> Note that the average local more or less intentionally can't afford the time or money to visit the tourist traps. If you are not rich and want to visit the museums and galleries of Chicago, or attend a Bears game at the stadium, or a music concert, you can't live in Chicago because then you'd be too poor, you have to live elsewhere and visit.
Ah, but that's an American perspective. In Britain museums and art galleries are generally free, for exactly this reason.
As someone who lives near Chicago, the museums have a few free admission days for Chicago residents pretty much every month (and some libraries around here let you "check out" free passes).
However, the free days are often during the weekdays and I think during work hours, so lots of working people can't really take advantage of them very often.
Maybe it varies. Last time I was in Dublin, it cost 10e to see the book of kells, the Guiness tour was 20e, etc. Almost nothing was free in Dublin. Admittedly the national art gallery was free although there was a shakedown for "donations".
Yes I know Dublin isn't a suburb of London or whatever, but culturally its not that far away.
In London most major museums are free (with a "shakedown") and have been for about 15 or 20 years. Special exhibitions tend to be charged for.
Ireland's economy and cultural sector is distinct from the UK's and much smaller. The Guinness Brewery and Book of Kells are really exceptional cases which cater to wealthy international tourists. They have little to do with local cultural life.
Ah, but that's an American perspective. In Britain museums and art galleries are generally free, for exactly this reason.