In the Worldwide Cost of Living Index, these 10 topped the “expensive” to travel and live in list. 1. Tokyo, 2. Oslo, 3. Osaka, 4. Paris, 5. Zurich, 6. Sydney, 7. Melbourne, 8. Frankfurt, 9. Geneva, 10. Singapore. How to have fun in three of these expensive global cities without breaking the bank?
1. Tokyo
Tokyo has always had that pricey reputation, although simply wandering the pulsating neon doesn’t cost a yen and thrills every time. But for some other attractions with no wallet required, check out:
- Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building — the view from the 45th floor gives you mind-blowing panoramas of Tokyo and Mount Fuji.
- Sony Building -– Gadget-freaks will short-circuit when they see the four floors of gleaming high-tech gizmos they can play with.
- Yoyogi Park – Sandwiched between the chaos of Shibuya and Harajuku, it offers a wealth of sights and splendour without yanking on your yen. Visit on the weekend to see dancing rockabillies and cosplay cuties or stroll to nearby Meiji Shrine to see traditional Shinto weddings.
2. Oslo
Day-to-day costs in stylish Oslo can separate you from your savings pretty swiftly, but museums are often free (or free with an Oslo Pass). Here are a few ways to spend some time, and not your cash:
- National Gallery –- Norway’s largest gallery will treat you to Edvard Munch’s “The Scream” as well as many other European greats like Picasso and Modigliani.
- Astrup Fearnley Museum — With its often steamy content this museum certainly begs the question, ‘What is art?’ Don’t miss the gilded ceramic sculpture “Michael Jackson and Bubbles,” by Jeff Koons.
- Torchlight riverwalk –- A stroll along the Akerselva river is lovely all year round, but time your visit for September, when a long stretch of it is dappled with thousands of torches and candles, and festivities celebrate the autumnal equinox.
3. Sydney
Sydney came in at No. 6 but to spread out geography a bit, here are some Sydney freebies:
- Bicentennial Park boardwalk -– Escape the city and stroll the boardwalk through one of Australia’s most important wetland ecosystems. Or there’s the always gorgeous clifftop walk from Bondi Beach to Coogee.
- Concerts at St James’ Church -– Sydney’s oldest church hosts free tours and free concerts in its architecturally fascinating environs.
- Museum of Contemporary Art — Constantly changing controversial exhibitions from Australia and overseas have featured explorations of fashion (Leigh Bowery, Vivienne Westwood), photography (Cindy Sherman, Annie Leibovitz) and the latest kids on the art block.
Piece originally appeared on Lonely Planet and again here.
Renee Blodgett is the founder of We Blog the World. The site combines the magic of an online culture and travel magazine with a global blog network and has contributors from every continent in the world. Having lived in 10 countries and explored nearly 80, she is an avid traveler, and a lover, observer and participant in cultural diversity.
She is also the CEO and founder of Magic Sauce Media, a new media services consultancy focused on viral marketing, social media, branding, events and PR. For over 20 years, she has helped companies from 12 countries get traction in the market. Known for her global and organic approach to product and corporate launches, Renee practices what she pitches and as an active user of social media, she helps clients navigate digital waters from around the world. Renee has been blogging for over 16 years and regularly writes on her personal blog Down the Avenue, Huffington Post, BlogHer, We Blog the World and other sites. She was ranked #12 Social Media Influencer by Forbes Magazine and is listed as a new media influencer and game changer on various sites and books on the new media revolution. In 2013, she was listed as the 6th most influential woman in social media by Forbes Magazine on a Top 20 List.
Her passion for art, storytelling and photography led to the launch of Magic Sauce Photography, which is a visual extension of her writing, the result of which has led to producing six photo books: Galapagos Islands, London, South Africa, Rome, Urbanization and Ecuador.
Renee is also the co-founder of Traveling Geeks, an initiative that brings entrepreneurs, thought leaders, bloggers, creators, curators and influencers to other countries to share and learn from peers, governments, corporations, and the general public in order to educate, share, evaluate, and promote innovative technologies.
