Los Angeles on a Budget

For many holidaymakers, big city breaks often seem synonymous with big spending. After all, visiting a big city usually entails high hotel prices, costly transportation, and expensive eating - right? The truth is that every city - no matter how big, glitzy, or glamorous it may seem - has a wealth of budget opportunities just waiting to be discovered. Los Angeles, California, is just one of these cities.

The home of Hollywood - while the treading ground of the rich and famous - is teeming with fantastic activities for the budget traveller. From cheap attractions to entirely free activities, you needn’t spend a fortune to experience this world-class city.

To begin, think about the types of activities you like to partake in; then start researching budget sightseeing options around LA. Love the outdoors? You’re in luck - if there’s one thing LA is famous for, it’s sunny beaches. Whether you choose to take a dip into the water or take a drive along the coast, you’ll get to experience one of the city’s most revered treasures, absolutely free. Another great thing about LA is that it’s just as close to the mountains as it is to the beaches; so you’ll find plenty of free hiking opportunities in and around the city - not to mention skiing and snowboarding in the winter, if you’re willing to pay for a lift ticket.

No visit to Los Angeles is complete without a stroll down the Walk of Fame along Hollywood Boulevard. Search more than 2000 sidewalk-embedded stars for your favourite celebrities’ plaques, then head over to Mann’s Chinese Theatre - also on Hollywood Boulevard - to see which celebrity shoe or handprints fit your own best. Pop into the neighbouring Hollywood Wax Museum (tickets at $12.95 / £8) to take photos with lifelike wax models of your favourite stars - your friends back home won’t believe their eyes.

Up for a bit of artistic culture? Head to the Getty Museum, right in the heart of LA. Admission is free, and you can spend an entire day marvelling at the museum’s artwork, stunning architecture, and breathtaking views over LA. If you happen to be in LA on the second Thursday of the month, you can also catch the free LA Artwalk in Downtown – hosting numerous art galleries with free admission, live music and much more. The California Science Center, Fowler Museum at UCLA, and the Hollywood Bowl Museum are also free to get in.

Finally, head over to the famed Rodeo Drive - even if you don’t plan on buying anything. Just strolling up and down this street will make you feel like one of the stars. Don’t be surprised if you happen to see one - Rodeo Drive happens to be one of the most common hangouts for celebrities. If you really want to get up close and personal with the stars, purchase a star map, usually around $10 / £6, and drive through the Hollywood Hills in search of your favourite stars’ homes. While you’re at it, don’t forget to drive or hike up near the Hollywood sign - one of LA’s most iconic landmarks.

Pairing low-cost and free activities such as these, along with budget LA hotels, means you’ll be able to experience one of the world’s most famous cities without breaking the bank.