It’s all happening, and you’re invited

Looking for cheap things to do in Dubai? Explore the city’s best free attractions, low-cost activities, and local neighbourhoods for a cheap Dubai trip.

Wander through Insadong, Seoul’s arts, and culture district Browse craft shops, galleries, antique stores, and souvenir spots Sample local snacks and discover hidden cafés and cultural gems Experience a more traditional side of Seoul between sightseeing stops

Valparaíso, Chile: Hillside colour and creative energy Why it's underrated: A visually striking port city of murals and steep streets, offering a strong contrast to more polished capitals. Don't miss: Ride a funicular, like the historic Ascensor Reina Victoria; walk downhill through Cerro Alegre to enjoy the street art; end at a spot with harbour views like Fauna Restaurant to watch the lights come on across the port. Try this local bite: Empanadas from a local bakery. Easy add-on: 1.5-hour bus to Santiago.   Thessaloniki, Greece: Waterfront walks and historic architecture Why it's underrated: Greece’s second city is all about food, history and atmosphere, with fewer crowds than Athens. Don't miss: Walk the waterfront in the late afternoon light and admire the iconic White Tower of Thessaloniki; explore Ladadika for bars and tavernas; stop by Modiano Market to see the city’s food culture up close. Try this local bite: Bougatsa with coffee in the morning. Easy add-on: 1-hour flight or 5-hour train to Athens for iconic sights and museums.   Tangier, Morocco: Crossroads energy and coastal views Why it's underrated: This city in North Africa offers a fast-moving mix of cultures, art history and market life, ideal as a first or last stop in Morocco. Don't miss: Wander the kasbah and enjoy incredible views over the Strait of Gibraltar; stop by the Tangier American Legation Museum to explore Tangier's cultural history; end the day at the legendary Café Hafa with sweeping views over the sea. Try this local bite: Fresh sardines near the Grand Socco. Easy add-on: 1-hour ferry to Tarifa plus ~2.5-hour train to Seville.   Busan, South Korea: Markets, coastlines and laid-back city energy Why it's underrated: A major city that feels calmer than Seoul, with distinct neighbourhoods and strong food culture. Don't miss: Explore Jagalchi Fish Market, Korea's largest fish market, visit the Haedong Yonggungsa temple with views over the sea, end the day in the buzzing neighbourhood of Seomyeon. Try this local bite: Tteokbokki and fish cake from a market stall. Easy add-on: 2.5-hour KTX high-speed train to Seoul.   Wellington, New Zealand: Compact culture and harbour views Why it's underrated: A creative, walkable capital in the Pacific that packs coffee, museums and scenery into a tight, easy-to-navigate centre. Don't miss: Start with the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa for an introduction to New Zealand's history, environment, and Maori culture; stroll along the Wellington Waterfront and keep an eye out for seals; finish by riding the Wellington Cable Car and watch the sun set from the Kelburn Lookout. Try this local bite: A flat white and a bakery pie. Easy add-on: 3.5-hour ferry to Picton for access to the South Island.

Palace courtyards and old neighbourhoods are cheap to visit and full of atmosphere. Some palaces have modest admission charges for the buildings, while grounds and surrounding areas are free to walk. Time your visit for a guard-changing ceremony or a weekday morning to avoid crowds. Nearby Bukchon Hanok Village and Insadong let you see traditional houses and craft shops without spending much.

Start your day at Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest and most recognisable of Seoul’s five grand palaces. Arrive early to avoid crowds and enjoy wandering the courtyards and gates at your leisure. If you’re curious about daily life in historic Korea, the nearby National Folk Museum provides some fascinating insights.   From here, walk to Bukchon Hanok Village. This residential area is known for its preserved hanok houses and narrow lanes. It’s a working neighbourhood, so keep noise low and follow local signage. If you’re up for a gentle climb, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views over the tiled roofs.

Summer in La Rochelle is all about simple pleasures that feel just that bit more special – strolling along the fishing harbour as sailboats return, finding a shady spot beneath the pines by the beach, lingering over fresh seafood on the Old Port.   From ibis Styles La Rochelle Centre Les Minimes, everything is within easy reach. It’s a 15-minute walk to the historic centre with its iconic towers and shaded streets, and just another 15 minutes to stretch out on the sands of Minimes beach.