The home of the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven, Beijing attracted 200 million tourists in 2011 alone. In other words, it's a pretty busy place. Tripindex: Hotel: £67.72. Return taxi trip: £1.09. Cocktails for two: £15.07. Dinner for two: £17.48. Total cost: £101.37.

From backpackers' retreats to luxury hotels, Bangkok caters for all - which is why more than 20 million tourists head here every year. Tripindex: Hotel: £51.68. Return taxi trip: £1.30. Cocktails for two: £6.05. Dinner for two: £44.35. Total cost:  £103.38.

Hailed as one of Europe's most beautiful cities, Budapest is only one of two European destinations to make Tripadvisor's top ten value for money city destinations. Tripindex: Hotel: £66.58. Return taxi trip: £6.25. Cocktails for two: £22.96. Dinner for two: £27.54. Total cost: £123.32.

This 21st century metropolis, basking in the benefits of in of a booming economy, is an upcoming tourist hotspot for western tourists. Tripindex: Hotel: £72.32. Return taxi trip: £2.34. Cocktails for two: £12.54. Dinner for two: £36.67. Total cost: £123.86.

A popular city among culture lovers, brand new  tourist attractions here include a new museum dedicated to Chopin and another on Jewish history. Tripindex: £69.66. Return taxi trip: £7.90. Cocktails for two: £7.72. Dinner for two: £42.03. Total cost:£127.30.

In recent years, this city has gone from being one of the ugliest in Asia to a dynamic, fun and modern city. Tripindex:  Hotel: £90.31. Return taxi trip: £2.35. Cocktails for two: £16.79. Dinner for two: £20.25. Total cost: £129.70.

Sofia is often overlooked by tourists who merely travel through it on their way to ski resorts or the coast - but they're missing out on a treat. This is definitely one to watch. Tripindex: Hotel: £74.08. Return taxi trip:£2.18. Cocktails for two: £26.18. Dinner for two: £29.94. Total cost:£132.38

Known as the gateway to Indonesia, this city is among the cheapest of all for British holidaymakers to while away a day or two. Tripindex: Hotel: £79.15. Return taxi trip: £2.97. Cocktails for two: £13.74. Dinner for two: £40.16. Total cost: £136.02.

Spectacular Roman ruins, the Great Mosque, amazing mosaics and Islamic art mean that around 2 million tourists visit every year. Tripindex: Hotel: £96.31. Return taxi trip: £3.35. Cocktails for two: £6.38. Dinner for two: £32.16. Total cost: £138.19.

An exotic city glittering with fascinating architecture, both ancient and modern, Hanoi is becoming increasingly popular as a destination for Brits - not least because it represents amazing value for money. It comes top of Tripadvisor's list of cheap cities for 2012. Tripindex: Hotel: £54.80. Return taxi trip: £3.16. Cocktails for two: £14.39. Dinner for two: £18.31. Total cost: £89.93.