FROM rooftop bars in South Africa to swimming pools in Marrakech and sundrenched terraces in Madrid – Sun Travel has found of the most affordable spots in the world’s best cities.
These 10 stays are the perfect places to rest your head while travelling around the world and they start from just £6 per night.
Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town is the sixth best city in the world according to Time Out.
It has beautiful beaches and buzzy neighbourhoods, all set against the backdrop of the enormous Table Mountain.
When it comes to affordable places to stay check out Never@Home Green Point near Cape Town Stadium.
Along with private rooms and shared ones (including female-only), the hostel has a rooftop swimming pool, bar and chill-out lounge.
A stay at Never@Home Green Point starts from £20 per night.
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Amsterdam sits at number 34 in the list of the world’s best cities with pretty canals and gabled buildings.
There are plenty of attractions to explore as well as lots of busy bars and cafes to explore.
Anyone heading to the city should take a look at Generator Amsterdam which is inside a former university building overlooking Oosterpark.
One of its most impressive rooms is the bar inside a former lecture theatre.
A bed in one of the dorm rooms starts from £15 per night.
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
With its enormous hilltop castle, winding Royal Mile lined with plenty of shops and of course, pubs – Edinburgh has been announced as the third best city in the world.
It’s easy to walk about on foot and those brave enough should hike up to Arthur’s Seat.
When it comes to where to stay, consider the Castle Rock Hostel which is right next to Edinburgh Castle with easy access to the Old Town.
It has plenty of communal spaces and is a perfect budget stay for Edinburgh explorers – a night in one of the dorms at the Castle Rock Hostel starts from £15 per night.
Osaka, Japan
Travelling to Japan is on the rise, and while flights there are likely to be expensive, staying there doesn’t have to be.
Time Out, which named Osaka as the 39th best city in the world, also said it’s the “undisputed street food capital of Japan“.
When looking for a base to explore and fill your stomach with delicious takoyaki and yakitori, check out Hotel Toyo Hostel.
It’s basic but offers private rooms and is in the heart of the city with stays from £10 per night.
Kraków, Poland
Nicknamed the ‘jewel of the Baltics’, Kraków is said to be ‘fairytale-like’ with its colourful buildings and grand squares.
The pretty city is filled with pretty gardens, parks, and for beer fans, you can get a pint for as little as £1.50.
Any guest that checks into Greg & Tom Beer House Hostel gets free breakfast, dinner and there’s even free beer hour starting from 9pm.
The hostel is three-minutes from the Main Square and rooms start from £10 per night.
Marrakech, Morocco
The 24th world’s best city is Morocco’s vibrant Marrakech where you can haggle in busy souks, take in history at the medinas and stop in traditional tearooms.
To get into the spirit of Marrakech, all the while saving pennies, check into the Equity Point Marrakech.
It’s a unique spa hostel with a swimming pool and even offers hammam and massages to guests.
It also has a relaxing courtyard area and a rooftop bar with views across the city.
One visitor wrote in their review: “The Pool, rooftop terrace, and rooms are amazing. I wish we stayed longer and i would definitely recommend it to anyone who is visiting Marrakesh.”
A stay here starts from £8 per night.
Dublin, Ireland
Closer to home is vibrant Dublin a city known for its charm, old boozers, and friendly locals.
It’s said to be the city for some of the ‘best nights out in Europe‘ so if you want to see it for yourself, head to Generator Dublin.
The hostel that has a mix of private rooms and shared dorms is near the Jameson Distillery and the famous Temple Bar.
Rooms start from £25 per night.
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is hard to beat with the best of both worlds; coast and city.
Some of the most famous attractions include the Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower and with it being so hilly, taking the tram is a popular transport choice.
There are plenty of tascas too where you can dig into bacalhau (salted cod) and sip on sangria.
Goodmorning Solo Traveller Hostel is minutes from the city centre with plenty of communal spaces – some rooms even have balconies.
A stay here starts from £20 per night (a two-night minimum stay is required).
Buenos Aires, Argentina
There’s so much to do in the capital of Argentina from eating its world-class food to exploring the city’s vibrant culture.
Stewart Jackson, the Sun’s UK Digital Editor, who visited the city described it as a “brag-to-your-friends city break that is achingly cool and, once you’re there, incredibly cheap.”
Cocktails can be picked up from £4 and a 30-minute taxi journey can be as little as £3.
Affordability doesn’t stop with places to stay either – First Stop Buenos Aires Hostel is a budget-friendly hostel in the heart of the city.
The hostel offers a variation of rooms – some are private with adjoining ensuites.
A one night stay starts from £20 per night.
Madrid, Spain
Food, nightlife, culture – and just over two hours from the UK, Madrid should be top of your list for a city break.
Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey even called it her “new favourite Spanish city.”
She said: “It feels more livable than other more tourist destinations, with an amazing food and drink scene.
“I mingled with the locals at Pez, where the only thing on the menu is huge sloppy pieces of tortilla chased with a cana (small beer) or tinto de verano for €2.50 (£2.16).”
Generator Madrid is just off of Gran Vía known as ‘Spanish Broadway’ and is a top pick thanks to its rooftop terrace with a bar, sunloungers and hot tubs.
The hostel holds social events too like yoga and DJ sessions and a night in one of the dorms starts from £6 per night.
For more on hotels – here are the very affordable hotels that are better than a five-star – by a holiday expert who’s visited more than 200.
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