A getaway is good for the soul, but not always for the pocketbook. That once-in-a-lifetime trip to an exotic new place might feel like it would take an entire lifetime to pay for! Because big excitement often comes with big payouts, it may seem as though one must choose between a vibrant city or an inexpensive place to visit. How can a tourist find the best of both worlds? Here are some affordable cities around the globe which give the perfect marriage between thrift and fun.
10 Delhi, India
Delhi is the most affordable city in the poll, with hotel rooms costing around $20 per night and a drink costing a little over $2. It is a city full of activities that tourists can enjoy for free. From a free movie screening to a free view of art galleries, they are admission-free. Escape the city scene with a visit to the serene Lodhi Gardens or to the Garden of Five Senses with a cost of almost nothing. With an average supper costing just under $9, Delhi dining is also surprisingly affordable – and tasty.
9 Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul is home to culturally rich sites and destinations, and some of these are definitely cheap. A popular site in Istanbul is the Grand Bazaar, a 600-year-old market with over 4,000 shops. Grand Bazaar makes a getaway easy because tourists can simply find anything here and haggle with vendors to fit the budget. With the right search, tourists can easily book a $22 hotel and fill themselves with a $6 Balik Ekmek sandwich. Then, tourists can head on to the city’s popular baths and get a relaxing massage for only $23.
8 Cairo, Egypt
The most popular tourist destination in Cairo is the Pyramids of Giza, and including it on the itinerary will surely wreck a wallet. However, what is a getaway in Cairo without a visit to the pyramids. Although tours cost around $40, it won’t feel as bad if tourists cut down on accommodation and choose hotels for as low as $18 and spend on food for as low as $9 for a full meal. Coptic Cairo and Fatimid Cairo are some of the neighborhoods that tourists can explore and learn of the city’s history. Do not miss indoor art that is accessible to the public free of charge like in Al-Mashrabeya and Gypsum Gallery.
7 Beijing, China
Despite being an economic powerhouse, overcharging is not an option in this capital. The average cost of lodging in Beijing is only $29 per night, and a full day's worth of meals should be around $12. There is a popular snack street called Wangfujing that is perfect for tourists who want to venture into Chinese cuisines but still remain on budget. Visiting ancient sites is a must on this getaway and they are in fact for free. Tourists can visit the National Museum to learn ancient history, check out some relics from the 2008 Olympics, and stop by 798 District for some public art.
6 Warsaw, Poland
The capital of Poland offers budget-friendly European accommodation starting at $50 and food that costs $20 for a day. The city’s pubs offer food for as low as $2. Warsaw offers free admission to various attractions and sites that tourists can take advantage of. From the Rising Museum to the National Museum, it’s all free. More than that, this city is a beach town, and a bask of sunshine at the beach would make a perfect budget-friendly getaway.
5 Buenos Aires, Argentina
Steak is the most popular food in Argentina, and it alone sounds already expensive. But Buenos Aires has the best dinners where a combo of steak meal, wine, and free tango lesson will cost not more than $20. Cafes in the city are fantastically cheaper either with drinks costing as low as $2. After gorging on red meat and wines, booking a room in Buenos Aires can be done low as $36. There’s an idea that won’t break the bank!
4 Marrakech, Morocco
High-end places do not need to be expensive. In Marrakech, tourists can get a good deal, especially during summer. There are various sites in the city that are free of charge like the Djemaa El-Fna, an open square that becomes a food court at night and gets filled with entertainers. It’s like a festival in the middle of a city. Get a taste of western Asian cuisines for as low as $10 in larger restaurants in the city. Hotels in Marrakech cost as low as $6.
3 Bangkok, Thailand
Despite its expensive reputation due to being one of the top tourist destinations in the world, it still remains on the list of cities that are budget-friendly. Bangkok offers hotels that cost $45 which tourists can easily find online. If tourists know where to go, food can be done for under $15 in the Patpong District Night Market. Temples and museums are also free In some areas of the city. Bangkokian Museum, Silpa Bhirasri Museum, and Correction Museum are free admission sites including free photographs in various temples.
2 Lima, Peru
Lima is a city that tourists would find hard to resist. It is home to the world’s best restaurants and it is definitely not budget-friendly. However, there are meals that could offer the same satisfaction with a daily cost of under $16. One tip to consider is sharing a hotel room that costs around $45. Take advantage of free admission to ancient buildings such as the Cathedral of Lima as well as the Palacio del Gobierno.
1 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
The rapid rise of Kuala Lumpur as the world’s financial center already sounds expensive, yet the city has maintained its pricing modest. An average hotel costs around $32 per night and food can cost around $11 from popular tasty street stalls. The city is also rich in culture in which they feature for free in the National Art Gallery and offer free art lessons in the KL Forest Eco Park.