30 Best Budget Travel Destinations (That Won’t Break the Bank)
BUDGET TRAVEL
The world is overflowing with breathtaking places that seem almost too perfect to be real. From dramatic mountain peaks to serene beaches, hidden villages to otherworldly landscapes, this list showcases 50 of the most beautiful destinations on Earth—each one worthy of a spot on your travel bucket list. Whether you're dreaming of adventure, relaxation, or just awe-inspiring views, these places will take your breath away.
1. Hoi An, Vietnam
This lantern-lit ancient town combines riverside charm with $1 bánh mì, $10 hotels, and affordable tailor-made clothing. Hoi An is perfect for slow, scenic travel on a shoestring budget.
2. Porto, Portugal
Smaller and more affordable than Lisbon, Porto offers colorful riverside streets, wine cellars, and some of the best cheap eats in Europe—all with stunning views of the Douro River.
3. Oaxaca, Mexico
Known for its vibrant markets, colonial charm, and legendary food scene (hello, mole!), Oaxaca is full of culture and color. Guesthouses and street eats are shockingly cheap for what you get.
4. Tbilisi, Georgia
With quirky architecture, natural hot springs, and affordable wine bars, Tbilisi is quickly becoming Europe’s coolest (and cheapest) capital for creatives and culture lovers.
5. Siem Reap, Cambodia
As the gateway to Angkor Wat, Siem Reap offers jaw-dropping history, $5 guesthouses, and delicious local food for less than a fast-food meal. Tuk-tuks and bike rentals are budget-friendly, too.
6. Antigua, Guatemala
Colorful buildings, cobbled streets, and volcano views make this UNESCO World Heritage town a backpacker favorite. Spanish schools, markets, and hostels all come at rock-bottom prices.
7. Thessaloniki, Greece
This laid-back city in northern Greece has a buzzing food and nightlife scene without the tourist markup. Beaches are nearby, and history is on every corner—at a fraction of the cost of Athens or Santorini.
8. Ella, Sri Lanka
Nestled in tea country, Ella offers stunning hikes, lush hills, and scenic train rides. You’ll find $10 guesthouses, local roti shops, and incredible views with nearly no crowds.
9. Sibiu, Romania
This fairy-tale city in Transylvania is packed with pastel buildings, medieval squares, and friendly prices. Explore castles by day, eat hearty meals for $5 by night.
10. Sucre, Bolivia
Known as the White City, Sucre is a tranquil, high-altitude town perfect for long stays, with Spanish schools, lively markets, and charming colonial architecture—all super affordable.
11. Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Home to the ancient temples of Borobudur and Prambanan, Yogyakarta (or “Jogja”) blends culture and affordability. Street food, art, and budget stays make it a hidden gem in Java.
12. Berat, Albania
Berat’s Ottoman-era homes stacked against a mountain, combined with riverside views and Albanian hospitality, make this one of Europe’s most underrated (and wallet-friendly) towns.
13. Varanasi, India
One of the oldest cities in the world, Varanasi offers spiritual intensity, colorful ghats, and endless cultural experiences—on a backpacker’s budget.
14. Chefchaouen, Morocco
Known as the “Blue City,” Chefchaouen is calm, beautiful, and more affordable than touristy Marrakesh. Wander winding streets, hike nearby hills, and eat tagine for under $3.
15. Dumaguete, Philippines
A university town with an artsy vibe, Dumaguete has cheap food, diving trips, and nearby islands like Siquijor and Apo Island—all at backpacker prices.
16. Medellín, Colombia
This once-dangerous city is now a budget-friendly tech hub with amazing weather, cable cars over mountain barrios, and affordable Airbnb stays with million-dollar views.
17. Göreme, Turkey
Cappadocia’s main town is full of cave hotels, fairy chimneys, and sunrise hot air balloons. It’s surprisingly affordable—especially if you skip the balloon ride and hike instead.
18. León, Nicaragua
With fiery volcano boarding, colorful cathedrals, and nearby beaches, León is Central America’s coolest budget city—still flying under the radar.
19. Pokhara, Nepal
Set beside a calm lake with the Himalayas as its backdrop, Pokhara is perfect for trekkers and chill travelers alike. Food, stays, and views come cheap.
20. Novi Sad, Serbia
This charming riverside city hosts the EXIT music festival, but the rest of the year it’s full of low-cost cafes, vibrant street life, and cozy hostels.
21. Luxor, Egypt
Home to the Valley of the Kings and massive temples, Luxor is a must-visit for history lovers—and it’s still shockingly inexpensive for such grandeur.
22. Luang Prabang, Laos
With its fusion of French and Laotian culture, night markets, waterfalls, and $1 baguettes, Luang Prabang is one of Southeast Asia’s most enchanting (and cheap) towns.
23. Copán Ruinas, Honduras
This charming town near ancient Mayan ruins is budget-friendly and full of character. Enjoy friendly locals, hot springs, and culture at low prices.
24. Yerevan, Armenia
Colorful, walkable, and filled with fountains and cafes, Yerevan feels European without the price tag. Explore markets, museums, and mountains nearby—all affordably.
25. Kraków, Poland
With its stunning old town, hearty food, and lively student culture, Kraków remains one of Europe’s cheapest and most beautiful cities to explore.
26. Sylhet, Bangladesh
Lush tea gardens, peaceful riverbanks, and welcoming locals make Sylhet a serene, budget-friendly alternative to more chaotic cities in South Asia.
27. Moshi, Tanzania
The gateway to Mount Kilimanjaro, Moshi offers local coffee tours, cultural immersion, and budget lodges. Safaris and treks can be done affordably with group packages.
28. Suchitoto, El Salvador
This colonial town offers cobblestone charm, art galleries, and volcanic lake views—without the crowds or cost of more well-known Latin American destinations.
29. Sousse, Tunisia
This coastal city has historic medinas, turquoise waters, and cheap resort stays. Tunisia remains one of the most underrated budget destinations in North Africa.
30. Olomouc, Czech Republic
Skip pricey Prague and head to Olomouc, a baroque city full of churches, fountains, and cafes—where beers are under $2 and the crowds are few.