Under $100: Bath, England

Bath, England, is a fairy-tale city, tucked into the layers of the rolling English countryside and packed with budget-friendly hidden gems. $100 is equivalent to roughly £67.50.

Colonna & Smalls Coffee Shop © Doc Searls | Flickr

Start your day at Colonna & Smalls, where brewing coffee is treated as an art. They feature beans from all around the world (depending on the season), and offer a new list of brews every week. After an espresso kick, have your first meal of the day at Same, Same But Different, a quaint cafe where you can have a full, traditional English breakfast for £7.50.

The Roman Baths © Andrew Emptage | Dreamstime

Bath, England, is named for its vast history as the central location of The Roman Baths, one of the best-preserved ancient temples and baths in Northern Europe. An adult ticket costs £14, though you can purchase a joint ticket with the Fashion Museum for £18, which houses pieces of fashion from as early as 1600.

Pick up your afternoon foodie fix at Blue Quails Deli, a true hidden gem of Bath. The menu is impressively varied, offering all-day breakfast, international street food and award-winning pies. Try the “meal in a bowl,” a hearty dish that changes daily. In the past they’ve served meatballs and chorizo with chickpeas, and Italian ground beef with tomatoes and pasta.

The 17th Century Fan Vaulted Ceiling of Bath Abbey © Konstantin32 | Dreamstime

No visit to Bath is complete without a stop by the glorious Bath Abbey, renown for its history and architecture. They ask for a suggested donation or £2.50 per adult or £1.50 per student. Then, spend your afternoon at the Victoria Art Gallery and The Holburne Museum, which both offer access to their main collection and small exhibitions free of charge. If you’re interested in their larger exhibitions, they usually charge no more than £3–4.

For dinner, grab a table at Hall & Woodhouse Bar and Restaurant, where you’ll dig into a hearty pub meal with upscale flair. The menu changes seasonally, and has featured meals like a duck and bacon salad and grilled goat cheese.