For backpackers comparing destinations, Belgrade and Bilbao offer distinct experiences and budget considerations. Here’s a balanced breakdown to help you decide.
Which City Has a Lower Daily Budget?
Belgrade, Serbia, generally offers a more budget-friendly experience than Bilbao, Spain. Backpackers typically spend €30-45 per day in Belgrade, while a trip to Bilbao might range from €45-55 daily. Prices for both cities can fluctuate seasonally, with spring and fall typically offering lower prices than the peak summer months.
What Are the Typical Accommodation Costs?
Belgrade: Expect to pay approximately €15-25 per night for a hostel dorm bed. Private rooms in budget guesthouses might start around €30-45. Bilbao: Hostel dorm beds usually fall within the €20-30 range per night. Budget private rooms or guesthouses would likely start from €40-60. Across Europe, hostels generally cost €15-30 per night, and both cities fit within this broader range but at different ends.
How Do Food and Drink Prices Compare?
Belgrade: A significant advantage for budget travelers. You can often find a hearty local meal for €5-10 at casual restaurants, with street food options even cheaper. Daily food costs could be around €10-15. Bilbao: Meals at local restaurants typically cost €8-15, especially if you opt for the popular ‘pintxos’ (small snacks) which can add up if not mindful. A daily food budget of €15-20 is a realistic estimate. Backpackers typically allocate €10-20 per day for food in European cities.
What Are the Local Transport Expenses?
Belgrade: Public transport (trams, buses) is very affordable. A single ticket might cost around €1-2, or you could opt for a daily pass for approximately €3-5. Total daily transport costs rarely exceed €3-5. Bilbao: Public transport (metro, buses) is efficient but slightly pricier. A single ticket typically costs €1.50-2.50. A daily transport budget of €5-8 is a reasonable estimate. Across Europe, daily transport costs for backpackers generally range from €5-10.
Are There Many Free Activities?
Both cities offer a wealth of free activities. Belgrade boasts numerous parks, historical sites like the Belgrade Fortress, and a vibrant street art scene to explore without cost. Bilbao offers scenic walks along the Nervión River, the exterior architecture of the Guggenheim Museum, and many public parks. AllInMap can help backpackers identify free amenities and points of interest in both locations.
