When planning a backpacking trip, understanding the cost and experience of your destination is key. Here’s a balanced comparison of Edinburgh and Munich for budget travelers.
Which City Has a Lower Daily Budget? Backpackers in European cities typically spend €35-55 per day. Both Edinburgh and Munich are major Western European destinations, so expect costs to be towards the higher end of this spectrum. Munich can often be slightly more expensive overall, especially for dining and drinks. However, Edinburgh’s prices, particularly for accommodation, can skyrocket during its famous August festival season, making it significantly pricier during that specific period.
How Do Accommodation Costs Compare? Hostel dorm beds typically range from €15-30 per night across Europe. In Edinburgh, expect hostel prices to generally be €20-35 per night outside of peak season. During the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August, prices can easily exceed €40-50 per night (estimated). In Munich, hostel prices typically range from €25-40 per night. During Oktoberfest (late September/early October), Munich hostel beds can surge to €50 or even €100+ per night (estimated).
What About Food and Drink Expenses? A backpacker’s food budget often falls between €10-20 per day, especially when utilizing supermarkets and cooking. Meals at local restaurants in European cities typically cost €8-15. In Edinburgh, budget options include supermarket groceries (e.g., Lidl, Aldi) and affordable pub lunches, with a casual meal costing around €10-20 (estimated). Munich also offers budget supermarkets (e.g., Aldi, Rewe). Beer gardens can provide relatively good value for hearty Bavarian meals, with a sit-down meal typically costing €12-25 (estimated). While beer itself can be quite affordable in Munich, overall dining might be slightly higher than in Edinburgh.
Is Public Transport Affordable? Daily transport costs for backpackers in European cities typically run €5-10. Edinburgh has an efficient bus network, with day tickets generally costing around €5-6 (estimated, based on current local currency conversions). The city center is also very walkable. Munich boasts an excellent, integrated public transport system (U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams, buses). A day ticket for the inner zone typically costs around €8-9 (estimated), offering extensive access across the city. Both cities provide good value for efficient public transport.
Are There Many Free Activities? Both Edinburgh and Munich offer numerous opportunities for free exploration. In Edinburgh, visitors can enjoy free entry to the National Museum of Scotland and the Royal Botanic Garden, hike Arthur’s Seat, or join a tip-based walking tour. Munich offers the vast English Garden (free entry), free viewing of the Marienplatz Glockenspiel, and free entry to many beautiful churches. In both cities, apps like AllInMap can help you find free amenities such as public restrooms and water fountains, further cutting costs.
Best Time to Visit for Budget Backpackers? For budget-conscious backpackers, spring (April-May) and fall (September-October, outside major festivals) generally offer pleasant weather and lower prices across Europe. In Edinburgh, explicitly avoid August due to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, which drives up all costs. In Munich, steer clear of late September/early October during Oktoberfest for similar budget reasons. Visiting either city outside of these peak events will yield a much more affordable experience.
