As a fair and balanced travel writer, I’m here to help backpackers make informed decisions. Let’s compare Granada and Venice, two distinct European destinations, through a backpacker’s lens.

Which City Has a Lower Daily Budget?

Granada generally offers a significantly lower daily budget for backpackers. A realistic daily budget for Granada, excluding major attractions like the Alhambra, might range from €30-50. Venice is consistently rated as one of Europe’s more expensive cities. A realistic daily budget for Venice would likely range from €45-75, even for budget travelers.

What Are the Typical Accommodation Costs?

In Granada, hostel dorm beds typically range from €15-25 per night. Prices can be lower in the off-season. In Venice, hostel dorm beds are often higher, usually falling within the €25-40 per night range, especially in central areas. Expect peak season prices to be at the higher end.

How Do Food and Drink Prices Compare?

Granada is renowned for its affordable and delicious food scene. Backpackers can expect to spend €10-18 per day on food, thanks in part to the tradition of free tapas served with drinks. Meals at local restaurants typically cost €8-15. Venice can be pricey for food. Backpackers might spend €15-25 per day by opting for supermarket groceries, ‘pizza al taglio’ (pizza by the slice), or ‘cicchetti’ (Venetian tapas) in less touristy areas. Sit-down restaurant meals often start from €15-25.

What About Local Transportation Costs?

Granada is a highly walkable city, especially its historic core. A backpacker might spend €0-5 per day on public transport (local buses) if needed, as many attractions are accessible on foot. Venice’s unique layout means water buses (Vaporetti) are the primary public transport. Single tickets are expensive (€7.50-€9.50 as of early 2020s estimates), but multi-day passes offer better value, costing a backpacker roughly €7-15 per day if used frequently. Walking is free and often the best way to explore.

Which City Offers More Free or Low-Cost Activities?

Granada offers many free activities. Wandering the Albaicín and Sacromonte neighborhoods, enjoying free tapas, and exploring charming plazas costs nothing. The main paid attraction, the Alhambra, requires booking (around €19 for general entry). Venice also provides incredible free experiences, such as crossing the Rialto Bridge, exploring St. Mark’s Square, and getting lost in its labyrinthine streets. However, many iconic activities like gondola rides or museum entries come with a higher price tag.

When Are the Best Times to Visit for Backpackers?

For both cities, spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) typically offer a good balance of pleasant weather and slightly lower prices compared to the peak summer months. Winter can offer the lowest prices but comes with colder weather.

Final Thoughts for Backpackers

Backpackers typically spend €35-55/day in many European cities. Granada aligns closer to the lower end of this range, while Venice leans towards the higher end. Granada offers a vibrant, youthful atmosphere with tangible cost savings, especially in food. Venice provides an unparalleled, iconic experience but demands a more careful budget.

Remember that tools like AllInMap can help you locate free amenities and resources in both cities, further optimizing your budget.