Dedicated to Japan’s unique advertisements, the Advertising Museum Tokyo, which is located within the Caretta Shiodome mall, is a must-visit for something a little unusual. From 17th-century woodblock prints to more recent TV, radio and print commercials, immerse yourself in the rich and vibrant history of Japanese advertising. The museum is open Tuesdays to Saturdays and is completely free to visit. Need help planning your Tokyo trip? Check out our handy tips.

Sydney’s top modern art museum is filled with a broad sweep of 19th-century and contemporary pieces by international, Aboriginal and Australian artists – and won't cost you a dollar to visit. From the best of Australia’s Indigenous art, including artefacts and sculptures, to an impressive collection celebrating Asian artists, including a fully functioning Japanese tea room, this gallery has plenty for everyone to enjoy. For more of Sydney, take a look at our guide.

The Dallas Museum of Art houses more than 24,000 pieces from across the world spanning 5,000 years. Work your way through collections showcasing paintings, sculptures, ceramics and jewellery. If you want a more guided visit, check out the museum's range of free talks and tours. 

Channel your inner bookworm and check out the Chester Beatty library and museum while visiting Ireland's capital. Once home to American businessman and collector Alfred Chester Beatty, the huge collection boasts approximately 40,000 artefacts. Lose yourself in the array of rare books, manuscripts and other treasures from around the globe. Marvel at the permanent displays or take a look at the changing exhibitions. Planning a trip to Dublin? Check out our expert guide.

This beautiful Baroque-style church is located in Rome's historic Centro Storico neighbourhood and a peaceful respite from the crowds of Piazza Navona. The Roman Catholic church took roughly 70 years to complete and as you step inside, you can see why. Its gorgeous vaulted ceilings are adorned with masterpieces by Caravaggio including the famous The Calling of St Matthew. Check out our Rome guide for more of what the city has to offer.

The site of the historic Berlin Wall, which divided the city from 1961 to 1989, is now the world’s longest open-air gallery. Take an afternoon stroll alongside the incredible collection of murals, spanning 0.8 miles (1.3km), which celebrate the fall of the Wall and Berlin’s rich cultural history. Explore more of Germany's capital with our city guide.

For a touch of greenery while you’re in the Windy City, head to the Garfield Park Conservatory. Filled with tropical plants, flowers and palm trees across 12 acres of indoor and outdoor gardens, it’s the perfect oasis from the bustling city streets. It's free to enter although a small donation is encouraged.

For more gorgeous green spaces, take a look at the world's most beautiful gardens

Foodies will love this quirky museum dedicated entirely to instant noodles, located in Osaka. There are galleries on the origins of chicken ramen, an Instant Noodles Tunnel where visitors are surrounded by packaging and a factory with hands-on classes recreating one of 5,460 flavour combinations. Much of the building is dedicated to Momofuku Ando, who invented instant noodles in 1958, with a replica of his work shed. Discover more of Osaka's attractions with our guide.

For unbeatable views of LA’s sprawling metropolis and an impressive art collection, check out the Getty Center. From 19th-century European paintings to American photography and gorgeous gardens, the centre has lots to explore. Admission is free but you’ll need a timed entry ticket before you visit, which you can find online. Read our full LA guide here.

Learn about Aboriginal culture with a visit to the Koorie Heritage Trust in Melbourne. Established in 1985, this not-for-profit cultural centre houses more than 60,000 indigenous items from ancient artefacts to modern paintings. The trust also frequently holds free events and talks by members of Australia's Koorie community.

Explore Scotland’s rich history by visiting one of the country’s most impressive museums located in Edinburgh. With thousands of objects across the museum’s spacious three storeys, you could spend hours getting lost in the various galleries. Highlights include walking through the beautiful Grand Gallery, seeing Dolly the sheep (the first animal to ever be cloned) and the popular T-Rex skeleton. Plan a trip to Edinburgh with our useful guide.

History lovers visiting Washington DC can't miss one of the capital’s most beautiful buildings, the Library of Congress which was established more than 200 years ago in 1800. Explore the collection of interactive exhibits or take a free tour of the magnificent building and learn all about the history of America's oldest federal institution. Check out our Washington DC guide for more things to do while you're in town.

Now discover more of the world's most incredible libraries you can visit

The domes of Paris' Sacré-Coeur are famous the world over so you might be surprised to learn that it's free to look around – it's open every day to visitors from 6am to 10pm. Tour the stunning building and art collection or climb to the top for a small fee for a panoramic view of the city. Discover more of what to see and do in Paris.

Singapore's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, the beautiful Singapore Botanic Gardens are not to be missed. The garden spans across more than 200 acres, making it a great spot to spend an afternoon. It's mainly free to explore, except the National Orchid Garden which has a $5 entrance fee. We think it's well worth it to admire the spectacular display of more than 1,000 species. Discover more of Singapore with our guide.

New York's The High Line is a former railroad turned elevated park which stretches through the trendy Meatpacking District and Chelsea. Lose yourself in the skyscrapers while strolling through the scenic garden with plenty of public art to see along the route. It's a great way to peacefully enjoy the city for free. For more tips for a trip to the Big Apple, check out our New York guide.

London has many impressive, free museums and The National Gallery, located in Trafalgar Square, is one of the best. Explore a collection of more than 2,300 paintings, including the likes of Vincent van Gogh’s Sunflowers and Monet's The Water Lily Pond. Although there’s a fee for special exhibitions, entrance to the main gallery won’t cost you a thing. Read our full guide to London here.

For an underrated attraction in the Spanish capital, visit the Temple of Debod. The temple dates back to the 2nd century BC and was originally erected in Egypt, before it was dismantled, donated and rebuilt in Madrid between 1970-1972 at the Parque del Oeste, near Madrid’s Royal Palace. Although the inside of the monument is currently temporarily closed, you can still stroll along the walkway around the temple during opening hours. Find more things to do in Madrid here.

Located in Seoul, Korea’s flagship museum for art and history houses more than 12,000 items in its permanent display. Spanning medieval history, traditional Korean paintings, calligraphy, Buddhist sculptures and world art, it's must-see for anyone visiting the capital. Be sure not to miss the outdoor exhibition area which features stone relics such as pagodas and shrines.

It may not be as instantly well-known as the Sagrada Família but the gorgeously Gothic Catedral de Barcelona is worth adding to your sightseeing list. Plus, there's free entry if you head there before 12:30pm or between 5:45pm and 7:15pm during the week. Gaze up at the high ceilings and be awed by the stunning stained glass windows. Check out our guide to the best of Barcelona.

Discover the world's most beautiful cathedrals you should visit once in your lifetime

From brown bears to elks, experience unforgettable encounters with Switzerland’s animals at Langenberg Wildlife Park. Observe 20 species including wolves, bears and wild boars as you wander through the park’s peaceful walking routes. Check out more of our top tips for visiting Zürich.

Animal lover? Here are the best wildlife experiences in the world

For incredible views of London without breaking the bank, look no further than the city's highest public garden. Located on the 43rd floor of 20 Fenchurch Street, also known as the Walkie Talkie, the garden's floor-to-ceiling windows offer the chance to spot the city's most iconic landmarks including the Gherkin, Tower Bridge and the Shard. It's free to look around but you'll need to book a timed entry ticket in advance.

For some free Las Vegas entertainment, how about seeing a volcanic eruption? Located on The Strip, just outside luxury hotel The Mirage, is the fiery Volcano. Finish off your Vegas adventure with a show that combines lights, lava and music for a truly memorable experience. Stand close to feel the heat of the fireballs. The short display takes place every hour, on the hour, from 6pm until 11pm.

One of New York City’s most famous galleries, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) showcases some of the greatest artists of the 20th century to the present day. Although the museum usually charges admission, it's free every Friday evening during UNIQLO Free Friday Nights, from 5:30pm to 9pm.

This 1950s Soviet-style building is home to the biggest museum in China and located in Beijing’s impressive Tiananmen Square. Venture deep into the National Museum of China's complex maze of artefacts – must-sees include the Ancient China exhibition full of antiques and the sculpture art of the Song Dynasty.

A trip to Washington DC isn't complete without touring the world's largest museum and research complex, all free to explore. The Smithsonian consists of 19 world-class museums and galleries including the Air and Space Museum, the African Art Museum, the Portrait Gallery (pictured) and the National Zoo.

Located in Oslo's Frogner Park, Vigeland Sculpture Park has more than 200 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland made of cast iron, granite and bronze. Look out for The Angry Boy and striking The Monolith. For the ultimate weekend in Oslo, check out our guide.

Check out the world's most jaw-dropping sculptures and statues

Built in 1847 as a dazzling tribute to the God of Literature (Man) and the God of War (Mo), the Man Mo Temple is one of the oldest temples in Hong Kong and is free to enter. As you step inside, marvel at the lavish red and gold decor, and rows of glowing lanterns. Read our Hong Kong guide for insider tips for your trip.

Hop aboard the world’s oldest commissioned naval vessel still afloat, docked in Boston’s Charleston Navy Yard. Navy officers offer free tours of the magnificent ship on the upper deck where you’ll learn about its life in battle and how it helped America during the War of 1812. Visiting the ship is free but the adjacent museum has a suggested admission fee of £7.60–£11.40 ($10–$15) for adults. Read our expert's guide to Boston here.