Let’s be real – while Paris, London, and New York City tend to dominate travel wishlists, there are countless amazing destinations around the world that won’t empty your bank account. These often-overlooked spots offer just as much culture, food, and adventure as their more expensive counterparts, but at a fraction of the cost.
From hidden gems in Southeast Asia to budget-friendly European cities, here are 18 destinations that prove you don’t need deep pockets to explore the world and create lasting memories.
- Best budget destination: Porto, Portugal
- Most value for money: Budapest, Hungary
- Backpacker favorite: Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Hidden cheap gem: Split, Croatia
- Best affordable beach spot: Goa, India
- Budget food paradise: Penang, Malaysia
Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok was my first taste of Southeast Asian city life back in 2015, and it’s still one of my favorite places to visit. The sprawling Thai capital stretches along the Chao Phraya River, where ancient temples stand alongside modern shopping malls. Local markets fill the narrow streets of Chinatown, while the Skytrain zooms overhead through the city center. You can feast on $1 pad thai from street vendors or sip cocktails at rooftop bars – Bangkok handles both ends of the spectrum with ease. The Grand Palace complex remains the city’s crown jewel, its golden spires rising above manicured gardens where Thai kings once walked. What keeps me coming back, though, is how the city manages to be both wonderfully chaotic and surprisingly affordable, making it perfect for travelers watching their budgets.
Hanoi, Vietnam
Tucked away in northern Vietnam, Hanoi feels like a living museum where old traditions dance with modern life. Like many Southeast Asian capitals, you’ll find temples, pagodas, and bustling markets, but Hanoi’s narrow streets of the Old Quarter tell a different story. Just watch the morning tai chi sessions by Hoan Kiem Lake or listen to the symphony of motorbikes mixing with the calls of street vendors, and you’ll get what makes this place special. Thanks to its French colonial past, the city serves up an interesting mix of architecture and food – where else can you enjoy a perfect croissant before slurping down a bowl of steaming pho? With meals costing just a few dollars and comfortable hotels under $40 a night, Hanoi lets you experience authentic Vietnamese culture without emptying your wallet.
Mexico City, Mexico
Many travelers come to Mexico City for its rich history and colonial architecture, but this mega-metropolis offers so much more than old-world charm. The city’s food scene ranges from street-side tacos to high-end restaurants like Pujol, while neighborhoods like Roma and Condesa buzz with cool cafes and local markets. Unlike other major capitals, Mexico City remains surprisingly budget-friendly – you can explore world-class museums like the National Museum of Anthropology, wander through the massive Chapultepec Park, or take day trips to ancient pyramids without breaking the bank. Whether you’re sampling street food at a local mercado or checking out the city’s growing arts scene, Mexico City proves that big-city experiences don’t need to come with big-city prices.
Budapest, Hungary
Experience the best of Eastern European charm in Budapest, where historic architecture meets modern city life along the Danube River. Take a dip in one of the city’s famous thermal baths, like the Széchenyi Baths, where locals have been soaking in mineral-rich waters for centuries. Head to the Castle District to explore Buda Castle and Matthias Church, then catch the sunset from Fisherman’s Bastion for picture-perfect views of the Parliament Building. For an authentic local experience, grab dinner at the Great Market Hall, where you can sample traditional Hungarian dishes like goulash and chimney cake without breaking the bank.
Porto, Portugal
I first visited Porto on a whim in 2019, drawn to Portugal’s second-largest city by stories of its food and wine scene. Perched along the Douro River in northern Portugal, Porto spreads across steep hillsides dotted with colorful tile-covered buildings and winding cobblestone streets. The city’s historic Ribeira district runs along the riverbank, where traditional wooden rabelo boats bob in the water, once used to transport port wine from nearby vineyards. The famous Dom Luís I Bridge spans the river, connecting Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia, where you’ll find dozens of port wine cellars offering tours and tastings for just a few euros. Beyond the wine, Porto remains one of Europe’s most affordable cities, with quality hotels under $100 and memorable meals of fresh seafood and local specialties rarely exceeding $20 per person.
Marrakech, Morocco
Morocco’s most famous imperial city, Marrakech, sits at the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. Just like other North African cities, Marrakech has its maze of markets, ancient walls, and traditional riads. But unlike its neighbors, it feels like stepping into a scene from One Thousand and One Nights. Just follow the sound of snake charmers’ flutes echoing through the medina’s narrow alleyways, and you’ll understand what I mean. Because of its location at the crossroads of ancient trade routes, people from across Africa and the Middle East settled here, and you’ll find French colonial buildings next to Berber crafts shops and Arab-style mosques. The best part? You can stay in traditional guesthouses, eat at local food stalls, and explore the old town’s sights without spending much money.
Prague, Czech Republic
When it comes to affordable European destinations, Prague stands out as a city that gives you serious bang for your buck. This Czech capital lets you wander through centuries of history without emptying your wallet – from the winding cobblestone streets of the Old Town to the iconic Charles Bridge spanning the Vltava River. It’s a place where $30 can get you a nice dinner with a couple of local beers, and where you can spend hours exploring churches and castles without spending a dime. The city’s public transport system is both cheap and efficient, making it easy to bounce between neighborhoods filled with Gothic architecture, local beer gardens, and quirky art installations. While Western Europe’s prices continue to climb, Prague remains one of those rare European gems where your money stretches surprisingly far.
Bali, Indonesia
I first visited Bali during monsoon season in 2015, when the rice terraces were at their greenest and the tourist crowds were sparse. This Indonesian island, nestled between Java and Lombok, has mastered the art of offering luxury at backpacker prices. The southern beaches of Uluwatu and Canggu draw surfers year-round, while the cultural heart of Ubud sits peacefully among rice paddies and temples. You can still find guesthouses and local warungs serving traditional Balinese food for just a few dollars, and even the fancier spots – like the infinity pools overlooking the jungle in Ubud – won’t break the bank. The island’s warm hospitality and rich cultural heritage show up in everything from morning offerings outside shops to evening fire dances at clifftop temples.
Interesting Fact:
Did you know that nearly 85% of Bali’s economy depends on tourism, with over 6 million visitors exploring this Indonesian paradise each year before the pandemic? The island is home to over 10,000 temples, including the famous sea temple Tanah Lot which sits on a rock formation and appears to float on water during high tide.
Krakow, Poland
Ever stumbled upon a medieval city that feels frozen in time? That’s Krakow for you, Poland’s former royal capital where horse-drawn carriages still clip-clop through cobblestone streets. A quick walk through the main square brings you face-to-face with the iconic St. Mary’s Basilica, where a trumpet player performs hourly from its highest tower – a tradition that’s been going for centuries. Beyond its historic charm, Krakow serves up hearty Polish dumplings and beer for a fraction of what you’d pay in Western Europe. The nearby Wieliczka Salt Mine, with its underground chapels carved entirely from salt, makes for an unforgettable day trip that won’t break the bank.
La Paz, Bolivia
Perched high in the Andes at 11,975 feet above sea level, La Paz offers travelers an incredible mix of old and new Bolivia. The city’s cable car system gives you perfect views of the snow-capped mountains and colorful buildings that stretch up the hillsides. I always tell people to start at the Witches’ Market, where local vendors sell traditional medicines and quirky souvenirs, then make their way to the colonial San Francisco Church to see where Spanish and indigenous architecture blend together.
Tbilisi, Georgia
Straddling the banks of the Kura River, Tbilisi mixes old-world charm with modern energy in Georgia’s capital city. The cobblestone streets of the Old Town lead to ancient churches and traditional bathhouses, while the newer districts showcase trendy cafes and wine bars serving Georgia’s famous vintages. You can start your day exploring the 4th-century Narikala Fortress overlooking the city, then head down to sample khachapuri (cheese-filled bread) at the local markets. With affordable accommodations, $5 restaurant meals, and free walking tours through historic neighborhoods, Tbilisi offers an authentic Caucasian experience without breaking the bank.
Cool Fact:
Did you know that Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, got its name from the Old Georgian word “tbili” meaning warm, thanks to the natural hot springs that bubble up throughout the city? These thermal springs have attracted visitors for centuries and you can still take a soak today in the city’s traditional sulfur baths, which look like brick domes rising from the ground in the old Abanotubani district.
Belgrade, Serbia
Ever stumbled upon a city where ancient fortresses stand next to trendy riverside clubs? That’s Belgrade for you, Serbia’s lively capital where the Danube and Sava rivers meet. This budget-friendly European gem lets you feast on hearty local dishes like cevapi and rakija for just a few euros, while exploring the mighty Kalemegdan Fortress that’s watched over the city for centuries. By day, you can wander through the bohemian Skadarlija quarter, and when night falls, hop aboard one of the floating splavovi clubs that turn the riverbanks into one big party. Plus, with affordable hotels and hostels scattered throughout the Old Town, you’ll have plenty of cash left over for discovering the city’s growing food scene and artsy neighborhoods.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
If you’re looking for an incredible mix of old and new, head to Kuala Lumpur. The city center is home to the famous Petronas Twin Towers, which were once the world’s tallest buildings, while just blocks away you’ll find traditional markets and food stalls serving up some of the best street food in Asia. The contrast between modern shopping malls and historic temples tells the story of a city where Malaysian, Chinese, and Indian cultures come together naturally.
Sofia, Bulgaria
Ever shared a coffee with locals in an ancient Roman amphitheater? That’s just another Tuesday in Sofia, Bulgaria’s easy-going capital where old meets new without trying too hard. This wallet-friendly city lets you hop from gold-domed Orthodox churches to Communist-era monuments, all while keeping your budget intact. The city sits at the foot of Vitosha Mountain, where you can escape for hiking in summer or skiing in winter for a fraction of what you’d pay in Western Europe. Food lovers can dig into hearty shopska salads and grilled kebapche at local restaurants where a full meal costs less than a fancy coffee back home.
Quito, Ecuador
High in the Andes Mountains, Quito will make budget travelers fall in love with its charm. As Ecuador’s capital city, this UNESCO World Heritage site offers an excellent mix of colonial architecture and modern Latin American culture, all at prices that won’t break the bank. Walking through the historic center, you’ll discover churches with gold-leaf interiors, lively plazas where locals gather, and colorful markets selling everything from fresh fruit to handwoven textiles.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Tucked away in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai offers a perfect mix of culture and comfort that won’t drain your wallet. Like many Thai cities, you’ll find temples on nearly every corner, but what sets Chiang Mai apart is its relaxed, small-town atmosphere. Walking through the old city’s narrow lanes, you’ll spot orange-robed monks going about their daily routines, smell fresh curry from tiny family-run restaurants, and hear the gentle chime of temple bells. The city’s famous night markets buzz with activity as locals and tourists hunt for bargains on everything from handmade soaps to colorful textiles. Because Chiang Mai sits in a mountainous region, you can easily escape to nearby hills for treks through villages or visits to elephant sanctuaries, all while paying about half what you’d spend in Bangkok.
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Slovenia’s charming capital city feels like it was plucked straight from a fairytale, yet it won’t empty your wallet like other European destinations. Ljubljana’s car-free city center lets you wander cobblestone streets and cross dragon-adorned bridges without dodging traffic. The city’s star attraction is its hilltop castle, which watches over a maze of cafes and local markets below. What I love most about Ljubljana is how it strikes the perfect balance – it’s small enough to explore on foot but packed with enough museums, architecture, and riverside restaurants to keep you busy for days. Plus, it serves as an ideal base for day trips to Lake Bled or the seaside, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious travelers who want to experience the best of Slovenia without constantly changing hotels.
Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Anyone interested in exploring where East meets West should visit Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s capital city. Set in a valley surrounded by the Dinaric Alps, this historic place brings together Ottoman bazaars, Austro-Hungarian architecture, and remnants of Yugoslav-era buildings. The old town’s Baščaršija district, with its narrow cobblestone streets, traditional coffee houses, and craft workshops, shows you exactly how life looked centuries ago.
