Explore with Intent
Not sure what to do during your free time abroad? You're not alone. Many students feel overwhelmed, unsure where to go, or worry about spending too much. This page offers affordable and free activities to help you make the most of your time outside the classroom.
Whether you're looking for local spots to relax, cultural experiences to dive into, or ways to connect with others, you'll find ideas to explore your host city with purpose and confidence.
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Check out our social media for even more ideas from our past students!
Free Activities in London
The Tide Elevated public walkway with art along the Thames. North Greenwich
Horizon 22 Free public viewing gallery offering panoramic
views. Liverpool Street
Spitalfields Koi Fishpond Quiet koi pond tucked inside bustling Spitalfields Market. Liverpool Street
Leadenhall Market Covered Victorian market known for shopping, pubs, and Harry Potter scenes. Bank
The Royal Exchange Iconic neoclassical building now home to luxury shops and dining. Bank
The Shad Thomas Riverside street with cobbles, views, and historic warehouses. London Bridge
The Scoop Outdoor amphitheatre with free public events. London Bridge. Barbican
Graffiti Tunnel at Leake Street Legal graffiti zone made famous by Banksy. Waterloo
Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden Wild plants, lawn, view, kitchen, and bar. Waterloo
Twinings Tea Shop Historic tea shop &mini museum est. 1706. Temple
Outernet Digital entertainment plaza with screen experiences. Tottenham Court Road
St. Martin's Courtyard Stylish open-air shopping and dining. Covent Garden
Seven Dials Market Indoor street food hall with global cuisines.
Covent Garden
Woburn Walk Picturesque Georgian-era pedestrian street with boutique shops. Euston
Coal Drops Yard Reimagined Victorian coal yard with shops and restaurants. King's Cross St. Pancras
Mercato Mayfair Upscale food market housed in beautifully repurposed church. Bond Street
Battersea Power Station Shops, bars, restaurants, entertainment, and historical spaces for locals and tourists. Battersea Power
Natural History Museum Pocket Park Small green space designed for urban biodiversity next to museum. South Kensington
Portobello Road Market Antiques, clothes, jewelry, food, and more. Notting Hill Gate
St. Luke's Mews Charming residential street often seen in films.
Westbourne Park
Little Venice Picturesque canal area with cafés and narrowboats.
Warwick Avenue
Free Museums in London
Ragged School Museum In an old Victorian school, explores education and poverty in 19th-century East London. Mile End
Museum of the Home Explores domestic life in Britain from the 1600s to the present. Liverpool Street
Museum of London From prehistoric to present. Barbican
Charterhouse 1348s Historic complex from the Black Death era, now a museum and almshouse. Barbican
Bank of England Museum History of money, banking, and the UK economy. Bank
Guildhall Art Gallery & Roman Amphitheatre Hidden Roman amphitheater beneath historic art gallery. Bank
Tate Modern Contemporary and modern art. Blackfriars
Imperial War Museum War history, Holocaust galleries, and personal stories. Lambeth North
National Gallery Western European paintings from the 13th to 19th centuries; includes Van Gogh, Da Vinci. Leicester Square
Sir John Soane's Museum Eclectic with art, antiquities, and architectural curiosities. Holborn
Hunterian Museum (at Royal College of Surgeons) Fascinating and macabre anatomical specimens, surgical tools, and medical history. Holborn
British Museum World-famous art and antiquities, including the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies. Tottenham Court Road
Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology One of world's leading collections of ancient Egyptian objects. Euston
Grant Museum of Zoology Quirky natural history specimens, skeletons, preserved animals, and rare species. Euston
Wellcome Collection Science, medicine, and art blended with unusual and thought-provoking exhibits. Euston
Wallace Collection Hidden gem in historic townhouse featuring fine art, armor, and decorative arts. Bond Street
Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) Decorative arts, design, fashion, and architecture. South Kensington
Natural History Museum Dinosaurs, human evolution, Earth
sciences. South Kensington
Science Museum Interactive exhibits, space exploration, and history of innovation. South Kensington
National Army Museum Exploring the British Army's history and global influence. Sloane Square
Activities in Dublin
Special exhibits and tours require a fee.
Dollymount Strand Take a seaside stroll on this sandy beach, part of a UNESCO biosphere reserve. Clontarf
Poolbeg Lighthouse Enjoy panoramic views of Dublin Bay on this scenic pier walk. Poolbeg Peninsula
Irishtown Nature Park Enjoy tranquil walking trails in this reclaimed urban green space. Irishtown
Trinity College Wander the historic campus where literary greats like Oscar Wilde once studied. City Centre
Ha'penny Bridge Snap photos on this iconic 19th-century cast-iron pedestrian bridge over the River Liffey. City Centre
Buskers on Grafton Street Enjoy live street performances from musicians and artists in Dublin's bustling shopping district. City Centre
St. Stephen's Green Unwind in this central park featuring gardens, a lake, and historical monuments. City Centre
Love Lane in Crampton Court Stroll through this alley adorned with tiles featuring quotes about love and heartbreak. Temple Bar
Temple Bar's street art Discover vibrant murals and installations in Dublin's cultural quarter. Temple Bar
Indigo Sessions at The Workman's Club Discover emerging musical talent at this free monthly showcase. Temple Bar
Dubh Linn Garden behind Dublin Castle Find peace in this hidden garden featuring Celtic knot designs. City Centre
Garden of Remembrance Reflect in this memorial garden
dedicated to those who gave their lives for Irish freedom. Parnell Square
Hungry Tree at King's Inns See a bench being enveloped by a tree in this quirky natural phenomenon. Henrietta Street
Traditional music session at The Cobblestone Experience authentic Irish music in this renowned Smithfield pub. Smithfield
Phoenix Park Explore one of Europe's largest city parks, home to wild deer and the President's residence. Dublin 8
Free Museums in Dublin
Special exhibits and tours require a fee.
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Hugh Lane Gallery Modern and contemporary art, including Francis Bacon's preserved studio. Parnell Square
The LAB Gallery Experimental art space supporting emerging Irish artists. Foley Street
National Photographic Archive Rotating exhibitions of historical photographs from National Library. Temple Bar
National Museum of Ireland Natural History ("Dead Zoo") Quirky and nostalgic, 19th-century taxidermy. Merrion Street
National Gallery of Ireland European and Irish art, including works by Caravaggio and Jack B. Yeats. Merrion Square
Irish Traditional Music Archive Interactive archive of music, recordings, and instruments. Merrion Square
Royal Hibernian Academy Contemporary visual arts gallery with rotating exhibits. Ely Place
Natl. Museum of Ireland Archaeology Viking artifacts, bog bodies, and the famous Tara Brooch. Kildare Street
Chester Beatty Library Rare manuscripts, Islamic texts, and East Asian scrolls-globally unique. Dublin Castle
Garda Museum & Archives History of policing in Ireland. Dublin Castle
National Print Museum Working letterpress machines and typography history in a former barracks. Beggars Bush
National Museum of Ireland Decorative Arts & History Military history, fashion, and decorative objects in a former barracks. Collins
Irish Jewish Museum Explores Ireland's Jewish heritage in a former synagogue. Portobello
Irish Museum of Modern Art Contemporary art in a beautiful historic hospital building. Kilmainham
Pearse Museum Home of Patrick Pearse, leader of the 1916 Rising, with a scenic park. St. Enda's Park, Rathfarnham
Glasnevin Cemetery Largest cemetery of Ireland with notable individuals buried, est. 1832. Finglas Road
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Free Activities in Edinburgh
Special exhibits and tours require a fee.
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Arthur's Seat Extinct volcano in Holyrood Park for
panoramic views. Holyrood Park
St. Giles' Cathedral A working church founded in the 1120s, known for its distinctive crown steeple. High Street
Princes Street Gardens Peaceful retreat with views of
Edinburgh Castle and the Scott Monument. Princes Street
The Meadows Popular green space near the University of Edinburgh, ideal for picnics and sports. Melville Drive
The Stand Comedy Club Improv shows featuring local comedians every Sunday lunchtime. York Place
Mansfield Traquair Centre Often called "Scotland's Sistine Chapel," showcasing stunning murals by Phoebe Anna Traquair. Mansfield Place
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Home to over 13,000 plant species. Inverleith Row
Circus Lane A picturesque, cobbled street lined with quaint houses and flowers. Stockbridge
Dean Village Historic village offering charming
architecture and riverside views, near city center. Dean Path
Water of Leith Walkway Scenic 12-mile path following the river, including Dean Village.
Gorgie City Farm A community-run urban farm where you can meet animals like pigs, goats, and chickens. Gorgie Road Edinburgh's Wild West A quirky alleyway in Morningside featuring facades resembling an old American frontier town. Springvalley Gardens
Corstorphine Hill Offers woodland walks and panoramic views, along with the historic Clermiston Tower. Corstorphine
Cramond Island Accessible during low tide via a causeway, featuring WWII bunkers and offering a unique adventure. Cramond
Castlelaw Hill Fort Trail Located in the Pentland Hills, this trail leads to an Iron Age fort with scenic views. Castle Knowe
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Free Museum in Edinburgh
Special exhibits and tours require a fee.
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Scottish Poetry Library A tranquil space dedicated to Scottish poetry in English, Scots, and Gaelic. Canongate
The People's Story Museum Explores the lives of
Edinburgh's working-class citizens from the 18th century to today. Canongate
Museum of Edinburgh Delves into the city's history with artifacts like the National Covenant and local crafts. Canongate
Museum of Childhood Offers a nostalgic journey through childhood with a vast collection of toys and games. Royal Mile
The Writers' Museum Celebrates Scotland's literary giants with personal items, manuscripts, and portraits. Lawnmarket
Museum on the Mound Explores the history of money and banking in Scotland with interactive exhibits. The Mound
Scottish National Gallery Houses an impressive collection of fine art, featuring works by Titian, Rembrandt, Monet, and Van Gogh. The Mound
Scottish National Portrait Gallery Showcases portraits of notable Scots, from Mary Queen of Scots to contemporary figures. Queen Street
City Art Centre Hosts rotating exhibitions of historic and contemporary Scottish art across multiple floors. Market Street Dovecot Studios A contemporary tapestry studio and gallery housed in a converted Victorian swimming pool. Infirmary Street
Talbot Rice Gallery Features rotating exhibitions that often engage with pressing social and political themes. South Bridge
St Cecilia's Hall & Music Museum Scotland's oldest purpose-built concert hall, housing historical musical instruments. Niddry Street
Reid Concert Hall Museum of Instruments Diversity of instruments; music history and instrument development. Bristo Square
Anatomical Museum at Univ. of Edinburgh Collection of anatomical specimens, including skeleton of notorious murderer. Teviot Place
National Museum of Scotland Scottish history to science and technology, with highlights like Dolly the sheep. Chambers Street
Mansfield Traquair Centre Often dubbed 'Edinburgh's Sistine Chapel,' this former church boasts breathtaking murals by Phoebe Anna Traquair. Mansfield Place
Free Activities in Australia
Special exhibits and tours require a fee.
MELBOURNE
Fitzroy Gardens Ornamental lakes, fountains, and the historic Cook's Cottage. East Melbourne Royal Botanic
Gardens Victoria Serene landscapes, walking trails, and diverse plant collections. South Yarra
Shrine of Remembrance War memorial with panoramic views of the city skyline. Southbank
City Circle Tram (Route 35) Free heritage tram providing a loop around Melbourne's central attractions. Melbourne CBD
Birrarung Marr Park Urban park along Yarra River showcasing Indigenous art and cultural installations. Melbourne CBD
AC/DC Lane Laneway dedicated to the rock band AC/DC, adorned with music-themed street art. Melbourne CBD
Queen Victoria Market Historic open-air market bustling with food, crafts, and souvenirs. Melbourne CBD
Hosier Lane Street Art Iconic laneway renowned for ever-changing display of vibrant street art. Melbourne CBD
Docklands Public Art Walk Self-guided tour featuring contemporary sculptures and installations along the waterfront. Docklands
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CAIRNS
Esplanade Boardwalk Scenic 2.5 km coastal walk featuring public art, fitness stations, and ocean views. Cairns City
Fitness Classes at Fogarty Park Yoga, Zumba, or beach volleyball sessions offered weekly. Cairns City
Cairns Night Markets Evening market with local crafts, food stalls, and a lively atmosphere. Cairns City
Rusty's Markets Vibrant weekend market offering fresh produce, local delicacies, and live music. Cairns City
Jack Barnes Mangrove Boardwalk Elevated walkway through mangrove forests, ideal for birdwatching and nature walks. Cairns North
Mount Whitfield Conservation Park Hiking trails with panoramic city views. Edge Hill
Crystal Cascades Secluded freshwater swimming holes and waterfalls nestled in the rainforest. Redlynch
Free Museums in Australia
Special exhibits and tours require a fee.
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MELBOURNE
Melbourne Museum Natural and cultural history; largest museum in southern hemisphere. Carlton
Scienceworks Interactive exhibits in a historic pumping station. Spotswood
Australian Centre for the Moving Image Explores film, television, video games, and digital culture. Federation Square
The lan Potter Centre: NGV Australia Showcases art, including Indigenous works. Federation Square
Koorie Heritage Trust Aboriginal culture and history through art and artifacts. Federation Square
State Library Victoria Historic library featuring exhibitions and Ned Kelly's armor. Melbourne CBD
RMIT Gallery Contemporary art and design exhibitions by local and international artists. Melbourne CBD
Old Treasury Building Museum detailing Melbourne's gold rush history. East Melbourne
Fire Services Museum of Victoria Displays firefighting artifacts and memorabilia in a historic fire station. East Melbourne
Buxton Contemporary Art from the Michael Buxton Collection. Southbank
Australian Music Vault Celebrates music history with memorabilia and interactive exhibits. Southbank
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CAIRNS
Cairns Art Gallery Contemporary and traditional art, including Indigenous works. Cairns City
Cairns Museum Region's history and culture. Cairns City
Cairns Esplanade Lagoon Public swimming area with art installations and historical displays. Cairns City
KickArts Contemporary Arts Visual arts. Cairns City
UnderArt Gallery Local contemporary art and jewelry. Cairns City
The Court House Gallery Rotating art exhibitions in historic building. Cairns City
Cominos House Historic house hosting community art and cultural events; free during exhibitions. Cairns North
Cairns Botanic Gardens Tropical plants and art exhibitions. Edge Hill
Tanks Arts Centre Art and performance space in converted WWII fuel tanks. Edge Hill
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