To help holidaymakers make the most of their money during city breaks this year, Premier Inn has released new research which analysesTripadvisor data for over 100 cities across the globe to find the places that offer the best value for their top attractions.
The entrance fee for the top 15 rated attractions in each city wascollected and calculated in Premier Inn’s new study as an average to find the cities with the best value attractions. The study also factors in citiesthat offer the highest number of free top attractions.
Many cities in the UK score highly in the global and European rankings,with Newport coming out on top in both rankings. This buzzing university city is crowned the UK’s best value city break, providing plenty of budget-friendly, yet highly reviewed attractions for visitors. Fellow Welsh city Swansea also makes the UK rankings, placing in third place as one of the best UK cities to explore on a budget.
In second place for UK cities with purse-friendly attractions is Bournemouth. With only two out of its top 15 rated attractions requiring an entry fee, the British seaside city offers many exciting beaches thatsightseers can enjoy exploring all year around.
The UK’s Ten Best Cities for Sightseeing on a Budget
| # | City | Average cost of top 15 attractions | Number of free attractions |
| 1 | Newport | £0.75 | 13 |
| 2 | Bournemouth | £1.50 | 13 |
| 3 | Swansea | £2.40 | 10 |
| 4 | Newcastle Upon Tyne | £3.65 | 11 |
| 5 | Leeds | £4.00 | 10 |
| 6 | Nottingham | £4.85 | 7 |
| 7 | Glasgow | £5.70 | 9 |
| 8 | Brighton | £5.85 | 8 |
| 9 | Bristol | £6.00 | 8 |
| 10 | Leicester | £6.25 | 8 |
1. Newport, Wales
Newport is officially the best city in the UK to visit if you’re keen to explore multiple attractions on a small budget. The city’s top Tripadvisorattraction, the Caerleon Roman Fortress and Baths, costs just £4.80 to enter and allows visitors to explore the remains of the only Roman legionary barracks on offer in Europe.
Newport’s top-rated free attraction is Tredegar House Gardens. The parklands, ornamental lake and nearby woodlands are free and offer a beautiful day out for the entire family, however, if you want to visit the interior of the 17th-century built house itself, the cost is £12.10 for adults and £6.10 for children.
2. Bournemouth, England
With 13 of its top Tripadvisor attractions completely free, it’s easy to see why Bournemouth is one of the UK’s best value cities. FromBournemouth Beach to the Lower Gardens, there is plenty to explore on sunny days across this British coastal city, with plenty of attractions forthe whole family to enjoy.
For those eager to infuse some culture into their visit, Bournemouth’s top paid attraction is the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum. Here, multiplemuseum rooms offer striking, panoramic views of the sea, whilst others hold prestigious art collections, including paintings and sculptures andfurniture pieces from across the globe.
3. Swansea, Wales
Swansea is another one of the best UK cities to explore on a budget, with its top three best-rated attractions on Tripadvisor all being free natural landmarks – making it a great way to take in the natural beauty that Wales has to offer within affordable means. The Gower Peninsula, Three Cliffs Bay and Caswell Bay are just a few examples of Swansea’swonders that have earned rave reviews from visitors. While Gower Peninsula’s stunning coastal area is perfect for hiking, surfing, and wildlife spotting, Three Cliffs Bay offers a quieter and more secludedbeach that dazzles with its dramatic cliffs and beautiful sunsets.
The LC is the only one of Swansea’s top four attractions that is paid. As Wales’ largest indoor water park, the LC delivers an array of activitiessuited for all ages. From a thrilling climbing wall to fun children’s play areas, this attraction is a must-visit for anyone travelling to Swansea.
4. Newcastle upon Tyne, England
Ranking fourth in the UK cities with the most cost-effective activities, Newcastle upon Tyne offers plenty of top Tripadvisor attractions to suit every budget. While the city’s best-rated attractions, including VictoriaTunnel and a tour of St James’ Park Stadium, require an entrance fee,they’re worth every penny. Starting with the Victoria Tunnel, this underground structure dates back to the 19th century and offers a unique glance at the city’s past, while a tour of St James’ Park Stadium, at £18 per adult, is a must-visit for any football fan.
But it’s not just the paid attractions that make Newcastle Upon Tyne special; its top free attractions provide just as much entertainment. Quayside, Jesmond Dene and The Discovery Museum are just a few of the spots you can enjoy for free while strolling about the city.
5. Leeds, England
Rounding off the top five UK best-value city breaks, Leeds offers visitors an impressive array of things to do at a reasonable cost. The city’s top-rated attractions include some of the UK’s most fascinating museums and parks that have earned high praise from reviewers on Tripadvisor,with the added bonus that most of them are free.
For those eager to get a glimpse of history, Leeds’ Royal Armouries Museum boasts an extensive collection of weapons and armour that is free to visit. Meanwhile Roundhay Park’s vast green space is perfect for a picnic or a stroll to please those chasing the fleeting British sun rays.Also ideal for a sunny spring day, Temple Newsam’s stunning estate offers an exciting getaway for the whole family, from the farm to thebeautiful gardens – all of which you can enter free of charge. Leeds’ paid attractions are equally impressive, with the fascinating and uniqueThackray Museum of Medicine being well worth the entry fee.
Top 10 Value City Breaks in The World
| # | City | Country | Average cost of top 15 attractions | Number of free Attractions |
| 1 | Newport | United Kingdom | £0.75 | 13 |
| 2 | Manila | Philippines | £0.95 | 11 |
| 3 | Hanoi | Vietnam | £0.95 | 7 |
| 4 | Jakarta | Indonesia | £1.00 | 7 |
| 5 | Cairo | Egypt | £1.15 | 8 |
| 6 | Perth | Australia | £1.20 | 12 |
| 7 | Havana | Cuba | £1.25 | 11 |
| 8 | Bournemouth | United Kingdom | £1.45 | 13 |
| 9 | Mumbai | India | £1.55 | 11 |
| 10 | Mexico City | Mexico | £1.55 | 10 |
1. Newport, UK
According to Premier Inn’s research of highest rated attractions, Newport takes the top spot as the most budget-friendly city. Topping the list of Newport’s captivating attractions is the Caerleon Roman Fortress and Baths, a well-preserved piece of ancient history that offers visitors a glimpse into life in Roman Britain.
When looking to save a little money while in the city, visitors can take astroll through the beautiful gardens of Tredegar House, learn about the region’s history at the National Roman Legion Museum, or cross the iconic Newport Transporter Bridge for stunning views of the city – all at no cost. With so many affordable and exciting attractions, Newport is the perfect destination for budget-conscious travellers who want to make the most of their trip.
2. Manila, Philippines
The vibrant capital city of the Philippines, Manila is the second best-value city break around the world. With only four attractions out of its fifteen top-rated Tripadvisor attractions requiring an entry fee, Manila is a treasure trove of free experiences that will delight even the most budget-wary visitor. For a day around town, take a stroll through Intramuros, the historic walled city that offers a look into the Philippines’ colonial past or explore the stunning San Agustin Church, a UNESCO World Heritage site that dates back to the 16th century.
Heading to Fort Santiago will give you a peek into Manila’s military history. The former Spanish fortress now serves as a memorial to the country’s national hero, Jose Rizal. With so many amazing free attractions to explore, Manila is a must-visit destination for sightseers who want to experience the best of the Philippines without breaking the bank.
3. Hanoi, Vietnam
According to Tripadvisor’s reviews, Hanoi is the third most budget-friendly city in the world when it comes to visiting top attractions, and it’seasy to see why. With stunning architecture, rich cultural heritage, and a wealth of free attractions, Hanoi is the perfect destination for travellers who want to visit multiple attractions for a lower cost. The top two Tripadvisor attractions in Hanoi are completely free of charge: the Old Quarter, a maze of narrow streets filled with delicious food, shopping and historical sights, and the Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake), a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city.
When it comes to its paid attractions, Hanoi has plenty of affordableoptions available to explore the city, such as the Temple of Literature and National University, the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, and Hoa Lo Prison, a former colonial prison that now serves as a museum.
4. Jakarta, Indonesia
Jakarta in Indonesia comes in fourth place in the city rankings for the most value-friendly top attractions. The third Asian city to feature in the global ranking, Jakarta is a cost-effective travel destination that’s bursting with culture and excitement. The top-rated attraction is the Grand Indonesia Mall, which is free to enter and offers an array of food, fashion, and entertainment options (which are available at additional cost).
Jakarta also has plenty of accessible paid attractions that are sure to impress, including the Jakarta Aquarium & Safari and the National Monument (MONAS), a towering monument that offers breath-takingviews of the city. If you’re looking for a spiritual experience, don’t miss the Istiqlal Mosque, one of the largest mosques in Southeast Asia: it is free and a must-visit for sightseers interested in Indonesian culture and history.
5. Cairo, Egypt
Closing off the top five rankings for the cities with the most budget-friendly attractions is Cairo. The Egyptian city is filled with striking historical sites, vibrant markets, and friendly locals who are eager to share their city with visitors. The Museum of Egyptian Antiquities is the top-rated Tripadvisor attraction in Cairo: while you will have to pay a modest £4.15 to enter, this museum offers a fascinating look at the history of ancient Egypt.
There are plenty of free attractions to explore in Cairo as well. Take a trip to the Nile River, the lifeblood of Egypt, and soak up the stunning views of the city, or head to Coptic Cairo, the ancient Christian quarter of the city, and explore the beautiful churches and winding streets that offer alook into Cairo’s rich cultural heritage.
A spokesperson from Premier Inn commented:
“Spring is the perfect time to explore new destinations and experience unforgettable adventures. From the vibrant culture of Hanoi to the charming streets of Geneva, our research reveals the cities around the world offering a plethora of top-rated attractions that are sure to delight and inspire, without straining your budget.
“It’s wonderful to see that many UK cities are also able to provide value across their attractions especially with so many appearing in the global rankings, from the likes of Newport and Bournemouth that are a great choice for staycations, as well as attracting global visitors.”
A full breakdown of the best value attraction cities can be found on the Premier Inn website here: https://www.premierinn.com/gb/en/news/2023/best-value-city-attractions.html
