For backpackers weighing their options, Amsterdam and Belgrade offer vastly different experiences, particularly concerning your budget. Here’s a balanced comparison to help you decide.

Which City Has a Lower Daily Budget?

Belgrade is significantly more budget-friendly. Backpackers can realistically expect a daily budget (accommodation, food, transport) of €30-55 in Belgrade. This includes a hostel bed (€15-25/night), budget-friendly meals (€10-20/day), and local transport (€3-7/day).

In contrast, Amsterdam requires a higher daily budget, typically ranging from €60-100+. This estimate covers a hostel bed (€30-50/night), budget food options (€15-25/day), and public transport (€8-15/day). These estimates reflect real-world costs for budget travelers in European cities, with Western European capitals generally at the higher end.

How Do Accommodation Costs Compare?

Hostel prices vary greatly. In Belgrade, a bed in a well-rated hostel dormitory can typically be found for €15-25 per night. In Amsterdam, the same can range from €30-50 per night, and often higher during peak season or for central locations. Spring and fall typically offer slightly lower prices than the busy summer months in both cities.

What Are the Food and Drink Expenses?

Food is considerably cheaper in Belgrade. A casual meal at a local restaurant or street food vendor in Belgrade often costs between €6-15. Budget-conscious backpackers can eat for €10-20 per day by utilizing local markets and bakeries.

In Amsterdam, while budget options like supermarkets or “febo” vending machines exist, a casual meal can easily cost €15-25. For a daily food budget, expect to spend €15-25 by focusing on affordable eateries and grocery shopping. Meals at local restaurants typically cost €8-15 in many European cities, but Amsterdam skews higher.

How Much Does Transportation Cost?

Public transport is efficient in both cities, but prices differ. A daily pass or multiple single tickets for buses and trams in Belgrade typically costs €3-7.

In Amsterdam, public transport (trams, buses, metro) is more expensive. A 24-hour GVB ticket is approximately €9, and individual tickets are around €3-4, pushing daily transport costs to €8-15. Cycling is a popular and often cheaper alternative if you rent a bike for a few days (€10-15/day, with discounts for longer periods).

Which City Offers More Free Activities?

Both cities offer numerous free activities, perfect for backpackers. In Amsterdam, exploring canals, Vondelpark, and wandering through neighborhoods like the Jordaan are free. However, major attractions like world-class museums generally have entrance fees of €15-25.

Belgrade boasts free access to Kalemegdan Fortress, sprawling parks, and walking across bridges for panoramic views. Many museums and galleries have very low entry fees (e.g., €2-5) compared to Western European counterparts. AllInMap can assist in locating free amenities and points of interest in both destinations.