We might be biased, but we think that travelling is one of the best ways to spend your hard-earned cash. That said, taking a trip somewhere shouldn’t have to break the bank. With that in mind, DK Eyewitness Project Editor Rachel Laidler rounds up six of the world’s best budget-friendly cities to explore.
Nashville, USA
Love live music? Head to Nashville. “Music City” is a great place to see musicians play on the cheap. Many of the venues along Nashville’s iconic Honky Tonk Highway don’t have a cover charge, meaning you can enjoy tunes from talented performers for the cost of a drink (and a tip for the musicians, of course). A short stroll away is the Station Inn; here, every Sunday night, a free bluegrass jam session takes place – feel free to join in, if you know a few of the tunes. End your night with a plate of hot chicken, a Nashville speciality – it’ll only set you back a few bucks.
It’s not just free music that Nashville dishes up in spades, though – on-the-house art is also on offer, thanks to the colourful murals painted across the city. In East Nashville, check out the piece dedicated to Dolly Parton, one of the city’s most beloved country singers, or snap a photo at the What Lifts You angel wings in the Gulch. (Visit Music City has put together a handy list of murals to help you find your faves).
If that’s not enough free art, then join the First Saturday Art Crawl, which stops in at multiple galleries around downtown. There’s no charge or need to book ahead – and you’ll even be treated to free glasses of wine as you browse the works on display.
It’s not just free music that Nashville dishes up in spades, though – on-the-house art is also on offer, thanks to the colourful murals painted across the city. In East Nashville, check out the piece dedicated to Dolly Parton, one of the city’s most beloved country singers, or snap a photo at the What Lifts You angel wings in the Gulch. (Visit Music City has put together a handy list of murals to help you find your faves).
If that’s not enough free art, then join the First Saturday Art Crawl, which stops in at multiple galleries around downtown. There’s no charge or need to book ahead – and you’ll even be treated to free glasses of wine as you browse the works on display.
Riga, Latvia
Latvia's capital has long been known as a good spot for budget travellers. In fact, it’s one of the top 5 best-value places for a city break in Europe, according to a 2022 report by the Post Office, offering cheaper-than-average accommodation and a whole host of purse-friendly cultural activities.
Start by getting a feel for the city on a stroll around its Old Town, where cobblestone streets lead past stunning medieval and Art Nouveau buildings. The area is home to Saint Peter’s Church, whose tower offers great views across the city, and the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia, which recounts the period of Nazi and Soviet control of the country from 1940 to 1991. Both sights cost under €10 to enter, as do the art-filled Latvian National Museum of Art and Art Museum Riga Bourse, found just a short stroll away.
Want to explore beyond the centre? Public transport in the city costs just €1.50 (for a 90-minute trip), making it easy to visit sights a little further afield like the Central Market.
Start by getting a feel for the city on a stroll around its Old Town, where cobblestone streets lead past stunning medieval and Art Nouveau buildings. The area is home to Saint Peter’s Church, whose tower offers great views across the city, and the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia, which recounts the period of Nazi and Soviet control of the country from 1940 to 1991. Both sights cost under €10 to enter, as do the art-filled Latvian National Museum of Art and Art Museum Riga Bourse, found just a short stroll away.
Want to explore beyond the centre? Public transport in the city costs just €1.50 (for a 90-minute trip), making it easy to visit sights a little further afield like the Central Market.
Hanoi, Vietnam
Vietnam as a whole is a pretty budget-friendly destination, and its capital Hanoi is no exception. Accommodation costs are low, especially if you stay in a hostel, and delicious food like pho and banh mi can be picked up for a couple of dollars. Plus, getting around is pretty cheap, especially if you use GrabBike (essentially Uber, but on bikes or motorbikes); that said, most sights are within walking distance of each other.
Many of the city’s biggest attractions can be explored for next to nothing, too. The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where the embalmed body of the famous revolutionary leader and president resides, only costs a dollar or so to enter, as does the French-style Presidential Palace. A stroll around the Old Quarter, whose streets are dedicated to different products like paper goods and shoes, costs nothing at all; even a Cà Phê Sữa Đá (iced coffee) from one of the laid-back cafes here will only set you back a dollar or so.
One spot not to miss is Hoan Kiem. This park-encircled lake is always buzzing, whether it’s with early morning joggers or impromptu evening music performances. Even its picturesque island temple – accessed via a crimson bridge – only costs a couple of dollars to visit.
Many of the city’s biggest attractions can be explored for next to nothing, too. The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where the embalmed body of the famous revolutionary leader and president resides, only costs a dollar or so to enter, as does the French-style Presidential Palace. A stroll around the Old Quarter, whose streets are dedicated to different products like paper goods and shoes, costs nothing at all; even a Cà Phê Sữa Đá (iced coffee) from one of the laid-back cafes here will only set you back a dollar or so.
One spot not to miss is Hoan Kiem. This park-encircled lake is always buzzing, whether it’s with early morning joggers or impromptu evening music performances. Even its picturesque island temple – accessed via a crimson bridge – only costs a couple of dollars to visit.
London, UK
Sure, the UK capital has a reputation for being expensive, but a trip here doesn’t have to break the bank. For one thing, there are plenty of places to soak up culture for free: spy street performers in Covent Garden, watch the famous Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace or admire the ever-changing street art at Leake Street Tunnel – all without spending a penny. Many of the city’s cultural big hitters don’t cost to enter either: why not discover striking contemporary art at the Tate Modern or learn all about the natural world at the Natural History Museum? Then there’s the British Museum, V&A, Science Museum – the list goes on.
There’s plenty of parks and gardens to roam through, too, including Hyde Park, the largest green space in the city, and Hampstead Heath, with its lush meadows and woods. You can even get free tickets to the leafy indoor Sky Garden, found atop a skyscraper, which offers stunning city views (just remember to book ahead).
There’s plenty of parks and gardens to roam through, too, including Hyde Park, the largest green space in the city, and Hampstead Heath, with its lush meadows and woods. You can even get free tickets to the leafy indoor Sky Garden, found atop a skyscraper, which offers stunning city views (just remember to book ahead).
Oaxaca, Mexico
This cultural city in southwest Mexico is a great pick for travellers looking to save. One of the highlights here is a wander around the UNESCO-listed downtown area, filled with an array of historic buildings, including magnificent churches, pretty plazas and pastel-coloured houses. Don’t miss Zócalo, the city’s main square: pedestrianised, leafy and lined by beautiful portales (arcades), it’s the perfect place to watch the world go by.
A short walk from here is the Mercado 20 de Noviembre. This bustling covered market is known for its delicious – and great-value-for-money – street food, including fresh caldo de pollo (chicken and vegetable soup) and enmoladas (tortillas dipped in a rich mole sauce).
To top it off, there are two budget-friendly archaeological sights a stone’s throw from the city. Renowned for its beautiful mosaics, Milta was an important religious site for the pre-Columbian Zapotec and Mixtec peoples, while Monte Albán, built by Zapotec during the 6th century BCE, is filled with pyramids, canals and terraces. The wallet-friendly admissions cost for each sight is around 70 pesos (£3).
A short walk from here is the Mercado 20 de Noviembre. This bustling covered market is known for its delicious – and great-value-for-money – street food, including fresh caldo de pollo (chicken and vegetable soup) and enmoladas (tortillas dipped in a rich mole sauce).
To top it off, there are two budget-friendly archaeological sights a stone’s throw from the city. Renowned for its beautiful mosaics, Milta was an important religious site for the pre-Columbian Zapotec and Mixtec peoples, while Monte Albán, built by Zapotec during the 6th century BCE, is filled with pyramids, canals and terraces. The wallet-friendly admissions cost for each sight is around 70 pesos (£3).
Bogotá, Colombia
With a host of cheap and free attractions, the lively Colombian capital won’t put too much of a dent in your budget. Culture vultures should head to the Gold Museum, which is packed with exquisitely made pre-Columbian gold artefacts, and to the Botero Museum, home to the paintings of famous Colombian artist Fernando Botero. The former costs around $1 to enter, whereas the latter is free.
If you fancy stretching your legs, the city has lots to offer. For a gentle stroll, make for the Bogotá Botanical Garden, a peaceful oasis filled with almost 20,000 plants – it’ll set you back just $1. For a more intensive workout, follow the trail to the top of Monserrate, a mountain crowned by a beautiful 17th-century church. Another great option are walking tours, which focus on everything from history and culture to gastronomy and architecture. Don't miss is the Bogotá Graffiti Tour, run by street artists, which explores some of the city’s most vibrant murals. While these tours are technically free, it’s always good to show your appreciation with a tip for your guide at the end.
Another great thing about Bogota? The cheap accommodation, especially if you stay in one of the backpacker hostels in the La Candelaria neighbourhood. Bunking down here means you’ll also save on transport, as the city’s main attractions are within walking distance.
If you fancy stretching your legs, the city has lots to offer. For a gentle stroll, make for the Bogotá Botanical Garden, a peaceful oasis filled with almost 20,000 plants – it’ll set you back just $1. For a more intensive workout, follow the trail to the top of Monserrate, a mountain crowned by a beautiful 17th-century church. Another great option are walking tours, which focus on everything from history and culture to gastronomy and architecture. Don't miss is the Bogotá Graffiti Tour, run by street artists, which explores some of the city’s most vibrant murals. While these tours are technically free, it’s always good to show your appreciation with a tip for your guide at the end.
Another great thing about Bogota? The cheap accommodation, especially if you stay in one of the backpacker hostels in the La Candelaria neighbourhood. Bunking down here means you’ll also save on transport, as the city’s main attractions are within walking distance.
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