Neopia on a Shoestring

You may be brand new to Neopia, or having a slow day at the stock market. You might be saving up for a new paint brush or avatar, or just finished spending all your hard-earned neopoints on a new map. Whatever the case, we've all had those times where we just didn't have two neopoints to rub together, let alone to spend on recreation. However, with all there is to do in Neopia, you don't have to break the bank to have a little fun. So read up, my friend, and get ready to take your pets out on the town.

Looking to just get away from the Neohome for a night? Check out the Neolodge! No need to empty out your wallet for a fancy stay in Faerieland or the Space Station. For just 30 NP a night, you can get a room in a rustic mountain lodge. If you feel like splurging, spend a few extra neopoints to get the jacuzzi suite or access to the fitness center. Points extra tight this month? Cockroach Towers is still comfortably accommodating at only 5 NP a night (just don't look under the bed).

Tummy rumbles got you down? Maraqua's posh Kelp restaurant might be a bit out of your budget, but Hubert's Hot Dogs and the Bakery are reasonably priced (try going during lunchtime). The Omelette in Tyrannia is free, and if you're pretty broke the Soup Faerie is always willing to share. You can strike up some interesting conversation with your fellow Neopians around a bowl of chokato and cheese soup. You might even make a new friend.

If you're looking for some quality evening entertainment that won't put a dent in your spending cash, check out the Concert Hall in Tyrannia. The regular cost of tickets might be beyond your budget, but some concerts have ticket resellers who'll give you the ticket for less. Or, for the concert experience without the hassle for tickets, pick up some of the merchandise in other Neopians' shops. You can get the CD and listen to it in your Neohome at your leisure. If concerts aren't your thing, you can find live poetry readings or shared storytelling in the Art Centre of Neopia Central, or peruse the carefully curated halls of the Art Gallery, all of which are free admission. There's no end to the intellectual enrichment you can find around Neopia.

Want to feel fabulous but don't have the spare change to shell out for new clothes? Head over to the NeoCash Mall. You might not be able to afford some of the neat clothes and trinkets there, but they let you try them on for free. Don't forget to take a photo before you leave. The Second-Hand Shoppe is a great resource for free clothes from other generous Neopians, if you don't mind wading through all the dung to get to it. Eww, who put that there?

If you're in more of an adventurous mood, you could take a haunted tour at the castle of Eliv Thade. There's no charge; just be warned you might not see the light of day for a while. And bring a dictionary with you. Or you could explore the deserted tomb in the lost city of Geraptiku, or search for sunken treasure off the coast of Krawk Island. Perhaps a thrilling excursion through the Ice Caves of Terror Mountain is just the thing for you. Whether you're escaping from Meridell Castle, entering the lair of the beast in Tyrannia, or exploring the dark caves in Moltara (be sure to bring a lantern!), Neopia is chock full of adventure to be had, and all for little to no cost.

Or perhaps you're more the sporty type. You can train with the Yooyus of Altador, surf the waterfalls of Shenkuu, or simply sneak into the Gourmet Club to play lawn bowls with them. If you've got time to spare, you can drop a line in the underwater fishing cave and see what you pull up. Cubical sea fungi and rusty old cans make for interesting conversation pieces in a Neohome, and you might find some extra fish to fry up for dinner. Just watch out for that squid.

Are you feeling lucky? You could try your hand at one of the many game wheels Neopia has for the spinning. Maybe you'll be the lucky one to take home the coveted 10,000 NP prize from the Wheel of Excitement. The Tombola on Mystery Island is free, and I hear he gives out good prizes sometimes, and if you can catch the Snowager asleep you can thrill in the excitement of snagging a special prize from his hoard. Be forewarned, he sleeps lightly. Other games of chance can be found around if you know where to look, including the rare chance to play dice with Count Von Roo himself. You have to be a bit of a night owl to catch him at home awake, but a lucky toss can reap excellent rewards.

A history tour of Neopia is always an exciting prospect. Begin your journey with the battlefields of Meridell and Tyrannia, including the obelisk on Tyrannia's plateau, where you can even participate in an ongoing campaign for dominance. Then head to Faerieland to learn about its fall from the skies of Neopia, before swinging by the Gypsy Camp for a tale of woe on your way to historic Sakhmet and Qasala. Be sure to visit Coltzan's Shrine and watch the unveiling! Finally head over the mountains to Altador, where you can visit the Hall of Heroes and learn about Altador's rich past. Haven't had enough yet? Brightvale is home to many scholars who would love to talk your ears off with tales of how Neopia used to be. Be sure to visit!

If you're just looking for a relaxing time, the beach and Tiki Tours of Mystery Island are just for you. Or, if you prefer something a little more northerly, Roo Island has a wonderful merry-go-round, and you can take glass-bottomed boat tours at Kiko Lake. And let's not forget stargazing in Altador. Find your own constellations as you plot the night sky in the observatory, and when you're done, find and join a club from the Archives bulletin boards. While you're at it, why not get lost reading? The Archives are expansive and cover an interesting range of topics from Spells and Potions and What to Do With Them to Star Charts for Newbies.

So remember, you don't have to dip into your paint brush savings to have a good time. There are lots of inexpensive options open to you, if you only know where to look.