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Known for their high-end boutiques, wallet-stretching gastronomical delights, and luxurious hotel offerings, it may seem like an impossible dream to visit some of the world's most cosmopolitan cities on a budget.

However, with the help of last-minute booking sites and a little bit of insider knowledge, it turns out that there are plenty of ways to experience these stunning destinations - without breaking the bank.

Opt for a stroll around New York's recently-built Highline or Paris' Jardin du Luxembourg, or visit one of London's many free museums for a no-cost cultural fix. 

A walk through Times Square won't cost you anything - as long as you can avoid the temptation to shop

Alternatively, pack a picnic lunch and sit along Lake Zurich's promenade or the sprawling Sheep's Meadow in Central Park.

MailOnline Travel reveals the best ways to save a buck in some of the world's most budget-busting cities... 

New York City

Manhattan may be known for its luxurious accommodations and expensive Fifth Avenue boutiques, but, believe it or not, it is possible to visit the Big Apple and stick to a budget.

If you can resist the temptation of popping into over-priced shops and restaurants, a stroll around Times Square won't cost you a dollar and nearby Central Park and Grand Central Station are likewise free to peruse for an afternoon.

For those who prefer to stay south of 42nd Street, the Union Square Farmer's Market, open on weekend mornings, is fantastic for people-watching and you can't beat a stroll along the recently-opened Highline with its breathtaking views of the Hudson River.

When it comes to low-cost hotels, the concrete jungle does have a surprisingly good selection of properties for under £100 per night.

In the warmer months, a stroll through Central Park is the ultimate no-cost activity for locals and visitors alike

Apple Core Hotels' nyma, a new york manhattan hotel, offers rooms for under £100 per night

The hotel is well-located - just five minutes from the Empire State Building - and even has a rooftop terrace

Hotel 31 and Apple Core Hotels' nyma, a new york manhattan hotel, are both located just a five-minute walk from the Empire State Building, which is great for those looking to stay in the heart of midtown without breaking the bank.

For a taste of how the locals live, head to the Broadway Hotel and Hostel or the Belnord Hotel on the city's Upper West Side.

From there, it's a quick walk to the American Museum of Natural History and Central Park's iconic Strawberry Fields, and just steps from countless (less expensive) dining and bar options.

Zurich likewise offers inexpensive thrills, such as the Botanischer Garten, which is free to the public

The many promenades lining Lake Zurich are perfect for a low-cost afternoon picnic in the sun

Zurich

Another of the world's most expensive cities, Zurich likewise offers inexpensive thrills for those who are willing to look.

The city's Botanischer Garten, for example, is free to the public, while the many parks and promenade that line the stunning Lake Zurich are the perfect locations for an afternoon picnic in the sun.

For breathtaking city views, wander up Lindenhof Hill, which is the highest point in the old town and also the historical site of a Roman castle. 

In the summer, many festivals and public events take place on the hill.

For breathtaking city views on a budget, climb Lindenhoff Hill, which is the highest point in the old town

Located in the semi-rural Bonstetten area, Hotel Oktogon is just a quick 15 minute train ride into the city centre

For those who don't mind staying closer to the airport, the Ibis Zurich Messe-Airport is situated about 20 minutes from the city centre with plenty of bus links easily accessible.

Another option for under £100 per night is The Guest's House, a cosy bed and breakfast situated at the foot of the Uetliberg Mountain, about 15 minutes from the heart of the city.

In the semi-rural Bonstetten area, the highly-rated Hotel Oktogon is also about 20 minutes away from the Zurich city centre by car, or a quick 15 minute train ride into Zurich's main station.

The English capital is full of many inexpensive activities, such as a quick photo shoot in front of Big Ben

Take a walk through one of London's Hyde Park or visit Buckingham Palace for the changing of the guards

London

The English capital is full of many inexpensive activities, from exploring the many beautiful parks to paying a visit to Buckingham Palace to watch the changing of the guards ceremony.

The British Museum, in Bloomsbury, and The National Gallery, located in Trafalgar Square, are also free - though select exhibitions may cost more - and are both great starting points to explore the rest of the city.

Similarly, paying a visit to Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, or St. Paul's Cathedral won't impact your wallet, though to go inside, you will have to pay a fee.

On the weekends, meander through the crowds along the Southbank, admire the blooms at the Columbia Road Flower Market or take in the sights (and scents) of Borough Market.

Stay where the locals live - in Dalston - at Premier Inn's London Hackney property

In Trafalgar Square, The National Gallery offers free entry - though donations are recommended

The Jesmond Dene Hotel is another great low-cost option, as its situated just minutes from Kings Cross 

For visitors willing to stay a bit outside the immediate centre of the city, there are plenty of deals to be found.

In the trendy East End, the Premier Inn London Hackney, is located near countless bars, restaurants and shops, and across the street from a London Overground station, which will take you straight into Central London in just eight minutes.

And for those catching a train and heading off on their very own eurotrip, the Jesmond Dene Hotel, conveniently situated just minutes from Kings Cross St Pancras. Plus, it's also an easy walk to many main London attractions.  

While you may need to pay to go up to the top of the CN Tower, a stroll past won't cost you a penny

Visit Toronto's trendy Distillery District or channel your inner bohemian at Kensington Market (pictured)

Toronto

While you may need to pay to get to top of the third-tallest tower in the world, strolling past the city's iconic CN Tower won't cost you a penny.

During the sunny summer months, do as the locals do and board a ferry to nearby Toronto Island and take part in kayaking or canoeing, or simply lounge in one of the many green spaces.

The city's trendy Distillery District is likewise free to roam, or, alternatively, channel your inner bohemian and head west to the shops and cafes of nearby Kensington Market. 

Just east of the downtown core is the Delta Toronto East hotel, offering easy access to the city centre

During the warm summer months, locals and visitors take the ferry across to Toronto Island

To save money, opt to stay outside of the city core and instead look to North York's Best Western Plus, bookable on TripAdvisor from £83 per night or the Delta Toronto East, set just outside the downtown district.

From North York, it's just a short drive - about 20 minutes - to the CN Tower, while the Delta property, located in Scarborough, is also easily accessible to the Toronto Zoo.

And if you feel like splurging, both hotels are also nearby to one of the city's top shopping centres, Yorkdale.

When it comes to saving money in the world's haute-couture fashion capital, you need to know where to look

Thankfully, it's free to visit Champs de Mars and to take a walk through the Jardin du Luxembourg

Paris

When it comes to saving money in the world's haute-couture fashion capital, it may seem like it's next to impossible.

Aside from the plethora of Hermes and Louis Vuitton boutiques beckoning, there are also an endless number of gastronomical musts around the city, however it is possible to see the City of Lights on a budget. 

Looking for activities that don't cost a Euro? Take a stroll through the charming Montmartre neighbourhood, pay a visit to the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Eiffel Tower - to save money, skip going inside - and stop to smell the flowers in the Jardin du Luxembourg.

The charming Montmartre district is perfect for an afternoon stroll to see the painters and cobblestone streets

For a hearty meal on a budget, try L'As du Fallafel in the trendy Le Marais district 

Considered by many to be the city's best falafel, L'As du Fallafel in the trendy Le Marais district is a great place to dine on a budget.

And who says you have to compromise location to save a few pounds? In the heart of Paris' 9th district, the Hotel George Opera - Astotel, which rents for £99 per night, is easily accessible to the Moulin Rouge, Sacre Coeur and Galeries Lafayette. 

Likewise, Hotel Darcet, just 100 metres from Place de Clichy, is just a stone's throw from trendy Montmartre. 

No trip to Tokyo is complete without taking in the bright lights of the Ginza Crossing at dusk

Visit the Imperial Palace, but opt for a walk along the park paths instead of paying for entry

Tokyo 

In such a hyperactive metropolis, it's easy to quickly breeze through a good deal of yen. However, there are plenty of low-cost activities that will ensure you see the best of the Big Sushi, without destroying your wallet. 

The city's Imperial Palace may charge to enter, but the park paths that surround the impressive structure are free. And on Sundays, there are also 250 free bikes offered if you fancy a pedal.

No trip to Tokyo is complete without visiting the candy coloured Harajuku neighbourhood, or without taking in the sights of the Ginza district at dusk. (Think Times Square, but even busier.)

For a budget stay without sacrificing style, try the Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku in the city's business district

Dodge the brightly-hued crowds on Takeshita Dori street in the city's candy-coloured Harajuku district

At The Edo Sakura, Japanese or Western style rooms start from £84 per night on TripAdvisor

For a cheap overnight stay, The Edo Sakura, with rooms for £84 per night, offers easy access to the centre of Tokyo and a choice of Japanese or Western style rooms.

If you prefer to walk, try the Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku in the city's business district.

It's convenient if you're travelling for work and a reasonable price if you're simply looking for a great location from which to explore some of Tokyo's main attractions and the hundreds of nearby bars and eateries.

All hotel prices reflect the cost for a weekend in mid-July, and all rankings are according to the TripAdvisor Popularity Index.