A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Antalya vs. Budapest for Backpackers, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Antalya or Budapest?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Antalya or Budapest? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Antalya

Antalya is a luxurious, historic, and cultural vacation spot. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Budapest

Budapest is a bustling, cultural, and artistic city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Antalya and Budapest: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Antalya or Budapest?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Antalya than Budapest. While Budapest is larger than Antalya, Antalya has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Antalya is more popular for its food, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Budapest is known for its big city activities. Antalya is more touristy than Budapest and is known for its turquoise waters, hotel lined beaches, and nearby archeological sights. It is also home to Hadrian's Gate. Budapest is popular for its thermal hot springs, European spas, rich culture, and wild nightlife scene.

How is Antalya different from Budapest?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Budapest and Antalya. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Antalya or Budapest?

You'll find a number of great museums and attractions in both Budapest and Antalya.

Antalya offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city combines history with a relaxing resort vacation. Sights in the area include the Antalya Museum and the Yivli Minare.

Many visitors head to Budapest specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Famous sights include the Buda Castle and Castle Hill, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and St. Stephen's Basilica.

Is the Food Better in Antalya or Budapest? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Antalya is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Budapest is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Antalya has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Food is excellent throughout Turkey and this city is no exception. The local cuisine offers a combination of fresh caught seafood as well as various grilled meats. Local specialties include meatball skewers, kulakli soup, and even lentil ice cream. The traditional Turkish breakfast is also popular, which usually includes hard boiled eggs, cheese, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and Turkish breads or pastries. It's almost always served with Turkish tea.

Budapest may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Traditional dishes tend to be heavy on the meat and bread. They make good comfort food and are very filling meals. The city also has many great pastry shops. Make sure you check out the stuffed cabbage, goulash, and chimney cake.

Is Antalya or Budapest Better for Nightlife?

The great nightlife scene is relatively similar in Antalya and Budapest.

Antalya has a large number of nightlife venues. The city has an insane nightlife scene with huge glamorous dance clubs that fill to the brink as well as low key bars and pubs that everyone can enjoy.

Budapest is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city's active nightlife includes dance clubs, local pubs, and cultural festivals throughout the year.

Is Antalya or Budapest Better for Music?

Antalya is very good for its live music scene. However, Budapest is not a live music destination.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in Antalya. Live music ranges from rock concerts to symphonies as well as a number of local music venues.

Budapest is not a live music destination.

Is Antalya or Budapest Better for Resorts?

Antalya is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Budapest is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Antalya is a perfect choice. The city is famous for its resorts that range from luxury to family-friendly. Some of the most popular resorts in the area include Xanadu Resort Hotel, Susesi, and Lara Barut, but there are many more.

Budapest is not a resort destination.

Is Antalya or Budapest Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Antalya is very good for its diving and snorkeling. However, Budapest is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Antalya. Outside of town, in the region of Antalya, you'll find some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in Turkey.

Budapest is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Antalya or Budapest Better for Beaches?

Antalya is terrific for the beache. However, Budapest is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Antalya is a very popular vacation destination. Beaches in Antalya are among the best in Turkey. They are sandy with warm water and a number of resorts nearby.

Budapest is not a beach destination.

Is Antalya or Budapest Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the great old towns in both Antalya and Budapest.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Antalya. The city has a beautiful old town area, Kaleiçi, that is known for its narrow streets and historic buildings. The area has many sights including Hadrian's Gate.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Budapest. The city grew from the merging of two towns, Buda and Pest, which were divided by the Danube River. Buda is the more historical part of town and Pest is more modern.

Is Antalya or Budapest Better for Hiking?

Antalya is great for hiking. However, Budapest is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Antalya for the hiking trails. Outside of town you'll find coastal hikes with scenic views as well as trails that wander through historic ruins.

Budapest is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Antalya or Budapest?

Antalya is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Antalya draws large crowds to its stores. Antalya combines modern high end malls with more traditional bazaars. From luxury fashion brands to souvenirs and local trinkets, the area has everything.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Budapest. The city has a diverse shopping scene that you can experience by visiting the Central Market or Váci Street.

Is Antalya or Budapest Better for Families?

Antalya is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Antalya is very family-friendly. The city has beautiful beaches, historic ruins, and resorts that cater specifically to families. It's a popular family-friendly destination in Turkey.

Budapest is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has the typical trampoline parks and playgrounds, but kids will also enjoy the baths and pools around town. Do take note that most of the museums are less hands on than kids prefer.

Is Antalya or Budapest Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Antalya and Budapest make for a great place to visit.

Antalya makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Antalya is a top-rated honeymoon destination in Turkey. It's beautiful beaches, romantic resorts, and great shopping put it at the top of many couples' list.

Couples visit Budapest frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With it's many beautiful neighborhoods, and unique entertainment options including the opera, this is a fun city for couples. The baths and spas also make for a great experience for couples.

Is Antalya or Budapest Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Budapest is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Budapest, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. The city is more affordable than many large cities and it has a number of fun hostels to choose from. There's a good backpacker vibe around town with many places to meet and hang out with other travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Antalya. Despite the many resorts in town, there are also budget accommodation options available including hostels. Backpackers appreciate Antalya's impressive old town as well as the area's stunning beaches.

Is Antalya or Budapest Better for Students?

Budapest is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Antalya is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Budapest. The city has a great international vibe with several good universities that are welcoming to international students that are studying abroad.

Antalya is not popular with students.

Is Antalya or Budapest Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Budapest is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Budapest is top-notch. The metro, trams, and buses make it easy to get around town.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Antalya. Buses and minibuses will help you get around town.

Is Antalya or Budapest a more walkable city?

Budapest is an amazing city to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Budapest. Pest is very flat, making for an easy stroll, while Buda is more hilly.

Antalya is somewhat walkable. The historic area in particular is compact, filled with historic sights, and easy to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Antalya Worth Visiting? and Is Budapest Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Budapest or Antalya?

How long in Antalya or Budapest?

In either Antalya or Budapest, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Antalya has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Antalya than Budapest. However, 2-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Antalya than Budapest. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Antalya, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Antalya than Budapest. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Antalya that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Budapest than Antalya if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Budapest.

One day in Antalya or Budapest?

The beautiful vacation spot of Antalya offers scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Because Budapest is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Antalya or Budapest?

Antalya is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this vacation spot makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Antalya, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Because Budapest is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Budapest has to offer.

Five days in Antalya or Budapest?

Antalya is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Antalya, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Budapest is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Budapest has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Antalya or Budapest?

Antalya is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This vacation spot offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Budapest. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Budapest. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Turkey, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Turkey, The Best 10-Day Tours from Budapest, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Budapest.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Antalya and Budapest, we can see that Antalya is more expensive. And not only is Budapest much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Budapest would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Budapest and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Antalya would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Antalya than you might in Budapest.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Antalya Expensive? and Is Budapest Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Antalya or Budapest?

Budapest has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Antalya. When comparing the sizes of Antalya and Budapest, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Antalya or Budapest?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Antalya or Budapest in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Antalya and Budapest. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Antalya this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Budapest for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Antalya is generally a little warmer than Budapest. Daily temperatures in Antalya average around 28°C (83°F), and Budapest fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Budapest this time of the year. In Antalya, it's very sunny this time of the year. Antalya usually receives more sunshine than Budapest during summer. Antalya gets 376 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 278 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Antalya usually receives less rain than Budapest. Antalya gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Antalya or Budapest in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Antalya as well as Budapest. Many travelers come to Antalya for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Budapest in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Antalya is much warmer than Budapest in the autumn. The daily temperature in Antalya averages around 21°C (69°F) in October, and Budapest fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Antalya this time of the year. In the autumn, Antalya often gets more sunshine than Budapest. Antalya gets 251 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 152 hours of full sun.

Antalya usually gets more rain in October than Budapest. Antalya gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Antalya or Budapest in the Winter?

Both Budapest and Antalya are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Antalya in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Budapest for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Budapest can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Antalya is much warmer than Budapest. Typically, the winter temperatures in Antalya in January average around 11°C (51°F), and Budapest averages at about -1°C (31°F).

Antalya usually receives more sunshine than Budapest during winter. Antalya gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 61 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Antalya. In January, Antalya usually receives more rain than Budapest. Antalya gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Antalya or Budapest in the Spring?

Both Budapest and Antalya during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Antalya for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Budapest because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Antalya is generally a little warmer than Budapest. Daily temperatures in Antalya average around 16°C (62°F), and Budapest fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

It's quite sunny in Antalya. In the spring, Antalya often gets more sunshine than Budapest. Antalya gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 178 hours of full sun.

Antalya usually gets more rain in April than Budapest. Antalya gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Budapest and Antalya