How to See Big Cities On A Small Budget

Everyone loves to save money, so we created a post on how to see big cities on a small budget just for you. There are some cities in the world so famous, so well known, that they are considered a must-visit for anyone who loves to travel.

Sunset image of New York City

These “big” cities are the metropolitan hubs that power the world, and they make for enticing weekend breaks for those wanting to experience the high life.

The one downside of the “big” cities is that they also tend to be rather expensive. Their size, power, and reputation lead to costly accommodation and even costlier attractions, which can cause those on smaller budgets to be concerned about how viable a stay in a big city would be.

However, it’s promising to note that even the big cities can be appreciated on a small budget– if you know how. Below are the three biggest, best-known, and most visited cities in the world, along with tips on how to enjoy them when you don’t have a fortune to spend.

And don’t forget that you can always travel hack and fly for free to these big cities!

New York

cityscape photo in NYC as one of the big cities on a small budget

While there’s no doubt New York can be expensive to visit, there are plenty of lower-budget hotels and hostels that are perfect for tourists who are keen to keep an eye on their expenditure.

These choices might not be as centrally placed as high-end options, but New York’s transport system is good enough to always ensure you can travel comfortably no matter where you are based.

As for things to do, while the most common visitor attractions can be a little on the expensive side, there are things to do in New York that are low-cost or free. It is not impossible to see big cities on a small budget.

Examine local guides when you arrive and you’ll be sure to find something that works for you. Bryant Park, Classical Theatre, and various memorials can all be explored without the need to overspend. Want to see the Financial District but short on time? Then check out this guide on how to see FiDi in under 60 minutes!

Paris

eiffel tower in paris

Paris is arguably the most reasonably-priced of the cities in this post, but it’s still very expensive when compared to other lesser-known areas.

If you’re willing to stay further away from the city in areas such as Orly, then you’ll save a small fortune on accommodation, and the Metro system can still take you into the heart of the city within 40 or so minutes.

When it comes to low-cost things to do, Paris is a little more forgiving: it only costs around €11 (around $12)  to ascend to the top of the Eiffel Tower, and you can explore the delights of the famed 4th Arrondissement on foot for free.

London

city view at london as one of the big cities on a small budget

Like Paris, London is also a large city, so if you choose to stay in the wider boroughs then you can save a lot of money on accommodation. Pimlico, Harrow, and Ruislip are some distance from the main sites, but all have Underground stations that provide decent connectivity.

As for things to do, so much of London can be enjoyed on foot for free. Grab a map and explore for yourself rather than taking an often-expensive guided tour. The National Gallery, the Tate Modern, and the Houses of Parliament are all free to enter.

In conclusion on Big Cities on a Small Budget

By being willing to research, you can explore the delights of the big cities without having to worry about needing to take out a loan to enjoy your experience. Enjoy your big-city travels!

How to See Big Cities on a Small Budget

*This is a contributed post and may contain affiliate links. Image Credits: pexels.com

Monthly Newsletter!
I agree to have my personal information transfered to MailChimp ( more information )
Follow along as I navigate the world with my passion for travel and fitness.
Your email address will not be sold or shared with anyone else.

Leave a Comment

Join me online