The Best Budget-Friendly Cities for Solo Travelers (Safe & Affordable!)
Solo travel is one of life’s greatest joys—until you check your bank account after booking a trip and realize you can barely afford a street hot dog at your destination. But don’t worry! There are places in the world where you can roam freely, safely, and without selling a kidney to afford a night’s stay. Whether you're a seasoned backpacker or a first-time solo adventurer, these budget-friendly cities will let you travel cheaply, safely, and stress-free.
So, grab your backpack, brush up on your budget-travel hacks, and let’s dive into the best wallet-friendly cities for solo travelers!
1. Budapest, Hungary – Europe’s Best Kept Budget Secret
Why it’s great for solo travelers: Budapest is like that cool, artsy friend who somehow never runs out of money but still lives the high life. It's incredibly affordable, ridiculously beautiful, and super safe—a perfect combo for solo travelers.
Budget Breakdown:
Hostel Stay: $10–$20 per night
Local Meals: $3–$6 (Goulash heaven!)
Public Transport: $1 per ride
Thermal Baths: $10–$15 (Because who doesn’t love soaking in hot water?)
Must-Do Activities:
✔ Soak in the famous Széchenyi Thermal Baths (bonus points if you join the locals playing chess in the water).
✔ Stroll along the Danube River at sunset—free, romantic (even if you're solo), and breathtaking.
✔ Visit Ruin Bars—grungy, artsy, and cheap places to grab a drink and meet fellow travelers.
Pro Tip: Get a Budapest Card for free public transport and discounts on attractions. Also, avoid currency exchange kiosks near tourist spots—they’ll rob you blind with bad rates.
2. Medellín, Colombia – Affordable & Surprisingly Safe
Why it’s great for solo travelers: Forget everything you think you know about Medellín (yes, we all watched Narcos). The city has reinvented itself into one of the safest and most affordable places in South America for travelers.
Budget Breakdown:
Hostel Stay: $8–$15 per night
Local Meals: $3–$7 (Bandeja Paisa will fill you up for a whole day!)
Public Transport: $0.80 per metro ride
Day Tours: $10–$30
Must-Do Activities:
✔ Take the Metrocable up to Parque Arví—cheap, scenic, and an adventure in itself.
✔ Explore Comuna 13—once dangerous, now a vibrant neighborhood full of street art and culture.
✔ Join a free walking tour to learn about the city’s fascinating transformation.
Pro Tip: Stick to the El Poblado and Laureles neighborhoods for the best mix of safety, nightlife, and budget-friendly stays.
3. Chiang Mai, Thailand – Where Your Dollar Goes the Farthest
Why it’s great for solo travelers: If you want to stretch your budget while still enjoying amazing food, stunning temples, and a laid-back vibe, Chiang Mai is THE place to be.
Budget Breakdown:
Hostel Stay: $5–$15 per night
Local Meals: $1–$3 (Yes, you read that right.)
Public Transport: $1 per tuk-tuk ride
Thai Massage: $5–$10 (Why not daily?)
Must-Do Activities:
✔ Visit Doi Suthep Temple for breathtaking views (just $1 entrance).
✔ Take a Thai cooking class for under $30—impress future dinner guests with your pad Thai skills.
✔ Get a $5 massage (or three—who’s judging?).
Pro Tip: Rent a scooter for around $5/day to explore nearby waterfalls and temples at your own pace.
4. Kraków, Poland – Medieval Charm on a Budget
Why it’s great for solo travelers: Kraków feels like stepping into a fairy tale, minus the hefty price tag. It’s one of Europe’s cheapest (and safest) cities, and the food? Underrated but incredible.
Budget Breakdown:
Hostel Stay: $10–$20 per night
Local Meals: $3–$7 (Pierogi heaven!)
Public Transport: $1 per ride
Free Attractions: Many!
Must-Do Activities:
✔ Walk through Rynek Glówny (Main Square)—one of Europe’s largest and most beautiful squares.
✔ Visit Wawel Castle (free gardens & stunning architecture).
✔ Take a day trip to Auschwitz—sobering but historically important (and under $20).
Pro Tip: Polish milk bars (cheap, cafeteria-style eateries) serve authentic, home-cooked meals for just a few bucks.
5. Lisbon, Portugal – Europe’s Best Cheap Coastal Escape
Why it’s great for solo travelers: Lisbon gives you stunning ocean views, incredible food, and rich history—all at a fraction of Western Europe’s cost.
Budget Breakdown:
Hostel Stay: $15–$30 per night
Local Meals: $5–$10 (Fresh seafood at these prices? Yes, please.)
Public Transport: $1.50 per ride
Pastel de Nata (Must-Try Custard Tart): $1–$2
Must-Do Activities:
✔ Ride the Tram 28—one of the world’s most scenic (and cheapest) tram rides.
✔ Visit Miradouros (viewpoints) for free sunset views over the city.
✔ Day trip to Sintra, a magical town with castles straight out of a Disney movie.
Pro Tip: Get a Lisbon Card for unlimited transport and museum discounts.
Final Thoughts: Travel More, Spend Less
Solo travel doesn’t have to cost a fortune—these cities prove it! Whether you're soaking in a Budapest thermal bath, riding a Thai tuk-tuk, or indulging in Lisbon’s famous pastries, you can experience amazing adventures without breaking the bank.
So, where’s your next solo trip? Drop a comment and let me know! And if you found this guide helpful, share it with a fellow traveler who needs to know how to explore the world on a budget! ✈️💰
