Travelling often comes with a string of additional expenses – even for the most savvy spenders.
After the cost of the hotel, flight and travel insurance, many travellers massively underestimate the cost of living while in a different country – not to mention hefty tourist taxes which creep up on checkout.
And it’s even worse in some of the world’s most expensive cities, including New York, Zurich and Rome.
However, by researching for cheaper places to stay and budget restaurants ahead of time, there are ways to save money on your next trip.
We reveal how to avoid overspending in some of the world’s most expensive cities…
Singapore
Singapore’s capital often ranks as one of the most costly cities for costs of living. However, there are ways to visit on a budget.
Booking flights in advance can help you save considerably with traveling during the shoulder seasons, like January and November, often resulting in cheaper fares.
Singapore ‘s capital often ranks as one of the most costly cities for costs of living. However, there are ways to visit this bucket-list city on a budget
Airlines often offer cheaper fares with one or two stops, while direct flights may be more expensive.
The Daily Mail found return Etihad flights from London Heathrow for £428 in November, stopping in Zayed International Airport, when we looked.
You can also save money by eating like a local by visiting hawker centers, which are open-air food courts with many stalls serving various dishes, with meals costing around £6.
There are also plenty of free attractions like the Singapore Botanic Gardens, Supertree Grove light show and walking through neighborhoods like Little India and Chinatown.
For accommodation, areas such as Bencoolen, Bugis, Kampong Glam and Rochor provide a good balance of budget-friendly hotels and central locations.
Zurich
Switzerland is roughly one-fifth more expensive than the UK, with Zurich often cited as the world’s most expensive city for dining and coffee.
However, budget airlines such as easyJet offer flights to Zurich with the off-season in October and November usually being cheaper.
A running tram at Bahnhofstrasse in the city center of Zurich, Switzerland, is pictured
The Daily Mail found £59 easyJet flights in November, returning from Luton.
Airport and central hotels can be expensive but you can find cheaper options by staying in districts like Zurich West or the Langstrasse district, as well as considering nearby towns like Winterthur, a 20-minute train ride away.
Street food and cafeterias can be a great way to save on the cost of eating out while in the city.
To travel cheaply in Zurich, use free options like walking, biking with Züri rollt, or joining a free walking tour to get around and see the sights.
Hong Kong
Another city well-known for its high cost to tourists is Hong Kong. Flights alone can be very expensive, but travelling in October and November can be much cheaper.
We found flights for £332 in November with China Southern – although there’s a nearly 18-hour stop in Beijing.
For affordable areas in Hong Kong, look at districts in the New Territories like Tsuen Wan, Tuen Mun, Yuen Long, and Tai Po.
Pictured: The Tsim Sha Tsui Clock Tower in Hong Kong
Many of Hong Kong’s best experiences, such as the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade with its stunning skyline views, are free.
The city has plenty of delicious and affordable food options, from street food to local restaurants and markets, which can be found outside the most expensive districts.
The most cost-effective way to get around in Hong Kong is by using the Mass Transit Railway, which connects almost all major areas and attractions.
Paris
Paris is a city on the top of many traveller’s bucket list with sites such as the Eiffel Tower, Disneyland and Champs-Élysées drawing tourists from across the globe.
The cheapest way to get to Paris from the UK is typically by coach, with companies like FlixBus offering fares as low as £19-£25.
Booking in advance during off-peak seasons like late November to early March, can also be cheaper.
Fontaine Médicis, a monumental fountain inside Jardin du Luxembourg in the 6th Arrondissement of Paris is pictured
Paris has an excellent public transport system, with the London Underground-style Metro, along with buses, trams, and RER trains connecting to the suburbs.
For budget-friendly stays in Paris, consider neighborhoods like Belleville, Montmartre and the Latin Quarter.
There is also no shortage of free museums and parks to such as visiting the Jardin du Luxembourg and the Carnavalet Museum as well as plenty of bistros, brasseries and cafes such as Bouillon Chartier and Le Petit Cler offering pocket-friendly dining options.
Tokyo
The Japanese capital of Tokyo is among one of the most expensive cities in the world.
However, several airlines fly to Tokyo and the routes with stopovers tend to be a lot cheaper than direct flights.
Tokyo is noted for its culinary offering, especially with its reputation as the city with the most Michelin-starred restaurants.
But while there are plenty of high-end gourmet options to choose from, there are also budget-friendly ramen restaurants. Most places give you free unlimited noodles too – if you can fit them in.
Pictured: Huge crowds of people celebrating Cherry Blossom blooming (Hanami) in Tokyo’s Ueno Park
One of the most famous free places to visit is Uneno Park in Taito, where locals flock to during spring for its cherry blossoms.
In the Asakusa neighbourhood, you’ll be able to visit the Senso-Ji Buddhist Temple and explore the local shops and restaurants that the area offers.
New York
New York is expensive. But with planning and know-how, it is possible to eat, drink, explore and sleep without burning a big hole in your wallet.
Downtown Manhattan usually offers the best value hotels in New York with Long Island City, Queens, or the Financial District in Manhattan also affordable options.
Many of New York’s museums offer free admission days or nights. The 9/11 Museum, for example, is free on Mondays and the Whitney Museum of American Art offers pay-what-you-wish tickets on Fridays from 7pm-10pm.
Free ferries go to Staten Island from Lower Manhattan and provide a perfect view of the Statue of Liberty and the dazzling skyline as it chugs across New York Bay and back again.
The Staten Island Ferry is pictured passing the Statue of Liberty
Eating cheap is possible, with street food like pizza, tacos and stuffed bagels affordable options to fuel sightseeing.
There are also plenty of market halls around NYC, starting from the ultra-famous Chelsey Market to Essex Market to Eataly and beyond.
Rome
Rome can be surprisingly affordable – if you know the spots most tourists overlook.
The cheapest time to visit is typically during the winter months and the off-peak shoulder seasons.
In Rome, you can enjoy many attractions and activities for free or on a budget, such as visiting the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and Piazza Navona, exploring Villa Borghese Gardens and the ancient Via Appia Antica, or attending a papal audience.
Take advantage of free museum entry on the first Sunday of the month, participate in free walking tours, and enjoy picnics with goods from local delis.
The Spanish Steps in Rome are pictured
Pictured: Al Fahidi Historic neighbourhood, Khor Dubai
The streets around Termini Station form the largest hotel district in Rome with very competitive pricing and especially in the budget 2/3-star hotels.
Dubai
While Dubai is known as a luxury location, many of its best experiences are free, such as the Dubai Fountain show and walking through the historic Al Fahidi district.
For tourists seeking budget accommodation, consider the neighborhoods of Deira, such as Al Rigga and Muraqabat, or Al Rashidiya and Baniyas Square.
Dubai’s public transport system is among the best in the world, offering affordable and efficient travel.
The city’s oldest network of souks – markets – in the Al Khor area are great way to spend a day and pick up some unique souvenirs and soak up the old-world charm.
Even if you don’t have the cash to shop, you can enter large shopping centres to see the free Dubai Aquarium or the giant dinosaur fossil at the Dubai Mall.
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