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A good portion of every travel budget is eaten up by transport costs - taxis, Ubers, ferries, trains, buses, etc. Sometimes it feels like the only free ride out there is the one we get around the sun each year. Hehe. Well what if I tell you that there are free rides that will give you a wonderful experience and that too with an amazing view?
Yup. They exist. Here are some worthy secrets to know about-
Amsterdam’s Ferries
As we all know, Amsterdam is more about bikes and good looking people. Tourists who arrive at Centraal Station often photograph the iconic picture of the sea of parked bikes outside the station. Most tourists walk through the front of the station to reach the central area with its cafes, museums, and merchant houses. But if you just head behind the station, you will find a number of free ferries. The ferries are crammed with bikes, with the occasional Canta microcar wedged between the tangles of handlebars. So, the idea is to head behind.
The routes range from a 2-minute river crossing to a 15-minute ride to the NDSM Wharf, a former shipyard located on the banks of the River IJ. I say, this one is the best and safest option. The ones we know where they are headed. On the ferry, you will enjoy t Amsterdam's past wastelands. Look up at the Faralda Crane Hotel, where suites reach on top of a towering crane. Glide past the Botel, a dry-docked boat converted into a hotel, and an abandoned Soviet submarine which is now a canvas for street art. The Buiksloterweg Ferry goes to the Eye Film Museum, a museum of the moving image. On the night ferry, catch the glimpse of the Eye lit up, when the slit of light looks like the pupil of an eye.
Next to it is the A'Dam Toren, a high-rise building with a mortarboard hat. Upon closer inspection, you will realize that it is a revolving restaurant and home to the Over the Edge experience which is Europe's highest swing, with breath choking views over Amsterdam. Then there are sunsets. Always legendary in Amsterdam. Also, free of cost. sunset ferry rides are always a good option.
New York City’s Staten Island Ferry
New York is one of the most expensive cities in the world. But there is one freebie- The Staten Island Ferry across New York's harbor, which departs from Manhattan and rewards with some of the best city views in the world and it is free to board. On this commuter ferry, you can float past the Statue of Liberty. The trip also offers terrific views of the harbor, Ellis Island, the Manhattan skyline, and the Brooklyn Bridge.
Also watch out for the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, one of the longest suspension bridges in the world, which often appears in overhead shots of the New York City Marathon. The Staten Island Ferry was also a film location in Working Girl, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, and Sex and the City. Go at night for the best views of the City 'That Never Sleeps' shining with lights, which will give a chance to see the Statue of Liberty's torch shine bright. The ferry holds 6,000 passengers. For tourists, the best photo opportunities are from the decks. The trip takes 25 minutes. You will need to disembark and reboard for the return trip. The Staten Island Ferry runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with two to four ferries an hour.
Melbourne’s City Circle Tram
Melbourne has the largest tram network in the world running 160 miles of double track, 24 routes, and 1,763 tram stops. The modern Central Business District trams are free. Announcements will tell you when you are leaving the free zone and need to get off unless you have purchased a Myki. The best part of this is, If you are only spending a day or so in Melbourne, you will find that most of the major attractions are within the free zone. The City Circle Tram is a different free tram service.
This hop-on, hop-off tram is meant for tourists. These old buses have steps and they are less accessible. They are either dark burgundy with gold trim or dark green, but they're always marked Number 35 - City Circle Tram. These old rattlers pass the Flinders Street Railway Station, Australia's busiest suburban rail terminus and home to the Clocks. To meet someone in Melbourne people say, "I'll meet you under the Clocks." It also passes the contemporary Southern Cross Station, awarded the Royal Institute of British Architects' Lubetkin Prize in 2007 for the most outstanding building outside the European Union.
Luxembourg’s Free Public Transportation System
Luxembourg is a European country the size of Rhode Island. On March 1, 2020, it became the first country in the world to offer nationwide free public transport. This growing tram network offers regular buses (every 15 minutes on weekdays) serve all quarters. All transport is wheelchair accessible. Isn't that amazing? On the free transit system here, you will see Luxembourg's public squares dating to the 13th century, cobbled streets, the old walled city, and charming church spires. Making it a fairy tale city ride.
The fairy-tale views continue into the countryside, equiped with 50 castles that can be easily reached on day trips. Take a 60-minute bus ride to visit Echternach, with its medieval old town center, ancient ramparts, pastel-colored houses, seventh-century Benedictine abbey, and a beautiful lake. Clervaux, a 60-minute train ride from Luxembourg City, offers a striking white castle with portions dating to the 12th century. It also home to the photographic exhibition The Family of Man curated by Edward Steichen. Or go to Vianden Castle, an hour and 40 minutes from Luxembourg City via bus and train, to gap at one of the most stunning Romanesque-Gothic castles in Europe. You will see a chairlift over the castle, and Vianden is home to the Victor Hugo House.
Tokyo’s Traditional Boat Rides On The Yokojikkengawa Canal
Japan is seeking to preserve its transport from the Edo period (1604 to 1868). Quite older than Melbourne. Tokyo was a river city with the main transportation being the water. Today, wasen, or traditional wooden boats, are one of a kind. The group Wasen Tomo no Kai is committed to preserving the culture and tradition of wooden boat riding. Write your name on the guest list at the reception desk at the entrance of Shinsui Park. Life jackets are supplied.
Two of the group's members, sometimes in traditional shirushi-banten (indigo-blue jackets) and sugegasa (conical hats) will accompany you on the amazing boat ride experience in Tokyo. Here you will the small apartments that move down the tree-lined canal and pass under pedestrian bridges. Note the beautiful sky line and the pleasant weather.
