10Best: Free attractions in Europe

1. AMSTERDAM

The Nine Streets. Popular among young professionals for its cool vibe, The Nine Streets ( De Negen Straatjes) lie at the heart of Amsterdam’s historic canal district. Named for nine side streets between the canals in the area, the neighborhood is renowned for chic boutiques, art galleries, jewelry stores and flagship retailers. In between, plenty of cafes and bars offer lunch and dinner to hungry shoppers who need a break from perusing the racks. Between Leidsestraat and Raadhuisstraat By Anne de Buck

2. BARCELONA

Magic Fountain of Mont

juïc. One of the city’s most entertaining spectacles is the fountain show held beneath the Palau Nacional museum on the Montjuïc, a landmark hill near the city center. Enjoy the 20- minute display of dancing water choreographed to music and lights. Built for the 1929 International Exposition, the Magic Fountain is masterpiece of design. Shows are free, and times vary seasonally. Plaça de Carles Buïgas, 1, 28080 + 34 934 027 000 By Sam Mednick

3. BERLIN

Reichstag Dome. For a quintessential Berlin experience, take the elevator ( or climb the two spiraling ramps) to the glistening glass dome atop Germany’s parliament building. From there, you’ll enjoy a 360- degree view of the city. Advance bookings are a must and can be made online. Platz der Republik 1 bundestag. de By Andrea Schulte- Peevers

4. COPENHAGEN

Sandemans walking tour. Free ( tip- optional) guided tours of Copenhagen depart daily at 11 a. m. from the steps in front of the City Hall in Rådhuspladsen. ( Look for a guide wearing a red Sandemans T- shirt). Spanning 6,000 years of Copenhagen history and lasting three hours, these worthwhile tours are delivered in English by Sandemans’ international team of volunteers. Reserve a place online, or show up about 15 minutes before the tour. Rådhuspladsen newcopenhagentours.com By Jane Graham

5. FRANKFURT

Fressgass. A perfect stop for solo travelers, this pedestrian area brims with appealing restaurants, bars and cafes. A cornucopia of gourmet shops vie with the many eateries to tempt your appetite. The sidewalk cafes also afford great opportunities for people- watching along this busy thoroughfare between Opernplatz and Börsenstrasse. Grosse Bockenheimer Strasse By Robyn Polzin

6. LONDON

Victoria and Albert Mu

seum. Founded in 1852, the “V& A” stands out among London’s attractions as the world’s largest museum of decorative arts and design. Allow ample time to roam the 145 galleries displaying items from a permanent collection of 4.5 million objects. These works of art from around the globe span the centuries with a focus on fashion, ornamentation, jewelry and metalwork. V& A Cromwell Road, SW7 2RL + 44 020 7942 0200 By Natalie Ashett

7. MUNICH

Architecture. All of Munich’s lovely churches are open while the sun is up; don’t miss the breathtaking, landmark Frauenkirche and the Alter Peter. The New Town Hall ( Neues Rathaus) and the Hofbräuhaus, a beer hall built in 1589, are also free to visit and are easily the most photographed buildings in the city. Frauenkirche: Frauenplatz 12 Alter Peter: Rindermarkt 1 Neues Rathaus: Marienplatz 8 Hofbräuhaus: Platzl 9 By Mike Richardson

8. PARIS

Musée d’Art Moderne. Referred to as “MaM” by locals, the Museum of Modern Art occupies a stately structure built in 1937 for the International Art and Technical Exhibition. Its impressive collections include masterpieces by the likes of Picasso, Matisse, Basquiat and Bonnard. Closed Mondays. 11 avenue du Président Wilson + 33 153 674 000 By Paige Donner

9. PRAGUE

Vyšehrad. Crowning a rocky cliff above the Vltava River, the citadel of Vyšehrad dates to the 10th century as the seat of the first Czech kings. Stroll along the ramparts and take in the complex of historic buildings and the view of the river and city below. Vyšehrad Park offers shady respite; stop in Vyšehrad Cemetery to admire the Art Nouveau tombstones of noteworthy Czechs. Vyšehrad Hill By Marianne Crone

10. ROME

The Pantheon. This engineering marvel is the best- preserved building from ancient Rome. Commissioned during the reign of Caesar Augustus as a temple to honor the Roman gods, and rebuilt by Emperor Hadrian in 126 AD, the structure has been used as a Catholic Church since 609. Inside, a central oculus pierces the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome. Piazza della Rotonda + 39 06 6830 0230

WOLFGANG SCHOLVIEN, VISITBERLIN The Reichstag dome, above, puts all of Berlin at your feet. Barcelona’s Magic Fountain, right, is more down- to- earth but no less mesmerizing.

VLADONE, GETTY IMAGES/ ISTOCKPHOTO