Columbus, OH

With our horrendously unaffordable housing market (recently ranked as the second-most unaffordable in the world) and criminally good dining scene, saving money in the Harbour City can be pretty darn challenging. Back in April, we asked our readers to share their tips for saving money in Sydney, and they delivered the goods, with suggestions that went way beyond hitting up a local happy hour (though it’s not a bad place to start). Now, we’ve called on the Time Out community to share their favourite free and cheap ways to stay entertained. Alongside the suggestion to "stay home and sleep", there were some amazing ideas put forward – we thought we’d share some highlights to help you get out and about on a budget.

These are the best free and cheap things to do in Sydney, according to locals

Have you ever dreamed of witnessing the Northern Lights? These magical lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, paint the night sky with vibrant colors. Imagine standing under a sky filled with dancing greens, pinks, and purples. This natural wonder can be seen in several places around the world. From the icy landscapes of Norway to the remote wilderness of Canada, each location offers a unique experience. Whether you're an adventurer or a nature lover, seeing the Northern Lights should be on your bucket list. Let's find out where you can catch this breathtaking spectacle.

Mesmerizing Northern Lights Viewing Destinations

Philadelphia, NY

If you ask Philadelphians what restaurants closed during the pandemic should reopen, Poi Dog is at the top of the list. Good news: Philadelphia chef/owner Kiki Aranita is keeping Poi Dog alive with a Poi Dog sauce line, now available at Whole Foods in Fairmount at 2101 Pennsylvania Avenue. Poi Dog Huli sauce ($17/12 oz.) and Guava Katsu ($16/12 oz.) are two at-home condiments that bring the flavors of Aranita’s childhood in Hawai’i to the East Coast.

You can now buy this Philly chef’s popular hot sauce locally

When Peacock launched in 2020, the NBC Universal streaming service was basically nothing but a delivery system for The Office. Over the last four years, though, it’s built a library of original programming, other classic TV shows and even a few movies. Admittedly, its film selection is lighter than some other platforms, even while drawing from the weighty catalogues of Universal Pictures and Focus Features. But there’s still plenty to enjoy, from mainstream blockbusters to modern horror classics to foreign action flicks to arthouse dramas. If you just can’t watch Jim and Pam fall in love again, try distracting yourself with one of these 20 awesome selections.

The best movies to watch on Peacock right now

Great news from the other side of the mountain! Arribas Sintra Hotel has renewed its commitment to non-guests, allowing them to enjoy the pool without needing to stay overnight. This is one of the largest saltwater pools in Europe (stretching about 100 meters and featuring two diving boards) situated right above Praia Grande with stunning sea views. Although it is part of the Hotel Arribas, access is not exclusive to guests and - attention families - there is an area just for the kids.

Great dives with Arribas Sintra Hotel and without having to check in

Brought to Peckham by the people behind pioneering east London nightclub The Cause and Hackney Wick venue All My Friends, The Greyhound is a new pub for the area, with big screens for sport and a menu of burgers, pies and Sunday roasts. It also features a roomy basement that’s perfect for dancing, and a quality roster of local DJs, collectives and record labels stop by to spin tunes on weekends. Fridays and Saturdays get pretty lively, but you’re always likely to get a seat, and you’ll hear some good tunes too.

The Greyhound Peckham

In case you haven’t noticed, Sydney’s speed limits have been gradually dropping in recent years. Nowadays, 75 per cent of local and regional streets in the City of Sydney have a 40 kilometre an hour speed limit or lower – up from just five per cent of roads in 2004. And now, even more roads are set to fall under this 40km/h mandate, as the NSW Government works with the City of Sydney to make the city safer.

Speed limits are dropping to 40km across loads of Sydney suburbs

If you're visiting Italy, Rome is the perfect place to start your vacation. This city is a place of wonders, both ancient and modern. You can't afford to miss it, though you're likely to find major crowds at most of the famous spots (outside of Rome's Appian Way, which is worth a stop). However, before you jet off to other cities like Florence, Venice, or Milan, like all the other tourists, give yourself a taste of another side of the area around the Eternal City at a nearby serene beach town called Anzio.

The Serene Beach Town Near Rome That's Considered One Of Italy's Best-Kept Secrets

As Paris 2024 races to the finish line, loads of us are cramming some sport into every tiny gap in our day – watching the athletics qualifiers over breakfast, the boxing rounds over lunch, and maybe zoning out of that zoom meeting to keep one eye on the cycling – while we still can.

When and where are the next Olympics? Date and host city for 2028 summer games

Los Angeles County, CA

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Herbie J Pilato

She was like an intriguing cross between Charlie's Angels actress Kate Jackson and Popeye movie star Shelley Duvall. Her name was Beth Howland, and it's been 8 years since her tragic death from lung cancer on May 24, 2016, just four days before what would have been her 75th birthday.

A Look Back at the Life of Actress Beth Howland (From TV's 'Alice'): 8 Years After Her Tragic Death

Earth Angels is a small West Melbourne newcomer that’s seizing the chance to do things its own way. Co-owners Sasha Chifura and Emmanuel John have connected with Narit Kimsat (La Pinta) to lead a vibrant kitchen focusing on funky Southeast Asian small plates, minimal intervention wines and innovative cocktails. Have they manifested a bar? A restaurant? It’s a yes to both – but it’s also a live performance venue, an art gallery and even plays host to a farmers’ market on occasion. If Melbourne’s bar scene continues to embrace hybridity, then Earth Angels is the future.

Earth Angels

Port Richey, FL

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Akeena

Florida’s buffet lovers are in for a shocker as the popular Royal Sushi Buffet & Hibachi in Port Richey has been temporarily shut down following a state inspection. This isn’t the first time the eatery has faced such trouble, but the recent closure has sparked quite a buzz among its loyal patrons and food enthusiasts alike.

Live roaches, flying objects in the kitchen and soiled shelves- Buffet closed again in Florida

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For more than 160 years, Macy's has been much more than a department store. It's a cornerstone of American shopping, with generations eager to buy everything from back-to-school clothes to holiday gifts. But now it is a surprise that the store has been forced to close, leaving millions to wonder how such a powerful and fast-moving brand could be defeated. Macy's, the US retail giant, now faces a difficult future. Signs of trouble have been showing for several years, including declining traffic, aging stores, and an inability to keep up with a fast-paced retail environment. However, experts say the real story is corporate mismanagement, intense competition, and a lack of innovation.

The Fall of Macy's: Inside the Collapse of America's Largest Merchant

New York City, NY

Philadelphia’s hometown star cookie operation of 20-plus years, Insomnia Cookies, has hefty competition. Just last year, New York’s Chip City Cookies and Florida-based Blueprint Cookies both opened their first Philadelphia storefronts a few blocks away in Rittenhouse. Next up: Levain Bakery plans to open a brand new bakery at 1518 Walnut Street. Not only is Levain the latest addition to Philadelphia’s explosive sweet treats scene—there are more than 25 boutique bakeries in the city— but the chain is also part of an ongoing New York-Philadelphia expansion scene that includes the likes of Laser Wolf, HipCityVeg, Emmy Squared, Paulie Gee’s Soul City Slice, Han Dynasty, Fette Sau, and others. While locals debate if that’s good or bad for our city, cookie enthusiasts are ready to line up for a taste.

One of NYC’s most famous cookie shops is coming to Philly

Orlando, FL

Orlando’s beloved New York Bagel And Deli, a hotspot for anyone craving a taste of the Big Apple, has hit a snag. Known for its extensive menu that includes New York-style bagels, pizza, heroes, wraps, and more, the eatery recently faced a temporary shutdown following a state inspection.

Dead and live roaches, food and coffee lids stored on the floor- Beloved Florida eatery closed

Cooking With Maryann

Maybe it's just me, but it's not summer until I get to eat crab cakes! Don't let this recipe intimitate you! It's really not difficult, just takes a little bit of prep time in the fridge.

Delicious Crab Cakes!

Irvine, CA

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A woman is suspected of stealing a package from a Woodbridge doorstep on July 10, according to the Irvine Police Department . The police believe she may be responsible for other thefts. Her bag appears to say, “Here are a few of my favorite things.” Unfortunately, the things in her bag belong to other people.

The Irvine Police are on the hunt for a chubby package thief on a scooter

These are so delicous! They're great for Friday pizza night or for game day snacks. Make ahead for a quick after school snack and you've got a winner for sure! Here's all you need to make them:

Homemade Pepperoni Pizza Rolls

Lifelong friends Andy Griffith and Don Knotts were quite a team on The Andy Griffith Show, which originally aired on CBS from 1960 to 1968. In 1965, Knotts left the series (to make big-screen movies), which later transitioned into Mayberry RFD, with Ken Berry taking over the lead from Griffith.

Andy Griffith was critical of Don Knotts and his portrayal of Mr. Furley on TV's 'Three's Company'

One of the world’s biggest pop stars, Ed Sheeran is coming to Croatia. The radio mainstay and four-time Grammy award winner will be performing at Zagreb’s Hipodrom this Saturday, August 10, billed – inarguably – as the concert of the year in Croatia. The venue built for horse racing in the late 1940s is no stranger to staging top rock acts – Metallica, the Rolling Stones and the Red Hot Chilli Peppers have all played here.

Tickets still available for Ed Sheeran’s first show in Croatia

NewsBreak

Where to celebrate the spectacular Night of St Lawrence in Istria

Tradition has it that on the Night of St Lawrence, August 10, you should make a wish when you see one of the many shooting stars...

Where to celebrate the spectacular Night of St Lawrence in Istria

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