Top Urban Destinations For Backpackers – With so many countries, it’s hard to know where to travel next! Well, here are what we believe to be the 20 best backpacking destinations around the world…
It has given us the opportunity to meet truly wonderful people, taste delicious new foods, see unforgettable sites and generally have an amazing time.
Top Urban Destinations For Backpackers
Well, luckily for you, we’ve taken the time to put together our favorite backpacking destinations around the world.
Top 10 Countries For First Time Backpackers
To date, we’ve visited over five dozen different countries and we’ve narrowed it down to our top 20.
Note: Some posts may contain affiliate links. Read more in our privacy policy. Learn more about how we create and update content in our publishing guidelines.
But seriously, before we took our epic road trip all over Ireland, I had never seen my own country.
There is no corner of Ireland we haven’t visited and I can safely say it is one of my favorite places in all of Europe.
Backpacking Barcelona: Highlights, Attractions + Travel Tips!
In fact, I think you’ll be surprised how much there is to see and do on a trip to Ireland.
Visiting the castles alone would take weeks, but the mountains, seaside towns, lakes, and more mean you’ll never run out of beautiful things to discover in Ireland.
When you think of Ireland, you naturally think of Dublin, and this is one of those cities that does not disappoint.
It truly lives up to its great reputation as a fun-fueled city full of history and tall tales.
The Backpacker’s Travel Guide To Marrakech
Head into town and you’ll find Irish tunes playing in the streets, Irish bars too numerous to count, and a generally great atmosphere.
Killarney is well known for its stag and hen nights, and it’s not hard to see why.
It has an unbeatable nightlife and lots of Irish charm, with countless bars blasting out traditional Irosh music late into the night.
Also, the city has a lot of natural beauty on offer inside and outside.
Urban Backpacking: 49 Tips For Long Term City Travel
From Killarney Gardens, to the epic Ross Castle, this place is full of amazing things to see and do.
Perhaps the best is the Gap of Dunloe, which is probably the most beautiful spot we’ve discovered anywhere in Ireland.
If you are a Titanic enthusiast (which I am) a visit to the charming town of Cove is a must as it is home to the Titanic Experience.
Also, be sure to check out the epic Ring of Birds, one of Ireland’s most scenic drives.
The 25 Best Places In Africa For Solo Travellers
Although Ireland is clearly the home of alcoholics, alcohol there is more expensive than elsewhere in Europe, especially if you want to drink in typical Irish bars.
To save a bit more you should cook your own food whenever possible, use Airbnb, stay in a hostel or couchsurf or you can rent a campervan and actually combine the cost of transport and accommodation.
You immediately feel happy when you are here and I think it has a lot to do with the pace of life and the beauty that surrounds you.
So, when you go further north and cross into Lapland, it’s just as magical as you picture in your mind, especially at Christmas time.
Days In Mexico City: Top Things To Do — Globetrot Serot
Sure, Finland might not be the cheapest country in the world for backpacking, but it’s totally worth what you spend.
This is a country that offers something unique all year round, whether you visit during the Christmas season or to experience the midnight sun in summer.
What’s great is that getting around Finland is actually very easy, you can get flights or trains to most parts of the country.
But without hesitation, I 1000% recommend you rent a car or campervan and wild camp across the country.
Top Backpacking Destinations In Panama
It is the birthplace of Santa Claus, so if you love anything about Christmas, trust me, Rovaniemi is a must-see in Finland.
You can meet Santa, search for the northern lights, take a husky ride, see reindeer, see polar bears and so much more!
Not only is the town home to Olavinlina, the world’s northernmost medieval stone fort still standing, but it’s also close to one of Lakeland’s most iconic locations, the Pankaharju Ridge area, which is truly epic.
The roads in the Finnish lakelands are connected by bridges, and it’s one of the most scenic drives I’ve ever seen.
Abyaneh: The Red City That Isn’t All That Red
It is located in one of the northernmost parts of Finnish Lapland, giving you a really high chance of seeing the Northern Lights.
Levi also has an excellent ski resort and is close to the Pallas-Ylastanturi National Park which offers beautiful views and wonderful walks.
Back in 207, Bradley and I lived in Croatia for about 5 weeks, and during that time we saw a lot of the country.
It’s reasonably priced, I liked the people, the views are epic, it’s warm and there’s a great atmosphere.
Backpacking Brazil: Our Best Tips & Destinations
Not to mention, Croatia is home to Dubrovnik which is the filming location for King’s Landing in Game of Thrones.
If you go to the coast, there are ample snorkel opportunities in the water, there are nearby islands to explore, such as the stunning island of Brac off the coast of Split.
The Old Town is everything you’d imagine it would be from Game of Thrones, and there’s beauty to be found in every little street.
If you are a fan then visit GOT, climb the city walls for epic views, take a kayak on the water, walk around the old town, and finally visit Fort Lovrijenac.
A Magical Backpacking Morocco Itinerary For 1, 2, Or 3 Weeks
There is much to see and discover in Split including the beautiful Diocletian’s Palace and Old Town; But I suggest you take a day trip to the epic island of Brac and discover the beautiful Zlatni Rat beach.
Pula is a charming city in Croatia and even has its own Colosseum, the Pula Roman Amphitheater which is truly epic.
The city is located on the water, so it has beautiful views along with charming cafes, bars and restaurants.
Even thinking about the 2 months we spent there makes me long to go back to those snowy mountains!
Top 23 Best Places To Travel In 2024! (epic Adventures)
Every corner of Austria is beautiful, with stunning mountain ranges, epic ski resorts, charming cities, and much more.
Austria was actually where Brad and I learned how to ski, so we’ll always have fond memories!
It’s also home to the stunning city of Hallstatt (more on that below), which is widely considered one of the most picturesque places in the world (it really is!).
You can visit the beautiful capital of Vienna and learn the Viennese Waltz after discovering the epic palaces and history here.
Where To Stay In Mexico City During Your Visit (updated 2024)
One of the great things about backpacking in Austria is that it is one of the cheapest countries to fly to from mainland Europe.
Innsbruck is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Austria, and it’s full of great sites.
We visited in winter which meant snow on the mountains; And we love snow, so that was awesome.
If you do visit, take time to wander the cute streets of Innsbruck, try some local strudel, take the cable car to the Hungerburg for amazing views with a coffee, or visit Swarovski for all things crystal.
Backpacking In Poland: Top 19 Sights In Bydgoszcz
It is also home to Europe’s tallest zoo, which is a half-hour walk from the city center.
The Austrian capital is full of amazing sights and many of them are free or low cost, making it a perfect budget backpacker destination.
One thing I love is that Vienna has a really romantic atmosphere, and you can learn the Viennese Waltz here (my Valentine’s Day gift to Bradley).
Be sure to check out Schonbrunn Palace and the surrounding gardens, visit the epic Natural History Museum and then end your day with fun at the Crater Park Funfair.
Fiestas, Tapas And Playas: The Full Travel Guide For Backpacking Spain
It’s a great destination all year round, but we visited in winter and it was epic with winter snow and Christmas vibes.
Whenever you go, you should walk around the old town, eat at one of the restaurants with a beautiful view, visit the 5 Fingers view point and, if the time of year is right, check out the really cool ice cave.
Although it’s off the usual backpacker trail, Malta is now one of my favorite backpacking destinations in Europe.
Because Malta is truly amazingly diverse, with one of the longest and most turbulent histories you can imagine.
A Travel Guide To Backpacking Colombia
And although it’s small, it’s perfect for backpackers who want a country that’s easy to navigate and where it’s really possible to “see it all.”
Also, as part of your tour, you have the chance to visit the stunning islands of Gozo and Comino.
I don’t think Malta gets enough credit for the sheer beauty it has to offer and I think it should be at the top of the list as one of the best countries to visit on a budget.
Best of all, there are no big ugly skyscrapers, instead it retains its old world charm.
Backpackers Guide To Northern Europe: 10 Best Cities For Solo Travelers
It is known as the “Silent City” and it is actually the old capital city of Malta and it sits as a fortress.
You go to Gozo thinking you can see it all in one day, then realize it might be smaller
Top destinations for bachelorette parties, travel destinations for backpackers, backpackers destinations, top destinations for 50th birthday, top florida destinations for families, top destinations for backpackers, backpackers best destinations, top vacation destinations for singles, top mexico destinations for families, top backpackers destinations, top travel destinations for seniors, urban hive backpackers