World's top travel experiences that cost less than $10
Travelling the world doesn't come cheap. However, among all the overpriced tourist gems are some bargains. Here's our top 10.
1. Wellington Cable Car
Welling, New Zealand
Tickets $7.50 adults, $3.50 children
A peace train - literally - taking visitors to the tranquil hilltop Botanic Gardens for the past 100 years. New Zealand's only funicular railway, the car crawls up through the historic steep neighbourhood of Kelburn arriving at a lookout presiding over spectacular views of the capital city and its harbour.
Wander a network of tree-lined paths back down to the CBD streets through the 25 hectares of roses, tulips, garden sculptures, duck ponds and a children's playground.
2. Wat Pho Buddhist Temple
Bangkok, Thailand
Entry about $4
Wat Pho or The Temple of the Reclining Buddha is one of the city's largest temples complexes. The gold leaf covered reclining Buddha is 46-metres long and visitors can beat the giant gong and receive a blessing and wristband from a monk.
3. Visitor Shuttle
Melbourne
Fare: AU$10
Hop on and hop off over two days at any one of 13 stops that represent a roll call of Melbourne's top attractions. Visit the National Gallery of Victoria, the MCG, Chinatown, Carlton Gardens, IMAX, Melbourne Central shopping mall, the State Library, Fitzroy Gardens, Cook's cottage, Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne Zoo and the Star Observation Wheel.
4. Star Ferry
Hong Kong
Fare about 42¢
A dazzling harbour crossing by day, even more so at night if timed with the dancing laser light show on waterfront skyscrapers nightly at 8pm.
Carrying 26 million passengers a year from the upscale hotel precinct of Central on Hong Kong Island to the markets, malls and fast tailors of Kowloon, a Star Ferry ride is as un-missable as a trip to The Peak.
5. Castle Hill Funicular
Budapest
Fare $8 (return)
On the doorstep of the wharf where ships begin and end their cruises of the Danube, the retro-look funicular is the best way up to the cobbled streets of Castle Hill, Budapest's most visited district.
Enjoy views over the Hungarian capital which is split over two riverbanks, the chain bridge and the magnificent Parliament Building.
6. Mciver’s Baths
Coogee Beach, Sydney
Entry 20¢
Tucked into a spectacular nook where the cliff face meets a rock platform, this historic 20-metre ocean pool is Australia's only public baths designated for exclusive use by women and children.
Swim laps, help yourself to a page-turner from the honesty library and nab your own grassy patch to listening to a soothing ocean soundtrack.
7. Sundance Sunset Cinema
8000 Sunset Boulevard, West Hollywood
Tickets $6.50
Cement your status as a hipster fan of foreign stories at this movie theatre where indie flicks are only five dollars on Tuesdays.
Sundance has a plush lounge area, an outdoor bar terrace and a gallery space for local artists. Boutique beer and wine in-seat gourmet snack packs make for a grown-up film experience.
8. U Maleho Glena Bar and Jazz Club
Prague
Entry about $8
Prague boasts some of the coolest jazz clubs in the world and tiny U Maleho Glena, a five-minute walk from the city's famous Charles Bridge, is an affordable taster. Expect amazing fusion ensembles, cold beer and a funky atmosphere. If you want to fork out $16, the iconic Reduta Jazz Club is where Bill Clinton famously rocked his sax.
9. Jimbaran Bay Seafood Restaurants
Bali, Indonesia
Under $10
A group of more than 30 restaurants on the beach adjacent to the airport runway is the unlikely setting for this seafood feast. Choose your fish, lobster, crab or prawns and they'll cook it the way you like it. With fish from about $2 per 100 grams, you'll have enough left over for a Bintang or two.
10. The Emirates Air Line
Greenwich, London
Fare about $7.50
This one-kilometre cable car ride across the River Thames at Greenwich offers views of London from up to 90 metres in the air. Operating between Greenwich Peninsula and Royal Docks, you'll see the Canary Wharf skyscrapers, Olympic Park and Thames Barrier. Start (or finish) near the O2 entertainment precinct for a meal or a show.
Have you been to any of these attractions?
Written by Angie Kelly. First appeared on Stuff.co.nz.