What the Famous Spots Actually Cost

Kazakhstan's biggest city sits right under the Tian Shan mountains, so half of its best sights are alpine day-outs. Entry fees are refreshingly cheap ~ the cable cars and day trips are where the money goes.

KL is one of the cheapest world-class cities to sightsee ~ most icons are free or under RM 100, and the train gets you everywhere for pocket change.

Singapore's headline attractions are pricey, but the city balances them with world-class free sights ~ the light shows, Merlion, and Supertree Grove cost nothing.

Bangkok's temple circuit is astonishing value ~ the three biggest sights together cost about the price of one Singapore ticket. Dress codes apply everywhere: cover shoulders and knees.

Tokyo's best sights split neatly in two: shrines, crossings, and markets that cost nothing, and observation decks that charge for the skyline. Pick one tower and spend the rest on food.

Istanbul's legendary sights now charge tourist rates pegged to the euro, so the Sultanahmet circuit adds up fast ~ but the mosques, bazaars, and ferry rides that define the city are still free or nearly free.

Taipei might be the best sightseeing value in East Asia ~ temples, memorials, hot-spring hikes, and night markets are free, so your budget really only needs to cover one tower and a museum.

Bali's temples and terraces charge tiny entry fees ~ it's the guided sunrise trek and the one-off tourist levy (Rp 150,000 on arrival) that form the real 'tickets' here. Sarongs are required at temples and usually included.

Rome splits neatly into two budgets: the Colosseum and Vatican eat most of your ticket money, while the Pantheon, Trevi, and half the city's masterpieces cost a few euros or nothing at all. Book the big two online, always.

Athens is the Acropolis plus a city of nearly-free wonders. In winter (Nov–Mar) most archaeological sites drop to half price, and the €30 combo ticket covers seven ancient sites in one go.

Tbilisi is one of the cheapest capitals you'll ever sightsee ~ the fortress, cathedral, and old town cost nothing, transport is pocket change, and the only real splurge is a private sulfur bath room.