We’ve all been there—standing in front of some tower or sky deck kiosk, staring at a price tag that somehow makes your jaw drop more than the promised view. Whether it’s the Empire State Building or the Eiffel Tower, city views come with city prices. But what if I told you that you don’t need a ticket or a reservation to soak in the skyline? You just need curiosity, a bit of street savvy, and this guide on how to find the best views in any city—without paying for them.

Years ago in Barcelona, I stood in line for an hour to see the view from a paid park entrance. Later that night, a local led me to a hilltop bench with the same panorama—for free. That moment rewired how I travel. Since then, I’ve chased rooftop sunsets, river reflections, and back-alley perspectives in over 30 cities—and most of them didn’t cost a dime.

If you’ve ever felt like the best views are out of reach (literally and financially), it’s time to flip the script. This is your unofficial, un-touristy, and delightfully free guide to scenic cityscapes. And yes, it’s totally possible to do this everywhere—from New York to Nairobi.

Think Like a Local, Not a Tourist

The first trick to how to find the best views in any city is to ditch the beaten path. Instead of heading to that $30 observatory, ask locals where they go to watch the sunset. Many will steer you toward scenic lookouts, hilltops, or public parks that tourists never think to explore.

• Reddit city threads: Search “[city name] best free views site:reddit.com” and you’ll uncover treasure from locals. Example: r/AskNYC
• Ask baristas or bartenders: These people know their city and often spill the best secrets over coffee or cocktails.
• Use Facebook Groups: Look up “Expats in [city]” or “Travel Tips [city]”—you’ll find people happy to share the gems.

One of my best views in Lisbon came from asking a tuk-tuk driver. He pointed me to a quiet back street near Miradouro da Senhora do Monte that tourists skip—and I had the whole skyline to myself.

Use the Terrain

Some cities practically hand you the view—all you have to do is go uphill. Cities like Istanbul, Edinburgh, or San Francisco are full of steep streets and public staircases. Climbing these gives you unfiltered skyline shots that make people wonder what rooftop you paid for.

• Look for cemeteries on hills: Quiet, reflective, and often built for perspective. Montmartre in Paris? Yep, gorgeous views.
• Public university campuses: Some campuses sit on city perches—check out Boğaziçi University in Istanbul or UCSF in San Francisco.
• Hike-friendly cities: In places like Cape Town or Medellín, even a 20-minute climb can unlock panoramic rewards.

Nature doesn’t charge entry fees—and it usually gives you the best seat in town.

Rooftops and Parking Garages: The Urban Hacker’s View

If you want to know how to find the best views in any city, here’s a secret: rooftops aren’t just for penthouses. Look for open-air parking garages, public libraries, or even malls with top-floor terraces.

• Hotels with rooftop bars: You don’t need to stay overnight. Just walk in like you belong, buy a drink, and enjoy the view. Try TimeOut city guides to locate the best ones.
• Parking structures: These are goldmines for photographers and skyline lovers. Especially during sunset or golden hour.
• Co-working spaces: Some offer free trial days and incredible views. WeWork locations in cities like Chicago or Bangkok often have rooftops or upper-floor lounges.

I once watched fireworks in Tokyo from the top floor of a department store parking deck. No crowd. No cost. Just stars and skyline.

Reflections, Bridges, and Waterfront Walks

Sometimes the best view of a city isn’t from above—it’s from across. Think riverbanks, bridges, and waterfront walkways. Many cities have public promenades or bike paths with wide open views of downtown skylines or historic districts.

• Find your city’s river or lake: Walk the edges around dusk. The reflections are often magical.
• Cross bridges on foot: Try the Brooklyn Bridge, London’s Millennium Bridge, or Prague’s Charles Bridge.
• Ride public ferries: Cities like Sydney, Istanbul, and Seattle have public ferry systems that cost less than a latte and deliver million-dollar views.

You don’t need to look down on a city to love it. Sometimes, the best perspective is eye-level with its light bouncing off water.

Early and Late: The Magic of Timing

One of the easiest ways to get an amazing view without crowds or cost? Wake up early. Or stay out late. Blue hour and golden hour not only make for better photos, but also bring out the quiet side of cities that are usually buzzing.

• Sunrise hikers win: You’ll often have a hill or lookout completely to yourself. Especially on weekdays.
• Late-night lights: Cities light up after dark. Seek high ground after 10 PM and enjoy a glittering, quiet panorama.

If you’re serious about how to find the best views in any city, timing is everything. The city’s rhythm changes with the clock—and knowing when to pause makes all the difference.

So the next time you’re traveling and someone tells you the only way to see the city is from that $35 tower, smile. Because you know better. You know how to find the best views in any city—without paying a cent. All it takes is a little intuition, a bit of wandering, and the guts to go a different way. The city’s best-kept secrets are usually hiding in plain sight.

What’s the best free view you’ve ever found? Was it a hill, a bridge, or a back alley with a perfect sunset? Drop your secret spot in the comments—and don’t forget to follow WentWorld on social media for more travel hacks and real-world wanderlust.