15 HIGH IMPACT Ways To Save Money in Iceland (Updated 2019 Edition)

Updated: 12/20/18 | December 20th, 2018

12/20/18 | December 20th, 2018

Iceland: the land of sheep, northern lights, volcanoes with unpronounceable names (try Eyjafjallajökull), and crazy high prices.

It’s supposedly one of the least budget-friendly countries in the world — which made visiting even more appealing to me. I always view expensive countries as a challenge.

Figuring out how to visit an expensive country on the cheap is like solving a puzzle to me and I relished the challenge of finding out if visiting Iceland on a budget was possible.

And, after multiple visits to the country, I can tell you that traveling to Iceland can be done on a budget. It’s hard but not impossible to do.

Is Iceland expensive? Sure. The country is small, has a short growing season, doesn’t have a lot of crops, and has to import a lot of things it needs.

But, I’ve always found that the more expensive a place to live is, the more the locals work at finding ways to save money and beat the system. This holds true in every expensive country in the world outside of tax shelter countries like Monaco, Bermuda, or the Seychelles! Those places are just hopelessly expensive.

But, anyways, back to Iceland…

Can Iceland travel be expensive? Yes.

Can you beat the system and visit the country on a budget? FOR SURE!

You just need to be mindful of your spending.

How Much I Spent During My Last Visit to Iceland

While I was there, I spent an average of $54 USD per day (and I could have done it for less). Most of my money went to food and accommodation. Here’s a breakdown of my expenses (rounded to the nearest whole dollar) from my last visit which lasted close to ten days:

• Food: $200 USD
• Accommodations: $180 USD
• Alcohol: $80 USD
• Transportation: $95 USD
• Activities: $39 USD

At $54 USD a day, I don’t feel like I missed out on anything. Sure, I wasn’t eating fancy meals at restaurants (though I did eat out a couple of times) and I certainly couldn’t pay for activities such as whale watching, guided glacier walks, or helicopter rides. And, while those would have been fun to do, I found enough free activities to fill my time.

Suggest Budgets for Iceland

How much does it cost to travel Iceland? Well, not as much as you think as you can see. On the low end, you could get by on 6,500–8,000 ISK ($60–$75 USD) a day. That budget includes using local transportation, staying in an Airbnb, a hostel, with Couchsurfers, or camping; taking limited tours; cooking most of your food (restaurant meals are really expensive); and limiting your drinking.

For around 10,000 ISK ($94 USD) per day, you could eat out, drink more, and take more organized tours and paid activities. At 17,500 ISK ($163 USD) a day, you could stay in a budget hotel and eat out for the majority of your meals. At 25,000 ISK ($234 USD) a day or more, you can do whatever you want!

Extreme budget travelers who plan on hitchhiking, cooking all their meals, Couchsurfing, or camping with their own gear can get away with spending around 4,300–5,400 ISK ($40–$50 USD) per day.

Accommodation

Food

Transportation

Attractions

Avg. Daily Cost

Backpacker

$29

$10

$28

$17

$60

Mid-Range

$107

$16

$60

$35

$163

Luxury

$166

$70

$100

$200

$400

 

How to Save Money in Iceland: 15 Hacks to Help You

There are many things in Iceland that will eat into your budget and, in the land of $2.50 USD bottles of water, it’s easy to unconsciously spend money. A beer here, water there, a snack there can add up quickly, and suddenly you’ll find you spent an unplanned $100 USD. You have to work to save money here and be conscious of where your money is going. Keep track of every penny! On my first trip, I got tea just about every day (I love tea) but, at $3.50 USD a pop, it was starting to add up so I had to stop.

However, Iceland is a place full of FREE natural beauty and wonder and there are many ways to save money in Iceland. Here are all ways to travel Iceland on a budget, lower your costs, avoid my spending mistakes, and have extra money for your dream adventure excursion:

1. Hitchhike — Iceland is one of the easiest and safest countries in the world for hitchhikers. You can find rides throughout the country. It’s especially easy in the southern part of Iceland. Though harder, it’s also not impossible to find a ride in the off-season or in the sparsely populated north. I hitchhiked in the Westfjords and it often took me an hour or more to find a ride. However, in the south, you’ll rarely wait more than 15-20 minutes.

One way to find rides is ask around in hostels — people are usually driving the main ring road (M1) that circles the country, and there are only two ways to go on that!

HitchWiki has a lot of information on hitchhiking in Iceland.

2. Bring a water bottle — The water in Iceland is incredibly clean and drinkable. A plastic bottle of water costs about $3 USD, so bring a metal water bottle with you and refill from the tap. It will save you a lot of money and help the environment. There’s no reason to buy water here.

3. Camp — Camping is available everywhere in Iceland. You can camp in designated campgrounds for about $14 USD per night and some hostels allow you to put up tents too. Camping is significantly cheaper than hostels (see the next couple of tips). You’ll need to have your own gear and sleeping bag. Moreover, if you really want to save money on accommodation in Iceland, you can also wild camp and not pay any fees (i.e., just sleep anywhere you want!). It’s legal as long as there’s no sign posted to the contrary, it’s not private land (though some farmers might give you permission), and it’s not in a protected wildlife area. I met a Spanish guy who did this for most of his trip.

4. Become a Hosteling International member — Most hostels in Iceland (especially outside Reykjavik) are part of the Hosteling International group, which means they give discounted rates to members. Hostel dorms cost $27-33 USD per night, and HI members get $5 USD off, so if you plan on staying in hostels, the $28 USD annual membership will pay for itself in no time. You can get a membership at any hostel or online before you go.

5. Bring your own sheets or sleeping bag — As with other Scandinavian countries (yes, I’m putting Iceland in that category), many hostels in Iceland charge you a fee for bed sheets if you don’t have your own or a sleeping bag (pillows are free!). Linen fees begin at $10 USD; however, be sure to research your hostel thoroughly as some will not allow you to bring your own sheets/sleeping bag. Note: If you plan on staying in the same hostel for a few days, you’re only charged the linen fee once.

Side note: I find this policy stupid. It’s meant to reduce the spread of bedbugs, but my own sheets can be carrying bedbugs from hostel to hostel. I don’t get it! It would be much better if hostels provided sheets that they washed, especially in Iceland where they don’t have a water shortage!

6. Don’t drink that much – Due to high taxes, it’s very expensive to drink in Iceland. Here are some average alcohol prices:

• Beer: $10 USD (happy hour: $6 USD)
• Wine: $12 USD
• Bottle of wine at the store: $20 USD
• Bottle of wine at a restaurant: $30+ USD
• Shots: $8 USD

– Due to high taxes, it’s very expensive to drink in Iceland. Here are some average alcohol prices:

Don’t drink and your budget will be fine! OK, maybe once in Reykjavik since its nightlife is world famous. But other than that, don’t. You’ll save a bundle and feel a lot better. No one wants to hike a volcano with a hangover. Most Icelanders don’t go out until past midnight because they want to get sauced at home on the cheap first. (All my Icelandic friends place duty-free orders with me when I come visit.)

And, if you want to drink, be sure to buy tons at the duty-free in the airport and carry with you. It will save 30% off the cost of buying alcohol in the country.

7. Cook your own food — I found food to be the most expensive thing in Iceland. Eating out, even on the cheap, costs about $15 USD or more per meal. Something from a sit-down restaurant with service can cost $25 USD or more!!! It’s easy for your food budget to go through the roof at those prices.

Go grocery shopping. Buy everything you need — such as eggs, cereal, pre-made sandwiches, and pasta — and cook. All hostels, guesthouses, and campsites have kitchens. My grocery bill for about three days of food was the same price as one meal at a restaurant. Make sure to shop at BONUS food stores as they have the cheapest prices.

8. Bring your own tea and coffee – Tea, coffee, or hot chocolate can easily cost 400–700 ISK (even regular drip coffee or a teabag you put into hot water yourself). If you bring your own, you can limit the times you have to buy it and save yourself a handful of krónur.

9. Eat the hotdogs — If you are going to eat out, eat at the sandwich and hot dog stalls you find through the cities. They offer the cheapest (but not healthiest) food in the country. A hot dog costs about $3.50 USD and a regular sandwich will run you about $13 USD (about $17 USD with a drink). A small sandwich is about $8.50 USD. Icelanders have an odd obsession with hot dogs, so as long as the city has more than one road, you’ll find a hot dog stall around.

10. Get a bus pass — During the summer months, you can purchase a countrywide bus pass for $323 USD. If you don’t want to hitchhike, this will be your next cheapest option for getting around Iceland on a budget, especially if you are traveling for a couple of weeks or more. During the winter months, many of the bus routes are closed and this pass isn’t offered. When that happens, you can use the website listed below to find cheaper rides or pay as you go.

11. Rent a car — If you are coming in the off months, staying for a week or less, or don’t want to hitchhike, I would rent a car. They cost between $40-70 USD per day but you can split the costs with traveling companions (or by picking up travelers on the road!) and you’ll get a lot more flexibility than if you take the bus. The best of Iceland isn’t found along its main highway! SADcars offers the cheapest car rentals in the country.

If you rent a car, pick up hitchhikers along the way. They can help pay for gas and lower your expenses. Moreover, you can use the website Samferda to find passengers. This website is very popular and you’ll find a lot of listings on it, especially between some of the big cities. (Note: You can also use this website to find rides. Even if you have to pay the driver, prices are about 50% of the cost of the bus.)

12. Couchsurf — Iceland has a very active Couchsurfing community. I stayed with hosts in Reykjavik and Akureyri and had someone else take me around the famous Golden Circle (the ring of attractions near Reykjavik). Getting involved with the community here is a sure-fire way to save money, get local insights, meet wonderful people, and get a free place to stay. I met a lot of people through the website who took me in and showed me places I wouldn’t have found on my own. Even if you don’t use the website for accommodation, use the community aspect of it and meet some locals. Icelanders are a welcoming people.

13. Find Free Hot Springs – While the Blue Lagoon may be the most popular hot spring, there are lots of others around the country that are free (or at the very least, less money than the Blue Lagoon). Visit the website Hotpot Iceland (hotpoticeland.com) to find the best hot springs all around the island! Some noteworthy hot springs are Reykjadalur, Seljavallalaug, and the underrated Djúpavogskörin.

14. Avoid taxis — The cities in Iceland are small so there’s absolutely no need to waste money on a taxi because you can walk pretty much everywhere. The public transportation is also reliable and much cheaper and they run late so if it’s cold, you can take the bus! Iceland is already expensive enough. Don’t make it worse!

15. Take a free walking tour – Free walking tours are a great way to learn about a new city, its main sites, and get a sense of the culture and history of where you are. I take free walking tours wherever I got! If you’re going to be spending time in Reykjavik, be sure to check out one of the free walking tours in the city!

***Iceland doesn’t have to be expensive to visit. It is possible to travel around Iceland on a budget. These 13 tips will help you save money in Iceland and turn it into a budget-friendly destination. I never felt like I wanted for anything in my two weeks there. (OK, I wanted for some food with flavor, but I can get that back home.) But, overall, while Iceland is never going to be “dirt cheap,” it doesn’t need to be an impossible budget destination. You can travel Iceland comfortably without spending your life savings. Just follow the tips above and have an amazing adventure!

NEXT STEP —> GET ALL OF MY ICELAND TIPS AND ADVICE!

Want to plan the perfect trip to Iceland? Check out my comprehensive guide to Iceland written for budget travelers like yourself!

It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel and save money in one of the most beautiful and exciting destinations in the world.

• My favorite things to see and do
• Money-saving tips
• Budget advice
• Transportation advice
• My favorite non-touristy restaurants, markets, and bars
• And much more!!

Get the Iceland Guide Now!

Iceland doesn’t have to be expensive to visit. It is possible to travel around Iceland on a budget. These 13 tips will help you save money in Iceland and turn it into a budget-friendly destination. I never felt like I wanted for anything in my two weeks there. (OK, I wanted for some food with flavor, but I can get that back home.) But, overall, while Iceland is never going to be “dirt cheap,” it doesn’t need to be an impossible budget destination. You can travel Iceland comfortably without spending your life savings. Just follow the tips above and have an amazing adventure!

 

Book Your Trip to Iceland: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay elsewhere, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. I use them all the time. My favorite places to stay in Iceland are:

• Hlemmur Square (Reykjavik) – A posh hotel with a great bar and traditional Icelandic communal dinners several times a week.
• Kex Hostel (Reykjavik) – Has a café and bar with an awesome happy hour, a comfy lounge, and a heated patio.
• Akureyri Backpacker (Akureyri) – Located in the center of the Old Town with a free sauna and a great restaurant.
• Vagnsstadir Hostel (Hornafjörður) – A great, quiet place if you want to explore glaciers and see the northern lights.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• World Nomads (for everyone below 70)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)

Looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel – and I think will help you too!

Best Things to Do in Sydney: My 15 Favorite Activities for Any Trip

Updated: 10/28/2018 | October 28th, 2018

10/28/2018 | October 28th, 2018

The first time I went to Sydney (all the way back in 2007), I spent most of my days sitting in the botanical gardens, reading a book, and looking at the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. It was the of my trip and all I wanted to do was relax.

Growing up, I had heard always heard about how wonderful and beautiful Sydney was.

And it was true. Sydney was beautiful. I rarely ever got to my book. I was too enamored watching the harbor, relaxing in the gardens, and wandering the city’s walking trails and beaches.

Over the years, I’ve visited Sydney a handful of times, exploring it more and more with each visit. I’ve developed local friends who have opened up their city to me. I’ve seen all the major attractions, the smaller attractions, and everything in between. I can rattle off restaurants, bars, and hidden markets and trails with the best of them.

Sydney is like no other city in the world.

If you’re planning your trip and are wondering what the best things to do and see in Sydney are, wonder no more!

Today, I’m going to share my favorite attractions in Sydney – from fun things to unusual thing to not so touristy things, you’ll see the best of Sydney with this list!

The Best Things to See in Sydney

1. Explore The Rocks

The Rocks is the oldest part of Sydney. With its narrow lanes, fine colonial buildings, sandstone churches, and Australia’s oldest pubs, this was the first neighborhood to be settled when the British first landed in Australia in 1788. It used to be a lot bigger but, sadly, it was almost all torn down in the 1970s for modern high rises and ugly buildings. Luckily, citizen action got most of it preserved instead – and these old buildings have been turned into modern businesses, homes, and tourist attractions.

The Rocks is the oldest part of Sydney. With its narrow lanes, fine colonial buildings, sandstone churches, and Australia’s oldest pubs, this was the first neighborhood to be settled when the British first landed in Australia in 1788. It used to be a lot bigger but, sadly, it was almost all torn down in the 1970s for modern high rises and ugly buildings. Luckily, citizen action got most of it preserved instead – and these old buildings have been turned into modern businesses, homes, and tourist attractions.

The Rocks’ weekend markets, art museums, street entertainment, delicious (and sometimes overpriced) restaurants, and beautiful views of the harbor, Opera House, and bridge make it one of the coolest areas in the city.

Don’t miss: Sydney Observatory Hill Park for a good view of the city, wandering the harbor promenade, and hitting the bars at night.

2. Hang out at the beach

Sydney is synonymous with its beaches and world-class surfing. Since it’s warm and sunny most of the year, the city has a strong beach culture, and on the weekends (and many weekdays for that matter), locals flock to the sea to surf, swim, and crack open a beer. There are over 100 beaches in Sydney.

Sydney is synonymous with its beaches and world-class surfing. Since it’s warm and sunny most of the year, the city has a strong beach culture, and on the weekends (and many weekdays for that matter), locals flock to the sea to surf, swim, and crack open a beer. There are over 100 beaches in Sydney.

From Palm Beach and Manly in the north to the famous Bondi and Coogee in the south, Sydney has a beach for everyone. All the beaches are easy to get to via public transportation or car and there are tons of restaurants and surf shops lining them all. There’s also a coastal walk connecting the beaches together. Keep in mind that the beaches, especially the more famous ones, get really crowded and should be avoided on the weekends.

Don’t miss: Manly (wide and beautiful), Bronte (small and quiet), Coogee (fun), Bondi (the most popular), Palm (chill), and Dee Why.

3. Visit the Royal Botanic Gardens and Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair

You’ll find Australia’s first vegetable garden and a treasure trove of trees, ferns, flowers, and gardens at the Royal Botanic Gardens. The gardens were opened in 1816, and on a sunny day, you’ll see plenty of locals sprawled out all over the lawns soaking up the sun. Home to the oldest scientific institution in the country, the gardens are one of the most visited areas in all of Australia. Here you can also see Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair, a seat carved into a stone cliff, where you can sit and gaze out at the harbor. Up until 2010, there was actually a large colony of flying foxes living in the gardens, but since they were causing too much damage they were removed. The gardens are open daily and admission is free

You’ll find Australia’s first vegetable garden and a treasure trove of trees, ferns, flowers, and gardens at the Royal Botanic Gardens. The gardens were opened in 1816, and on a sunny day, you’ll see plenty of locals sprawled out all over the lawns soaking up the sun. Home to the oldest scientific institution in the country, the gardens are one of the most visited areas in all of Australia. Here you can also see Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair, a seat carved into a stone cliff, where you can sit and gaze out at the harbor. Up until 2010, there was actually a large colony of flying foxes living in the gardens, but since they were causing too much damage they were removed. The gardens are open daily and admission is free

Don’t miss: The free one-hour volunteer-guided tours of the garden.

4. Take the ferry to Manly Beach

The ferry ride to Manly ($12.40 AUD round-trip, $2.50 AUD on Sundays) offers sweeping views of the harbor, Sydney Harbour Bridge, and the world-famous Opera House. It’s a picturesque 30-minute ride will give you some of the best views of the harbor and surrounding area for the cheapest price. Manly, a suburb in the northern part of the city, is famous for its wide beach, giant waves, surfing, and kick-ass nightlife. The area has a completely different vibe to it than the central city and it’s a part of town a lot of tourists miss. It’s one of my favorite areas of Sydney. There are some incredible coastal walking trails on this side of the harbor too.

5. Walk the Sydney Harbour Bridge

The ferry ride to Manly ($12.40 AUD round-trip, $2.50 AUD on Sundays) offers sweeping views of the harbor, Sydney Harbour Bridge, and the world-famous Opera House. It’s a picturesque 30-minute ride will give you some of the best views of the harbor and surrounding area for the cheapest price. Manly, a suburb in the northern part of the city, is famous for its wide beach, giant waves, surfing, and kick-ass nightlife. The area has a completely different vibe to it than the central city and it’s a part of town a lot of tourists miss. It’s one of my favorite areas of Sydney. There are some incredible coastal walking trails on this side of the harbor too.

Almost as iconic as the Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge was built in 1932 as a government employment project during the Great Depression. The project took almost 10 years to complete, and at the time it was the world’s largest steel arch bridge. These days, it’s considered the 6th longest spanning-arch bridge in the world. Stretching 1,149m over the water, it’s also the world’s tallest steel arch bridge and the widest, making it an impressive architectural accomplishment. To quote the famous travel writer Bill Bryson, “This is a great bridge.”

Almost as iconic as the Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge was built in 1932 as a government employment project during the Great Depression. The project took almost 10 years to complete, and at the time it was the world’s largest steel arch bridge. These days, it’s considered the 6th longest spanning-arch bridge in the world. Stretching 1,149m over the water, it’s also the world’s tallest steel arch bridge and the widest, making it an impressive architectural accomplishment. To quote the famous travel writer Bill Bryson, “This is a great bridge.”

Don’t miss: While tours that climb the bridge are expensive ($158 AUD), it is free to walk or bike across it for panoramic views of the harbor and Opera House.

6. Marvel at the Sydney Opera House

This has become perhaps the most iconic site in Sydney, if not Australia. The Opera House is famous for its white-shelled roof, an impressive feat of engineering (getting the roof to stay up took the creation of a complex support system). The building took almost 15 years to complete, opening to the public in 1973. Today, more than 8 million people visit the Opera House annually, with almost half a million taking a guided tour. Daily guided tours are available for 40 AUD and give you a whole new appreciation for just how challenging the building was to design and erect. Tickets for a show in the Opera House vary depending on the performance but expect to pay at least 50 AUD.

This has become perhaps the most iconic site in Sydney, if not Australia. The Opera House is famous for its white-shelled roof, an impressive feat of engineering (getting the roof to stay up took the creation of a complex support system). The building took almost 15 years to complete, opening to the public in 1973. Today, more than 8 million people visit the Opera House annually, with almost half a million taking a guided tour. Daily guided tours are available for 40 AUD and give you a whole new appreciation for just how challenging the building was to design and erect. Tickets for a show in the Opera House vary depending on the performance but expect to pay at least 50 AUD.

Don’t miss: Don’t miss out on the guided tour. It may be expensive but it’s worth every penny.

7. Visit the Blue Mountains

Over the millennia, the ancient sandstone of this national park has been weathered into gorges lined by steep cliffs and separated by narrow ridges. Some activities in Blue Mountains National Park include seeing the magnificent rock formation of the Three Sisters (particularly stunning at sunset and under evening floodlights) or hiking along the paths that offer excellent views of the valley, sheer rock walls, tumbling waterfalls, and magnificent forests. The park is free to visit and you can get there by train from Sydney, which takes 90 minutes. If you want to hike further afield, it’s best to stay overnight! Here are some other hikes you might want to check out if you’re looking to stretch your legs:

• Grand Canyon Walk: A 6km trail that takes you through the most impressive areas of the park. The hike is a bit challenging and takes 2.5 hours but is definitely worth the effort!
• Katoomba Falls: This 4km circuit is an easy walk that takes a couple hours, leading you to the waterfall as well as some great viewpoints.
• Six Foot Track: This 44km hike a challenging endeavor that takes a few days to complete. But if you’re looking to get off the grid and spend a few nights under the stars, this is the hike for you!

Over the millennia, the ancient sandstone of this national park has been weathered into gorges lined by steep cliffs and separated by narrow ridges. Some activities in Blue Mountains National Park include seeing the magnificent rock formation of the Three Sisters (particularly stunning at sunset and under evening floodlights) or hiking along the paths that offer excellent views of the valley, sheer rock walls, tumbling waterfalls, and magnificent forests. The park is free to visit and you can get there by train from Sydney, which takes 90 minutes. If you want to hike further afield, it’s best to stay overnight! Here are some other hikes you might want to check out if you’re looking to stretch your legs:

Don’t miss: The Three Sisters at sunset.

8. See all the museums

Like most major cities, Sydney has a wide variety of museums. You’ll find art museums, history museums, galleries, museums of the weird, and everything in between. And, luckily, thanks to Australia’s Commonwealth past, all the public museums in the city are free, making it a great and inexpensive activity in an otherwise expensive city. My favorite museum in Sydney is the Hyde Park Barracks. Set in the old convict barracks from the 18th century, it does an amazing and detailed job of chronicling colonial life in Sydney, using the stories of the early settlers, historical information, artifacts, and historical recreations! It’s well worth the $10 AUD entrance fee. It’s always the highlight of my trip. Few people visit, making it one of the best non-touristy things to do in the city!

Like most major cities, Sydney has a wide variety of museums. You’ll find art museums, history museums, galleries, museums of the weird, and everything in between. And, luckily, thanks to Australia’s Commonwealth past, all the public museums in the city are free, making it a great and inexpensive activity in an otherwise expensive city. My favorite museum in Sydney is the Hyde Park Barracks. Set in the old convict barracks from the 18th century, it does an amazing and detailed job of chronicling colonial life in Sydney, using the stories of the early settlers, historical information, artifacts, and historical recreations! It’s well worth the $10 AUD entrance fee. It’s always the highlight of my trip. Few people visit, making it one of the best non-touristy things to do in the city!

Other museums in Sydney:

1. Art Gallery of New South Wales (modern art)
2. Museum of Contemporary Art Australia at The Rocks
3. Nicholson Museum (antiquities)
4. Australian National Maritime Museum
5. White Rabbit Gallery (contemporary Chinese art; it also has a teahouse)
6. The Rocks Discovery Museum (local history)
7. Hyde Park Barracks Museum (local, criminal, and judicial history)
8. Australian Museum (natural history)
9. Justice and Police Museum (criminal museum in an old court house)
10. Museum of Sydney (local history)
11. Sydney Jewish Museum

9. Learn to surf

Sydney is often the place travelers bite the bullet and learn the art of Australia’s famous national pastime. There are many companies throughout the city that offer lessons (they can be found on every beach so you don’t need to look hard). While Bondi is the most popular beach in the city, Manly on the north shore of Sydney is considered to have the best waves (though you can find good waves up and down the coast!). Some other great beaches for beginners are:

• Umina Beach
• Collaroy Beach
• Corrimal Beach
• Freshwater Beach
• Palm Beach

10. Wine Tasting in the Hunter Valley

Sydney is often the place travelers bite the bullet and learn the art of Australia’s famous national pastime. There are many companies throughout the city that offer lessons (they can be found on every beach so you don’t need to look hard). While Bondi is the most popular beach in the city, Manly on the north shore of Sydney is considered to have the best waves (though you can find good waves up and down the coast!). Some other great beaches for beginners are:

North of Sydney is one of Australia’s premier wine regions. The Hunter Valley is home to incredible wineries that produce some of the world’s best red wine. While visiting is not easy on the budget, it is an excuse to get out of the city, see the countryside, and do something other than sitting on the beach. Day tours are offered from Sydney but they are expensive ($150-200 AUD) and you’ll spend a lot of time on a bus. It’s best to stay for at least a night out in the valley to get the full experience. This is also a perfect activity for couples or families!

North of Sydney is one of Australia’s premier wine regions. The Hunter Valley is home to incredible wineries that produce some of the world’s best red wine. While visiting is not easy on the budget, it is an excuse to get out of the city, see the countryside, and do something other than sitting on the beach. Day tours are offered from Sydney but they are expensive ($150-200 AUD) and you’ll spend a lot of time on a bus. It’s best to stay for at least a night out in the valley to get the full experience. This is also a perfect activity for couples or families!

If you have a car, you can base yourself in Newcastle or Cessnock, but you’d have a more unique experience if you booked a secluded cabin or home on Airbnb as there are plenty in the area, including some that are also vineyards.

Don’t miss: Want even more fun? Try a bike tour. Grapemobile and Hunter Valley Cycling offer one-day bicycle rentals starting at $35 AUD.

11. Take the Sydney Tower Skywalk

As tall as the Eiffel Tower and twice as high as the Harbour Bridge, the Sydney Tower offers amazing panoramic views of the city from its Skywalk at the top. At $50 AUD, it’s cheaper and easier than climbing the bridge itself, and the views are actually far better. Also included with your purchase of a Skywalk ticket is access to the “4-D” cinema experience, which includes in-theatre effects like wind and fire.

12. Walk one of the coastal walks

As tall as the Eiffel Tower and twice as high as the Harbour Bridge, the Sydney Tower offers amazing panoramic views of the city from its Skywalk at the top. At $50 AUD, it’s cheaper and easier than climbing the bridge itself, and the views are actually far better. Also included with your purchase of a Skywalk ticket is access to the “4-D” cinema experience, which includes in-theatre effects like wind and fire.

There are a number of stunning coastal walks that allow you to take in the breathtaking natural beauty of Sydney Harbor. While tons of people follow the two-hour Coogee-to-Bondi walk (skip the weekends when it’s overly crowded), I found both the shorter walk in Watson’s Bay and the Split-to-Manly walk quieter and more breathtaking. Some coastal walks worth checking out are:

• Rose Bay to Watson’s Bay
• Watson’s Bay to Dover Heights
• Chowder Bay to Balmoral Beach
• Jibbon Beach Loop Track

There are a number of stunning coastal walks that allow you to take in the breathtaking natural beauty of Sydney Harbor. While tons of people follow the two-hour Coogee-to-Bondi walk (skip the weekends when it’s overly crowded), I found both the shorter walk in Watson’s Bay and the Split-to-Manly walk quieter and more breathtaking. Some coastal walks worth checking out are:

Don’t miss: Coogee-to-Bondi walk and Split-to-Manly

13. Explore the markets

Sydney has many amazing markets to walk through. At Paddington Markets (Oxford Street; open Saturdays after 10am), the fish market (Bank Street and Pyrmont Bridge Road), Bondi Farmers Market (Campbell Parade on Bondi Beach), the flower market (Parramatta Road), and a whole lot more seasonal markets, it’s really easy to spend a lot of time wandering and shopping. I love Paddington Markets and the farmers market the best — they draw an eclectic crowd, and the farmers market makes me want to cook nonstop. Some other markets worth checking out are:

• Glebe Market: Vintage clothes and eclectic local handicrafts, as well as delicious food stalls. Open Saturdays from November-February.
• Rozelle Collectors Market: Home to antiques, clothings, DVDs and everything in between. If you like to dig and hunt for awesome finds, this is the market for you! Open weekends from November-February.
• Orange Grove Organic Market: Not only will you find great produce here but there are some incredible food stalls. Definitely come with an appetite! Open Saturdays from November-February.

Sydney has many amazing markets to walk through. At Paddington Markets (Oxford Street; open Saturdays after 10am), the fish market (Bank Street and Pyrmont Bridge Road), Bondi Farmers Market (Campbell Parade on Bondi Beach), the flower market (Parramatta Road), and a whole lot more seasonal markets, it’s really easy to spend a lot of time wandering and shopping. I love Paddington Markets and the farmers market the best — they draw an eclectic crowd, and the farmers market makes me want to cook nonstop. Some other markets worth checking out are:

Don’t miss: Paddington Markets

14. Attend a cultural event

Since Sydney has a complex about Melbourne being called the cultural capital of Australia, it tries to outdo its rival by hosting over 30 official festivals and events each year. It offers art gallery nights, concerts, festivals, and much more. It wants to be seen as more of a beach destination. No matter what time of the year you visit, you will find something going on in the city!

Since Sydney has a complex about Melbourne being called the cultural capital of Australia, it tries to outdo its rival by hosting over 30 official festivals and events each year. It offers art gallery nights, concerts, festivals, and much more. It wants to be seen as more of a beach destination. No matter what time of the year you visit, you will find something going on in the city!

Most of the events are free and a list of what’s going on soon can be found on the Sydney tourism website. It will give you dates, prices, times, and everything in between!

15. Party in King’s Cross

If you’re looking to go out and get wild on the cheap, then go to King’s Cross. This is where the beer is inexpensive and the backpackers (and locals) party late. The famous World Bar is where most of the action happens (cheap drinks and a large dance floor). In this part of town, you’ll find all the backpackers and young students drinking, dancing, and getting crazy. If you’re looking to get wild, then drink here. For a less touristy night life scene, head to Manly, The Rocks, or the CBD (central business district) where there are more locals, fewer travelers, and chiller bars and lounges (but more expensive cocktails and beers).

If you’re looking to go out and get wild on the cheap, then go to King’s Cross. This is where the beer is inexpensive and the backpackers (and locals) party late. The famous World Bar is where most of the action happens (cheap drinks and a large dance floor). In this part of town, you’ll find all the backpackers and young students drinking, dancing, and getting crazy. If you’re looking to get wild, then drink here. For a less touristy night life scene, head to Manly, The Rocks, or the CBD (central business district) where there are more locals, fewer travelers, and chiller bars and lounges (but more expensive cocktails and beers).

****

Sydney is a remarkable city. While some cities scream “run around and see stuff” (cough, NYC, Paris, London, cough), Sydney’s message to visitors is always “relax, go outside, and enjoy the beautiful weather.” Sydney is a destination that wants you to go for a walk, sit by the beach, picnic in the park, and drink wine by the bridge. Sure, there’s plenty to unique things to do here and museums to keep you busy, but I find the best way to enjoy a visit to Sydney is to take it slow, see a few attractions, and, mostly, just lay outside on the beach, sit in a park and at a bar with a glass of wine!

That’s the local Sydney. That’s the best way to visit.

Book Your Trip to Sydney: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay elsewhere, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. I use them all the time. My favorite places to stay in Sydney are:

• Wake Up! – This is my favorite hostel to meet people in. They have comfy beds, a lively bar, friendly staff, and great desk to work from!
• YHA Rocks – With their rooftop and views of the harbor as well as quiet rooms and comfy beds, this location can’t be beat. Book in advance as it fills up quickly.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• World Nomads (for everyone below 70)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)

Looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel – and I think will help you too!

Photo credit: 2, 5, 8, 9, 10,
11, 12, 14, 15, 16

BEST HOSTELS IN NYC: The Top 15 Places to Stay in August 2019

Posted: 1/10/2019 | January 10th, 2019

1/10/2019 | January 10th, 2019

New York City my be the city that never sleeps, but it’s definitely hard to find a (cheap) place to sleep here.

Accommodation in NYC is not cheap — and it’s often hard to find deals.

That’s (in part) by design.

There used to be a lot of hostels in NYC, but the hotel lobby got the city to use an old law meant to block tenements and limit the number of people that could stay in a single room. This effectively shut down most of the hostels in town, except for a few that were grandfathered in.

Now you’re only going to find a few hostels left.

Demand outstrips supply.

Even though there aren’t hundreds of hostels to choose from, there are enough to make a “best hostels in NYC” post, so you’ll know which are worth staying at (there are a few that are really terrible and to be avoided).

So, without further ado, here are…

The Best Hostels in New York City

1. Q4 Hotel

Q4 Hotel is a recently renovated hotel/hostel property with pretty basic rooms, but the beds are comfy and there’s plenty of light. The common room has a pool table and table tennis, and there’s a small kitchen for cooking. Located in Queens, this hostel is a great launching pad to exploring one of the best food neighborhoods in town! It’s a stone’s throw from the Queens Plaza station, where you can take the E line into Manhattan.

Q4 Hotel is a recently renovated hotel/hostel property with pretty basic rooms, but the beds are comfy and there’s plenty of light. The common room has a pool table and table tennis, and there’s a small kitchen for cooking. Located in Queens, this hostel is a great launching pad to exploring one of the best food neighborhoods in town! It’s a stone’s throw from the Queens Plaza station, where you can take the E line into Manhattan.

Dorm beds from $34. Private rooms from $120.

—-> Book your stay at Q4 Hotel!

2. Broadway Hotel & Hostel

This hotel/hostel is close to Central Park. The dorm rooms are small and a bit cramped, but the showers have great water pressure (and you can’t go wrong with that). It’s a nice place to just hang out: the hostel screens movies daily, and there’s a library (with a cozy fireplace), a lounge with a Nintendo Wii system, and a kitchen. If you’re looking for a comfortable place in a more relaxed environment, this is one of the better hostels in town.

This hotel/hostel is close to Central Park. The dorm rooms are small and a bit cramped, but the showers have great water pressure (and you can’t go wrong with that). It’s a nice place to just hang out: the hostel screens movies daily, and there’s a library (with a cozy fireplace), a lounge with a Nintendo Wii system, and a kitchen. If you’re looking for a comfortable place in a more relaxed environment, this is one of the better hostels in town.

Beds from $45. Private rooms from $90.

—-> Book your stay at Broadway Hotel & Hostel!

3. The Local NYC

This hostel is known for having one of the friendliest staffs in town. They really make it their mission to get people socializing, and you’ll find the common area is regularly used for hosting events, screening movies, or showcasing artwork. There’s also a roof terrace overlooking NYC’s skyline, and a bar with great cocktails (the bartenders are generous pourers). The rooms are clean and comfortable too!

This hostel is known for having one of the friendliest staffs in town. They really make it their mission to get people socializing, and you’ll find the common area is regularly used for hosting events, screening movies, or showcasing artwork. There’s also a roof terrace overlooking NYC’s skyline, and a bar with great cocktails (the bartenders are generous pourers). The rooms are clean and comfortable too!

Beds from $45.49. Private rooms available from $99.

—-> Book your stay at The Local NYC!

4. NY Moore Hostel

Located in the trendy, hipster neighborhood of East Williamsburg, this hostel has a central location as well as a host of nice amenities, including free street parking (which is rare in NYC). I also love how it’s covered in artwork and graffiti, which makes it extremely beautiful. The beds are average, but it’s a cozy hostel to stay at.

Located in the trendy, hipster neighborhood of East Williamsburg, this hostel has a central location as well as a host of nice amenities, including free street parking (which is rare in NYC). I also love how it’s covered in artwork and graffiti, which makes it extremely beautiful. The beds are average, but it’s a cozy hostel to stay at.

Dorm beds from $48 (winter), $58 (summer). Private rooms for three people also start around $80.

—-> Book your stay at NY Moore Hostel!

5. Chelsea International Hostel

This is one of the largest (and most centrally located!) hostels in town. One of NYC’s first, it has an outdoor courtyard, a dining area, and two kitchens. As an added bonus, all the dorms are single beds, so no top bunks here! Breakfast is included, and there’s a free pizza party on Wednesdays.

This is one of the largest (and most centrally located!) hostels in town. One of NYC’s first, it has an outdoor courtyard, a dining area, and two kitchens. As an added bonus, all the dorms are single beds, so no top bunks here! Breakfast is included, and there’s a free pizza party on Wednesdays.

Beds from $35. Basic single private rooms from $50.

—-> Book your stay at Chelsea International Hostel!

6. Blue Moon Hotel NYC

Blue Moon has an awesome location in the trendy Lower East Side neighborhood, which is full of bars, restaurants, and shops. It’s a good, basic place to sleep, but there’s no common area or communal kitchen, so don’t expect to make a lot of friends and socialize here.

Blue Moon has an awesome location in the trendy Lower East Side neighborhood, which is full of bars, restaurants, and shops. It’s a good, basic place to sleep, but there’s no common area or communal kitchen, so don’t expect to make a lot of friends and socialize here.

Beds from $52.25.

—-> Book your stay at Blue Moon Hotel NYC!

7. HI New York City Hostel

This is one of the biggest and most popular hostels in NYC. Located on the Upper West Side, there is a ton of space, an outdoor patio, free Wi-Fi, events and activities, and a huge kitchen. Lots of school groups and families stay here, too. It also hosts comedy, improv, and variety shows in the theater room. It’s the best hostel in town!

This is one of the biggest and most popular hostels in NYC. Located on the Upper West Side, there is a ton of space, an outdoor patio, free Wi-Fi, events and activities, and a huge kitchen. Lots of school groups and families stay here, too. It also hosts comedy, improv, and variety shows in the theater room. It’s the best hostel in town!

Beds from $55.

—-> Book your stay at HI New York City Hostel!

8. Jazz Hostels

These hostels are some of my favorite in New York City after the HI hostel. They both provide friendly environments, kitchens, and comfy dorms. Both places are popular for solo travelers, so you’ll find it easy to make friends. There are two locations:

• Jazz Hostel Columbus Circle – If you’re lucky, you might be able to find a bed as low as $20 — but it’s rare. Double private rooms are also available from $90.
• Jazz on the Park (Upper West Side) – Beds are $65–80, double private rooms are also available from $70.

These hostels are some of my favorite in New York City after the HI hostel. They both provide friendly environments, kitchens, and comfy dorms. Both places are popular for solo travelers, so you’ll find it easy to make friends. There are two locations:

—-> Book your stay at the Jazz Hostel Columbus Circle!

—-> Book your stay at the Jazz on the Park!

9. Harlem YMCA

There are five locations in town, but the only one worth talking about is the Harlem one. That’s the biggest and cheapest location, and it’s close to the train; it has a large common area, a courtyard, computers, and big, comfy dorms. The gym, pool, and group classes are included in the price of your stay.

There are five locations in town, but the only one worth talking about is the Harlem one. That’s the biggest and cheapest location, and it’s close to the train; it has a large common area, a courtyard, computers, and big, comfy dorms. The gym, pool, and group classes are included in the price of your stay.

There are only single and double rooms (with bunk beds). Singles are from $75 (in winter) and from $85 (in summer), plus
a $10 resort fee per night.

—-> Book your stay at the Harlem YMCA!

10. American Dream Bed and Breakfast

This cute, family-owned hostel considers itself a bed-and=breakfast: all rooms are private, and breakfast is free (including the fabulous homemade waffles). Plus, it has a great location near the Empire State Building, Union Station, and the Flatiron Building. The staff is very responsive and helpful.

This cute, family-owned hostel considers itself a bed-and=breakfast: all rooms are private, and breakfast is free (including the fabulous homemade waffles). Plus, it has a great location near the Empire State Building, Union Station, and the Flatiron Building. The staff is very responsive and helpful.

Rooms from $94.

—-> Book your stay at the Harlem YMCA!

11. Freehand New York

This isn’t a hostel, but I put it on the list because the rooms are fairly cheap for Manhattan and the place is just super cool. The décor and artwork by Bard College students give it an upscale feel. There’s a great bar and restaurant that’s popular with locals. The rooms aren’t huge, but they have enough space for you to move around. They are all modern and clean, and offer incredible value.

This isn’t a hostel, but I put it on the list because the rooms are fairly cheap for Manhattan and the place is just super cool. The décor and artwork by Bard College students give it an upscale feel. There’s a great bar and restaurant that’s popular with locals. The rooms aren’t huge, but they have enough space for you to move around. They are all modern and clean, and offer incredible value.

Rooms from $99.

—-> Book your stay at the Freehand New York!

13. The Jane

This historic hotel in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District, where you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time, was actually where the survivors of the Titanic were put up when they landed in NYC. Now it’s also one of the best budget hotels in town, with compact single rooms, comfy beds, and shared bathrooms. There’s a café downstairs and a popular nightclub on the weekends. It even offers complimentary bikes for in-town use.

This historic hotel in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District, where you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time, was actually where the survivors of the Titanic were put up when they landed in NYC. Now it’s also one of the best budget hotels in town, with compact single rooms, comfy beds, and shared bathrooms. There’s a café downstairs and a popular nightclub on the weekends. It even offers complimentary bikes for in-town use.

Singles from $125.

—-> Book your stay at The Jane!

14. International Student Center

This hostel on the Upper West Side isn’t just for students. It’s a pleasant place to stay, with free Wi-Fi, comfy and clean beds, kitchens to cook in, and an awesome common area. The age restriction is 18-35, though; you’re out of luck if you’re older! The location is really the main selling point for this place.

This hostel on the Upper West Side isn’t just for students. It’s a pleasant place to stay, with free Wi-Fi, comfy and clean beds, kitchens to cook in, and an awesome common area. The age restriction is 18-35, though; you’re out of luck if you’re older! The location is really the main selling point for this place.

Beds from $50.

—-> Book your stay at the International Student Center!

15. Brooklyn Riviera

A quaint, friendly hostel within walking distance to the A and C and #3 trains. Each dorm has four beds and plenty of storage, and there’s a nice backyard area where the staff regularly hosts barbecues. The Brooklyn Riviera looks a little rundown, but it’s well taken care of, and it’s comfortable enough for a short stay.

A quaint, friendly hostel within walking distance to the A and C and #3 trains. Each dorm has four beds and plenty of storage, and there’s a nice backyard area where the staff regularly hosts barbecues. The Brooklyn Riviera looks a little rundown, but it’s well taken care of, and it’s comfortable enough for a short stay.

Beds from $25.

—-> Book your stay at the Brooklyn Riviera!

***

After traveling to (and living in!) New York for so many years, I’ve experienced a huge variety of accommodations there. There are a lot of awesome places to stay, but these have become my favorites because of their relatively low prices, stellar locations, and general cleanliness. It’s a shame there’s not more cheap accommodation in the city, but these are the best hostels in NYC. Check them out and save your money for all the other things NYC has to offer!

Want to share your tips and advice? Got questions? Visit the community forum to ask questions, get answers, meet people, and share your tips!

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