For backpackers comparing European adventures, Edinburgh and Hamburg offer distinct experiences. Here’s a balanced look to help you decide. Backpackers typically spend €35-55/day in European cities, excluding major tours or extensive nightlife. Spring and fall generally offer lower prices than summer.
Which City Has a Lower Daily Budget?
Hamburg generally offers a slightly lower daily budget than Edinburgh for backpackers. While both cities are within typical Western European cost ranges, Edinburgh, being in the UK, can often trend towards the higher end of the spectrum due to currency conversion (GBP to EUR) and local pricing.
A realistic daily budget for a backpacker (accommodation, food, local transport, no major attractions) could be:
- Edinburgh (Estimated): €45-55/day
- Hamburg (Estimated): €39-50/day
This estimate considers accommodation (hostel bed), budget meals, and local public transport.
How Do Accommodation Costs Compare?
Hostel prices are a major factor for backpackers. Across European cities, a hostel bed typically costs €15-30/night.
- Edinburgh (Estimated): Hostel dorm beds often sit at the upper end of the €25-30/night range, especially during peak season or for well-located options.
- Hamburg (Estimated): You can generally find comfortable hostel dorm beds within the €20-28/night range, often offering good value for money.
Booking well in advance is advisable for both cities, particularly during summer or major festivals.
What About Food and Drink Expenses?
Food is a significant daily expense. Backpackers typically aim for €10-20/day for meals. Meals at local casual restaurants typically cost €8-15 for a main course in many European cities.
- Edinburgh (Estimated): Budget for €15-20/day for food, relying on supermarket purchases, cheap takeaway, or occasional affordable pub lunches.
- Hamburg (Estimated): Budget for €12-18/day. Hamburg offers great value with supermarkets, plentiful bakeries, and cheap street food like Fischbrötchen (fish rolls) and currywurst.
Self-catering from supermarkets remains the most budget-friendly option in both cities.
Is Public Transportation Affordable?
Efficient public transport is key for exploring. Daily transport costs typically range from €5-10 in European cities.
- Edinburgh (Estimated): The city center is highly walkable. Buses are the primary public transport, with a day ticket costing around €5-7 (equivalent of £4-6).
- Hamburg (Estimated): Hamburg boasts an extensive and reliable network of U-Bahn, S-Bahn, buses, and ferries. A day ticket typically costs around €7-9, providing broad coverage.
Which City Offers More Free Activities?
Both cities provide ample opportunities for free exploration, a backpacker’s best friend. AllInMap can help identify free amenities.
- Edinburgh: Many world-class museums and galleries (e.g., National Museum of Scotland, Scottish National Gallery) offer free entry. Exploring the historic Royal Mile, Arthur’s Seat, and Princes Street Gardens is free.
- Hamburg: Wander through the Speicherstadt (warehouse district), Hafencity, and enjoy the free panoramic views from the Elbphilharmonie Plaza. Numerous parks and the vibrant Reeperbahn district offer free exploration.
