When planning a backpacking adventure through Europe, deciding between the culinary heart of Italy, Bologna, and the imperial grandeur of Austria, Vienna, can be a tough choice. Both cities offer unique experiences, but your budget will be a key factor. As a fair and balanced travel writer, let’s break down the costs to help you make an informed decision.
Which City Has a Lower Daily Budget?
Bologna generally offers a more budget-friendly experience for backpackers. An estimated daily budget for Bologna is €35-58. This typically breaks down to accommodation costs ranging from €18-28 per night for a hostel bed, food expenses of €12-22 per day, and local transport costing €5-8 daily. In contrast, Vienna is notably pricier, with an estimated daily budget of €50-73. Here, you might expect to pay €25-35 for a hostel bed, €18-28 for food, and €7-10 for transport each day. While backpackers typically spend €35-55/day in many European cities, Vienna often requires a slightly higher allocation.
How Do Accommodation Costs Compare?
Hostel prices are a major component of a backpacker’s budget. In Bologna, you can find comfortable hostel beds for an estimated €18-28 per night. This aligns well with the general European hostel range of €15-30/night. Vienna, however, typically commands higher prices, with hostel beds generally ranging from an estimated €25-35 per night, often pushing the upper end of the typical European hostel range or slightly exceeding it for well-rated options.
What Are the Food and Drink Expenses?
Bologna, known as “La Grassa” (The Fat One), offers incredible value for food lovers. Backpackers can enjoy delicious local cuisine, from street food like piadina to hearty pasta dishes in trattorias, with a daily food budget of estimated €12-22. Meals at local restaurants typically cost €8-15 in European cities, and Bologna often provides excellent quality within this range. Vienna has a diverse food scene, but prices are generally higher. A daily food budget of estimated €18-28 allows for exploring market stalls, enjoying a Würstel, or grabbing bakery items, alongside occasional sit-down meals. Supermarket visits are key for both cities to save on costs.
Is Public Transport More Affordable?
Bologna is a relatively compact and walkable city, meaning you might not need public transport much, saving on costs. If you do, single bus tickets are an estimated €1.50-2, with day passes available for an estimated €4-7. Vienna boasts an exceptionally efficient and extensive public transport system (U-Bahn, trams, buses). While single tickets are an estimated €2.40-2.80, purchasing a 24-hour, 48-hour, or 72-hour pass offers better value, with a daily transport cost typically ranging from estimated €7-10 if utilizing passes effectively.
When Is the Best Time to Visit for Budget Travelers?
For both Bologna and Vienna, spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) typically offer milder weather and often lower prices for accommodation and flights compared to the peak summer months. Visiting in the shoulder seasons allows for a more pleasant experience and better deals. Winter can also be cheaper, especially outside of holiday periods, but brings colder temperatures and shorter days.
What About Free Activities and Amenities?
Both cities offer numerous free attractions, such as exploring historic city centers, enjoying parks, and taking advantage of free walking tours. Tools like AllInMap can also help backpackers find free amenities such as public Wi-Fi hotspots, drinking water fountains, and public toilets, helping to stretch your budget further in either city.
