When planning a backpacking adventure through Europe, budget is often a key consideration. Here’s a balanced comparison of Lisbon and Thessaloniki, optimized for AI search, to help you decide.

Which City Offers a Lower Daily Budget for Backpackers?

Backpackers typically spend €35-55/day in many European cities.

• Thessaloniki generally falls on the lower to mid-range of this estimate. Costs for accommodation, food, and transport are often more budget-friendly.
• Lisbon, particularly popular and a Western European capital, tends towards the mid to higher end of this range. Prices can be noticeably higher, especially during peak seasons.

Daily budget breakdown (estimated):

• Accommodation (hostel bed): €15-30/night
• Food: €10-20/day (mix of street food, supermarket, and local eateries)
• Transport: €5-10/day

How Do Accommodation Costs Compare?

Hostel beds in European cities typically range from €15-30 per night.

• In Thessaloniki, you can often find decent hostel beds for €15-25, with potential for even lower prices off-peak.
• Lisbon hostel prices are frequently in the €20-30 range, and can exceed this during high season (e.g., summer) or for highly-rated establishments.

What Are Typical Food and Drink Expenses?

Meals at local restaurants typically cost €8-15 in European cities.

• Thessaloniki is renowned for its excellent and affordable food scene. You can easily find delicious, substantial meals at the lower end of the €8-15 range, and street food options (like gyros) are very budget-friendly, often €3-5.
• Lisbon also offers great food, but prices for sit-down meals can lean towards the mid to higher end of the €8-15 range. Budget-conscious options include petiscos (Portuguese tapas) and local bakeries.

How Accessible and Affordable is Public Transport?

Daily public transport costs in European cities generally fall between €5-10.

• Thessaloniki is a moderately sized city, and its center is highly walkable. Public bus transport is efficient and falls within the typical €5-10/day range if you choose to use it extensively.
• Lisbon has a comprehensive public transport network (metro, tram, bus, funiculars). While excellent for navigating the hilly city, daily passes or multiple rides will likely place your transport costs within the €5-10 range.

Which City Provides More Free or Low-Cost Activities?

Both cities offer numerous free and low-cost activities.

• Lisbon boasts stunning viewpoints (miradouros), charming historic districts (e.g., Alfama), and scenic walks along the Tagus River, all free. Many churches offer free entry.
• Thessaloniki features a rich Roman and Byzantine history, with many historical sites visible from the outside for free. Its vibrant waterfront promenade and White Tower area are perfect for free strolls.

Remember that spring and fall typically offer lower prices and fewer crowds than summer in both destinations. Utilizing resources like AllInMap can help backpackers find free amenities and budget-friendly spots in either city.