Bargain holiday destinations are a great way for budget-conscious travelers to explore captivating locales without needing to break the bank by dipping into their savings. Given that 2024 is now finally starting to get warm, people are itching to get out and about and feeling the call of adventuring beckoning them.
We have compiled a list of bargain holiday destinations chock full of exceptional value without compromising experience that you can comfortably add to your 2024 bucket list. These budget-friendly destinations are sure to provide unforgettable experiences and memories.
1. Budapest, Hungary
- Best time to visit: May to September
- Price of a beer (domestic): $1.50-$3.00
- Price of a cappuccino: $1.50-$3.00
- Price of a meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $5.00-$10.00
- Free activities: Stroll along the Danube Promenade, explore Buda Castle District, visit Fisherman's Bastion, admire views from Gellért Hill, explore City Park and Városliget, and visit Margaret Island
Due to the city's unique blend of history, culture, and affordability, Budapest, Hungary makes for a fantastic bargain holiday destination. From architectural landmarks to thermal baths, there's something for everyone here.
Plus, you can indulge in delicious cuisine at affordable prices while also taking part in the city's vibrant nightlife. In essence, this is an ideal choice for those seeking adventure and culture.
2. Lisbon, Portugal
- Best time to visit: April to June, September, October
- Price of a beer (domestic): $2.50
- Price of a cappuccino: $1.50
- Price of a meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $7-$10
- Free activities: Explore Alfama district, visit Miradouro da Senhora do Monte for panoramic views, stroll along the waterfront at Cais do Sodré, enjoy street performances at Rossio Square, and wander through the vibrant Mercado da Ribeira
Lisbon, Portugal is another bargain holiday destination where you can indulge in centuries-old history, culture, and architecture, but with the added benefit of picturesque beaches where you can soak up the sun. Plus, there's tram rides, lively markets, and soothing Fado music all over the city.
Basically, Lisbon offers an authentic experience that doesn't have a price. It's an irresistible choice for travelers who really want an experience rather than just sightseeing.
3. Krakow, Poland
- Best time to visit: May to September
- Price of a beer (domestic): $1.50 to $2.50
- Price of a cappuccino: $1.50 to $2.50
- Price of a meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $5 to $8
- Free activities: Explore the historic Old Town, visit Wawel Castle grounds, stroll along the scenic Vistula River promenade, and admire the street art in Kazimierz district
Poland might not have a reputation as a premier holiday destination, but that's old news as Krakow, Poland is a remarkable blend of history and affordability rife for travelers new and old. The town boasts amazing architecture and charming market squares that you can explore on cobblestone streets.
Try some Polish cuisine, delve into its fascinating past, and simply immerse yourself in its mesmerizing atmosphere. Simply put, Krakow is a hidden gem tailor made for budget-conscious travelers.
4. Siem Reap, Cambodia
- Best time to visit: November to February
- Price of a beer (domestic): $0.50 - $1.50
- Price of a cappuccino: $1.50 - $2.50
- Price of a meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $2 - $5
- Free activities: Exploring the temples of Angkor Wat, visiting local markets like Psar Chas, strolling along the Siem Reap River, enjoying the tranquil surroundings of the Siem Reap Butterfly Garden
As we continue to talk about cultural significance, if that quality is something you want alongside a bargain then, Siem Reap, Cambodia, is undefeated. Home to the wonderful Angkor Wat temple complex, this city is one of the best places to explore ancient ruins and thoroughly immerse yourself in Knmer history and heritage.
Plus, there's delicious street food to be found and some of the most vivacious markets in the world. All this and more, along with budget-friendly accommodations, can be found in this beautiful city.
5. Dubrovnik, Croatia
- Best time to visit: May to September
- Price of a beer (domestic): $2.50 to $3.50
- Price of a cappuccino: $2.00 to $3.00
- Price of a meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $8.00 to $12.00
- Free activities: Exploring the Old Town, walking the city walls, visiting Banje Beach, hiking Mount Srd, and wandering through local markets.
If there's one reason to visit Dubrovnik, Croatia as your next budget holiday destination, it should be the breathtaking views of the Adriatic sea. Plus, you can walk along the ancient city walls, explore its oldest towns, and find a lot of free activities to do.
Eastern Europe in general, and Croatia in particular, are discounted amid talks of European beauty, but one visit here will show you why they're well worth a reevaluation. That too, all without breaking the bank.
6. Marrakech, Morocco
- Best time to visit: September to November, March to May
- Price of a beer (domestic): $2-$4
- Price of a cappuccino: $1.50-$3
- Price of a meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $5-$10
- Free activities: Exploring Jardin Majorelle, visiting Koutoubia Mosque, strolling through the bustling medina, admiring Bahia Palace, experiencing Djemaa el-Fna square's vibrant atmosphere
Where else but Morocco if you want an all-in-one-package of a destination that promises wonderful sights, exceptional cuisine, and exotic charm? Marrakech is the place to go for a budget friendly experience that will surely make you feel like you've always lived there.
Embrace the magic of Morocco by ingratiating yourself in the sights and sounds. Haggle for souvenirs, try Moroccan dishes, and take in the magnificent aura of this African paradise.
7. Prague, Czech Republic
- Best time to visit: May to September
- Price of a beer (domestic): $1.50
- Price of a cappuccino: $2.00
- Price of a meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $6.00
- Free activities: Stroll across the iconic Charles Bridge, explore the picturesque Old Town Square, visit the John Lennon Wall, and admire the stunning views from Prague Castle.
Prague in the Czech Republic promises a fairy tale experience through its majestic castles tucked around the Vltava River. The city has that perfect old school European charm everyone should experience at least once in their lives.
From wandering through the streets of Mala Strana to carousing through the Old Town Square, relive bohemia in Prague.
8. Bali, Indonesia
- Best time to visit: April to October
- Price of a beer (domestic): $1.50 to $3
- Price of a cappuccino: $1.50 to $3
- Price of a meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $2 to $5
- Free activities: Visit temples, explore rice terraces, enjoy scenic beaches, hike to waterfalls, watch traditional dance performances
Bali, Indonesia is another fabulous place to go if you're budget-conscious and still want all the wonderful vibrancy that the best destinations provide. Plus, its pristine beaches are a sight to see, alongside its lush rice terraces.
Simply put, natural wonders abound in Bali, and you'll get to experience all that and more under a comfortably affordable budget.
9. Tbilisi, Georgia
- Best time to visit: May to September
- Price of a beer (domestic): $1.50
- Price of a cappuccino: $1.70
- Price of a meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $5
- Free activities: Explore Old Tbilisi, visit Mtatsminda Park for panoramic views, stroll through Rike Park, explore the Georgian National Museum, and take a walking tour of the city's historic neighborhoods
Tbilisi, Georgia invites visitors to not just witness but take part in a cultural experience. It has all the wonderful elements of a truly European experience, from architecture to cuisine.
Whether you want to take a gander at some historical places or savor delicious Georgian food, you can do all of that and more in this destination. So, why not take a chance at this wonderful, and budget-friendly, travel experience?
10. Cartagena, Colombia
- Best time to visit: January to March
- Price of a beer (domestic): $1.50
- Price of a cappuccino: $2.50
- Price of a meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $5
- Free activities: Strolling through the colorful streets of the Old Town, exploring the historic fortifications of Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, relaxing on the beaches of Bocagrande, visiting the vibrant Bazurto Market for a taste of local culture
Where else but Cartagena, Colombia to find some of the best street food in the world? This tucked away city in South America has a unique charm that can be experienced under a simple budget.
Plus, you also have the chance to embrace a truly vibrant city chock full of exotic fortresses and colorful colonial architecture.
11. Porto, Portugal
- Best time to visit: May to September
- Price of a beer (domestic): $2.50
- Price of a cappuccino: $1.50
- Price of a meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $8
- Free activities: Stroll along the Ribeira district, visit Livraria Lello bookshop, explore the gardens of Palácio de Cristal, admire the views from Ponte Luís I bridge, and enjoy a picnic at Parque da Cidade
As its name might hint, Porto, Portugal is world famous for its port wine. If you want a laid-back and relaxed place to imbibe on that nectar, then this is the place for you.
It is also a city steeped in culture that has friendly locals and a myriad of budget-friendly attractions. Porto truly promises an unforgettable experience at an unbeatable value.
12. Sofia, Bulgaria
- Best time to visit: May to September
- Price of a beer (domestic): $1.50
- Price of a cappuccino: $1.50
- Price of a meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $5-$7
- Free activities: Exploring Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, wandering through Borisova Gradina park, visiting the National Palace of Culture, and strolling along Vitosha Boulevard for people-watching and window shopping
Sofia, Bulgaria is the budget-friendly destination of choice if you are someone who has a fascination towards Roman ruins and history in general. Moreover, it has a unique and charming blend of Eastern and Western influences that is one-of-a-kind.
Couple that with budget-friendly accommodations and delicious cuisine, Sofia is a city you must experience.
13. Hoi An, Vietnam
- Best time to visit: February to May
- Price of a beer (domestic): $1-2
- Price of a cappuccino: $1.50-2.50
- Price of a meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $2-5
- Free activities: Explore Old Town, visit An Bang Beach, stroll along the Thu Bon River, admire Japanese Covered Bridge, participate in a lantern-making workshop, attend a local market.
To understand why Hoi An, Vietnam makes for a great vacation spot, just imagine vibrant-lantern lit streets with some of the most delectable street food, all reasonably priced. So are the accommodations present alongside a picturesque landscape and well-preserved architecture.
If you want to escape the suffocating structure of corporate life or simply observe a bustling sector with cultural charm, then Hoi An is the place for you.
14. Tallinn, Estonia
- Best time to visit: May to September
- Price of a beer (domestic): $2.50
- Price of a cappuccino: $2.00
- Price of a meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $8.00
- Free activities: Exploring the Old Town, visiting Toompea Hill and viewing platforms, exploring Kadriorg Park and Palace, strolling along the city walls, visiting the Estonian Open Air Museum
Tallinn, Estonia promises medieval allure alongside modern vibrancy, and all at an affordable and reasonable price. You can take a walk through its enchanting Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or take advantage of its budget-friendly dining options.
Or, you can go through its scenic parks and stunning viewpoints. The choice is yours, and better yet, the choices are plentiful and wallet-friendly.
15. Split, Croatia
- Best time to visit: May to September
- Price of a beer (domestic): $2.50
- Price of a cappuccino: $2.00
- Price of a meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $10.00
- Free activities: Exploring Diocletian's Palace, visiting Marjan Hill for panoramic views, swimming at Bacvice Beach, wandering through the Old Town's narrow streets, and enjoying sunset strolls along the Riva waterfront promenade
Last but not least, Split, Croatia is the place to be if you want a healthy mix of natural history and amazing historic places. The intrepid traveler will find a bit of everything alluring about Old Europe in this city.
Plus, there's lots to do! Be it swimming at Bacvice Beach or hiking up Marjan Hill, you can fully have a vacation experience in this wonderful city.
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