-
Bangkok, Thailand
Start in the backpacker hub of Khao San Road and explore ornate temples like Wat Pho and Wat Arun. Street food is incredibly cheap — pad thai and mango sticky rice cost almost nothing. Take the Chao Phraya river ferry to get around affordably.
-
Hanoi, Vietnam
Wander the chaotic and charming Old Quarter with its 36 ancient trade streets. Grab a bowl of pho or bun cha for under $2 at a street-side plastic stool spot. Don't miss Hoan Kiem Lake and the Temple of Literature.
-
Hoi An, Vietnam
This UNESCO-listed ancient town glows with lanterns every night and has remarkably well-preserved trading port architecture. Rent a bicycle to explore the surrounding rice paddies and nearby beaches cheaply. Try the local specialty cao lau noodles, only authentically made here.
-
Siem Reap, Cambodia
Gateway to the breathtaking Angkor Wat temple complex, one of the most awe-inspiring archaeological sites in the world. Hire a tuk-tuk driver for the day to cover multiple temples affordably. The Night Market and Pub Street offer cheap eats and a lively backpacker scene.
-
Kolkata, India
One of India's most culturally rich and underrated cities, with colonial architecture, bustling bazaars, and a thriving arts scene. Eat like a king for almost nothing — try kathi rolls and mishti doi from local stalls. The Howrah Bridge and Victoria Memorial are must-sees.
-
Varanasi, India
One of the oldest living cities on earth, Varanasi sits on the sacred Ganges River and is central to Hindu spiritual life. Wake up early for a dawn boat ride along the ghats to witness morning rituals and the famous Ganga Aarti ceremony at dusk. Budget guesthouses line the ghats and cost very little.
-
Istanbul, Türkiye
A stunning crossroads of East and West where the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Grand Bazaar are all within walking distance. Street food like simit, balik ekmek (fish sandwich), and börek is delicious and very affordable. Explore the Galata and Kadıköy neighbourhoods for local culture away from the tourist trail.
-
Athens, Greece
Home to the iconic Acropolis and Parthenon, Athens is a living museum of Western civilization. The Monastiraki flea market and Psiri neighbourhood offer great cheap eats like souvlaki and spanakopita. Many of the city's best museums offer free or discounted entry on certain days.
-
Marrakech, Morocco
Lose yourself in the labyrinthine medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site packed with souks, riads, and mosques. Djemaa el-Fna square transforms at night into a spectacular open-air theatre of musicians, storytellers, and food stalls. Haggling is expected and part of the cultural experience.
-
Mexico City, Mexico
One of the world's great megacities with world-class museums, ancient Aztec ruins at Tenochtitlan, and an explosive food scene. Tacos al pastor from street stands cost almost nothing and rival any restaurant meal. Explore the colourful neighbourhoods of Coyoacán, Roma, and Condesa on foot.
-
Guatemala City, Guatemala
A gritty but fascinating capital with excellent museums covering Maya history and culture. Use it as a base to day-trip to the nearby colonial gem of Antigua. Budget travellers will find street food and local comedores (small diners) are extremely affordable.
-
Cartagena, Colombia
Colombia's jewel on the Caribbean coast, with a gloriously colourful walled old city full of colonial architecture and bougainvillea. The cost of living is low — fresh tropical fruit, empanadas, and local beer are all very cheap. Walk the old city walls at sunset for a stunning view over the Caribbean.