Travel is more expensive than it used to be, and the famous neighborhoods of Paris, London, Tokyo and New York have priced out a generation of younger travelers. The good news is that several of our highest-rated neighborhoods worldwide remain genuinely affordable. Here is our shortlist of great neighborhoods where you can still have a wonderful trip on a normal budget.
Tbilisi, Georgia — Sololaki and Old Tbilisi. A flat in the old town, full restaurant for two, and a bottle of Saperavi will run you the price of a London round of cocktails.
Belgrade, Serbia — Savamala and Dorćol. The most underrated nightlife in Europe and the best food-to-price ratio on the continent.
Kraków, Poland — Kazimierz remains a bargain by Western European standards.
Lisbon, Portugal — Lisbon has gone up dramatically, but Graça and Penha de França are still affordable and the food remains shockingly cheap.
Mexico City, Mexico — Roma Sur, Doctores, Narvarte. The CDMX neighborhoods next door to Roma Norte deliver the same experience at half the price.
Hanoi, Vietnam — The Old Quarter and the French Quarter. A great meal in Hanoi can cost three dollars. A wonderful one might cost five.
Chiang Mai, Thailand — Santitham. Northern Thailand at its best for Western prices that look almost embarrassing.
Naples, Italy — the Quartieri Spagnoli. The best food in southern Europe, often at half the prices of Florence or Rome.
Tirana, Albania — Blloku. Eastern European prices, southern European weather.
Medellín, Colombia — Laureles. The best South American value of the moment.