14 Beautiful Cities That Are Cheaper Than You Think
You might imagine budget travel as crowded hostels, or fast food meals. What if I told you that some of the world’s most beautiful cities can be experienced for virtually nothing? Whether historic European gems or Asian hubs bursting with life, there are destinations where your dollar stretches further than you’d think.
These cities have a rich culture, amazing architecture and so much to do, all at very reasonable prices. From a weekend away to your next long term holiday, this list will show you the places where natural beauty meets budget-friendly.
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest, known as the ‘Paris of the East’ is a city of beautiful architecture, thermal baths and views of the Danube River. The best part? It’s refreshingly affordable. A meal in a local restaurant will cost around $10 and a hot soak in a historic thermal bath a few dollars. Don’t miss the sunset from Fisherman’s Bastion — it’s as romantic as any view in Paris, but for a fraction of the cost.
Hanoi, Vietnam
Vietnam’s capital is a sensation overload in every sense. There’s authentic experiences (from the Old Quarter to the tantalizing street food, pho for under $2) for a light hit to your wallet. Accommodations are surprisingly cheap too, with high quality hostels and boutique hotels starting at $15 a night.
Kraków, Poland
Europe’s best kept secret might just be Krakow. Though home to a rich and varied history, with vibrant nightlife and its medieval charm, it’s really a budget traveler’s dream. Hearty Polish meals don’t cost more than $5, and the city’s public squares, and castles are free to explore. Make sure to go see the Wieliczka Salt Mine – an underground marvel that’s also super cheap.
Cape Town, South Africa
A combination of nature and urban excitement, for surprisingly little money. It’s free to hike Table Mountain, walk along Camps Bay Beach or enjoy delicious, affordable meals at local markets. Luxury accommodations and wine tours in Stellenbosch are a steal compared to the same thing elsewhere.
Tbilisi, Georgia
There’s an old and new, cobblestone streets and ancient churches, a vibrant modern arts scene that continues to capture Georgia’s capital city. Tbilisi is super-wallet friendly, you can feast on traditional Georgian dishes such as khachapuri and khinkali for under $10. It’s a rising star among budget travelers, add in cheap guesthouses and free walking tours and it’s easy to see why.
Mexico City, Mexico
While Mexico City poses tough challenges, it also offers museums of world standing, thrilling neighborhoods and food to rival any city in the world all at surprisingly low prices. You can walk everywhere around the historic center, see the Frida Kahlo museum, and go out for tacos for less than a dollar. The public transportation is super cheap too, and it’s easy to get around in this sprawling metropolis.
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon has all the charm of Western Europe at a fraction of the price. Walk through Alfama, ride Tram 28 and eat fresh seafood by the water without hurting your wallet. Due to their budget-friendly accommodations, and cheap and tasty wine, Lisbon is a top alternative for travelers on a budget.
La Paz, Bolivia
Located high in the Andes, La Paz provides breathtaking views and an interesting cultural experience. The city’s cable car system doubles as an affordable public transportation and a scenic tour, while local markets offer up wonderful Bolivian food for pennies on the dollar. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a day trip to the surreal landscapes of the nearby Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley).
Belgrade, Serbia
Unlike many other European cities, Belgrade is far from being overrun by sky high prices. Serbia’s capital is known as having good nightlife and a lot of historic sites, with cheap accommodation and dining choices. And don’t miss the stunning views from the Kalemegdan Fortress, it’s free.
Siem Reap, Cambodia
Everyone heads to Siem Reap for the Angkor Wat, but the city itself also has plenty of cheap charms. Siem Reap is a great place for budget travelers with $1 street food to $20 boutique hotels. A three-day pass to the world famous Angkor temples costs just $62 and is an incredible value for an experience that is so memorable.
Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul is a city of contrasts straddling two continents — and it’s surprisingly affordable. Many of Istanbul’s must sees, from the awe inspiring Hagia Sophia to the busy Grand Bazaar, are free or very cheap. For next to nothing you can indulge in a Turkish breakfast or a kebab, and take ferry rides across the Bosphorus.
Zanzibar City, Tanzania
Zanzibar City is an especially lovely place to visit, especially its historic Stone Town, and it won’t cost you a fortune. You can wander its labyrinthine streets, enjoy fresh seafood at local eateries or relax on pristine beaches all for a fraction of what you’d pay in other island paradises. Guesthouses are budget-friendly and affordable excursions make it easy to extend your stay.
Bucharest, Romania
With its blend of history, architecture and nightlife, Bucharest offers an intriguing combination at an incredibly budget-friendly price. There are loads of free attractions in the city, from the lovely Cismigiu Gardens to dining out that won’t break the bank—traditional Romanian restaurants charge less than $10 per meal, for example. Also check out the enormous Palace of Parliament, one of the largest buildings in the world.
Cebu City, Philippines
An obvious gateway to tropical paradise, Cebu City is also a destination in its own right. There’s plenty to see and do on a budget in terms of historical sites, its street markets and others. With affordable accommodations and dirt cheap transportation, it’s easy to save money and enjoy all the liveliness of this Filipino city.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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