Travel the world on a budget — without missing the magic.

15 Best Cheap Travel Destinations Under $50/Day (2025)

Updated: 2025 • Reading time: 10–14 minutes • Author: [Your Name]

Yes — you can still travel the world on less than $50/day. These 15 destinations deliver amazing food, culture, nature, and nightlife on a tiny budget. Below you’ll find average daily costs, top experiences, safety notes, best times to go, and budget tips — plus real photos for each place.

Budget assumptions: Hostel dorm or simple guesthouse, local meals/street food, public transport or walking, free/low‑cost activities. Prices vary by season and exchange rates — always check current info.

Jump to a destination

• Hanoi, Vietnam
• Chiang Mai, Thailand
• Yogyakarta, Indonesia
• Kathmandu, Nepal
• Jaipur, India
• Tbilisi, Georgia
• Istanbul, Türkiye
• Marrakech, Morocco
• Cairo, Egypt
• Tirana, Albania
• Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Oaxaca, Mexico
• Medellín, Colombia
• Arequipa, Peru
• Granada, Nicaragua

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1) Hanoi, Vietnam

Hanoi’s Old Quarter: street food heaven.

Daily budget: $25–$35

• Highlights: Old Quarter, Train Street views, Hoan Kiem Lake, egg coffee.
• Best time: Oct–Apr (cooler, drier).
• Stay: Old Quarter for food/markets.
• Budget tip: Bia hơi (fresh beer) and bánh mì are delicious and cheap.
• Safety: Watch traffic; use official taxis or apps.

2) Chiang Mai, Thailand

Temples, night markets, mountains — all on a budget.

Daily budget: $30–$40

• Highlights: Doi Suthep, Sunday Night Market, cooking classes.
• Best time: Nov–Feb (cool/dry).
• Stay: Old City or Nimmanhaemin for cafés.
• Budget tip: Rent a bicycle; eat at local food courts.
• Safety: Avoid smoky “burning season” (Mar–Apr) if sensitive.

3) Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Cultural heart of Java with temples and street art.

Daily budget: $25–$35

• Highlights: Prambanan at sunset, street art in Prawirotaman, batik workshops.
• Best time: May–Sep (dry season).
• Stay: Malioboro or Prawirotaman.
• Budget tip: Public buses to temples; snack on gudeg.
• Safety: Mind traffic; watch belongings in crowds.

4) Kathmandu, Nepal

Gateway to the Himalayas and budget trekkers.

Daily budget: $20–$30

• Highlights: Durbar Square, Boudhanath Stupa, Thamel markets.
• Best time: Oct–Nov, Mar–Apr.
• Stay: Thamel for trekking shops and cafés.
• Budget tip: Eat dal bhat; refill water with filters.
• Safety: Check trekking permits/weather if hiking.

5) Jaipur, India

Pink City palaces and markets for less.

Daily budget: $20–$30

• Highlights: Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort, City Palace.
• Best time: Oct–Mar.
• Stay: Bani Park or near MI Road.
• Budget tip: Use metro/buses; eat veg thali.
• Safety: Agree on taxi prices; avoid tout scams.

6) Tbilisi, Georgia

Historic streets, sulfur baths, and wine.

Daily budget: $30–$45

• Highlights: Narikala Fortress, sulfur baths, wine tastings.
• Best time: May–Jun, Sep–Oct.
• Stay: Old Town or Marjanishvili.
• Budget tip: Use Marshrutka minibuses; try khachapuri.
• Safety: Generally safe; watch late‑night streets.

7) Istanbul, Türkiye

Two continents, endless history, small prices.

Daily budget: $35–$50

• Highlights: Hagia Sophia, Grand Bazaar, Bosphorus ferries.
• Best time: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct.
• Stay: Sultanahmet (sights) or Beyoğlu (cafés/nightlife).
• Budget tip: Public ferries are cheap sightseeing cruises.
• Safety: Beware tourist‑area pickpockets.

8) Marrakech, Morocco

Spice‑scented souks and riads on a budget.

Daily budget: $30–$45

• Highlights: Jemaa el‑Fnaa, Bahia Palace, Atlas day trips.
• Best time: Mar–May, Sep–Nov.
• Stay: Medina riads (compare prices).
• Budget tip: Haggle; eat set lunch menus.
• Safety: Ignore persistent “guides”; agree taxi fares.

9) Cairo, Egypt

Ancient wonders at very modern prices.

Daily budget: $25–$40

• Highlights: Giza Pyramids, Egyptian Museum, Nile sunset.
• Best time: Oct–Apr.
• Stay: Downtown or Giza (views).
• Budget tip: Metro is fast and cheap.
• Safety: Use official tours for desert sites.

10) Tirana, Albania

Europe’s hidden bargain with cafés and mountains.

Daily budget: $30–$40

• Highlights: Skanderbeg Square, Bunk’Art, Mount Dajti cable car.
• Best time: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct.
• Stay: Blloku for nightlife/cafés.
• Budget tip: Intercity buses are very affordable.
• Safety: Generally safe; normal city awareness.

11) Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina

Ottoman lanes, Austro‑Hungarian facades, café culture.

Daily budget: $30–$45

• Highlights: Baščaršija, Latin Bridge, cable car to Trebević.
• Best time: May–Sep.
• Stay: Near Baščaršija.
• Budget tip: Burek + yogurt = cheap and filling.
• Safety: Stick to marked trails in hills (history of mines).

12) Oaxaca, Mexico

Color, cuisine, and craft markets for less.

Daily budget: $35–$50

• Highlights: Monte Albán, street food tours, Hierve el Agua.
• Best time: Oct–Apr (Day of the Dead late Oct/Nov).
• Stay: Centro Histórico.
• Budget tip: Menú del día lunches are great value.
• Safety: Stay in well‑lit areas at night.

13) Medellín, Colombia

Spring weather year‑round and metro‑cables with views.

Daily budget: $35–$50

• Highlights: Comuna 13 street art, Metrocable, Guatapé day trip.
• Best time: Dec–Mar, Jun–Aug (drier).
• Stay: El Poblado or Laureles.
• Budget tip: Set lunch “corrientazo” is cheap and tasty.
• Safety: Use rideshares at night; keep valuables discreet.

14) Arequipa, Peru

White‑stone plazas and Colca Canyon day hikes.

Daily budget: $30–$45

• Highlights: Plaza de Armas, Santa Catalina Monastery, Colca Canyon.
• Best time: May–Sep (dry/clear).
• Stay: Near the historic center.
• Budget tip: Market meals are super affordable.
• Safety: High altitude — hydrate and take it slow.

15) Granada, Nicaragua

Colonial charm near lakes, volcanoes, and islands.

Daily budget: $25–$35

• Highlights: Lake Nicaragua islets, Mombacho volcano, colorful streets.
• Best time: Dec–Apr (dry).
• Stay: Near Parque Central.
• Budget tip: “Comida corrida” set meals save cash.
• Safety: Keep an eye on news; use trusted transport.

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FAQs

Is $50/day realistic for these places?

Yes for budget travelers: dorm or simple guesthouse, local meals, public transport, and free sights. Tours, private rooms, and nightlife increase costs.

How can I keep costs low?

Travel off‑season, book weekly stays, use local buses, eat where locals eat, and prioritize free walks, parks, markets, and viewpoints.

Is it safe to travel on a tight budget?

Research neighborhoods, use official transport/apps, avoid flashing valuables, and get basic travel insurance.

Do I need cash or cards?

Carry some local cash for markets and small shops; cards work in most cities for hotels and larger restaurants.

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