The Cheapest (And Best) US Cities To Visit When You're Broke

Just because you don't have a big bank account doesn't mean you can't enjoy a vacation every once in a while — it just means you have to be frugal and pick the right locations. There are plenty of inexpensive cities in the U.S. where you can travel on the cheap while still finding interesting things to see and do. Whether you're going solo, on a romantic getaway or taking the family along, every city has a range of affordable activities — many of them free — if you know where to look. Fancy a riverfront light show in Memphis? Or standing under the ginormous St. Louis Gateway Arch? Or how about exploring Petroglyph National Monument in Albuquerque? All totally worthwhile and totally FREE activities that can be just as fun as expensive tours. 

To get deals on hotels, try traveling during the destination's low season, if it has one. And, consider alternatives to expensive restaurant meals, such as sampling the city's food trucks or having a picnic with finds from local markets. Wherever you decide to visit, traveling with limited funds requires some creative thinking, and perhaps an open mind, but little sacrifice.

If you're a chili-lover, Cincinnati should be at the top of your list of cheap vacation destinations. Chili is generally inexpensive fare, and Cincy boasts more chili restaurants than any city in the nation. It also has more than 80 breweries to help you wash all that chili down. Findlay Market is home to the annual ChiliFest, where you can sample creative recipes — like kimchi chili — from dozens of vendors for one low price. Even if you don't like chili, the Findlay Market is worth a visit. 

The oldest public market in Ohio, Findlay Market features at least 100 vendor booths offering everything from artisan cheeses and meats to ceramics and fresh flowers. You can take a tour of the market for just $5, or you can catch a free tour on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month. Findlay Market is located in Over-The-Rhine, one of Cincy's 52 historic neighborhoods. It's among the largest districts in the U.S. on the National Registry of Historic Places, its rich history evident in its concentrated collection of 19th-century architecture. Other must-visit historic neighborhoods include the downtown area — where you can find the Taft Museum, Carew Tower, Fountain Square, and the Roebling Bridge — and the West End, which features the oldest home in Cincinnati — the 1804 Betts House.

Nashville is the most popular destination city in Tennessee, but it's gotten pricey thanks to the growth of the music and tourism industries. You can avoid the cost and the crowds and still get a taste of Tennessee culture by choosing Knoxville for your getaway instead. There, you'll find plenty of free and low-cost activities and small-town charm. Head to the Knoxville Museum of Art adjacent to the World's Fair Park (the site of the 1982 World's Fair) to see Richard Jolly's steel and glass installation — among the largest in the world. 

Take in some of nature's art at the Knoxville Botanical Gardens, where you can stroll around 47 acres of horticultural delights. After the flora, check out some fauna at Zoo Knoxville. Known as the Red Panda Capital of the World, it has had the greatest number of red panda births among all the zoos in the world. You can also visit the one-of-a-kind Women's Basketball Hall of Fame to learn all about the history of women's basketball and shoot some hoops on the lower-level court. When you get hungry, seek out Yassin's Falafel House for some affordable Mediterranean eats. Burn off your meal with a hike at the can't-miss Ijams (pronounce eye-mms) with 10 miles of trails, including a boardwalk trail that wraps around rock formations and overhangs the river. 

One of the top attractions in San Antonio — and the state of Texas — is undoubtedly the River Walk. A network of winding pathways and footbridges on either side of the river running through downtown, it's like a little bit of Venice in the Southwest. Cafes, shops, and galleries line the riverfront, and there are often free events such as artisan markets and parades. Next, visit the San Fernando Cathedral founded in 1731. It's Texas' oldest church and sits in the main plaza of San Antonio's historic district. It's worth a visit during the day to admire its mixture of colonial Spanish and French Gothic architecture, but you should also plan to come back after dark to see the free sound and light show projected onto the church's facade. 

While you're in the historic district, wander over to the El Mercado — literally, "the market" in Spanish. Stretching three city blocks, it's the biggest Mexican market in the country. Window shop the stalls filled with Mexican crafts, and catch a free performance of Mexican music or traditional dance. When you get hungry, there are plenty of food carts offering a variety of Mexican favorites at affordable prices. 

Louisville is home to the Kentucky Derby and some of the world's finest bourbon distilleries. It's also an affordable city that offers plenty of history, culture, and cuisine. No visit to Louisville would be complete without a visit to the horse-racing mecca, Churchill Downs, where for only $12, you can get a ringside seat for a taste of what has been dubbed "the most exciting two minutes in sports." On Twilight Thursdays, you can see live Thoroughbred races while you sip $2 domestic beers, listen to live music and chow down on food truck fare. Recover from all that excitement with a stroll through Old Louisville and its quiet streets lined with historic mansions in a variety of architectural styles. 

For something more modern, pay a free visit to the 21c Museum Hotel, which houses a 9,000-square-foot gallery space filled with modern art. And, while going to a cemetery is probably not high on your list of fun things to do on vacation, you should definitely visit Cave Hill Cemetery. This sprawling 296-acre burial ground dating back to 1848 is the resting place of several celebrities, including Colonel Sanders and Muhammed Ali. Cave Hill is also known for its gardens, arboretum, and collection of trees and tree species — 7,000 and almost 600, respectively. 

Nicknamed the City of Fountains for its hundreds of water features, Kansas City is a hidden gem that many people overlook. But whether or not you're short of cash, it's worth a visit. If you come from April through October, you'll be able to see all of the fountains flowing. Rack up your step count by taking a self-guided walking tour of the city's spouts, which will also give you the opportunity to get to know several neighborhoods, including trendy Brookside and the historic River Market District, the latter of which is home to the City Market — a 150-year-old market selling everything from fruit and vegetables to vintage finds. 

From there, hop on the free street car, which will take you down Main St. to the Power & Light District — a bustling eight-block commercial hub with a variety of bars, restaurants, shops, live music, and other events. Hop back on the streetcar, and ride it all the way to the terminus at Union Station. Opened in 1914, it was the third-largest train station in the world at the time. Admiring the architecture is free, as are the Money Museum, the Hallmark Visitors Center, and the Model Train exhibit housed inside the station.

It may be one of the poorest cities in America, but Detroit's not short on fun ways to spend a few days of vacation. In fact, it's experiencing a renaissance of late, transforming from a rough-around-the-edges industrial hub into a hot spot for those in the know — the same savvy travelers who reap the benefits with low prices on food, lodging, and activities compared to many of the country's other big cities. The Detroit Riverfront has gotten a facelift in the last decade, and it's now one of the favorite gathering places in the city. Stroll the 3.5-mile waterfront promenade offering expansive city and water views. 

Start at the West Riverfront Park and make your way to Horace E. Dodge Fountain, where you'll also find the International Memorial to the Underground Railroad. The 14-acre Hart Plaza is home to the annual Jazz Festival, so if you time your visit just right, you may get a musical treat. Grab some bites at a local market and make your way to William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor, where you can visit the lighthouse and have a picnic when the weather is fine. If you've still got some energy, hop over the river to Belle Isle, a 982-acre island park with a museum, a nature center, and an aquarium. Stretch out on the river beach or splash in the water, then zip down the giant slide for $1 a ride.