+1 to shoo for the bgg links!

BoardGameGeek is the place to read up on games before buying them.

On the 'without spending money' front, depending on the city where you live, there often are board game cafes where you can go to rent games and play over there.

More economical if you are playing the game once or want to try out different games. Also very good if you struggle with learning rules from the rulebook.