Embark on a gastronomic adventure through 20 cities where culinary delights await you without breaking the bank. Here’s where to go and what to savor for an unforgettable food experience.
1. Bangkok, Thailand
In Bangkok, you can feast on Pad Thai, mango sticky rice, and fiery curries for just $10-20 a day, experiencing a street food scene that bursts with flavor and authenticity.
2. Naples, Italy
Visit Naples to enjoy the birthplace of pizza, where $20-30 a day lets you indulge in authentic Neapolitan pizza topped with fresh local ingredients like San Marzano tomatoes.
3. Osaka, Japan
With $20-40 daily, Osaka offers treats like takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and kushikatsu, making it a paradise for those who love to explore food through taste and texture.
4. New Orleans, USA
Spend $30-50 a day in New Orleans to dive into its rich Creole and Cajun cuisines, savoring everything from gumbo to beignets in a city that marches to its own culinary beat.
5. Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul’s $15-25 a day food budget allows you to explore an array of kebabs, baklava, and Turkish delight, amidst a backdrop of bustling spice markets.
6. Paris, France
In Paris, $30-50 will let you bask in the glory of croissants, cheeses, and wines that have charmed food lovers in quaint bistros and patisseries across the city.
7. Mexico City, Mexico
Tacos al pastor, tamales, and churros await you in Mexico City, where a $10-20 budget buys you a delicious dive into vibrant street food cultures.
8. Marrakech, Morocco
For $15-25 a day, Marrakech offers a culinary adventure with traditional dishes like tagine and couscous in the lively ambiance of Jemaa el-Fnaa market.
9. Hong Kong, China
Spend $20-40 a day in Hong Kong to sample dim sum, roast goose, and egg tarts, a testament to the city’s rich Cantonese culinary heritage.
10. Barcelona, Spain
In Barcelona, $20-30 daily lets you nibble on tapas and fresh seafood, exploring the famed La Boqueria market for a taste of local life.
11. Lima, Peru
With $15-30, Lima invites you to sample ceviche, lomo saltado, and pisco sour, showcasing its claim as South America’s gastronomic capital.
12. Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town’s $20-30 daily budget allows for indulging in biltong, bobotie, and Cape Malay curry, blending cultures in every bite.
13. Mumbai, India
Enjoy Mumbai’s bold street food like vada pav and bhel puri for $10-20 a day, offering a spicy and sweet symphony of flavors.
14. Lisbon, Portugal
In Lisbon, $20-30 per day can get you tasting pastéis de nata and fresh grilled sardines, a delightful introduction to Portugal’s seafood and sweets.
15. Seoul, South Korea
A budget of $20-30 in Seoul brings you face-to-face with Korean BBQ, kimchi, and street snacks like tteokbokki, celebrating South Korea’s dynamic food scene.
16. Sydney, Australia
For $30-50 a day, Sydney serves up a mix of innovative café culture and fresh seafood, with local delicacies like Australian BBQ and pavlova.
17. Budapest, Hungary
Spend $15-25 daily in Budapest to warm up with goulash and sweet chimney cakes, a reflection of Hungary’s rich culinary history.
18. Vancouver, Canada
In Vancouver, $30-50 a day explores its diverse food scene and exceptional seafood, including local favorites like sushi and poutine.
19. Beirut, Lebanon
Beirut, where $20-30 a day lets you feast on meze, kibbeh, and baklava, offers a taste of Middle Eastern hospitality and flavors.
20. Buenos Aires, Argentina
With $15-25 per day, Buenos Aires invites you to its famous steakhouses to savor asado, empanadas, and the sweet allure of dulce de leche.
21. Copenhagen, Denmark
In Copenhagen, spend $30-50 a day to enjoy New Nordic cuisine, tasting traditional dishes like smørrebrød and Danish pastries in a city that’s redefining global culinary trends.
An Eating Experience
Each city offers a unique glimpse into local cultures through their culinary traditions, providing both affordable and deeply satisfying dining experiences for every palate.
Ghost Roads of America: 12 Haunted Highways with Tales of Terror and Creepy Rest Stops
Discover chilling tales from the America’s spookiest roads complete with ghostly figures and eerie phenomena in this thrilling guide to paranormal hotspots—perfect for adventure seekers and ghost enthusiasts. Ready for a supernatural road trip? Ghost Roads of America: 12 Haunted Highways with Tales of Terror and Creepy Rest Stops
18 High-Crime Cities in the US You Should Avoid
American cities dazzle with culture and history, yet rising crime rates demand cautious exploration. This guide ensures you stay informed and safe. 18 High-Crime Cities in the US You Should Avoid
22 of America’s Most Charming Towns
Hit the road and discover America’s coziest towns, real-life versions of those quaint settings from your favorite novels. Explore charming streets where every storefront tells a story and locals greet everyone with a hello. Ready to dive into the charm? 22 of America’s Most Charming Towns
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Page Light Studios.
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
Tips for Trip Success
Book Your Flight
Find an inexpensive flight by using Kayak, a favorite of ours because it regularly returns less expensive flight options from a variety of airlines.
Book Your Hotel or Special Accommodation
We are big fans of Booking.com. We like their review system and photos. If we want to see more reviews and additional booking options, we go to Expedia.
You Need Travel Insurance!
Good travel insurance means having total peace of mind. Travel insurance protects you when your medical insurance often will not and better than what you get from your credit card. It will provide comprehensive coverage should you need medical treatment or return to the United States, compensation for trip interruption, baggage loss, and other situations.Find the Perfect Insurance Plan for Your Trip
PassingThru is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
To view PassingThru’s privacy policy, click here.