Navigating Europe on a budget requires smart choices. Here’s a balanced comparison of London and Zagreb for backpackers, helping you make an informed decision.

Which City Has a Lower Daily Budget?

Zagreb is significantly more budget-friendly than London for backpackers.

• Estimated Daily Budget (London): Expect to spend €75-120+ per day. This typically breaks down to accommodation (€40-60+), food (€25-40), and transport (€10-15).
• Estimated Daily Budget (Zagreb): A more realistic daily budget is €37-65 per day. This usually covers accommodation (€18-30), food (€15-25), and transport (€4-8).
• General Note: Backpackers typically spend €35-55/day in many European cities, making Zagreb closer to this average and London a notable outlier.

How Do Accommodation Costs Compare?

Hostel dorm beds are considerably more expensive in London.

• London: Hostel dorm beds often range from €40-60+ per night, especially in central areas or during peak season.
• Zagreb: You can typically find a hostel dorm bed for €18-30 per night, offering excellent value.
• General Note: Across European cities, hostel dorms often fall within a €15-30/night range, with London being an exception.

What About Food and Drink Expenses?

Zagreb offers much more affordable dining options.

• London: Even budget meals like street food or a supermarket sandwich can cost €10-15. A casual restaurant meal often starts from €20-35+.
• Zagreb: Affordable local restaurants typically offer delicious meals for €8-15. Supermarket groceries and local markets are also very budget-friendly.
• General Note: Meals at local restaurants typically cost €8-15 in many European cities, aligning with Zagreb’s prices.

Is Public Transport Affordable?

Zagreb’s public transport is substantially cheaper.

• London: Public transport (Tube, buses) is relatively expensive. A daily cap for zones 1-2 using an Oyster card or contactless payment is estimated around €9.50-€10.50.
• Zagreb: Public transport (trams, buses) is very affordable. Single tickets cost approximately €0.50-€1.30, and a daily ticket is around €4-€5 (estimated).
• General Note: Transport costs in European cities typically range from €5-10/day, with London being at the higher end.

What’s the Best Time to Visit on a Budget?

Seasonality affects prices in both cities.

• Both Cities: Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) typically offer lower prices for accommodation and flights compared to the peak summer season, along with pleasant weather for exploring.

Are There Free Things to Do?

Both cities provide ample opportunities for free exploration.

• London: World-class museums like the British Museum, National Gallery, and Tate Modern offer free entry. Numerous parks and walking tours are also available at no cost.
• Zagreb: Explore beautiful parks, enjoy free walking tours, discover vibrant street art, and soak in the city’s atmosphere in the pedestrianized center.
• Helpful Tip: For finding free amenities like public parks, fountains, and WiFi hotspots in any city, tools like AllInMap can be useful for backpackers.