Hey, who said backpacking the UK has to be expensive. True, if you’ll be eating out a lot and staying in hotels rather than hostels then it can get quite costly. But if you’re on a budget, then swinging by the local grocery stores for some food and drink supplies and staying in hostels is your most cost effective route.
With that in mind, these 7 cities in the UK are worth visiting (even on your meager budget) and will give you a good travel dosage of the UK.
1.) Glasgow
While the capital Edinburgh is the usual tourist destination, if you are traveling on a budget you might want to consider Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city. Backpack Glasgow is considerably cheaper than Edinburgh for both accommodation and food/drink. While it may lack the romance of its sister city there is no doubt Glasgow has a lot of charm about it. In the past Glasgow has acquired a bad reputation as a bit of a rough city, with its infamous rangers-celtic rivalry, but that is no longer the case. Glasgow city council has spent millions of pounds redeveloping the city center, so that it now includes lots of high end shops and posh restaurants and bars.
Glasgow has the largest shopping district in the UK outside London. It also has a wide variety of museums and art galleries- most of which are free! If you’re not much for the city take a half an hour train ride from Glasgow central station and you can find yourself on the idyllic shores of Loch Lomond. And let’s not forget one of the city’s best assets: its people. Glaswegians are known for their sense of humor and friendliness (Glasgow was even voted the UK’s friendliest city) not to mention their fondness for a few drinks!
Average cost: 20 US dollars
Cheap Hostels:Cheap Hostels: from 15 US dollars
Food: from 6 US dollars
Transport: Glasgow city center can generally be explore on foot, if your heading to the West End you can travel on the subway for on all day for 3.5 US dollars
Official Glasgow Visitors site click here
2.) York
If you’re visiting England it can always be tempting to head straight for London, but venture further north and you can discover the medieval city of York. With it historical walls and famous Clifford Tower, it’s a great way to delve into the past. It’s full of interesting ways to learn about history as well as having beautiful architecture and scenic walks along the river. You can always visit the famous shambles’ which is a small, historical and charming street full of great shops. Backpacking York is cheaper than you think and an excellent place to visit if you want to explore the heart of Yorkshire and all it has to offer.
Average cost: 20 US dollars
Cheap Hostels:Cheap Hostels: from 15 US dollars
Food: from 6 US dollars
Transport: with such a beautiful historic city walking is definitely the best way to explore
Official York Visitors site click here
3.) Dublin
The Republic of Ireland’s capital has long been haunted by its violent and tragic past. More recently though it has managed to move away from this image and become one of Europe’s top tourist destinations. With lots to see and explore Dublin offers a wide variety of entertainment and its people are about the friendliest you’ll meet. Making it a great place to relax in the pub and enjoy a pint of Guinness!
Don’t get discouraged about price gouging when backpacking Dublin. You can still see a lot an have a great time while sticking to your backpacking budget.
Average cost: 20 US dollars
Cheap Hostels:Cheap Hostels: from 10 US dollars
Food: from 6 US dollars
Transport: Buses are the easiest form of public transportation in Dublin and they can be used to get around the city centre of a bit further afield. Fares start from 1.90 US dollars.
Official Dublin Visitors site click here
4.) Newcastle
Made famous by the TV show Geordie Shore, Newcastle is a favorite with fun loving, party-goers throughout the toon’. Backpacking Newcastle upon Tyne boasts a lively city life, some great buildings and famously friendly people. Having a drink on one of the many bars alongside Tyneside is great as well as taking a walk over the Millennium Bridge. Newcastle is a beautiful place and the Geordie’s are sure to make you welcome.
Average cost: 25 US dollars
Cheap Hostels:Cheap Hostels: from 17 US dollars
Food: from 5 US dollars
Transport: Metro tickets start from 2.5 US dollars
Official Newcastle Visitors site click here
5.) Edinburgh
With the world famous Edinburgh castle as a backdrop, Edinburgh is a history rich city to put on your travel list. Braveheart fans will get a rush seeing the William Wallace statue at the castle’s entrance. The St Giles Cathedral, the Royal Mile, Arthur’s Seat, the Royal Botanic Garden, and Real Mary King’s Close are all famous attractions to put on your list when visiting this historic city. Also, spend some time in old town Edinburgh which gives you that feeling of going back in time.
Backpacking Edinburgh is essential if you’re visiting the UK.
Average cost: 25 US dollars
Cheap Hostels:Cheap Hostels: from 17 US dollars
Food: from 5 US dollars
Transport: Metro tickets start from 2.5 US dollars
Official Edinburgh Visitors site click here
6.) London
What list would be complete without London on it? Backpacking London absolutely MUST be included when drafting a list of cities to backpack in the UK. Too famous for it’s own good. Visit the Royal Palace and get a first hand look at the famous Royal Guards standing at attention. Big Ben, Picadilly Circus, the River Thames, the Ferris Wheel known as the “London Eye,” etc… and do it all riding their underground subway known as “The Tube.”
Average cost: 25 US dollars
Cheap Hostels:Cheap Hostels: from 17 US dollars
Food: from 5 US dollars
Transport: Metro tickets start from 2.5 US dollars
Official London Visitors site click here
7.) Liverpool
Every year, legions of fans backpack Liverpool to pay homage to the legendary British rock group called The Beatles, who made their debut in 1961 at the Cavern Club in Albert Dock (which is also a tourist attraction). A number of museums and galleries also make the list of tourist destinations such as -Tate Gallery, Maritime Museum, the Titanic Memorial at Pier Head, Walker Art Gallery, and the Museum of Liverpool. Don’t forget the Liverpool Cathedral and it’s 2,500 bells on St. James Mount.
Average cost: 25 US dollars
Cheap Hostels:Cheap Hostels: from 17 US dollars
Food: from 5 US dollars
Transport: Metro tickets start from 2.5 US dollars
Official Liverpool Visitors site click here
If you have any other cities that you want to add to our list, please let and add them in the comments below.
