Cheapest Places to Visit in 2023

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Mar 30, 2023

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Travel has turned its head these last three years, particularly global travel. From ever-changing COVID restrictions and computer meltdowns from major airlines to fluctuating costs and the squeeze of inflation, some travelers can’t seem to catch a break these days.

However, as chaotic as traveling may appear, there are also great budget-friendly deals. If you long to travel but are concerned about costs, you may be pleasantly surprised at the number of cities ready to satisfy your global wanderlust and on a budget. Whether you crave a day trip or a week-long adventure to check an item off your bucket list, we’ve curated a list of the cheapest places to visit in 2023, and trust me, you’ll be ready to pack your bags as soon as possible.

Cheapest places to visit in 2023

Here are 14 of the cheapest and most exciting places to visit in 2023, plus how much you might expect to spend during a day of traveling (in U.S. dollars).

Athens, Greece

Average cost per day: $110
Cheapest time to visit: October-April

Although Athens may be a popular tourist destination and perhaps considered more expensive, it offers several highly-rated hostels for consideration. When visiting Athens, you can plan on much of your budget to go towards the delicious local cuisine and public transportation-although there is a large pedestrian walkway network connecting many famous sites. The Acropolis, the Ancient Agora, Syntagma Square, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Panathinaiko Stadium, and Lycabettus Hill are a handful of the famous historical sites you can explore.

Seville, Spain

Average cost per day: $106
Cheapest time to visit: December-March

Seville, Spain, is considered the cultural capital of the southern part of the country, making it a popular tourist destination in Europe. The subtropical Mediterranean climate means wet winters and dry summers. Once you determine when to go to Seville, you’ll have plenty to see, including the Cathedral of Seville, La Giralda Tower, and the Jewish Quarter. The city is known for its excellent cuisine and access to good public transportation, making it easy for backpackers and day trippers to enjoy.

Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada

Average cost per day: $100
Cheapest time to visit: September-October

This popular destination in North America is tops for a reason- there is nothing as awe-inspiring as seeing Niagara Falls in person. Fortunately, you can do this in a budget-friendly manner when you visit the Falls on the Ontario, Canada side. In addition to the stunning Canadian views of the Falls, the city is full of restaurants, activities, tours, and casinos, offering plenty to do and see.

Braga, Portugal

Average cost per day: $96
Cheapest time to visit: January-February

Braga, Portugal, may not be as well known as other European cities, but it combines modern living and old-world charm. It’s a medium-sized city offering a wide selection of restaurants, nightlife, and sightseeing. Popular attractions include the Arch of Porta Nova and the Castle of Braga. Visitors to the city might also enjoy the numerous squares throughout the city, where you can visit the various neighborhoods, museums, and other cultural attractions.

Manila, Philippines

Average cost per day: $76
Cheapest time to visit: June-August (Monsoon season)

Manila is the capital city of the Philippines and is considered the metropolis hub and center for education, transportation, and business. Since it’s such a sprawling metropolis, it offers many activities, including vibrant nightlife, a world-renowned restaurant scene, some of the best shopping in any Asian city, and many sightseeing spots. Popular tourist attractions include Fort Santiago, the original Spanish military power seat, the San Agustin Church, and the grand Manila Cathedral.

San Jose, Costa Rica

Average cost per day: $68
Cheapest time to visit: September-December

San Jose, Costa Rica, is the capital city of this Central American country. The city is surrounded by mountains, valleys, and volcanoes, providing unique sightseeing opportunities. The capital city has numerous museums, national parks, theaters, and amazing architecture. It’s an ideal place to walk around downtown and explore the city while sampling the local cuisine through street vendors or at various markets.

Zagreb, Croatia

Average cost per day: $65
Cheapest time to visit: Rainy season, from September-May

Zagreb is the capital city of Croatia, and this sprawling metropolis full of nightlife, bars, restaurants, and cafes has become a favorite spot within Europe. The city is divided into two main areas: the Upper and Lower Towns, each featuring its personality. The Upper Town boasts the medieval part of the city, while the Lower Town has its historical sights. Both are perfect for backpackers or a walking tour.

Lima, Peru

Average cost per day: $59
Cheapest time to visit: October-April

Lima is the capital of Peru, located in South America. Although it’s located in a desert and the tropics, it enjoys cooler temperatures thanks to its proximity to the Pacific Ocean. Lima offers plenty of sightseeing opportunities, including the historic center, which was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The city has stunning architecture, historical buildings, and beautiful beaches, making it a unique destination.

Krabi, Changwat Krabi, Thailand

Average cost per day: $47
Cheapest time to visit: July-September

Krabi is a fantastic city to experience Thai culture. Although this isn’t a beach town like other parts of Thailand, it offers many sightseeing attractions, including temples, night markets, and several hiking trails. Visitors may also enjoy exploring the numerous limestone caves located in Krabi and even chirping bats!

Hanoi, Vietnam

Average cost per day: $41
Cheapest time to visit: April-June and September-October

Hanoi is an affordable destination offering everything from museums and gardens to street food and walking tours. The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Vietnamese Women's Museum, and Ho Chi Minh Museum are a few of the top tourist attractions in Hanoi. Numerous temples around the city and neighborhoods worth exploring, such as Hoan Kiem, the Old Quarter, and Ba Dinh - all featuring unique architecture and gardens.

Bogota, Colombia

Average cost per day: $33
Cheapest time to visit: September-November

Bogota is the capital city of Colombia, South America, attracting millions of tourists every year. This city is ideal for budget travelers and features a wide range of sights to jam-pack your itinerary. Churches, museums, and markets are a few places worth visiting, including La Candelaria, Bogota's historic district. The National Museum is the oldest in the city and houses over 20,000 art and artifacts.

Mendoza, Argentina

Average cost per day: $26
Cheapest time to visit: August-September

Mendoza, Argentina, is located in the western part of the country and is considered the heart of the Argentinian wine industry. The landscape is beautiful, providing views of some of the highest mountains in the world. The city offers plenty to do and see, including a vibrant cafe scene, events and festivals throughout the year, and enjoying the local wine. It’s a great place for those who enjoy outdoor activities, such as hiking, mountain climbing, horseback riding,

Cairo, Egypt

Average cost per day: $21
Cheapest time to visit: May-September (also the hottest time)

Cairo continues to be a must-see for global travelers; fortunately, it offers affordable prices for tourists. Located along the Nile River and close to the Mediterranean Sea, it’s one of the largest cities in Africa and the Middle East. There is plenty to do and see, including the Pyramids. Other attractions, including the Egyptian Museum and Old Cairo, are also worth noting, full of Coptic sights.

Jaipur, India

Average cost per day: $15
Cheapest time to visit: November-February

Although not as large as other cities in India, such as Mumbai and Delhi, it’s equally rich in attractions, history, and culture. The Jaiharh Fort is a popular destination and is home to the world’s largest cannon. Other sites of interest in Pink City include Nahargarh Fort, numerous temples, gardens, and museums. It’s also a city known for its beautiful arts and crafts, including exquisite textiles, pottery, and delicious local cuisine.

Methodology

Calling something the “cheapest place” is a relative term since it depends on your definition of cheap and budget-friendly. Our list refers to the cities where you can spend less money each day while exploring what the city offers. It doesn’t refer to the cost of flights since you may find cheap flights, expensive flights, or something in between. Multiple travel guides were used to find the cheapest countries and cities, including information from the IndieTraveller and the average daily costs provided by Budget Your Trip (which includes average hotel, public transportation, and food expenditures). If you’re looking for more ways to save money, you could explore finding cheap flights and budget-friendly accommodations, such as hostels or Airbnb.

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Sara Coleman is a former corporate gal turned creative entrepreneur. She began writing professionally several years ago and now contributes to multiple websites, blogs, and magazines. She’s also an avid reader and can’t resist a great historical fiction novel. Sara holds a BA in journalism from the University of Georgia and can be found supporting her Bulldogs every chance she has. She resides in Charlotte, North Carolina, with her wonderfully supportive husband and three children. When she’s not ushering her kids to sports and dance lessons, she can be found creating content for her own website, TheProperPen.com.

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