For backpackers prioritizing budget and unique experiences, understanding the cost differences between Antwerp and Venice is crucial. Here’s a balanced comparison to help you decide.
Which City Has a Lower Daily Budget?
Antwerp generally offers a significantly lower daily budget for backpackers.
An estimated daily budget for backpackers, excluding major attractions, might look like this:
- Antwerp: €45 - €70 per day
- Venice: €65 - €100+ per day
Backpackers typically spend €35-55/day in many European cities. Antwerp aligns more closely with this, while Venice often requires a higher budget due to its unique island logistics and high demand.
How Do Accommodation Costs Compare?
Antwerp offers more budget-friendly accommodation options.
- Antwerp: Hostels and budget guesthouses typically range from €20-€35 per night for a dorm bed.
- Venice: Hostels, especially on the main islands, tend to be more expensive, usually starting from €35-€50 per night for a dorm bed. Accommodation on the mainland (Mestre) can be cheaper but requires daily transport to Venice.
(General European hostel range: €15-€30/night)
What Are Typical Food Expenses?
Eating affordably is easier in Antwerp.
- Antwerp: You can find budget-friendly meals from supermarkets, local bakeries, frites stands, and diverse ethnic eateries. A simple sit-down meal might cost €10-€18, while daily food expenses can range from €15-€25.
- Venice: Dining out, especially in tourist areas, can be very expensive. To save money, rely on supermarkets, “cicchetti” (Venetian tapas) from local bars, and takeaway pizza. Daily food expenses can range from €20-€35. Meals at local restaurants typically cost €15-25.
(General European food range: €10-€20/day for backpacker-style eating)
How Much is Local Transport?
Antwerp’s transport is more straightforward and affordable.
- Antwerp: The city center is very walkable. For longer distances, trams and buses are efficient. A single ticket costs around €2.50-€3, and a 24-hour pass is approximately €7.50-€8. Daily transport costs are typically €0-€10 if using public transit or just walking.
- Venice: Walking is the primary and often best way to explore. The Vaporetto (water bus) is expensive; a single ride is €9.50, and a 24-hour pass is €25. Daily transport costs can range from €0-€15, depending on how much you use the Vaporetto.
(General European transport range: €5-€10/day)
Which City Offers More Free Activities?
Both cities offer a wealth of free exploration, though Venice’s unique nature is a free attraction in itself.
- Antwerp: Enjoy exploring the historic Grote Markt, visiting Antwerp Central Station (often called a “railway cathedral”), wandering through the historic core, and admiring the exterior of Our Lady Cathedral. Many churches offer free entry.
- Venice: Simply walking through its labyrinthine streets, crossing iconic bridges like Rialto, and soaking in the atmosphere of St. Mark’s Square (exterior) are all free and unforgettable experiences.
AllInMap can help you locate free amenities like public restrooms and water fountains in both cities, aiding budget travel.
When is the Best Time to Visit for Budget Travel?
Shoulder seasons offer the best balance of cost and experience for both cities.
For both Antwerp and Venice, visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring: April-May, fall: September-October) typically offers milder weather, fewer crowds, and generally lower prices for accommodation and some activities compared to the peak summer months. Winter can be even cheaper but with shorter daylight hours and potentially colder weather.
