The Best Free Things to Do in Sydney on Any Day of the Week

The soaring cost of living in Sydney is one of those recurrent news stories that dominate our news feeds every so often. This is not shocking for anyone who has ever forked out upwards of $25 for a cocktail. According to The Economist's Worldwide Cost of Living 2014 report, Sydney ranks as the fifth most expensive city – sitting not far behind our pricey friends in Singapore, Paris, Oslo and Zurich. We've all felt the strain on our wallets as we've handed over $5 for a bus ticket, or walked out of the supermarket having spent a small fortune on three measly items.

To ease the pain just that little bit, we've devised the best ways to enjoy this beautiful city of ours without paying a single cent. Whether live music, trivia or a good old-fashioned stroll is your jam, it's actually not that hard to experience the city for the low, low price of free. Let your inner cheapskate shine with our week-long guide to the best free events in Sydney.

TRIVIA AT THE LITTLE GUY

Recount all that useless knowledge that you've accumulated over the years, compete against other people to see who has amassed more random tidbits for the chance to win money (in the form of alcohol) at The Little Guy's trivia night. Also, free popcorn.

Trivia starts at 7pm every Monday night at the Little Guy in Glebe.

MUSIC AND GAMES NIGHT AT 505 JAZZ CLUB

Every Monday night, jazz venue 505 will be offering up jazz with a side of board games. Play against actual human beings in a social setting, instead of being beaten by your smart phone.

Jazz Jam Session and Games happen every Monday night at the 505 in Surry Hills, doors open at 6pm.

THE MONDAY JAM AT GINGER'S

The genre will change every week, but the price tag will not. Free music sessions run every week at Ginger's in Darlinghurst.

Starts at 9pm every Monday at Gingers in Darlinghurst (upstairs at the Oxford Hotel).

MOVIE NIGHTS AT THE SODA FACTORY

Mondays will see The Soda Factory transformed into a funky movie theatre (sans the smell of stale popcorn) with great drinks and even better vibes.

Doors open at 5pm every Monday at The Soda Factory, Surry Hills.

SONGWRITER'S NIGHT AT THE VIC

Home to all things Aussie music, The Vic is handing over the mic every Tuesday. Come and show off your musical talent, or enjoy someone else's.

Music starts at 8pm every Tuesday night at The Vic, Enmore.

OLD SCHOOL FUNK & GROOVE NIGHT AT 505

Tuesdays at this beloved music mecca are all about old school jazz. Soak up some live funk as the groove bands take over the stage, with free entry every week.

Old School Funk & Groove Night runs every Tuesday at the 505 in Surry Hills, doors open at 6pm.

SYDNEY IDEAS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY

Tuesday is just one of the days you can listen to experts in their field debate some really interesting and controversial ideas, as The University of Sydney rolls out a bunch of free talks throughout the year.

Talk dates vary, the timetable is available on the Sydney Ideas website. Talks are held on campus at the University of Sydney every week during semester.

LIVE BLUES AND JAZZ NIGHT AT THE COMMONS

Every week this cosy bar brings live Delta Blues, East Coast Jazz and Chicago Blues to Darlinghurst.

Live blues and jazz night is held every Wednesday and Thursday at 8:30pm at The Commons, Darlinghurst.

TRIVIA AT THE KIRRIBILLI HOTEL

Did you know that Tasmania is bigger than Sri Lanka?
Did you know that gin originated in the Netherlands?
The Kirribilli Hotel is all about these head scratchers every Wednesday night, with cash jackpots and confectionery to be won each week.

Trivia starts at 7pm every Wednesday night at the Kirribilli Hotel, Milsons Point.

ART AFTER HOURS AT THE ART GALLERY OF NEW SOUTH WALES

Standing around in sterile art galleries for school excursions is a distant memory, with the Art Gallery of NSW opening its doors for free talks, music and film screenings every Wednesday night.

Art After Hours will run until 10pm every Wednesday night at the Art Gallery of NSW.

MCA AND LULULEMON SPRING YOGA SERIES

Why go to the gym when you can hit up the MCA, who'll be hosting free evening Vinyasa yoga sessions under the sky from October 15 – January 28. The sessions are held on the museum's rooftop Sculpture Terrace, providing panoramic views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge while you're finding your centre.

The spring yoga series is on at 5.30pm Thursdays. Bookings are essential via the MCA website.

COMEDY NIGHT AT THE CROWS NEST HOTEL

The first Thursday of every month is chuckle city at The Crowie. Let some local and international comedians win you over with some awkward anecdotes and only slightly inappropriate rants.

Comedy night starts at 8pm and is held on the first Thursday of every month at the Crows Nest Hotel.

FREE BOWLING AT THE STANDARD BOWL

The classic gig venue has been transformed into The Standard Bowl, complete with 4 bowling alleys, a pinball machine and a bar – it's a winning combination.

The Standard Bowl is open every Wednesday and Thursday night 9pm – 2am and 6pm – 3am on Friday and Saturday nights.

SPOTLIGHT TALKS AT THE MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART

Like art? Like listening to passionate people talk about their favourite artworks? Then Spotlights Talks at the MCA is definitely going to be your thing. The permanent exhibition is free everyday.

Spotlight Talks usually take place everyday at 3pm-3.10pm, but check the website as dates and times can vary. The MCA is open every day from 10am – 5pm and 10am – 9pm on Thursdays.

CHINATOWN NIGHT MARKET

Every Friday from 4pm, China Town comes alive. More than 65 stalls line Dixon Street, selling everything from clothes to handmade jewellery, and of course lots of tasty food.

The Chinatown Night Markets run from 4pm to 11pm every Friday.

SALSA DANCING AT THE CUBAN PLACE

What better way to celebrate the end of the work week than by throwing on your dancing shoes. Once the Cuban Place live house band Lorenzo y su Swing pick up their instruments, the stress of the daily grind will be long forgotten.

The music stars at The Cuban Place at 8pm Fridays, with free entry all night long.

GLEBE MARKETS

Get into those weekend market vibes, as the grounds of Glebe Public School are filled with aisles and aisles of antiques, artworks and second hand clothes. Glebe is just one of many great markets in Sydney – for more check out our guide to the best markets in Sydney.

Glebe Markets run every Saturday, 10am-4pm.

YOGA SESSIONS AT LENTIL AS ANYTHING

Transferring the "pay as you feel" mantra to yoga, Lentil as Anything are holding yoga sessions at the Newtown location every Saturday of the month.

Yoga classes run from 8:30am-10am every week at Lentil as Anything in Newtown.

EVELEIGH FARMERS MARKETS

If you can't get enough of market stalls, food testers and friendly banter, head over to the Eveleigh Farmers Markets for some fresh food and even fresher personalities.

Eveleigh Farmers Markets kick off every Saturday morning from 8am to 1pm.

MANLY TO SPIT BRIDGE WALK

Pre-empt that inevitable hangover by getting off your keister and enjoying some fresh air and incredible views. The track runs for 10kms and will take you about three or four hours to complete depending on how many time you get lost looking out across the scenery.

The trail for the Manly to Spit Bridge Coastal Walk is well signposted, but if you want to plan your walk check out the Destination NSW guide.

COOGEE TO BONDI WALK

Lets be realistic here - it wouldn't be a Sydney list without a mention of the Coogee to Bondi Walk. These six kilometres of spectacular coastline are the first place you take out-of-towners, and for good reason. Fortunately walking is both free and good for you! Double win.

For a guide to the walk there is a dedicated Bondi to Coogee Walk website.

TERRACE COMEDY AT WORLD BAR

Laughing has been proven to lower blood pressure and increase energy levels. So do your body some good by heading to Terrace Comedy at World Bar, which will run for free every Sunday evening.

Terrace Comedy at World Bar in Kings Cross runs every Sunday night from 6pm. Entry is free, but it's a good idea to book a table by emailing [email protected].