pits and the adjoining park are open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

California Science Center California Science Center free

A world of fun and exploration await kids, as well as curious adults, at the California Science Center. In the permanent "Ecosystems" exhibit, museumgoers will learn about everything from islands to rivers to forests across ten different zones via interactive displays. In "Life! Beginning," visitors learn about reproduction, mating and genes. Many recent visitors were impressed with the museum's "Air & Space" section that includes the Space Shuttle Endeavour and the Gemini 11 Capsule. An IMAX theater is also on-site. Recent visitors say the center is wonderful, lots of fun and especially great for kids.

The center is free to visit (including the Endeavour) though special exhibits and IMAX screenings incur a fee. Timed tickets for IMAX and special exhibits are required and can be purchased online .

Dodger Stadium Dodger Stadium

Baseball fans should enjoy a visit to Dodger Stadium, which is home to the LA Dodgers and is Major League Baseball's third oldest continually used park. The stadium is carved into Chavez Ravine and overlooks downtown LA to the south and the San Gabriel Mountains to the north, making this ballpark quite unique. If the Dodgers aren't playing when you're in town, you can still see the stadium on a guided tour. Tours of the 56,000-seat stadium last approximately 90 minutes. During the tour, visitors will learn about the stadium's history and may get to go on the field, look at the Dodger Dugout or peek into the Yaamava' Dugout Club (the VIP restaurant and lounge located behind home plate), which houses the team's World Series trophies and various other awards. Additional specialty tours, such as a Jackie Robinson tour, are also offered. Recent tour-goers say the guides are knowledgeable and engaging.

The Dodger Stadium Tour is offered on the hour from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (on game days ) or 3 p.m. (on nongame days). Tickets cost $32.25 for adults and $27.25 for kids 14 and younger. Specialty tours are also available for varying fees.

Greystone Mansion and Park Greystone Mansion and Park free

Greystone Mansion is one of the largest mansions in Beverly Hills and an important landmark for American cinema. The nearly 13-acre parcel of land was a wedding gift from oil tycoon Edward L. Doheny to his son, Ned, in 1926. Construction on the mansion began in 1927 and took almost three years to complete. Greystone now represents a golden age in American cinema. Many films, including "The Big Lebowski" and "Ghostbusters," and television shows like "General Hospital" and "Gilmore Girls" have been shot on these gothic-inspired grounds.

Visitors can walk around the property and self-guided tours of the inside of the mansion are offered monthly. Many visitors say Greystone Mansion has stunning grounds with picturesque views. Travelers describe the park grounds as spectacular and enjoy learning which of their favorite movies and shows used Greystone as a backdrop.

Venice Beach Venice Beach free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Rent an e-bike at the boardwalk and spend the day riding along "The Strand" (aka the Marvin Braude Bike Trail) to the Santa Monica Pier. Enjoy delicious Mexican dishes at MariaSol, which sits at the end of the pier. – Sharael Kolberg, Contributor, Travel

Developed in the early 20th century, Venice Beach is modeled – canals and all – after its  namesake city in Italy . Admittedly, the experiment didn't live up to its Italian inspiration, but the neighborhood has become distinctly Californian, embodying the spirit of the wealthy, the alternative and the just plain bizarre. Rather than towering churches and intimate pizzerias, you'll find canal-side mansions near funky boutiques and restaurants.

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Explore the Arts District in Downtown L.A. Explore the Arts District in Downtown L.A. free

If you're looking for a trendy hot spot, heed the advice of recent visitors and head to the Arts District in Downtown Los Angeles. Formerly an urban artists' colony in the 1970s, the area is now filled with restaurants, cafes and bars serving creative cuisine and craft cocktails. Popular favorites include Angel City Brewery, Bestia, Girl & the Goat and EightyTwo, a bar that features vintage pinball and arcade machines. The neighborhood is also home to art galleries featuring a variety of genres showcasing inspiring art, art shops and art classes. One example is Art Share L.A., a 28,000-square-foot creative art space featuring community art classes, art exhibits and live performances.

According to past visitors, parking in this area can be challenging. Though there is street parking, it's limited. Travelers advise leaving your car in a public parking garage.

Universal Studios Hollywood Universal Studios Hollywood

One of the most popular attractions in the Los Angeles area, Universal Studios Hollywood features rides and amusements based on some of the most popular scenes and characters from film and television. You can take the tram Studio Tour past the creepy Bates Motel from "Psycho" and get caught up in a high-speed chase with the "Fast & Furious" cast. Kids can shake hands with cartoon favorites like The Minions and Scooby-Doo. Of course, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is another huge hit, as is Jurassic World – The Ride. SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, a new attraction opened in 2023, features a Super Mario-themed ride, interactive games, a restaurant and shop.

If thrills are your thing, there are plenty of hair-raising coasters and rides. On Transformers: The Ride-3D, riders join Optimus Prime in his battle against the Decepticons; meanwhile, youngsters will love the 3D ride Despicable Me Minion Mayhem (complete with a Minion dance party).

Abbot Kinney Boulevard Abbot Kinney Boulevard free

Shoppers will love this retail mecca that stretches for a mile from Washington Boulevard to Main Street. Located a half-mile inland from Venice Beach , the boulevard features popular chain stores, such as Lululemon, Birkenstock and Warby Parker, as well as local boutique shops, including Ananda Venice, Satine and The Stronghold. In between shopping, stop for a bite to eat at The Butcher's Daughter, Plant Food + Wine or Gjelina. Or, plan your visit for the first Friday of every month, when starting at 5 p.m. dozens of food trucks serve up casual craft meals along the street.

Recent visitors suggested you stroll along Abbot Kinney Boulevard if you're in the Venice Beach area, praising its hip collection of boutiques and restaurants. In addition to the shops and eateries, reviewers also admired the colorful murals and street art. 

Grand Central Market Grand Central Market free

U.S. News Insider Tip: For something fun and unique near the market, check out the Angels Flight Railway. Built in 1901, the funicular takes passengers between Hill Street and Grand Avenue on Bunker Hill. One-way tickets cost $1. – Sharael Kolberg, Contributor, Travel

Grand Central Market, or foodie heaven according to visitors, is located in downtown Los Angeles by the Walt Disney Concert Hall and The Broad . The venue features high ceilings and an open layout, with food vendor stalls offering different cuisines that represent cultures from the Los Angeles area and beyond. The market has been in operation since 1917 and serves everything from coffee and pressed juices to deli fare, egg sandwiches, falafel, tacos and chow mein.

Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

Whether you're interested in the deep sea, dinosaurs, insects or gems and minerals, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County offers hours of exploration of all things related to natural history. Ongoing exhibitions include the impressive Dinosaur Hall (where you can view more than 300 fossils and see 20 life-sized dinosaur skeletons), Nature Lab, Hall of Birds and Visible Vault, which houses artifacts from Aztec, Maya and Inca civilizations. Visitors said that the museum is great for all ages, with the Dinosaur Hall being the most popular attraction. There are also special exhibitions that are on display for a limited time. Kids will love the Dinosaurs Encounters Show that features juvenile dinosaur puppets. The shows are offered Thursdays and Fridays at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $6 per person.

Guests can also explore the nature gardens with more than 600 varieties of plants and a plethora of garden wildlife. Free guided tours are available daily. If you want to dive deeper into natural history, special programs are available for children, adults and families. Check the events calendar online for more info.

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Battleship USS Iowa Museum Battleship USS Iowa Museum

A visit to the iconic Battleship USS Iowa Museum includes access to both interior and exterior areas on seven decks. The self-guided tour lets visitors see what life was like on the ship. You'll also view the officer's wardroom, senior officer's cabins, admirals bridge, navigation bridge and crew's quarters. Recent visitors enjoyed the multiple exhibits along the route that tell the story of the Battleship USS Iowa, as well as the U.S. Navy, through artifacts, photographs, artwork and equipment. Kids can participate in the "Vicky the Dog" scavenger hunt to get a more in-depth look at the ship through the eyes of its canine mascot.

The ship is open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Shop along Olvera Street Shop along Olvera Street free

Stroll this historic street in Downtown Los Angeles for authentic Mexican culture, music and cuisine. Along the block-long, brick-lined street, you'll find strolling mariachi bands, taco shops, Aztec and Mexican folkloric dancers and vendors selling handcrafted souvenirs, such as pottery, leather goods and traditional clothing. The street also hosts various traditional events throughout the year, including the Blessing of the Animals (Saturday before Easter), Cinco de Mayo, Fiestas Patrias (Mexican Independence Day), Dia de los Muertos and Las Posadas.

This Mexican marketplace is part of the El Pueblo Historic Park, the "birthplace of LA," which also includes historic sites, such as Avila Adobe (LA's oldest house), Pico House and the America Tropical Interpretive Center. 

L.A. Live L.A. Live

L.A. Live is the hub of entertainment in Downtown Los Angeles. It's features the Crypto.com Arena, home of the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers basketball teams, the Los Angeles Kings hockey team, as well as the Los Angeles Sparks women's basketball team. It's also where music fans attend world-class concerts by some of the biggest names in the industry. Other entertainment includes the interactive GRAMMY Museum, a Lucky Strike bowling alley and a Regal movie theater, as well as smaller event venues like the Microsoft Theater, The Novo and The Conga Room.

There are more than a dozen eateries to choose from, including Yard House and Katsuya. After a night of entertainment, stay over at the JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE or The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles.

Petersen Automotive Museum Petersen Automotive Museum

Car enthusiasts will be thrilled with a visit to the Petersen Automotive Museum as it houses a range of impressive cars, from high performance to historic. In the permanent galleries, travelers can try an exhilarating racing simulator, see the “Commutercycle” from the HBO documentary "The Lady and the Dale" and participate in hands-on activities with a Disney "Cars" theme. Featured exhibitions rotate frequently. There are an additional 250 cars that are stored in The Vault. The museum also hosts a variety of events, from exhibition openings to hands-on workshops. Visit its online calendar for more info.

The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Warner Bros. Studio Warner Bros. Studio

Located in Burbank, California – a city that sits just 5 miles north of Hollywood – Warner Bros. Studio gives visitors a close-up look at iconic movie and TV sets and props, such as the original Batmobiles, costumes from the "Harry Potter" movies and a replica of the cafe featured in "Friends." Travelers will also drive around the studio's 110-acre backlot, where 30 soundstages are used for producing shows like "Young Sheldon," "Bob Hearts Abishola," and "The Ellen DeGeneres Show."

Previous visitors loved exploring this property and appreciated their "fun and knowledgeable" tour guides. Additionally, many enjoyed getting out of their golf carts to go inside a working set and other buildings used for filming, citing this as the main reason to tour this studio instead of others like Paramount Pictures Studios . But keep in mind, children 7 and younger are not permitted on any tour.

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A view of the Komsomolskaya metro station in Moscow.

Discover the Best of Moscow

Ten can't-miss activities for your next trip to Moscow.

National Park

To escape the crowds and clamor of the city, you don't have to go any farther than the Losiny Ostrov (Elk Island), one of Russia's first national parks created in 1983. Stroll through its network of numerous paved and unpaved pathways surrounded by grasslands, coniferous and broad-leaved trees and observe more than 200 animal species including elks roaming in their natural habitat.

Archeological Site

Descend to the Archeological Museum , a seven meter-deep underground pavilion below the central Tverskaya Street that showcases an eclectic collection of artifacts harvested from excavations of Voskresensky Bridge. The exposition spans the Stone and Bronze ages as well as more recent items including pottery and coins from the 1700s. Don't miss the 3D virtual reality binoculars to see how that particular place looked back in history.

UNESCO Site

Kolomenskoe Museum-Reserve , located a 10-minute metro ride from the city center, will teleport you to medieval Moscow. Explore its scenic 390-hectares seeded with churches dating back to the 16th century, and the spectacular wooden palace of Tsar Alexis I that is straight out of a fairytale. Equally impressive is the Novodevichy Convent - the fortress founded in 1524 that contains four cathedrals, a mesmerizing icon collection and a venerable cemetery.

Cultural Site

Put on your fanciest outfit and immerse yourself in the cultural scene of Moscow by booking a ticket to an opera or ballet performance at Russia Bolshoi Theatre . This quintessential institution of the Russian musical tradition not only offers traditional world-class productions, but also strives to defy its classical music heritage by constantly offering new experimental stagings.

Off the Beaten Path

Venture down 65 meters beneath Taganka Square for a guided underground tour of Bunker 42 which offers a fascinating deep-dive into Soviet history. Constructed in 1951 under the command of Joseph Stalin, the bunker was supposed to shelter top Kremlin officials during nuclear attack. It currently houses the Cold War Museum offering invaluable insights into the historical developments of that era.

Most Iconic Place

The candy-colored, swirling-patterned domes of St. Basil's Cathedral are an undeniable icon of Moscow. Commissioned by infamous Ivan the Terrible, the cathedral was built in the 16th century to commemorate the victory over The Khanate of Kazan. The complex consists of ten separate churches festooned with centuries-old historic frescoes, oil paintings and Russian icons.

Historic Site

The spacious cobble-stoned Red Square is the heart of the capital and a symbol of Russia's historically rich and captivating past. Perpetually brimming with people, the place is filled with frantic energy and has plenty to offer. Plan to spend a full day scouting its numerous sights including the extensive grounds of Kremlin, astounding St. Basil's Cathedral, eerie Lenin's Mausoleum and luxurious national department store GUM built in 1893.

Local Quirk

Nothing unites Russians like a collective visit to one of the banyas (bath houses). Indulge in this invigorating quintessential Russian experience by visiting the iconic Sandunovskiye Baths, which will impress with its 19th century ornate halls, or the Rzhevskie baths for a down-to-earth therapeutic sequence starting with steaming, then plunging into cold pools, followed by a whipping with birch twigs, finishing with a massage and tea afterwards.

• Nat Geo Expeditions

Neighborhood to Explore

To see the hip side of Moscow head to Winzavod, a complex of former wine-bottling companies which were converted into a cluster of cool exhibit and studio spaces used by local artists. It is a great place to peruse contemporary art galleries and creative showrooms, or kick back in one of the trendy cafes and book stores.

Museums Not To Be Missed

Take a walk through Russia's art history at Tretyakov Gallery which displays a collection of 1,300 works spanning early religious relics to modern avant-garde masterpieces. The Garage Centre of Contemporary Art designed by eco-friendly architect Shigeru Ban, or the Multimedia Art Museum, which is devoted entirely to photography, are perfect places to tap into the city's modern art scene. A hangout spot for locals and tourists alike, the massive VDNKh (All-Russian Exhibition Centre) is a fun open-air museum park of Soviet-era architecture paired with an entertainment complex.

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I Visit Amsterdam Every Year — Here's Why This Hotel Stands Out From the Rest

Travel + Leisure readers named it the best hotel in Amsterdam in 2024, too.

Food and Drink

Activities and amenities, accessibility and sustainability, how to get the most value from your stay.

AMIT GERON/Courtesy of Conservatorium Hotel

As a fourth-generation Florida girl who’s happiest in tropical places, I tend to surprise people when I tell them Amsterdam is one of my favorite cities. I appreciate the quaint Dutch architecture, charming canal-lined streets, and easygoing yet direct personality of the locals (and, OK, pancakes as a major food group).

Since our first visit to Amsterdam in 2019, my husband and I have returned every year, and sometimes several times a year. Because we prefer to “live like a local,” we’ve stayed in houseboats, canal houses, and apartments — all of which we find on Airbnb or Booking.com — but residents can only legally rent out their homes 30 days per year, so the selection and availability varies quite a bit from visit to visit.

That’s where the value of a good hotel comes in — and Amsterdam has many. On a recent visit to attend Taylor Swift’s record-breaking Eras Tour , we stayed at the iconic De L’Europe . Owned by the Heineken family, this historic luxury hotel is a landmark of the city thanks to its opulent interiors and prominent location at the intersection of the Amstel River and the Rokin canal.

Amsterdam has no shortage of unique accommodations — there’s a hotel in a moving crane , suites spread across 28 old bridge houses , and even futuristic Burning Man–inspired pods inside an old church — but still, the most memorable place we've stayed is a little more understated.

Courtesy of Conservatorium Hotel

Located outside the inner canal circles, Conservatorium sits between Vondelpark and the Rijksmuseum — which has a colorful little garden where my husband and I love to sit and people-watch after grabbing a latte and cinnamon bun from nearby Coffee District Willemsparkweg .

Here, find my in-depth review of Conservatorium, the best hotel in Amsterdam as voted by Travel + Leisure readers in the 2024 World's Best Awards.

Conservatorium Hotel

• Originally built in 1897 by Dutch architect Daniël Knuttel, the Conservatorium has lived a few lives: It started as a bank, then became a music school, and has now been restored and modernized by Milan-based designer and architect Piero Lissoni into one of the leading design hotels in Amsterdam.
• The building’s neo-Gothic facade hides an ultra-modern interior with a soaring glass atrium and suspended walkways; many guest rooms circle this living room lobby, creating a cozy outdoor-but-still-indoors vibe.
• The hotel has 129 spacious and contemporary rooms and suites, including some with a duplex layout.
• Located between the Museum Quarter and Vondelpark, the property is within walking distance to Amsterdam Centrum, while also placing the best of new and old Amsterdam at your doorstep.

At this luxury hotel, even base-level Superior Rooms have elegant touches like dark hardwood floors, travertine stone bathrooms with a large rainfall shower, and a comfortable workspace for the modern traveler. At the other end of the spectrum, the entire sixth floor (with seven separate rooms) can be reserved exclusively as the Penthouse Wing for VIP guests. In between, there are a variety of elegant rooms and suites, all filled with natural light and neutral colors.

Guests and locals alike flock to Mediterranean-inspired Barbounia, which has both atrium and terrace seating. The hotel is also home to the Asian-inspired Taiko Cuisine and Taiko Bar.

Considered the “living room of Amsterdam,” the Conservatorium’s lobby is an architectural marvel. When Lissoni modernized the hotel, he encased the historic building’s interior courtyard in glass, bringing the outdoors in and creating an airy, beautifully lit space to meet, work, lounge, and enjoy a drink or bite.

The hotel also offers extensive fitness and spa facilities, including a 60-foot lap pool, and the petite in-house Van Baerle Shopping Gallery has luxury boutiques from Bonebakker, Skins Cosmetics, Bert Visser, Club Cinq, La Casa del Habano, and The Hand.

Andrew Twort/Courtesy of Conservatorium Hotel

The underground (but, again, with abundant natural light from a tree-filled atrium) Akasha Spa is another highlight. Its spacious treatment facilities and gym, pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, and hammam make it one of the top luxury spas in the Netherlands.

The Conservatorium has two spacious, mobility-friendly rooms. Facilities in these accommodations are on the same level and the bathrooms are wheelchair-accessible.

The hotel also has a focus on sustainability and has been Green Globe certified for 10 years.

Many of the main attractions in Amsterdam — the canal-ringed Centrum, Vondelpark, and the Museum Quarter — are within a short walk from the hotel. Plus, it’s just a 20-minute drive from the Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. There’s no need to rent a car, but when in the Netherlands, consider doing as the Dutch and rent a bike to explore the city on two wheels .

The Conservatorium belongs to a collection of around 20 grand hotels known as The Set Collection. While this luxury hotel is going to be pricey no matter which way you slice it, look for occasional discounted offers on multiday stays.

The property is also included in American Express Travel’s Fine Hotels & Resorts, which offers elevated benefits like early check-in and late checkout, room upgrades upon arrival (when available), daily breakfast for two, and property credit to Platinum card members. Cardholders can also pay with points.

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MLB's travel plans for '24: Seoul, Mexico City, London, D.R.

David Adler

The MLB World Tour is coming to four international destinations in 2024: London, Mexico City, Seoul and Santo Domingo. 

The Seoul Series will be the opener of the 2024 MLB regular season -- and will mark the first MLB regular-season games ever played in Korea. 

Major League Baseball and the MLB Players Association announced the full plans for the four series on Wednesday.

• Seoul Series: Dodgers vs. Padres, March 20-21 (MLB season opener) • Mexico City Series: Astros vs. Rockies, April 27-28 • London Series: Mets vs. Phillies, June 8-9 • Dominican Republic Series: Red Sox vs. Rays, March 9-10 (Spring Training)

• MLB international

"Major League Baseball is incredibly excited for this extensive slate of international games in 2024," Commissioner Rob Manfred said. "Our recent efforts have produced strong enthusiasm around the globe, and we look forward to building on that foundation with returns to Mexico City and London, while also opening the season in Korea for the first time. In addition, we can’t wait to celebrate the tradition of the sport in the Dominican Republic with our visit to Santo Domingo next March. We are thrilled that our fans across four different countries outside the United States and Canada will have the opportunity to see the game’s stars."

The MLB World Tour schedule for next year includes the return of games to the United Kingdom and Mexico for a second consecutive season, after the 2023 London Series between the Cubs and Cardinals and Mexico City Series between the Giants and Padres, in addition to new stops in Korea and the Dominican Republic.

“Players have a deep interest in growing baseball around the world. No matter where they come from, players are linked by a passion for our game that transcends different languages, cultures, and nationalities,” said Tony Clark, the executive director of the MLB Players Association. “The series announced today will allow fans around the globe to gain a first-hand appreciation for the unmatched skill and infectious enthusiasm players display every time they go to work. We are excited to expand our international presence in new communities and celebrate the game we all love.”

Here's a look at each of the four international series in 2024.

Seoul Series

The Dodgers and Padres will open up the 2024 season with two games in Korea from March 20-21.  

The Seoul Series will mark the ninth time that the MLB season has opened outside the 50 U.S. states and Canada, and the first time in five years. Previous international openers include:

• 1999 -- Monterrey, Mexico (Rockies vs. Padres) • 2000 -- Tokyo, Japan (Mets vs. Cubs) • 2001 -- San Juan, Puerto Rico (Rangers vs. Blue Jays) • 2004 -- Tokyo, Japan (Rays vs. Yankees) • 2008 -- Tokyo, Japan (Red Sox vs. A's) • 2012 -- Tokyo, Japan (A's vs. Mariners) • 2014 -- Sydney, Australia (Dodgers vs. D-backs) • 2019 -- Tokyo, Japan (A's vs. Mariners)

It will be the Dodgers' first international games since they played the Padres in Mexico in 2018, and their second Opening Day abroad after the 2014 season opener in Australia.

"The Dodgers have a long and proud history of helping to grow the game abroad, highlighted by our trips to Mexico, China and Australia. It's very exciting to add Korea to the list," Dodgers president Stan Kasten said. "I know our players are thrilled to put their talents on display in a country so rich with baseball tradition and talent, including former Dodgers Chan Ho Park, Hee-Seop Choi and Hyun Jin Ryu."

The Padres will be playing internationally for a second straight season, but in a new country, going from the 2023 Mexico City Series to the 2024 Seoul Series. Like the Dodgers, they've also played abroad on Opening Day before, in the inaugural international season opener back in 1999. 

"Korea is a great baseball country with a rich tradition, passionate fans, and talented players, including current Padre and San Diego fan favorite Ha-Seong Kim," Padres CEO Erik Greupner said. "The Padres are proud to serve alongside the Dodgers as global ambassadors for the game of baseball with our historic 2024 Korea Series."

Mexico City Series

The second Mexico City Series will feature the Astros and Rockies for a pair of games on April 27 and 28, almost exactly a year after this season's inaugural Mexico City Series.

Both Houston and Colorado last played internationally in Mexico, but in Monterrey, not Mexico City. The Astros played two regular-season games against the Angels there in 2019, and the Rockies played an exhibition series against the D-backs that same year.  

The Astros have played exhibition games in Mexico City before, in 2016 against the Padres and 2004 against the Marlins.

• 2023 Mexico City Series

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London Series

The London Series returns for its third edition overall, with the Mets and Phillies facing off at London Stadium on June 8 and 9.

The Mets will be playing abroad for the first time since 2010, when they faced the Marlins in Puerto Rico. But they're no stranger to international games, having participated in both MLB's first-ever international regular season games in 1996 in Mexico and MLB's first-ever regular-season games in Japan in 2000.

• 2024 London Series will feature NL East rivalry in Mets-Phils

"Interest in baseball is growing all over the world, and to bring the Mets' 'never-say-die' attitude to sports fans in London is a tremendous honor," Mets owner Steve Cohen said. "Our Queens family is ready to show London a great time with exciting baseball and amazing experiences that create new fans and build the Mets community throughout the United Kingdom." 

The Phillies have never played regular-season games internationally, and have left the U.S. and Canada only once, over 50 years ago, for a pair of exhibition games against the Pirates in San Juan in 1977.

"Major League Baseball has done an excellent job of expanding its footprint internationally, and we are honored to play a role in that effort as part of the 2024 London Series," Phillies managing partner John Middleton said. "This will be a wonderful opportunity to showcase our players' talents and highlight the excitement that comes with a Phillies-Mets matchup for our fans in the UK and for those who have never attended a baseball game."

Dominican Republic Series

In addition to the three international regular-season series planned for in 2024, the Red Sox and Rays will play a Spring Training series in Santo Domingo at Estadio Quisqueya from March 9-10.

"This unique opportunity builds on our long-standing connection to the Dominican Republic and allows us to celebrate the remarkable talents and rich cultural heritage of a country whose passion for the game has distinctly shaped our organization," Red Sox president Sam Kennedy said. "From the players who have passed through our Dominican Republic Academy to those who have helped us win championships, we have been fortunate to witness the profound impact of Dominican players within our game, and we are thrilled to be able to bring Red Sox baseball to such a vibrant baseball community next year."

Exhibition games are also a key part of the MLB World Tour, which includes up to 16 exhibition games being played internationally between 2023 and ‘26, as well as up to 24 regular-season games spanning Asia, Europe and Latin America.