Deciding between Bari and London for a backpacking adventure involves weighing budget against diverse cultural experiences. Here’s a balanced comparison to help you choose.
Which City Has a Lower Daily Budget?
Bari offers a significantly lower daily budget. Backpackers typically spend €40-70 per day in Bari (estimated), while London often requires €75-130 per day (estimated). This includes accommodation, food, and local transport.
Bari (Estimated Daily Breakdown):
- Accommodation (hostel bed): €20-35
- Food (street food, local trattorias, some groceries): €15-25
- Local Transport (bus tickets): €5-10
London (Estimated Daily Breakdown):
- Accommodation (hostel bed): €35-60
- Food (supermarket meals, occasional pub lunch): €30-50
- Local Transport (Tube/bus daily cap): €10-15
How Do Accommodation Costs Compare?
Hostel prices are substantially higher in London. While hostel beds in many European cities range from €15-30 per night, London’s popularity and high cost of living push these prices to €35-60 per night (estimated). In Bari, you can typically find a hostel bed for €20-35 per night (estimated), sometimes even lower outside peak season.
What Are Typical Food and Drink Expenses?
Food is considerably more affordable in Bari. Meals at local restaurants in Bari typically cost €8-15, with delicious street food options like focaccia available for a few euros. A daily food budget of €15-25 is realistic. In London, even budget-friendly meals can start at €15-20, and a daily food budget of €30-50 is more realistic for backpackers to avoid solely relying on groceries.
How Much Should You Budget for Local Transportation?
Bari’s public transport is cheaper. A single bus ticket in Bari is usually around €1.00-1.50, making a daily budget of €5-10 sufficient for exploring. London’s extensive transport network (Tube, buses) is efficient but pricier. A daily contactless travel cap for Zones 1-2 often exceeds £8.10 (approx. €9-10), meaning a daily transport budget of €10-15 is more appropriate.
When Is the Best Time to Visit for Budget Travelers?
Spring and fall typically offer lower prices and fewer crowds in both cities compared to the peak summer months. Accommodation and flight costs tend to be higher in July and August. Visiting in shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October) can lead to better deals and more comfortable weather in both Bari and London.
What About Free Attractions?
Both cities offer free attractions, which can help budget travelers. London is famous for its numerous world-class free museums and galleries (e.g., British Museum, National Gallery). Bari offers free exploration of its charming Old Town (Bari Vecchia) and various churches. Tools like AllInMap can help backpackers find free amenities and services in both locations, further stretching their budget.
