When planning a backpacking adventure through Europe, Athens and Vienna offer distinct experiences. This comparison helps you decide which city aligns best with your budget and travel style.
Which City Has a Lower Daily Budget?
Athens generally offers a significantly lower daily budget for backpackers compared to Vienna. Backpackers typically spend €35-55/day in Athens, while Vienna often requires a budget closer to €50-70/day for a similar experience, though careful budgeting can keep it within the upper end of the €35-55 range.
What are the Accommodation Costs?
For hostel dorm beds, you can expect to find options in Athens ranging from €18-28 per night. In Vienna, hostel dorms typically start from €25-35 per night, often pushing towards the higher end of the €15-30 range, especially for well-located or highly-rated establishments. Spring and fall typically offer lower prices than summer peaks.
How Much Do Meals and Food Cost?
Athens offers more budget-friendly food options. A backpacker can comfortably budget €15-25 per day for food, enjoying delicious street food like souvlaki (around €3-5) and affordable tavernas. In Vienna, food costs are higher; a daily budget of €20-35 is more realistic, requiring reliance on supermarkets and local bakeries for cheaper meals. Meals at local restaurants typically cost €8-15 in many European cities, but Vienna tends to be at the higher end of this scale.
What are the Daily Transport Expenses?
Both cities have excellent public transport networks. In Athens, you can expect to spend around €5-8 per day on local transport passes (e.g., a 24-hour ticket is approximately €4.50). Vienna’s efficient network is slightly pricier, with daily passes typically costing €7-10. Many central attractions in both cities are walkable, helping save on transport costs.
What About Attractions and Activities?
Athens offers a wealth of ancient history, with many outdoor sites and free-to-explore areas around the Acropolis (though the Acropolis entry itself is significant, around €20-30). Free walking tours are readily available. Vienna boasts numerous palaces, museums, and opera houses which often have substantial entry fees (€15-25 per attraction). However, both cities offer free attractions like parks, churches, and vibrant neighborhoods to explore. AllInMap can help identify free amenities in both locations.
