Fifty dollars; 3230 roubles; 1.2 million Vietnamese dong; in some cities this amount of money can bankroll a miscellany of merriment and memorable cultural experiences, in others it will barely cover lunch.
But just how far can budget travelers stretch $50 in major metropolises around the world? To find out, we set iBestTravel writers based in cities around the world the challenge of creating an exciting one-day itinerary in their hometowns – that includes dining, transport, and activities – with just $50 in local currency at their disposal.
From sipping cocktails on rooftops in Singapore to getting whipped with tree branches in Moscow, here’s the best way to spend $50 in seven cities around the world.
A 50 Swiss Franc day in Zurich
With its swanky shopfronts along Bahnhofstrasse and lavish high-rise restaurants, visitors to Zurich can often burn through 50 Swiss francs in a matter of minutes. If you want to make it last a full day, you will have to be a touch more tactical with your spending.
- Breakfast: Start your morning with a flaky croissant and an iced coffee for breakfast at one of the supermarkets in the main U-Bahn stations (Sfr4).
- Transportation: Catch the Polybahn funicular (Sfr1.20) up to the university quarter.
- Free sights: Enjoy stunning views from Polyterrasse and explore several free university museums, such as Focus Terra.
- Lunch: Savor a meal at one of the university cafeterias (Sfr11).
- Wander: Stroll through the medieval houses and churches of the city’s charming Old Town, visiting the Kunsthaus fine-arts gallery on Wednesdays for free.
- Dinner: Dine at Tschingg for pasta (Sfr17.50) and a glass of wine (Sfr6).
With Sfr10 remaining, either grab drinks and sweets from a supermarket and enjoy a romantic evening by Lake Zurich or find a free concert in one of the indie bars around Langstrasse.
Claudia Peter is a journalist and traveler based in Switzerland.
A 3230 rouble day in Moscow
Despite being a cosmopolitan capital, 3230 roubles is enough for a rip-roaring 12 hours in modern-day Moscow.
- Breakfast: Energize your day at the popular all-day breakfast place Cookkareku (R336 when ordered from the discount menu).
- Relaxation: Experience the famous Sanduny Baths (off-peak entry R1775) for a regenerative banya (hot bath) and a soothing venik massage.
- Cultural stop: Marvel at contemporary art at Winzavod, a former wine factory where entrance is free.
- Lunch: Enjoy hearty Georgian cuisine at Tsentralny Market or dig into vegetarian dishes (around R800).
- Transportation: Use the Moscow Metro (R50 per trip) to explore the beautifully designed stations.
Andrei Muchnik is a travel and lifestyle journalist based in Moscow.
A 45 euro day in Milan
With a reputation for high finance and haute-couture, Milan may not be the first city that springs to mind when traveling on a budget. Yet, 45 euros takes you further than you would imagine… but only if you plan carefully.
- Brunch: Start at Pave for pastries (10 euro, including sandwich and coffee).
- Sightseeing: Admire the Duomo and stroll through the Galleria for spectacular architecture.
- Theater: Purchase a bargain ticket at La Scala ticket office for 10 euros.
- Afternoon park: Explore Parco Sempione, which also hosts the Triennial Museum (tickets 12 euro).
- Dinner: Relish a Neapolitan-style pizza (10 euro) at Gino Sorbillo and enjoy a quick drink before the show starts.
Stephanie Ong is a writer and editor living in Milan.
A 1.2 million dong day in Ho Chi Minh City
With just under 1.2 million Vietnamese dong, you can create a wonderful one-day itinerary in budget-friendly HCMC, combining memorable cultural sights and luxurious experiences.
- Morning exploration: Visit Thien Hau Pagoda in Cho Lon (Chinatown) and enjoy its cultural atmosphere.
- Brunch: Indulge in Hainanese chicken and rice with fresh coconut (100,000d) at Com Ga Dong Nguyen.
- Art visit: Discover the Fine Arts Museum (scooter 30,000d, entrance 10,000d).
- Cocktail with a view: Sip a cappuccino (200,000d) at EON51, a stylish restaurant 50 storeys up.
- Unique dining: Enjoy pho at Anan Saigon, served with truffle and Wagyu beef (300,000d).
- Cultural performance: Cap off your night with a classical music performance (VND 450,000d) at Saigon Opera House.
James Pham is a writer, editor, and photographer based in Ho Chi Minh City.
A 50 dollar day in NYC
Fifty dollars to see all the juiciest bits of the Big Apple? Not a problem as long as you are happy to skip some of the core (read: expensive) sights in NYC.
- Breakfast: Start your day with a bagel and schmear at Black Seed Bagels ($3.50) and a latte ($4.50) from Gasoline Alley on Lafayette St.
- Park visit: Head to Washington Square Park to eat and enjoy the local buskers.
- Biking: Rent a Citi Bike ($12/day) and pedal to the southern entrance of the High Line, enjoying public artworks along the way.
- Lunch: Savor a burger and fries ($9) from the original Shake Shack.
- Central Park stroll: Discover Central Park, while visiting iconic viewpoints like the Empire State and the Chrysler Building.
- Jazz Club: End your day at Paris Blues with a drink ($10), saving $2.75 for the subway ride home, and use your remaining funds to tip the band.
Mikki Brammer is a writer, editor, and photographer based in New York.
A 67.50 Singaporean dollar day in Singapore
Every year since 2014, Singapore has been crowned the world’s most expensive city to live in, but surprisingly, tourists can still experience this island nation on S$67.50.
- Breakfast: Fuel up with a Singaporean breakfast set (S$2) at any local kopitiam.
- Sightseeing: Enjoy the tranquility at the Singapore Botanic Gardens, accessible by a one-day Tourist Pass (S$10).
- Cultural visit: Explore Chinatown and the Chinatown Heritage Centre (S$15).
- Food adventure: Taste delicious local cuisine at Chinatown Complex (plates from S$2).
- Art experience: Visit the Asian Civilisations Museum (S$8).
- Luxury cocktail: End the day with an eye-wateringly expensive cocktail (S$30) at CÉ LA VI SkyBar.
Ria de Jong is a travel writer based in Singapore.
A 3500 rupee day in Delhi
Whether you’re looking for high culture or great value, 3500 Indian rupees is ample for a fun-filled day in Delhi. Focus on New Delhi and nearby southern suburbs to save time and costs.
- Exhibition: Check out an exhibition at Habitat World for free.
- Park visit: Explore Lodi Garden (also free) and admire colorful street art.
- Lunch: Head to Khan Market for light bites and a glass of Coffee Sangria (Rs1250) at Perch.
- Cultural escape: Visit Sunder Nursery and its historical gardens (entry Rs100).
- Tea-time: Take a taxi to Hauz Khas Village (Rs150) for window-shopping and a gourmet coffee (Rs350).
- Evening music: Enjoy live music at the Piano Man Jazz Club (Rs1500) or explore the street stalls in Chandni Chowk for local flavors.
Puneet Kaur Sidhu is a writer and literary critic based in Northern India.
This article was first published in May 2019 and last updated in February 2020.
