Top Global Cities to Explore on a Budget
While exploring cities like Zurich, Tokyo and Paris may be out of your price range, there are many cities around the world that offer plenty of delights along with more budget-friendly prices.
Riga – Latvia – photo by Leshaines123 on Flickr CC
Riga, Latvia
If Paris is what you’ve been dreaming of, you might want to consider Riga instead. Often referred to as the “Paris of the North” and one of Europe best-kept secrets, Latvia’s capital city is also one of the continent’s least expensive destinations, despite being named a European Capital of Culture for 2014. It’s so cheap here you can get by on less than $25 a day, enjoying strolls along Old Town’s cobblestone lanes lined with impressive buildings that include pretty gingerbread trim. Head to the Dome Cathedral and you’ll be able to ascend the church spire and soak up panoramic views of this city that hosts some of the most magnificent Art Nouveau architecture in all of Europe.
Ottawa, Manitoba, Canada
Ottawa is one of Canada’s cheaper cities, and with the favorable exchange rate, it makes it even more affordable for Americans to visit. Enjoy popular attractions like the 125-mile-long the Rideau Canal for walking, biking or great people watching. During the warmer months, the canal is filled with boats and offers the chance to take a scenic cruise from Chateau Laurier to Dow’s Lake. You can also browse one of the largest and oldest public markets in the country, the Byward Market, enjoy a panoramic vista from Champlain Lookout in Gastineau Park and explore world-class museums.
Quito – Ecuador – photo by Simon Matzinger on Flickr CC
Quito, Ecuador
If South America is calling, Quito is Ecuador’s high-altitude capital and is not only very budget friendly with luxury hotels in the historic old town easily had at under $200 night, and many for less than even $50 a night, but it offers countless charms.
Look forward to viewing grand Gothic architecture, visiting fascinating museums and dining on incredible cuisine at fast food prices. The city sits at 9,000 feet above sea level in a valley circled by stunning volcanic peaks, providing an endless array of postcard-perfect photo-ops as well.
San Miguel de Allende. Mexico
Most of Mexico is very budget-friendly and can be reached with relatively low airfare prices too. Combined with the historically low Mexican peso, the city of San Miguel de Allende is an astounding bargain. One of central Mexico’s best-preserved and most picturesque colonial towns it boasts beautiful architecture and narrow cobble streets along with hopping nightlife, a fantastic art scene and excellent hotels.
Wat Ben – the Marble Temple – Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok, Thailand
One of the cheapest large cities in the world to visit, Bangkok offers the ideal combination of East and West, old meets news. Relax in European-style gardens and look forward to exploring floating markets and golden palaces like the Grand Palace, a compound of temples and palaces.
It’s best-known for housing the 15-century Emerald Buddha that’s made entirely out of jade. When it’s time to dine, you’ll find filling and tasty Pad Thai stir fry from street vendors for just a dollar.
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Hi! I'm Lash, an American nomadic world traveler who's been traveling solo since 1998. I’m passionate about traveling the world nomadically and then sharing it all with you. I hope to inspire you to travel the world, to entertain you with tales from the road, and to help you reach your travel dreams. Welcome! 
