Top 10 Backpacker Destinations 2023: Friendliest Backpacking Cities

Embarking on a backpacking journey is more than just a trip; it’s a gateway to self-discovery and new experiences. Around 44 million backpacking trips take place annually, providing an affordable means of exploring the world. Not only does backpacking offer physical benefits, but it also nurtures self-reliance, promotes healthier mindsets, and provides a break from the hustle of everyday life.

In the spirit of wanderlust, our study, conducted by ‘Cotswold Outdoor’, delves into over 80 capital cities to uncover the best destinations for backpackers in 2023. We consider factors such as average costs (covering public transport, groceries, and hostels), crime rates, mobile internet speeds, and the availability of couch surf hosts and free attractions. The top three backpacker havens for 2023 are Yerevan, Baku, and Bangkok, promising a delightful blend of adventure and affordability.

‘The top ten backpacker destinations 2023‘ are Yerevan in Armenia (No.1), Baku in Azerbaijan (No.2), Bangkok, Thailand (No.3), Hanoi, Vietnam (No.4) Seoul, South Korea (No.5), Madrid, Spain (No.6), Budapest, Hungary (joint No.8), Sofia, Bulgaria (joint No.8), Beijing, China (No.9) and Vienna, Austria (No.10).

Budapest: A Backpacker’s Dream

Topping our list is Budapest, Hungary, a city that beckons with its charm and affordability. Imagine snagging a flight to Budapest for as low as £10! With a generous number of couch surf hosts (64) and budget-friendly hostels (397 at an average of £20.50 per night), Budapest is a backpacker’s paradise. The city boasts 275 free tourist attractions, making every penny count. While mobile internet speeds are mid-range, the average public transport trip comes at a reasonable £0.71. However, basic grocery shopping may dent your budget slightly, averaging £18 for essentials.

European Gems: Warsaw, Prague, Lisbon, and Bucharest

The backpacking trail through Europe continues with Warsaw (Poland), Prague (Czech Republic), Lisbon (Portugal), and Bucharest (Romania) rounding out the top five destinations. European cities dominate the list, offering a plethora of cultural experiences and affordable options for every backpacker.

Budget vs. Glampacking: Finding Your Sweet Spot

For those seeking the most “bang for your buck,” destinations like Podgorica (Montenegro), Rabat (Morocco), and Tirana (Albania) beckon with lower overall costs. On the flip side, if you’re a ‘glampacker’ with a more generous budget, Wellington, Canberra, and Buenos Aires provide a more upscale experience.

Catch Flights, Create Freedom

The thrill of catching a flight to explore new horizons is unparalleled. European cities like Riga, Sofia, Tallinn, Zagreb, Vilnius, Bucharest, and Budapest offer flights as affordable as £10. Conversely, far-flung destinations like Wellington, Canberra, and Buenos Aires demand a more significant investment, with flights costing north of £500.

Hostels vs. Couch Surfing: Where to Rest Your Weary Head

Choosing where to stay plays a pivotal role in maximizing your budget. Hostels, the go-to choice for budget-conscious travelers, are abundant in Bangkok (992), Seoul (578), and Budapest (397). For the most affordable hostel stays, head to Kathmandu (Nepal) and Islamabad (Pakistan), where a night averages just under £6. On the flip side, premium hostels in Reykjavik, Bern, and Dublin offer a more luxurious experience.

If you prefer the warmth of local hospitality, Berlin (335 hosts), Paris (292 hosts), and Brussels (121 hosts) top the charts for couch surfing enthusiasts.

Getting Around and Seeing the Sights: Budget-Friendly Explorations

Exploring a new city becomes a joy with cost-effective public transport. Colombo (Sri Lanka) and Tashkent (Uzbekistan) offer the cheapest average public transport trips (10p and 11p, respectively). To add icing to the cake, Rome, Paris, and Tokyo boast over 500 free attractions each, providing a treasure trove of experiences without denting your budget.

Stay Connected Anywhere: Fastest Mobile Internet Speeds

For those who can’t live without staying connected, Seoul, Oslo, and Doha boast the fastest mobile internet speeds, averaging above 170 Mbps. On the flip side, Accra, Dhaka, and Kathmandu rank as the slowest, with speeds below 15 Mbps on average.

Gotta Eat, Right?!: Savoring Local Flavors on a Budget

While dining out every day might sound like a dream, saving money on groceries is a backpacker’s hack. Islamabad offers the most affordable groceries (£4.72), followed by Cairo (£5.46) and New Delhi (£7).

Choosing Your Backpacking Haven: The Perfect Fit for Every Explorer

Whether you’re a rookie or a seasoned backpacker, choosing the right destination can be a challenge. Our research and the handy “destination picker” are here to guide you in making the best decision for your next adventure. From bustling cities to serene landscapes, the backpacker’s paradise of 2023 awaits your exploration.

Methodology: Unveiling the Best Backpacking Cities

Our study, culminating in a point-score based ranking, analyzes factors for 83 of the world’s capital cities. These include 2023 London outbound one-way flights (Google Flights), hostel and attractions listings (Hostelz.com and TripAdvisor), couch surf hosts (Be Welcome), average mobile internet speeds (World Population Review), and public transport and groceries data (Numbeo). Trust our comprehensive analysis to lead you to your ideal backpacking haven in 2023.