Want to check your email on the go, find a route to the next tourist attraction, or reserve a table for dinner? If you’re visiting one of these ten cities, you won’t have a problem doing so – they all offer plenty of free public Wi-Fi for visitors to use while exploring.
Barcelona
Visit Barcelona and you can hang out on the sand, explore Gaudí’s incredible architecture, eat pintxos, and drink red wine, all while updating your Instagram to show everyone in your house how great you are having.
This northern Spanish city has an extensive free public Wi-Fi network, and you’ll find hotspots everywhere, from beaches to markets, museums, and even on billboards and streetlights.
Perth
Perth may be one of the most isolated state capitals in the world, but that doesn’t mean you need to stay disconnected while visiting this western Australian city.
The city government implemented a Wi-Fi network that covers most of the city center and, unlike most cafes, airports and even hotels in the country, it is free for visitors (although you will need to return to connect from time to time).
Wellington
Not to be outdone, New Zealand’s capital Wellington also offers free public Wi-Fi throughout the center of this compact seaside city. Even better, it’s reasonably fast and doesn’t ask for any of your personal data. You’ll have to reconnect every half hour, but in a country where fast, free Internet access is almost unknown, it seems like a small price to pay.
New York
Whether you’re strolling through Times Square, lying on the grass in Central Park, or even just hopping on the subway, it’s not hard to find free public Wi-Fi in New York.
The city government has created a network that covers several parks and tourist cards, as well as around 70 metro stations. There is also an ambitious plan underway to replace the old phone booths with access points in all five boroughs, which will cover the city with fast and free connections.
Tel Aviv
Israel’s Tel Aviv launched a free Wi-Fi program in 2013 that is available to residents and tourists alike. There are now more than 180 hotspots throughout the city, including beaches, the city center, and markets. Over 100,000 visitors used the service in its first year, so it’s definitely popular.
Seoul
The capital of South Korea has long been known for the fast internet and is now taking it to the streets. A massive network of access points is being deployed throughout this connected city, including Itaewon Airport, the famous Gangnam neighborhood, parks, museums, and other venues. Even taxis, buses, and the subway allow you to jump online for free.
Osaka
It’s not cheap to visit Japan, so anything you can do to cut costs is welcome. What does free Wi-Fi sound like in the country’s second largest city, Osaka? The only restriction is the need to reconnect every half hour, but as in Wellington, that is not a major difficulty for most visitors.
Paris
The City of Lights is also the city of connectivity, with more than 200 access points that offer a connection of up to two hours. Even better, you can immediately reconnect if you need to. Many popular tourist spots are covered, including the Louvre, Notre Dame, and many others.
Helsinki
Public Wi-Fi in the Finnish capital does not need a password, and services are available throughout the city. The largest group of hotspots is in the city center, but you will also find free access available on buses and trams, at the airport, and at civic buildings in many of the surrounding suburbs.
San Francisco
San Francisco, America’s startup hub, took a surprisingly long time to roll out free Wi-Fi, but now there are more than 30 public hotspots available thanks to a check from Google. Visitors and locals can now connect at playgrounds, recreation centers, parks, and plazas, all at no cost. It is not as widespread as other cities yet, but it is definitely a good start.
Tallinn
The Estonian capital has dozens of free and fast Wi-Fi hotspots available throughout the city’s old town, but this small nation’s progressive government didn’t stop there. You can find free Wi-Fi throughout the country, and an official commented several years ago that it is possible to walk for a hundred miles, from Tallinn to Tartu, without losing your Wi-Fi connection. Impressive!
