Score Savings On Attractions | Life With Jackson

Let's face it...visiting different attractions is what makes your vacation or trip FUN.

But you can really get gouged on attractions if you're not selective. In researching this article to give you an idea of current pricing, I found that prices have gone through the roof and are way too expensive for what you get!

I tend to go DIY on most attractions or with inexpensive self guided audio tour apps that are FAR less expensive than guided tours and give me just as much information, if not more.

CITY PASSES & BUNDLED TICKETS - WHEN THEY'RE WORTH IT AND WHEN THEY'RE NOT

City passes can be a great way to save money, but only if you actually use them. Many major cities offer passes that bundle multiple attractions into one discounted price—but before you buy, ask yourself:

✅ Will you visit enough attractions to make it worth the cost? If a pass includes 20 attractions, but you only plan to visit 3, it might not be the best deal.
✅ Are the included attractions ones you actually want to see? Some passes load up on filler attractions that you wouldn’t have paid for anyway.
✅ Does it include perks like skip-the-line access? In places with huge crowds, the time saved can be just as valuable as the money saved.

Do the math before buying a pass. Add up the cost of individual tickets to see if the pass actually saves you money. If not, skip it and pay for attractions separately.

GoCity Pass (various cities) – Offers flexible sightseeing passes in cities like Sydney, San Francisco, and Barcelona.

FREE MUSEUM DAYS & ATTRACTION DISCOUNTS - HOW TO FIND THEM BEFORE YOUR TRIP

Many world-class museums offer free entry on certain days, but tourists often don’t know about them and end up paying full price unnecessarily. Some attractions also offer student, senior, or local resident discounts—you just have to ask.

Here’s how to find these hidden deals:

Check the official website – Most museums list free-entry days under their "tickets" or "visitor info" section.
Search “free things to do in [city]” – Travel blogs and forums often list up-to-date free attractions.
Use tourism board websites – Many cities list discount days for popular sights.
Ask your hotel or or hostel staff – Locals often know about last-minute deals or free events that aren’t widely advertised.
Smithsonian Museums (Washington D.C.) – Always free!

BOOK TICKETS IN ADVANCE TO AVOID PRICE SURGING

Attractions with timed entry slots (like the Colosseum, Machu Picchu, or Sagrada Familia) often increase prices as the date gets closer—or worse, sell out completely. Booking online in advance can save you money and guarantee your spot.

When to Book in Advance:
✔ Major landmarks with limited daily capacity
✔ Popular observation decks (e.g. Empire State Building).
✔ Historical sites with required permits
✔ Skip-the-line tickets for crowded attractions

Use sites like GetYourGuide, Klook, or Tiqets to compare ticket prices—sometimes, third-party sellers offer better deals than the official website.

ALTERNATIVE WAYS TO SEE TOP ATTRACTIONS FOR FREE

Sometimes, you don’t need to pay at all to experience a must-see landmark. Instead of standing in line and paying premium prices, look for alternative ways to enjoy the same attraction—often with a better view!

Before paying for an attraction, ask yourself: Can I get the same (or better) experience without a ticket? Many times, the answer is yes.
Statue of Liberty (New York) – Skip the pricey ferry and take the free Staten Island Ferry for the same views.

Just because an attraction is famous doesn’t mean you have to pay premium prices to experience it. Some of the best travel moments come from exploring cities, finding hidden gems, and discovering alternative ways to see iconic sights—often for free.

If you’re willing to think outside the box, you can enjoy must-see destinations without spending a cent. Here’s how:

FREE WALKING TOURS - The Best Way To Explore A City for $0

One of the best budget travel hacks is taking a free walking tour. These tours, usually run by passionate locals, give you a deep dive into the history, culture, and legends of a city—all for free (or a small tip).

Free tours work on a pay-what-you-want basis. A $5–$10 tip per person is fair if you enjoyed the tour—but it’s still much cheaper than traditional paid tours.

Where to find the best free walking tours:

SANDEMANs New Europe – Available in London, Paris, Amsterdam, Prague, and more.
GuruWalk – A great platform for finding unique local-led tours worldwide.
FreeTour.com – Lists independent free tours in over 100+ cities.
Ask at your hostel/hotel – Many offer their own walking tours or know of great ones.

HIDDEN GEMS & LOCAL EXPERIENCES – Just as Incredible (But Free or Cheap!)

Sometimes, the best travel experiences are off the beaten path—and they don’t cost a thing. Instead of following the crowds to overpriced attractions, seek out hidden gems that are just as magical but way cheaper (or free!).

Google “hidden gems in [city]” before your trip. You’ll find blogs, local recommendations, and spots most tourists overlook.

VIEWING FAMOUS SITES FROM THE OUTSIDE – When Skipping Paid Entry is Better

Let’s be real—sometimes, the best part of a famous attraction isn’t inside, but outside. Many travelers regret paying steep entry fees for attractions that look just as good (or even better) from the outside.

If you want stunning city views without paying for observation decks, look for rooftop bars, public parks, or hilltop viewpoints instead.

Now that you know how to experience top attractions for free or on a budget, let’s talk about how to avoid common tourist traps that can overcharge you for underwhelming experiences.

HOW TO SPOT OVERPRICED, OVERHYPED ATTRACTIONS BEFORE YOU WASTE YOUR MONEY

Not all expensive attractions are bad—some are absolutely worth the cost. But if an attraction has any of these red flags, it’s probably a tourist trap:

🚩 High entry fees for an average experience – If people say, “It wasn’t worth the price,” believe them.
🚩 Massive crowds and long lines – If you’re spending more time waiting than enjoying, reconsider.
🚩 Fake “authentic” experiences – Over-commercialized cultural shows or markets selling mass-produced souvenirs.
🚩 Everything is overpriced – If food, drinks, and souvenirs cost double what they should, it’s a sign.
🚩 Locals don’t go there – If only tourists visit an attraction, it’s usually not an authentic experience.

Before paying for an attraction, check Google Reviews, Reddit, and travel forums. If the top reviews say, "Not worth it" or "overpriced," save your money.

If an area is packed with souvenir shops, people trying to sell you things, and menus in five languages, you’re in a tourist trap. Walk a few blocks away, and prices will drop.

How to Research and Find Authentic, Worthwhile Experiences Instead

🔎 Use Travel Forums & Blogs – Websites like Reddit (r/travel), Lonely Planet forums, and independent travel blogs often reveal hidden gems and local secrets.
📍 Ask Locals – Your hotel staff, Airbnb host, or even a taxi driver can give better recommendations than any travel brochure.
🎟️ Look for Local Events & Free Experiences – Many cities have free festivals, concerts, and community markets that tourists never find.
🍽️ Follow the Locals – If a restaurant is full of locals instead of tourists, it’s probably affordable and authentic.

Use Google Maps and search for “Where locals eat in [city]”—you’ll find hidden restaurants that aren’t overpriced tourist traps.

LOOK FOR THE OFFBEAT

Sometimes the best attractions are the weird and quirky ones that tourists don't flock to. I always make it point to watch for these and visit them. Usually admittance is free or low cost and often, I've been the only person visiting in the entire attraction. I've seen some pretty wild, weird and amusing stuff this way, without fighting crowds and paying little to nothing.

At times, the best travel experiences are off the beaten path—and they don’t cost a thing. Instead of following the crowds to overpriced attractions, seek out hidden gems that are just as magical but way cheaper (or free!).