Portland, Oregon is a regular “best places to live” list topper.  This user-friendly metropolis has great public transportation, a pleasantly laid-back, hip vibe and easy access to nature.  Yes, the weather can sometimes leave a lot to be desired, but that is one of the very few negatives.

Portland offers tourists plenty of art and urban green spaces.  But the most charming aspect of this mid-sized city is that it has so many places that are simply enjoyable to hang out in.  Many of the city’s top attractions, eateries and museums are not pricey but West Coast standards, but there are also numerous spots that don’t cost anything at all.

1. Powell’s City of Book is the country’s largest independently-owned bookstore.  It covers a city block and has both new and used books in stock.  You don’t even need to make a purchase to enjoy a stop at Powell’s.  The sheer amount of reading material means you could browse all day, even if you are not an avid reader.  And you don’t have to feel obligated to buy anything.  According to the Powell’s site, about half the people who enter the store simply browse without making a purchase.

2. The Saturday Market is one of Portland’s most popular institutions.  Its yearly run begins in early March and continues until December.  Vendors sell hand-made crafts (everything from pottery to baby clothes) and art (prints, photographs and paintings).  The products are quality, but the real attraction is the festive atmosphere.  Visitors can spend the entire afternoon browsing and, perhaps, picking up a bite to eat at one of the many food stalls.  Or they can listen to one of the daily musical acts on the stage.  Despite its name, the Saturday Market is also open on Sunday as well.

3. Forest Park is one of the world’s largest urban parks.  More than 50 species of mammals call the confines of the park home.  There are an astonishing 30 miles of trails and opportunities for both bike riding (Portland’s favorite pastime) and horseback riding.

4. Pioneer Courthouse Square is easily recognizable because of its iconic red bricks.  It is often referred to as the Portland’s “living room.” Arguably the best place to people-watch, it is filled with residents, workers from nearby office buildings and tourists.  In addition, there are nearly 300 events hosted by the square each year.  You might happen on a concert or cultural event when you pass through the square.

5. On the first Thursday of every month, art galleries in Downtown’s Pearl District open their doors to the public.  the event, fittingly referred to as the First Thursday Art Walk, features some of the city’s best artists.  Larger galleries have live music, and you will happen upon some spots with free snacks and complimentary alcoholic beverages.

6. The Alberta Art District hosts an alternative art extravaganza on the final Thursday of each month.  Last Thursday has a more hang-loose, block party vibe that its Pearl District peer.  There are art galleries,of course, but also street performers food carts, and music.

7.  Of its many monikers, one of the most fitting is the City of Roses.  Portland celebrates its favorite flower year round at public and private gardens.  However, the flower truly takes center stage a the the Rose Festival.  The event takes place annually in the early summer.  Features include a rose parade, tours of the city’s gardens, a golf tournament, dragon boat races and a music festival with nightly concerts.

8. Portland’s Japanese Garden is recognized as the most authentic Japanese-style garden outside of the Land of the Rising Sun.  The landscapes seem like they came straight from Tokyo or Kyoto.  There is also a pavilion  that hosts Japanese art and plenty of informational and educational events.  The garden is open year-round.

9. Shakespeare in the Park takes place each summer in Portland area parks, including Pioneer Square (see #4 above).  The troupe that performs the plays, the Portland Actors Ensemble, is one of the oldest in the nation.  It was originally formed in 1970.

10. Though it is technically not free, the Waterfront Blues Festival is a charity event held each summer in Portland’s popular Waterfront Park.  A donation to area charities and food shelves is requested from each attendee (the “suggested” amount is $10 plus two non-perishable food items).  Aside from notable performers like Booker T, Little Feat, and Cedric Burnside, there will be food and fireworks.

San Antonio is one of the fastest growing cities in North America.  The famous Alamo, along with several other lesser-known (but equally old) missions, hearken back to the days when Texas was not yet a state.  Some residential neighborhoods, such as the King William District, are more than a century old.

But San Antonio, like any growing metropolis, has plenty of modern features: a vibrant nightlife, cutting edge music and eating scenes and, yes, lots and lots of free attractions.  Perhaps SeaWorld and Six Flags will not be on a budget traveler’s itinerary, but there are more than enough cost-less sights and sounds to fill a trip to this modern city.

Here’s is a list of all things good (and free) in San Antonio.

1. San Antonio’s Japanese Tea Garden recently reopened.  The well-manicured, highly-stylized gardens would not be out of place in Tokyo or Osaka.  This authentic feel makes the garden a great place to explore.  In addition to the trees, rocks and pathways, there are koi ponds and a rather impressive 60-foot waterfall.

2. Fiesta San Antonio, held in April, is the city’s biggest festival.  Actually, with more than two and a half million attendees, it is the largest outdoor festivals in the entire US.  The events take place in mid-April (the 15th to the 25th this year).  This year’s festivities will include parades, outdoor concerts, fireworks, cultural performances and food-related events.  Though not all events are free, most of those that take place in public places do not charge admission.  Others, such as the popular Taste of New Orleans ($10 admission), are reasonably priced.

3. The San Antonio Missions Trail is a 6-mile walkway that runs between four of the area’s historic Spanish-built missions.  Yes, it is one of the better places to walk if you are in search of an urban hiking venue, but the missions, which are part of a national historic park, are the real attraction.  They are among the oldest in North America, dating back to the early 18th Century.  These lesser known missions are a great alternative to often-crowded, more touristy Alamo.

4.  When they return home, San Antonio tourists can expect to repeatedly be asked: “Did you see the Alamo?”  It is hard to pass up the mission, even though it is bound to be crowded (2.5 million people pass through the site each year).  Luckily, it is possible to arrive at early, at 9 a.m. Monday through Saturday, to avoid the peak-time crowds.  Also, during summer weekends, the building remains open until 7 p.m.  Of course, it’s free to enter.
5. The Riverwalk is San Antonio’s lengthy entertainment promenade.  The shaded walkways, water and laid-back atmosphere make is a great place for a stroll.  Of course, the restaurants, bars and shops on the riverbanks aren’t free, but Riverwalk is a great place for window-shopping and there are several art galleries and museums in the area.

6. El Mercado is one of the largest Mexican markets north of the border.  Aside from the virtually unlimited amount of goods up for sale, there are musical and cultural performances, kids’ activities, and crafts during Primer Sabado, First Saturday.  The area in and around El Mercado is a great place to get a taste of the Mexican culture that is so much a part of San Antonio’s identity.

7. Art is a major part of San Antonio’s culture.  San Antonio Art Walk is usually held on the first Friday of every month.  It takes place in the Arts District, which is located in the Southtown area of the city. Aside from the art  (and free snacks, if your lucky), there are usually local bands, of all genres, performing.

8. Though they typically charge admission, several San Antonio museums waive entrance fees at certain times during the week.  Chase Bank sponsors a free night at the San Antonio Museum of Art.  It takes place between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. each Tuesday.   The Witte Museum, an exhibit hall featuring the natural history, culture and artifacts of Texas, offers free admission between 3 and 8 on Tuesday evenings.

9. San Antonio Summer Jazz and Art Festival, often shortened to San Antonio Summer Fest (or just SAS Fest) is a three day event that takes place on the first weekend in June.  Though it has not reached to same attendance numbers as springtime’s Fiesta, SAS Fest is worth a visit.  There are a dozen jazz concerts, music workshops, a craft fair and plenty of food.  It’s free to listen to music.

10. San Antonio’s Main Plaza, located in front of the Alamo and near the Riverwalk, is the heart of the city.  There is a series of free concerts held each year.  But it doesn’t stop with music.  There are dances, theater performances, movie screenings and fashion shows.  Most of these events take place during the warmer months, between April and October.