The world’s best value tourist attractions

Dreaming of your next adventure? Whether you're scaling castle walls or wandering through ancient ruins, getting the most out of your budget is key to an unforgettable trip. With travel costs adding up, savvy holidaymakers are always looking for ways to make their money go further, without missing out on the chance to explore iconic destinations.

With this in mind, we conducted a new study to uncover the best-value attractions worldwide. By calculating the cost per hour of 300 famous attractions across the globe, we’ve ranked the top destinations where you get the most value for your money and uncovering the best bang-for-your-buck experiences!

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In our study, we’ll be revealing:

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Top 10 best value tourist attractions in the world

Museum of Contemporary Art, Argentina

1. The Museum of Contemporary Art in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Topping the global rankings as the attraction with the best value is Buenos Aires' Museum of Contemporary Art.

With an entry fee of around 11p and an average visit time of 30 minutes, the museum makes world-class art accessible to all, with rotating exhibitions of contemporary Latin American art.

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National Museum of Malaysia

2. The National Museum of Malaysia, Malaysia

Securing third place in the global rankings, the National Museum of Malaysia comes in at a value of 36p per hour.

The museum offers an in-depth journey through Malaysia's culture, from prehistoric artifacts to modern Malaysian history, with visitors spending an average of two and a half hours exploring the extensive collection.

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National Museum of Taiwan

3. The National Museum of Taiwan, Taiwan

At 49p per hour, The National Museum of Taiwan in Taipei offers an affordable deep dive into the island’s history, with exhibits covering indigenous cultures, historical artifacts, and Taiwan’s natural wonders.

Its compact yet immersive displays make it an excellent stop for history lovers and curious travellers alike.

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With half of the global top 10 consisting of Asian attractions, the region offers some of the best value for tourists. In addition to those in the top three, Mysore Palace in India is 56p per hour, and Singapore Botanic Gardens is 59p per hour with South Korea’s Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace also both ranking in the top 10 at a cost of 83p per hour. Beyond Asia, Mexico’s University Museum of Contemporary Art is 52p per hour, in fourth place, while Egypt’s Alexandria Library sits in eighth at 80p per hour.

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Rank	Landmark	Country	Continent	Time Spent (hours)	Entry Fee (GBP)	Value - GBP (Cost Per Hour)
1	The Museum of Contemporary Art in Buenos Aires	Argentina	South America	0.5	11p	22p
2	The National Museum of Malaysia	Malaysia	Asia	2.5	90p	36p
3	The National Museum of Taiwan	Taiwan	Asia	1.5	74p	49p
4	University Museum of Contemporary Art Mexico City	Mexico	North America	3	£1.56	52p
5	Mysore Palace	India	Asia	2	£1.11	56p
6	Singapore Botanic Gardens (Orchid Garden)	Singapore	Asia	1	59p	59p
7	El Limón Waterfall	Dominican Republic	North America	1	65p	65p
8	Alexandria Library	Eygpt	Africa	3	£2.40	80p
=9	Gyeongbokgung Palace	South Korea	Asia	2	£1.66	83p
=9	Changdeokgung Palace	South Korea	Asia	2	£1.66	83p

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The UK's 10 best value tourist attractions

Flamingo Land Resort

1. Flamingo Land Resort, Yorkshire

Yorkshire's Flamingo Land Resort claims the top spot as the UK’s best-value attraction, with visitors enjoying a full day of thrills for the equivalent of £2.99 per hour. This beloved theme park, zoo, and resort has an action-packed average visit time of eight hours, giving families plenty of time to explore.

From exhilarating roller coasters to up-close animal encounters, there's no shortage of excitement, making every penny well spent.

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Warwick Castle

2. Warwick Castle, Warwick

Warwick Castle secures second place, proving that history can rival theme parks when it comes to value. At just £3.67 per hour to visit, based on entry price and the average time spent, visitors can immerse themselves in nearly a thousand years of British history.

The castle has plenty to offer including interactive exhibits, live shows, breathtaking castle architecture and picturesque grounds.

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Drayton Manor

3. Drayton Manor, Staffordshire

Staffordshire’s Drayton Manor claims third place among the UK’s best-value attractions, delivering a full day of fun for just £4.15 per hour. With a thrilling mix of roller coasters, family-friendly rides, and a zoo, the park offers something for everyone.

So, whether you're seeking high-speed excitement or a more relaxed day out, Drayton Manor ensures every visitor gets great value.

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Theme park lovers will be pleased to know that other major UK attractions also offer incredible value. Alton Towers, Thorpe Park, Legoland Windsor and Chessington World of Adventures follow closely, allowing thrill-seekers a full day of entertainment for just 4.83 per hour. Beyond theme parks, in Central London ZSL London Zoo offers wildlife encounters for £5.17 per hour, while The Lost Gardens of Heligan in Cornwall stands out as the UK’s best-value botanical attraction at £5 per hour.

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Rank	Landmark	City/Location	Time Spent (hours)	Entry Fee (GBP)	Value - GBP (Cost Per Hour)
1	Flamingo Land Resort	Yorkshire	6	£17.95	£2.99
2	Warwick Castle	Warwick	6	£22.00	£3.67
3	Drayton Manor	Staffordshire	6	£24.90	£4.15
=4	Alton Towers	Staffordshire	6	£29.00	£4.83
=4	Thorpe Park	Surrey	6	£29.00	£4.83
=4	Legoland Windsor	Windsor	6	£29.00	£4.83
=4	Chessington World of Adventures	Chessington	6	£29.00	£4.83
8	Lost Gardens of Heligan	Cornwall	4	£20.00	£5.00
9	ZSL London Zoo	London	6	£31.00	£5.17
10	Cotswold Farm Park	Cheltenham	3	£16.00	£5.33

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The USA’s 10 best value tourist attractions

The Brooklyn Museum

1. The Brooklyn Museum, New York

The Brooklyn Museum tops the list as the best-value attraction in the US, costing the equivalent of just £5.35 per hour. For a £16.06 entry fee, visitors spend around three hours exploring a diverse collection of art, history, and culture. As one of New York City's premier museums, visitors have access to world-class exhibitions, including ancient Egyptian artifacts and contemporary art.

It’s also right next to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and Prospect Park, so you can easily make a full day out of your visit.

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Fallingwater, Mill Run

2. Fallingwater, Mill Run

Fallingwater claims the second spot, offering a unique blend of architecture and nature for just £5.62 per hour. A £11.24 ticket grants visitors two hours to explore Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpiece, situated in the lush forests of western Pennsylvania. With its groundbreaking design and deep historical significance, this iconic home remains a must-see for architecture enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

It's also near Ohiopyle State Park, where visitors can enjoy hiking, waterfalls, and stunning scenic overlooks, making it easy to turn the trip into a full day of outdoor adventure.

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The Field Museum

3. The Field Museum, Chicago

The Field Museum in Chicago ranks third with a cost of £6.02 per hour. The £24.09 equivalent entry fee grants visitors access to four hours of exploration, including the famous T-Rex Sue, ancient Egyptian tombs, and a variety of other natural history exhibits.

The museum’s immersive displays make it a top-value destination for anyone visiting Chicago. Situated on the city’s Museum Campus, it’s also right next to the Shedd Aquarium and Adler Planetarium.

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Also making the top 10, The Gateway Arch offers breathtaking views for just £7.63 per hour, while the Crazy Horse Memorial provides a deep dive into Native American history at £8.03 per hour. Art enthusiasts are spoiled for choice too – The Museum of Fine Arts is just £6.43 per hour and The Art Institute of Chicago is £8.57 per hour, both showcasing beautiful collections for incredible value.

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Rank	Landmark	City/Location	Time Spent (hours)	Entry Fee (GBP)	Value - GBP (Cost Per Hour)
1	The Brooklyn Museum	New York	3	£16.06	£5.35
2	Fallingwater	Mill Run	2	£11.24	£5.62
3	The Field Museum	Chicago	4	£24.09	£6.02
4	The Museum of Fine Arts	Houston	3	£19.28	£6.43
5	American Museum of Natural History in New York City	New York	3.5	£24.09	£6.88
6	Gateway Arch	St Louis	2	£15.26	£7.63
=7	The Metropolitan Museum of Art	New York	3	£24.09	£8.03
=7	The Museum of Modern Art	New York	3	£24.09	£8.03
9	Crazy Horse Memorial	Custer County	1.5	£12.05	£8.03
10	The Art Institute of Chicago	Chicago	3	£25.70	£8.57

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Europe's 10 best value tourist attractions

Devetashka Cave

1. Devetashka Cave, Bulgaria

Securing the top spot in Europe's rankings, Bulgaria’s Devetashka Cave proves that nature’s wonders can be just as exciting as historic landmarks. For just 85p per hour, visitors can step into a world of towering rock formations, echoing chambers, and a unique ecosystem teeming with life.

While the average visit lasts just an hour, its low entry fee makes it an easy and budget-friendly highlight for anyone visiting Bulgaria.

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Meteora Monastery

2. Meteora Monasteries, Greece

With a great cost of just £1.00 per hour, the Meteora Monasteries take second place among Europe’s best value attractions.

Perched high on towering rock formations, this UNESCO World Heritage site invites visitors to step back in time, with six monasteries to explore. With many people visiting two in the same day, over around five hours, you can definitely fill your time and explore centuries of history and fascinating Byzantine architecture.

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Sarmizegetusa Regia

3. Sarmizegetusa Regia, Romania

Taking third place among Europe’s best-value attractions, Romania’s Sarmizegetusa Regia offers a journey into the past for just £1.26 per hour.

Once the capital of the Dacian Empire, this UNESCO World Heritage site boasts well-preserved ruins that reveal the secrets of an ancient civilisation. It has an average visit lasting two hours and an entry fee of just £2.51.

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Romania’s Peles Castle takes fourth place, showing that Eastern Europe is a treasure trove for history lovers on a budget. Italy’s National Museum of Rome offers a deep dive into ancient history at just £1.91 per hour, while France’s Mont Saint-Michel Abbey provides a breathtaking glimpse into medieval architecture for £2.71 per hour.

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Rank	Landmark	Country	Time Spent (hours)	Entry Fee (GBP)	Value - GBP (Cost Per Hour)
1	Devetashka Cave	Bulgaria	1	85p	85p
2	Meteora Monasteries	Greece	5	£4.98	£1.00
3	Sarmizegetusa Regia	Romania	2	£2.51	£1.26
4	Peles Castle	Romania	2	£3.35	£1.68
5	The National Museum of Rome	Italy	3.5	£6.67	£1.91
6	Plovdiv Roman Theatre	Bulgaria	1	£2.13	£2.13
7	The National Museum of Contemporary Art in Athens	Greece	2.5	£6.67	£2.67
8	Mont Saint-Michel Abbey	France	4	£10.83	£2.71
9	The National Museum of Hungary	Hungary	2.5	£7.26	£2.90
10	Flamingo Land Resort	UK	6	£17.95	£2.99

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Africa’s 10 best value tourist attractions

Alexandria Library

1. Alexandria Library, Egypt

The Alexandria Library takes the top spot, with the cost per hour of visiting working out at the equivalent of 80p per hour!

With an entry fee of £2.40 and an average visit time of three hours, visitors can wander through its vast collections, admire its striking modern design, and soak in the historical significance of this tribute to the ancient world’s greatest library.

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Volubilis

2. Volubilis, Morocco

Claiming second place, Volubilis offers an unforgettable journey into Roman history for just £2.82 per hour.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site, nestled in the heart of Morocco, allows visitors to explore its stunning mosaics and grand arches. With its remarkably well-preserved ruins set against a breathtaking landscape, Volubilis stands as one of Africa’s most fascinating tourist attractions.

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Giza Pyramids

3. Giza Pyramids, Egypt

The legendary Giza Pyramids rank third among Africa’s best-value attractions, offering a bucket list experience for just £2.89 per hour.

Visitors tend to spend three hours exploring one of the world’s most famous archaeological sites, standing before the towering Great Pyramid, gazing up at the enigmatic Sphinx, and wandering through ancient tombs that have stood the test of time.

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Africa’s top 10 best-value attractions feature a mix of breathtaking landscapes and ancient wonders. South Africa’s Golden Gate Highlands Park stuns with its glowing sandstone cliffs at just £3.19 per hour, while Egypt’s Philae Temple, rising from the Nile, captivates visitors with its intricate carvings for £3.61 per hour.

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Rank	Landmark	Country	Time Spent (hours)	Entry Fee (GBP)	Value - GBP (Cost Per Hour)
1	Alexandria Library	Egypt	3	£2.40	80p
2	Volubilis (UNESCO)	Morocco	2	£5.63	£2.82
3	Giza Pyramids	Egypt	3	£8.67	£2.89
4	Egyptian Museum	Egypt	3	£8.81	£2.94
5	Golden Gate Highlands Park	South Africa	4	£12.77	£3.19
6	Cango Caves	South Africa	2.5	£8.72	£3.49
=7	Philae Temple	Egypt	2	£7.22	£3.61
=7	The Egyptian Museum in Cairo	Egypt	2	£7.22	£3.61
9	Karnak Temple Complex	Egypt	2.5	£9.62	£3.85
10	Abu Simbel Temples	Egypt	1	£3.85	£3.85

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Asia’s 10 best value tourist attractions

National Museum of Malaysia

1. The National Museum of Malaysia, Malaysia

The National Museum of Malaysia lands in second place – the museum presents a fascinating journey through the country’s past at the equivalent of 36p per hour.

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National Museum of Taiwan

2. The National Museum of Taiwan, Taiwan

Its compact yet immersive displays make it an excellent stop for history lovers and curious travellers alike.

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Mysore Palace

3. Mysore Palace, India

Costing just 56p per hour, Mysore Palace in India gives visitors the opportunity to explore a royal home created in the Indo-Saracenic style.

With grand rooms, colourful stained-glass ceilings and a spectacular golden throne, there’s plenty to discover during a visit.

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Also among Asia’s top 10 best value attractions, Hoi An Ancient Town in Vietnam is 95p per hour, while visitors can explore history at Prambanan Temple in Indonesia for 98p per hour or admire the architectural grandeur of China’s Forbidden City for £1.11 per hour, all offering rich cultural experiences at an affordable price.

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Rank	Landmark	Country	Time Spent (hours)	Entry Fee (GBP)	Value - GBP (Cost Per Hour)
1	The National Museum of Malaysia	Malaysia	2.5	90p	36p
2	The National Museum of Taiwan	Taiwan	1.5	74p	49p
3	Mysore Palace	India	2	£1.11	56p
4	Singapore Botanic Gardens (Orchid Garden)	Singapore	1	59p	59p
5	Gyeongbokgung Palace	South Korea	2	£1.66	83p
6	Changdeokgung Palace	South Korea	2	£1.66	83p
7	Hoi An Ancient Town	Vietnam	4	£3.78	95p
8	Prambanan Temple	Indonesia	2.5	£2.45	98p
9	Wat Traimit (Temple of the Golden Buddha)	Thailand	3	£3.28	£1.09
10	Forbidden City	China	2	£2.21	£1.11

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Oceania’s best value tourist attractions

Museum of New Zealand

1. The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

Topping the list, Te Papa Tongarewa offers a deep dive into New Zealand’s rich history and culture for £6.34 per hour.

With an entry fee of £15.86, visitors typically spend two and a half hours exploring exhibits on Maori heritage, natural history, and contemporary art, making it a must-visit for culture lovers.

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Museum of Contemporary Art

2. Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney, Australia

In second place, Sydney’s Museum of Contemporary Art provides a world-class modern art experience at £10.11 per hour.

A visit lasts around one hour, where visitors have access to thought-provoking exhibitions and Australian contemporary works in a stunning harborside location.

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Sydney Harbour Cruise

3. Sydney Harbour Cruise, Australia

Taking third place, a Sydney Harbour Cruise offers spectacular views of the city’s most famous landmarks for £13.07 per hour.

Passengers spend just over an hour soaking in sights like the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, making it a memorable yet affordable experience.

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Oceania’s best-value attractions also include Melbourne Cricket Ground at £16.33 per hour, where sports fans can explore Australia’s cricket and football history, and Waitomo Glowworm Caves, a breathtaking underground experience filled with twinkling glowworms. Movie lovers can visit Hobbiton for £21.74 per hour, the real-life set of The Lord of the Rings, while adventure seekers can take on the Sydney Harbour BridgeClimb for a pricier £84.29 per hour – though this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see Sydney from above.

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Rank	Landmark	Country	Time Spent (hours)	Entry Fee (GBP)	Value - GBP (Cost Per Hour)
1	The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa	New Zealand	2.5	£15.86	£6.34
2	The Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney	Australia	1	£10.11	£10.11
3	Sydney Harbour Cruise	Australia	1.1	£14.15	£13.07
4	Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)	Australia	1.1	£17.69	£16.33
5	Waitomo Glowworm Caves	New Zealand	2	£35.79	£17.90
6	Hobbiton	New Zealand	2.5	£54.36	£21.74
7	Sydney Harbour BridgeClimb	Australia	2.5	£210.73	£84.29

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South America’s 10 best value tourist attractions

1. Museum of Contemporary Art, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Taking the top spot, alongside ranking number one worldwide, The Museum of Contemporary Art in Buenos Aires is an incredible bargain at just 22p per hour. With an entry fee of 11p, visitors typically spend 30 minutes exploring rotating exhibitions of Latin American contemporary art.

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2. Museum of Contemporary Art Lima, Peru

In second place, Lima’s Museum of Contemporary Art offers a rich artistic experience at £2.17 per hour. Visitors usually spend two hours admiring modern Peruvian and international artworks, and with an entry fee of £4.33, it’s a must-visit for art lovers.

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3. Museum of Contemporary Art, Bogota, Colombia

Rounding out the top three, Bogota’s Museum of Contemporary Art provides another affordable cultural experience at £2.43 per hour. With an entry fee of £4.85, guests spend around two hours discovering Colombian and international modern art, making it one of the best-value museums in the region.

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South America’s best-value experiences also include Rio de Janeiro’s Museum of Contemporary Art at £2.75 per hour. Jardin Japones in Argentina provides a peaceful nature escape for £10.30 per hour, while Machu Picchu remains one of the continent’s most iconic historical sites at £13.16 per hour.

For adventure seekers, Sugarloaf Mountain’s cable car ride offers stunning aerial views of Rio at £17.50 per hour, while Sacsayhuaman in Peru is a must-visit for ancient Inca history enthusiasts at £20.20 per hour.

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Rank	Landmark	Country	Time Spent (hours)	Entry Fee (GBP)	Value - GBP (Cost Per Hour)
1	The Museum of Contemporary Art in Buenos Aires	Argentina	0.5	11p	22p
2	Museum of Contemporary Art Lima (Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Lima)	Peru	2	£4.33	£2.17
3	The Museum of Contemporary Art in Bogota	Colombia	2	£4.85	£2.43
4	The Museum of Contemporary Art in Rio de Janeiro (Museu de Arte Moderna do Río de Janeiro)	Brazil	1	£2.75	£2.75
5	Christ the Redeemer	Brazil	1.5	£11.74	£7.83
6	Jardin Japones	Argentina	1	£10.3	£10.30
7	Machu Picchu	Peru	2.5	£32.9	£13.16
8	Teatro Colon	Argentina	0.83	£13.69	£16.49
9	Sugarloaf Mountain Cable Car	Brazil	4	£70.01	£17.50
10	Sacsayhuaman	Peru	0.75	£15.15	£20.20

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Ready to explore the world without breaking the bank? Check out our travel guides for some inn-spiration and book one of our airport hotels to make sure you’re well rested before your flight. Or if you’re a theme park lover planning a day trip in the UK, you’ll find many of our great value hotels located nearby too!

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Methodology:

Premier Inn used desk research to compile a list of 300 famous landmarks from 51 countries around the world. In order to find the best value attractions, the standard entry fee to each landmark was divided by the time the average visitor spent there, thus calculating a 'cost per hour spent'. The time spent on average on each attraction was collated via Google's 'Popular Times' tool. If Google showed no average time spent, a combination of verifiable online sources was used. The cost of each attraction was taken from the attraction's official website, based on the standard adult ticket entry fee. Currency conversions were taken at the time of research and average prices were rounded up or down to the nearest 5p.

All information is correct as of February 2025.