15 Zero-Cost Panoramic Views in Europe’s Top Tourist Cities If Your Are on a Budget
There’s nothing better than getting something good for free, but when you’re traversing European landscapes, there’s not a lot of unpaid opportunities around. If you’re planning a trip to Europe and would love to glimpse the city without denting your wallet, here are some fantastic viewpoints with free entry:
Printemps Haussmann Rooftop Terrace, Paris
Who’d pay a couple of hefty bucks for the Eiffel Tower when you can enjoy the same, dare we say, even better views at the Printemps Haussmann Rooftop Terrace? Although you won’t get as high up in the air as the Eiffel Tower, the lack of crowd plus the uninterrupted view of the Louvre and the building becomes better than you’d imagined. The rooftop is free because it opens into a vintage store, so ensure you roam the stalls before heading out.
Rooftop Terrace Bar Der Dachboden, Vienna
Located on the 25Hours Hotel, the Rooftop Terrace Bar Dar Dachboden scans Vienna’s skyline, giving tourists a gorgeous view of the city’s gothic architecture. You can spot St. Stephen’s Cathedral from the terrace, while a hint of the Danube River catches attention from the back of the view. A little along the cathedral, you’ll find the Vienna State Opera and, if you play your cards right, the perfect sunset.
Fisherman’s Bastion, Budapest
This Hungarian monument requires an entry fee for the top terrace, but the lower ones are free, so you’ll still get a good look. Fisherman’s Bastion overlooks the city, scanning the best of Budapest minus the crowd. You’ll be able to spot the tranquil waters of the Danube River, calmly manning the area just along the Budapest Parliament. Of course, there’s always the view of Castle Hill itself if you’re open to exploring Fisherman’s Bastion.
Calton Hill, Edinburgh, Scotland
If you don’t want to venture too far from home, you can head to Edinburgh, Scotland, where Calton Hill stands proud with a towering viewpoint that overlooks the city. After an easy hike, you’ll reach the complimentary view, which attracts fewer crowds because of the neighboring Arthur’s Seat but is worth the relaxing views. From there, you can glimpse the city, lying serenely against the bustling tourist crowds that are aching for a view like yours.
Piazzale Michelangelo, Florence, Italy
Florence has extraordinary views, but you’ll get the best (and free) from Piazzale Michelangelo, which lies atop a hill a little south of the city center. Here, you’ll find a gorgeous view of the city worth every minute and replicas of some of Michelangelo’s best sculptures and works, scanning the skyline like you. Although the Piazzale Michelangelo is open 24/7, its views and lack of an entry cost attract tourists who typically crowd around sunset.
Stadtturm Watchtower, Innsbruck, Austria
Although Stadtturm Watchtower technically isn’t free, you can literally get a free pass if you get the Innsbruck Card, a ticket that allows you access to more than 20 attractions. You’ll only have to chip in a few dollars. Once in, you’ll climb your way to the observation deck, where you’ll have sweeping views of the city skyline and the old town of Aldstadt, which is a blissful destination in itself.
Garden on the Ramparts, Prague, Czech Republic
Prague tends to get a lot of attention, so you can skip the line for popular paid tourist viewpoints and head to the South Gardens just along Prague Castle. The Castle allows free entry to its garden during castle opening hours, so ensure you time your visit right and are ready to take some beautiful photos. You can explore the castle, enjoy the Zahrada na Valech (Garden on the Ramparts), and view the rust-colored houses from your destination.
Horizon 22, London, U.K
Horizon 22 is London’s highest free viewing platform, so you’ll get an unspoiled view of the gorgeous city, which only becomes more majestic as night falls. Since the viewing point becomes incredibly crowded, tourists must carry a ticket to enter, but don’t worry—it’s free, even for large parties. Of course, you’ll have to pay to enjoy other perks of Horizon 22, but the platform is open to everybody and gives a glorious view of the sunset and sunrise.
NEMO Science Museum Rooftop, Amsterdam
The highest city square in Amsterdam, the NEMO Science Museum Rooftop is perfect for naturalists who can’t help but fall for science, too. The observation deck gives you a bird’s-eye view of the passing highway and the majestic canals of Amsterdam, which stand out openly, sparkling against the sun. Although the science museum has a paid entry, the rooftop has free access, so you won’t have to worry.
Sacré Coeur Basilica, Paris
Every day from 6:30 AM to 10:30 PM, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris welcomes tourists to enjoy its majestic architecture, soulful interior, and sweeping views of the city of love. The Basilica offers free access to its dome and terrace, even with guided tours if you play your cards right. Once you’re done exploring the city skyline and the dome, you can even head down to join it for a night of adoration.
Fjällgatan Viewpoint, Stockholm
A stone’s throw from the metro station in Slussen, Fjällgatan gives you some of the best views in the city. This viewpoint overlooks the Swedish town, where you can spot locals scurrying along to work. At a distance, you can spot Gamla Stan island, compact with its terraced buildings. You’ll also be able to spot the shopping district of Norrmalm and Saltsjön, one of Sweden’s most beautiful bays.
Miradouro da Senhora do Monte Viewpoint, Lisbon
If you’re tired of Lisbon’s tourist crowd and want to enjoy the skyline without bumping into someone, go to the Miradouro de Senhora do Monte Viewpoint, which offers expansive views minus the crowd. From here, you’ll see some of Lisbon’s best attractions, famous neighborhoods, and even the street just below, bustling with locals.
Hill of the Muses, Athens
Typically shadowed by other destinations in Athens, Hill of the Muses of Philopappos is believed to be the home of the Nine Muses; with a view like that, you can count on it. Hill of the Muses offers free access to ascend the hill, so you only need a bottle of water and a strong set of lungs. Once at the top, the gorgeous city views and fleeting glimpses of the tourists and local birds make it worthwhile.
Montjuïc Castle, Barcelona, Spain
Although Montjuïc Castle isn’t ordinarily accessible, it offers free entrance on the first Sunday of every month. Since most tourist plans align with this, you’ll easily be able to get in and enjoy some of the most impressive views in all of Spain. Amazingly, if you can’t make it on the first Sunday, try the next, when the castle slashes its prices and offers free entrance after 3 PM.
Peter’s Tower, Munich
Soak in the spectacular view from the top tower of St. Peter’s Church in Munich, which boasts a stunning skyline and a landscape that could impress Mother Nature. You’ll be able to get in for free, so make your way to the 56-meter-high tower and enjoy the glorious views of Rathaus, Church of Our Lady, and the city’s best destinations.
Emese Maczko is a travel blogger behind Eco Lodges Anywhere. Having explored several destinations around Europe, the US, Indonesia, and Australia, and resided in Germany, the United Kingdom, and Luxembourg, Emese possesses a keen understanding of diverse cultures and an appreciation for the beauty of each destination she visits. She advocates for sustainable travel and ecotourism.