20 Hidden Gems for Budget-Friendly Travel in 2023
Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing incredible experiences. With the right destinations, you can explore beautiful landscapes, rich cultures, and vibrant cities without breaking the bank. From lesser-known towns to off-the-beaten-path locales, these hidden gems offer affordable accommodations, cheap eats, and amazing sights. Here are 20 budget-friendly travel destinations to check out in 2023.
1. Tbilisi, Georgia
Tbilisi offers a mix of stunning architecture, delicious food, and rich history at a fraction of the cost of Western European cities. You can explore ancient fortresses, wander charming streets, and enjoy hearty local cuisine like khachapuri (cheese bread) for just a few dollars. Plus, public transportation is cheap and easy to use.
2. Kotor, Montenegro
Nestled on the Adriatic coast, Kotor is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its medieval old town and breathtaking bay views. This charming town is significantly cheaper than its more famous neighbor, Dubrovnik. Enjoy budget-friendly accommodations, hike up to the fortress, or take a boat ride around the bay without spending much.
3. Lagos, Portugal
Lagos, in Portugal’s Algarve region, is a stunning beach destination with budget-friendly guesthouses and low-cost dining options. You can explore its dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and historical town center without breaking the bank. Off-season travel here is particularly affordable, and the views are just as spectacular.
4. Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai combines vibrant culture, ancient temples, and lush mountains with an affordable price tag. Street food is incredibly cheap, and budget accommodations are plentiful. Spend your days visiting temples, exploring local markets, and taking inexpensive day trips to nearby waterfalls or elephant sanctuaries.
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5. Oaxaca, Mexico
Oaxaca is an enchanting city full of colorful colonial architecture, rich traditions, and flavorful cuisine. It’s known for its food scene, including mole and mezcal. Street food is abundant and affordable, and you can find budget-friendly accommodations right in the heart of the city.
6. Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Sarajevo is a vibrant city where East meets West, offering a unique blend of Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian architecture. It’s far less expensive than most European capitals, with affordable hostels, local markets, and cheap eats. Explore its historic streets, visit museums, and hike the surrounding hills for panoramic views.
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7. La Paz, Bolivia
As one of South America’s cheapest destinations, La Paz is a great starting point for exploring Bolivia. With its dizzying altitude and striking mountain backdrop, this city offers budget travelers affordable hostels, local markets, and inexpensive street food. Don’t miss the famous Witches’ Market and a day trip to nearby Moon Valley.
8. Valparaíso, Chile
Valparaíso, a colorful port city on Chile’s coast, is known for its vibrant street art, steep hills, and eclectic architecture. It’s much more affordable than Santiago, with a variety of cheap accommodations and inexpensive public transport options. Explore the city’s funiculars and enjoy fresh seafood at low-cost local eateries.
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9. Hanoi, Vietnam
Hanoi is a budget traveler’s dream, offering a mix of ancient culture and modern energy at incredibly low prices. Accommodations and street food, like pho and banh mi, are both extremely cheap. Explore the Old Quarter, visit historical temples, and take a budget-friendly trip to nearby Halong Bay.
10. Sofia, Bulgaria
Sofia is one of the most affordable European capitals, making it an ideal destination for budget-conscious travelers. You can visit museums, churches, and historical landmarks for minimal entry fees, while food and accommodation are very reasonably priced. Its parks and hiking trails also offer free outdoor fun.
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11. Hoi An, Vietnam
Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a charming town full of well-preserved architecture and rich cultural history. It’s famous for its affordable tailor shops and lantern-lit streets. You can bike around the town, visit local markets, and relax on nearby beaches—all on a budget.
12. Timisoara, Romania
Timisoara, often overlooked by tourists, offers beautiful squares, baroque architecture, and a lively arts scene at affordable prices. Its small-town vibe makes it easy to explore on foot. Romania, in general, is budget-friendly, and Timisoara’s prices for accommodations, food, and activities reflect this.
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13. Lviv, Ukraine
Lviv is a hidden gem in Eastern Europe known for its stunning architecture and vibrant coffee culture. The city is incredibly affordable for travelers, offering cheap eats, coffeehouses, and historical attractions like Lviv’s Opera House and medieval streets. It’s an excellent budget-friendly destination for history lovers.
14. Belgrade, Serbia
Belgrade is a lively and affordable city with a fascinating history and energetic nightlife. Public transport is cheap, and you can find affordable food and accommodations in the city’s trendy neighborhoods. Visit Kalemegdan Fortress, enjoy the riverside cafes, and explore Belgrade’s vibrant bar scene without spending a fortune.
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15. Krakow, Poland
Krakow is one of the most budget-friendly cities in Central Europe. It’s rich in history, with sites like Wawel Castle, the Main Market Square, and the Jewish Quarter all offering low-cost or free entry. The food is affordable, with plenty of inexpensive eateries serving traditional Polish dishes like pierogi and kielbasa.
16. Gdansk, Poland
This charming port city on Poland’s Baltic coast is rich in history and much cheaper than Warsaw. Gdansk offers affordable accommodations, free historical sites like the Long Market, and budget-friendly seafood restaurants. It’s also a great base for exploring nearby beaches and the surrounding region.
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17. Skopje, North Macedonia
Skopje is one of Europe’s cheapest capitals, offering a unique blend of modern and ancient influences. Its quirky statues, vibrant street life, and Ottoman-style Old Bazaar are worth exploring. Food and accommodations are very affordable, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers.
18. Tirana, Albania
Tirana, Albania’s capital, is an up-and-coming budget destination with a lot to offer. The city has colorful buildings, intriguing history, and lively cafes, all at a fraction of the cost of more popular European cities. Tirana is also a great base for exploring Albania’s stunning beaches and mountains.
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19. Cusco, Peru
While Machu Picchu may not be cheap, Cusco itself is an affordable and vibrant city full of history. The city offers inexpensive accommodations, delicious local food, and plenty of free or low-cost attractions like exploring its colonial streets or visiting local markets. It’s also a perfect base for hiking and outdoor adventures.
20. Bucharest, Romania
Bucharest is a mix of grand architecture, lively culture, and affordability. You can enjoy the city’s museums, parks, and historical sites for low entry fees, and dining out is quite inexpensive. Bucharest is also a gateway to Romania’s beautiful countryside, making it easy to combine urban and nature experiences on a budget.
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