Two Welsh Cities Rank As The World’s Best Value City Breaks

New Study Reveals the Best Cities for Sightseeing On a Budget 

• New research by hotel chain Premier Inn reveals the cities in the UK and around the world, that offer the most affordable top attractions  
• The Welsh city of Newport is not only the UK’s top city for best value attractions, but also ranks first place globally 
• The Welsh city of Swansea also features in the world’s top 15 value city breaks  
• In the global rankings of cities with the best value attractions, Manila in the Philippines comes second, followed by Vietnam’s Hanoi 

To help holidaymakers make the most of their money during city breaks this year, Premier Inn has released new research which analyses Tripadvisor 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 was collected 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 cities that 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 global cities with purse-friendly attractions is Manilla in the Philippines. With only four out of its top 15 rated attractions requiring an entry fee, the vibrant capital city of the Philippines offers a treasure trove of free experiences that will delight even the most budget-wary visitor.

World’s 10 Best Cities for Sightseeing on a Budget 

#	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
5	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

According to Premier Inn’s research of highest rated attractions, Newport takes the top spot as the most budget-friendly city. Manila is the second best-value city break around the world. 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. 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. 

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’s easy 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. 

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 Tripadvisor attraction, 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. From Bournemouth Beach to the Lower Gardens, there is plenty to explore on sunny days across this British coastal city, with plenty of attractions for the 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, multiple museum rooms offer striking, panoramic views of the sea, whilst others hold prestigious art collections, including paintings and sculptures and furniture 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’s wonders 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 secluded beach 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 activities suited 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.  

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

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