Expensive Cities on the Cheap

Fortunately, parks and gardens cover almost a third of Moscow, and it's easy to put together an interesting walking tour. Many guidebooks list routes that circle around the center, stop by all the historic churches, or explore the oldest section of the city, called Kitay gorod. If the weather isn't ideal, go underground. Moscow's metro stations are attractions of their own, impressive spaces alternately filled with mosaics, marble columns, and bronze statues. A one-way ride will cost you less than $1.

Avoid accommodations in the the pricey city center and instead find something near an outlying metro stop. You can reach the center within 30 minutes from almost any stop. If you're staying for a few days to a week or traveling with a group, renting an apartment is an option. You'll pay anywhere from $80 to $200 a night for a larger space with cooking facilities; browse cityrealtyrussia.com.

The foot of Powell Street in San Francisco is a downtown transportation hub (Phil Coblentz/San Francisco Convention & Visitors Bureau) [enlarge photo]

Freebie At Red Square, you'll find Lenin's Mausoleum, where His Waxiness has been embalmed since 1924. The line starts moving at 10 a.m.

PARIS
France is so popular that restaurants and hotels don't have to try very hard to stay full. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to save a euro besides sitting by the Seine eating baguettes and cheese.

The Vélib bike service launched in 2007. More than 20,000 bikes are kept in automated racks posted throughout the city, and the first half hour is free. Use your credit card if it has a smart chip; the chip is typically visible as a small gold or silver circuit board on the card. (some American Express cards, for example, will work.) Otherwise, you'll need to buy a seven-day ticket for €5 to access the system. Pick up a free Paris a Vélo map for routes and bike paths. Find out about more European bike-sharing programs here.

To get a good feel for the city on foot, join up with Sandeman's guided walking tour. The guides work for tips, so you simply pay what you think the tour is worth.

Freebie Marie Curie's laboratory? The home of Victor Hugo? Eau de toilette? All free. In the pedestrian-friendly Marais neighborhood, the Musée Cognacq-Jay is free—and so is the Centre Pompidou, if you can time your visit to the first Sunday of the month. The Fragonard Perfume Museum doesn't charge admission, and it won't cost you anything to visit the Cathedral of Notre Dame on your own.

OSLO
The whole of Scandinavia rivals Japan for eye-popping prices, and it's not easy to find a cheap place to sleep or eat in Oslo.

For $38 a day or less, you can use the Oslo Pass—sold at most hotels and at three tourist stations throughout the city—to control costs. It gives you entrance to 33 museums and attractions, unlimited public transportation, and a lunch cruise.

The city's Oslo on a Budget website provides tips on cheaper accommodations and places to eat well for less.

Freebie You don't have to go very far to find good public hiking and biking trails around Oslo, no fees required. There are an incredible 40 islands and 343 lakes within the city limits. An easy place to start is the central 80-acre Vigeland Sculpture Park.

HONG KONG
While expensive for business travelers trying to make the right impression, Hong Kong can be quite reasonable for regular tourists. Public transportation and basic restaurants are both a good value.