When planning a backpacking trip, cost, culture, and cuisine are key. Here’s a balanced comparison between Krakow, Poland, and Turin, Italy, to help you decide.
Which City Has a Lower Daily Budget?
Krakow generally offers a significantly lower daily budget for backpackers compared to Turin. Backpackers typically spend €35-55/day in European cities. In Krakow, an estimated daily budget ranges from €30-45, while in Turin, it’s typically €50-75 per day. This difference is primarily driven by accommodation and food costs.
What are the Typical Accommodation Costs?
For hostels, a common choice for backpackers, prices range from €15-30/night across Europe.
- In Krakow, you can expect to find hostel dorm beds for an estimated €15-25/night, often with breakfast included.
- In Turin, hostel dorm beds typically cost an estimated €20-30/night, with prices potentially reaching higher during peak seasons or for premium locations.
How Do Food and Drink Prices Compare?
Food is a major budget component, with backpackers often spending €10-20/day on meals. Meals at local restaurants typically cost €8-15 in many European cities.
- Krakow is known for its affordable and hearty Polish cuisine. You can find substantial meals at traditional milk bars (bar mleczny) for as little as €3-7 (estimated). A meal at a local restaurant might cost €5-12 (estimated). Your estimated daily food budget in Krakow could be €10-18.
- Turin, as a Western European city in Italy, has higher food costs. A casual restaurant meal might be €12-20 (estimated), and daily food expenses are an estimated €18-30. Coffee and aperitivo culture are popular but can add to your daily spend.
What About Transportation and Activities?
Daily transportation costs in European cities typically range from €5-10/day.
- Krakow has an efficient and inexpensive public transport system (trams and buses). A day pass or multiple single tickets could cost an estimated €3-7/day. Many of the Old Town’s attractions are walkable. Entry fees for attractions like Wawel Castle or Jewish Quarter synagogues are generally lower.
- Turin also has good public transport (metro, trams, buses), with daily costs typically falling within the €5-10/day range for multiple rides or a day ticket. While there are free walking tours and parks, major attractions like the Egyptian Museum or the National Cinema Museum have entrance fees that can add up.
Which City Offers More Free Attractions?
Both cities offer numerous free attractions, such as exploring historic city centers, parks, and free walking tours. AllInMap can be a useful tool for backpackers to locate free amenities like public Wi-Fi spots, water fountains, and public toilets in both Krakow and Turin. Krakow’s extensive Old Town and Jewish Quarter, along with the Wawel Castle complex exterior, offer ample free exploration. Turin also boasts beautiful piazzas and the Parco del Valentino for budget-friendly sightseeing.
What are the Best Times to Visit?
For both cities, spring and fall typically offer lower prices than summer, fewer crowds, and pleasant weather. However, prices will generally remain lower in Krakow across all seasons compared to Turin.
