Author: DU Abroad

The University of Denver sends over 70% of its undergraduates on study abroad programs.

10 Best Free Things To Do in Europe

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1)      Florence: Catch a sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo—Located a swift twenty minute walk from Florence’s city centre, Piazzale Michelangelo affords anybody who goes there one of the most breathtaking views in the whole of Italy. It’s also where you’ll find one of the city’s ‘fake Davids’.

2)      Paris: Visit the Louvre for free—If you’re under the age of 26, good news – the Louvre is free for you to enter! It’s also free to everyone on the first Sunday of the month.

3)      London: Enjoy the choir singing in Westminster Abbey—While visiting one of London’s most famous attractions may cost £16.00 during the day, if you leave your visit until ‘Evensong’ takes place every evening at 5.30pm you won’t have to pay anything. Not only that, you’ll be treated to the sounds of the Abbey’s choir too!

4)      Granada: Enjoy the view at Mirador di San Nicolas—If there’s one thing not to miss in Granada, it’s the Mirador de San Nicolas and the spectacular views of Alhambra afforded from its lookout. By day you’ll be accompanied by musicians and can grab some food and drink in nearby cafés, but it’s in the evening that is especially recommended. The sunsets here will blow you away!

5)      Prague: Walk through the grounds of the Prague Castle—Overlooking the Czech capital and the River Vlatva, the Prague Castle is the city’s number one tourist attraction. Walking the grounds is free of charge and if you visit around noon, try to catch the elaborate changing of the guard.

6)      Budapest: Stroll over Fisherman’s Bastion—Found up on the Buda half of the Hungarian capital, Fisherman’s Bastion is a short terrace on Castle Hill. Taking no more than five minutes to walk from one side to the other, you’ll find yourself spending much more time there thanks to be unforgettable views of the city.

7)      Munich: Catch the ‘Glockenspiel’ show—Catch the amusing 15 minute show twice daily at 11am and midday at the New Town Hall, located in one of the city’s most notable squares, Marienplatz. This local tradition attracts a crowd and features 32 life-size figurines acting out the ‘Cooper’s Dance’.

8)      Milan: Chow down on some free food—Buy a drink at any number of bars across Milan and help yourself to plate upon plate of finger food. Nachos, sausages and much more are offered, during what is known as Aperitivo time. The all-you-can-eat bonanza begins around 6pm every evening. Two top spots offering this free food are Le Biciclette on Via Torti and Bar Brera on Via Brera.

9)      Brussels: Embark on a comic strip walk—Without a trained eye you may miss some of Brussels lesser known attractions. Stop into the city’s tourist office at Hotel de Ville in the Grand Palace and request either the Comic Art Walk or the Art Nouveau Walk. The Comic Art Walk is especially interesting, taking you to over 30 walls that have been transformed into story book comics!

10)   Athens: Climb Filopappou Hill—Located just 15 minutes from the gates of the Acropolis, Filopappou Hill is the best place in Athens to get a view of the Parthenon, meaning it boasts the best view in the city. Entrance to the site is free and the climb isn’t that strenuous.

While in Chile—Don’t Miss Out on Easter Island

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Easter Island/Isla de Pascua/Rapa Nui:

  • UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Most remote island in the world
  • Home of the famous “bellybutton of the world,” the birdman cult, and the mysterious moai statues

Never heard of it?  That’s ok, most people haven’t.  But Easter Island is a stunning, remote and incredible island that officially belongs to Chile, although the indigenous Rapa Nui community claims independence.  Considered the most remote island in the world, its culture is related to that of native Hawaiians and other Polynesian groups, but without the massive over tourism that has turned many of those cultures into tourist attractions.  A five hour flight from Santiago, it is pretty difficult to get to from anywhere other than Chile, but if you’re in Santiago, it is an incredibly easy trip to plan.  I was there for a week, and it was fantastic.  I warn you though—it is an “outdoorsy” kind of trip.  There are no five star resorts, only locally own hostels and family ranches.  Activities available are pretty physical too—biking, hiking volcanoes, camping, horseback riding, scuba diving and snorkeling to name a few.  If you are looking for a week on the beach, this is not the place to go.  If, however, you’re looking for an incredibly unique travel experience (I’m still the only person I know outside my travel group who’s has been to Easter Island), getting to know an incredibly ancient culture and enjoying some outdoor activities, you can’t do better than this!

Planning is pretty simple—

  • LAN Chile is the only airline that flies to the island.  Roundtrip tickets typically run between $200-300 and go throughout the week.  Book the ticket early, since there are limited daily flights.
  • Hanga Roa is the main (and really only) town on the island.  There are multiple hostels and campsites just outside the town and is probably the best and easiest place to stay.  I recommend booking at least your first couple of nights, but you may decide to do some camping so leave yourself some flexibility.
  • Be prepared for higher costs of food on the island since almost everything needs to be flown from the “mainland.”  I would buy some basic staples in Santiago (bread, breakfast stuff, even water) to avoid having to pay the higher prices on the island.  Definitely go to the grocery store though, since it’s the only one on the island and a great way to meet locals.
  • I’m usually not a huge fan of the guided tour, but I do recommend it for the island.  In one day you can get around the entire island, see all the main sites and learn about the culture and history of the island, and then plan to go back to your favorite places later on.

Only locals can own land or be employed on the island, so wherever you end up, your guides and hosts will all be Rapa Nui individuals with a great pride in their heritage.  I highly recommend this trip if you plan on spending any time in Chile—it truly is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

– Stephanie Roberts, DUSA Peer Advisor