Navigating European backpacking often means choosing between vibrant cultures and keeping a tight budget. Here’s a balanced comparison between Belgrade, Serbia, and Genoa, Italy, to help you decide.
Which City Offers a Lower Daily Budget for Backpackers?
Belgrade, Serbia, generally presents a lower daily budget for backpackers compared to Genoa. A typical backpacker daily budget in Belgrade might range from €30-50, while in Genoa, Italy, the range is often €40-65. These are estimated ranges and can vary based on travel style.
What’s the Typical Daily Budget Breakdown?
For backpackers, a realistic daily budget breakdown (estimated) includes:
- Accommodation (Hostel Bed):
- Belgrade: €15-25 per night
- Genoa: €20-35 per night
- Food:
- Belgrade: €10-20 per day (street food, local markets, budget restaurants)
- Genoa: €15-25 per day (pizza, focaccia, budget trattorias, supermarket ingredients)
- Local Transport:
- Belgrade: €3-7 per day (public transport passes)
- Genoa: €5-10 per day (bus, metro tickets)
- Activities/Miscellaneous: Allow an additional €5-15+ for museum entries, drinks, or small souvenirs in either city. Backpackers typically spend €35-55/day in European cities, with Belgrade often falling on the lower end and Genoa on the higher end of this spectrum.
How Do Food Costs Compare?
Meals at local restaurants in European cities typically cost €8-15. In Belgrade, you can find substantial meals, including traditional Serbian food, for €7-12 at casual eateries. Genoa, being in Italy, often sees prices for a casual restaurant meal or a good pizza ranging from €10-18. Street food options like burek in Belgrade are very affordable (around €1-3), while Genoa offers budget-friendly focaccia or slices of pizza (around €2-5). Supermarket groceries are generally cheaper in Belgrade.
What About Local Transportation?
Both cities offer efficient public transportation systems. In Belgrade, single bus/tram tickets or daily passes are very affordable, typically costing less than €1.50 for a single ride or €3-5 for a daily pass. Genoa’s public transport, including buses and a small metro line, is also reasonable, with single tickets around €1.50-2.00 and daily passes approximately €4.50-7.00. Both cities are walkable in their central areas.
When is the Best Time to Visit for Budget Travel?
Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) typically offer lower prices for accommodation and flights in both Belgrade and Genoa compared to the peak summer months. These seasons also provide pleasant weather for exploring. During winter, prices can be even lower, but some attractions might have reduced hours.
Finding Free Amenities
No matter which city you choose, services like AllInMap can help backpackers locate free amenities such as public restrooms, water fountains, and Wi-Fi hotspots, further stretching your travel budget.
