10 Best Budget City Breaks in the US

Anchored along the Arkansas River, Tulsa, Oklahoma is a lively city that feels like the world’s largest small town. Known for its distinct art deco architecture, it’s free to admire the grand buildings in the Deco District on a self-guided walking tour (score a free map from Visit Tulsa).

There’s also no admission fee to explore the Gathering Place, a 66.5-acre riverfront park laced with nature trails, gardens, art installations, and an adventure playground. Housed in an Italianate villa, visits are complimentary at the Philbrook Museum of Art, home to hundreds of Renaissance paintings and a fantastic landscaped garden. Though, what we love most about Tulsa is its abundance of affordably priced hotels in desirable areas.

Chances are if you’re headed to Salt Lake City, Utah, you’re either a nature lover or a history buff. One of Utah’s most famous attractions, Temple Square is the headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You can take a free tour of its 10-acre complex. Just try to time your visit so you can attend a free choir rehearsal or organ recital at Salt Lake Tabernacle, situated within the Square.

The Utah State Capitol building is also quite spectacular as is the Gilgal Sculpture Garden – both are free. And those spectacular Rocky Mountains aren’t far from Salt Lake City, nor is the great Salt Lake, whose ancient shores welcome hikers and bikers.

If you’re hankering for a wallet-friendly, white sand beach break, consider this your cue to hit up Daytona Beach, Florida. Sporting one of the world’s most famous beaches, a holiday here means you’ll have 23 miles of sandy shores at your disposal.

Culture lovers will want to investigate the diverse displays at the Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens, plus the specialised exhibits at the Southeast Museum of Photography. Both offer complimentary visits. There are also free tours of the Rockefeller period rooms at The Casements, the winter home of multi-millionaire John D. Rockefeller. End your trip on a sweet note with a complimentary chocolate factory tour at Angell & Phelps Chocolates (free sample included)!

One of America’s fastest -growing cities is also one of its most inexpensive. Greenville, South  

Carolina may be steeped in southern charm, but an abundance of global companies means the city sports a diverse population -– which translates to a wide variety of culinary options. The majority of Greenville’s restaurants are locally owned, quite casual, and won’t break the bank.

Burn off those calories while admiring the many public art installations dotted throughout city centre. And in Falls Park, you can walk across Liberty Bridge, the only single-suspension bridge of its kind in the Western Hemisphere. While strolling along quaint Main Street is always pleasant, you can also have fun hopping between shops on the city's red and blue trolleys.

Though it was built in 1982, World’s Fair Park in Knoxville, Tennessee is still a popular destination thanks to its green spaces, fountains, and splash parks. Locals love to play and dine at Market Square, and you can soak up the vibrant vibes at a complimentary outdoor concert here.

For an edgy alternative to city centre, explore the Old City if you’re a fan of independent boutiques, live blues, and jazz. Then there’s Ijams Nature Centre, a wildlife sanctuary near city centre that offers easy access to hiking, biking, and inexpensive canoe rentals. There’s no need to pay for a pricey workout class, as Ijam’s Primal Playground offers nature-based workouts for all ages.

The great thing about visiting a capital city is you can expect many of its museums and civic attractions to be free. Such is the case in Washington, D.C., where you can dive into science, history, art, and culture without paying a cent. There are no less than 7 stunning free museums, such as the National Museum of Natural History, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, and the National Gallery of Art.

Refresh your senses at the US Botanical Garden, on the grounds of the US Capitol. It won’t cost you anything to take a tour of the Capitol and The White House, though reservations are recommended. There are also many monuments where you can pay your respects.

The image that often comes to mind when thinking of Albuquerque, New Mexico is hundreds of brightly coloured balloons floating above the high desert landscape. Host of the autumn Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, this is the hot air ballooning capital of the world. Your chances of spotting those whimsical balloons in the sky are high and completely free.

Affordable attractions on the ground include city centre walking tours, exploring Petroglyph National Monument – only a 15-minute drive from city centre and wine tasting. Hotel stays even in the atmospheric Old Town are very reasonable, and the district is flush with historic adobe buildings, plus crafts from local artisans.

You’re probably going to save money by not eating much for lunch in El Paso, Texas – that’s if you’re sampling one of their massive breakfast burritos each morning. El Paso is a popular destination for road trippers wanting to explore West Texas or heading to Mexico. Scenic Drive Overlook is one of those Instagram-worthy, breathtaking vistas not to miss. Additionally, you’ll want to pull over at the 3 historic Spanish missions within 9 miles of each other.

Art lovers will appreciate the abundance of murals (over 100) city centre, where restored historic buildings line the revitalised San Antonio Street. Not to miss are the performances inside Plaza Theatre, a Spanish Colonial Revival gem with spectacular interiors.

College towns are great places for budget-conscious travellers, and Athens, Georgia is no exception. Students don’t have a lot of money to spend, but they do like their live entertainment, happy hour specials, and college sports. If catching a show on campus isn’t your thing, get into the groove along the Athens Music Walk of Fame (it has its own app).

The Georgia Museum of Art and the State Botanical Garden (don’t miss the children’s garden section) are both free of charge. It’s an easy day trip to Atlanta from Athens, but with an abundance of outdoor attractions like Walker Park, Sandy Creek Nature Centre, and the Firefly trail for biking, we suspect you’ll have enough on the go.

The great thing about visiting Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is that many restaurants offer BYOB, which certainly helps the food budget. And given its size, you probably won’t have any trouble sharing a Philly cheesesteak sandwich. It helps to know that at some point you’re probably going to want to imitate Sylvester Stallone and pose on the famous Rocky Steps.

Try and pack your sightseeing into one day to take advantage of Southern Pennsylvania Transport Authority’s affordable 1-day pass for trains, buses, trolleys, and subways. Additionally, the city sports a number of free historic sites including The President’s House, plus The Liberty Bell. For an atmospheric stroll, wander down Elfreth’s Alley, the oldest continuously inhabited residential street in the US.