Budapest comes in the top 10 cheapest backpacking destinations in Europe

Alpha Travel Insurance has created an interactive graphic that breaks down the cost of travelling to 60 destinations across Europe based on the cost of a hostel, transportation, meals, drinks and attractions.

• Istanbul takes first place as the least expensive place to travel with an average spend per day of just £16.41

• Kiev takes the top spot for the cheapest drink (£2.58 for three local beers) whilst Istanbul is top for the cheapest hostel (£3.76 per night)

• Zurich is the most expensive place to backpack in Europe with an overall cost of £92.47 a day

• London is one of the most expensive destinations for backpacking coming 51st out of 56 European destinations with a spend per day of £73.70

Whether you’re travelling alone, with a loved one or friends, backpacking can be a life-changing experience of different cultures, amazing sights and new challenges that you’ll carry throughout the rest of your life. One of the first challenges when deciding on your trip is budget. Packing up your belongings into a backpack and heading off to hostels and budget restaurants may be cheaper than a 5* all inclusive holiday, but it still adds up!

October 2018: Findings released today from Alpha travel Insurance allow you to filter the cost of your chosen destination based on what’s important to you, so you can make an informed decision using their interactive graphic. These cities are ranked by the daily price of a hostel, two public transportation rides, three budget meals, the cost of one cultural attraction and three inexpensive beers (or wines) for each day in each city.

Here are the 10 cheapest places to backpack across Europe:

Taking the number one spot on The Backpacker Index, Istanbul has become a year-round destination. Visiting top-tier historic sights such as the Aya Sofya and Topkapı Palace is a must on your first trip but there’s a multitude of quaint neighbourhoods and bustling markets to explore too. Flight time is usually under four hours from London and you’re truly immersed into a different culture that has become the magical meeting place of the East and West.