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

Should you visit Bangkok or Budapest?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bangkok and Budapest can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Bangkok

Bangkok is a colorful, vibrant, and high energy capital city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Budapest

Budapest is a historic, authentic, and bustling city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Bangkok and Budapest: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bangkok or Budapest?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bangkok than Budapest. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Bangkok is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Budapest attracts visitors for its historical sights. Bangkok is famous for its colorful temples, lively markets, wild nightlife, and sprawling shopping malls. It is also well known for The Grand Palace and Wat Prakeaw. Budapest is famous for its thermal hot springs, European spas, rich culture, and wild nightlife scene.

How is Bangkok different from Budapest?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bangkok is terrific for its historical sights. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Bangkok are world-renowned. The city is filled with golden temples and beautiful statues of Buddha. Famous landmarks include the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, and the Temple of the Golden Buddha.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Budapest can be an interesting and educational experience. Famous sights include the Buda Castle and Castle Hill, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and St. Stephen's Basilica.

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

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

Bangkok has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city has many colorful markets, street food vendors, and a range of restaurants from casual to high end. The aroma and beautiful flavors of local dishes are a big part of the experience in this city. Dishes that you must try include Pad Thai, Tom Yum Goong (shrimp soup), and Gaeng Daeng (red curry). Many foods are very spicy so make sure you order with "no spice" if that is your preference.

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 Bangkok or Budapest Better for Nightlife?

Bangkok is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

Bangkok is a must-see party destination. Cheap drinks, late nights, and crazy parties make this city a favorite for backpackers and young party-goers. Head to Khao San Road for the biggest crowds and crazy parties. Nana Plaza is another option with a three story building that is filled with bars and clubs.

Budapest has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city's active nightlife includes dance clubs, local pubs, and cultural festivals throughout the year.

Is Bangkok or Budapest Better for its Old Town?

Budapest is a great destination for its historic old town. However, Bangkok does not have a historic old town.

Budapest is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Bangkok does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Bangkok or Budapest?

Bangkok 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, Bangkok draws large crowds to its stores. Shopping options range from modern malls to more traditional markets. The malls offer bargain prices for technology and gadgets while the markets offer fabric, food, local goods, and a unique experience. The city also has nearby floating markets as well as night markets, which let you experience a different side to the culture.

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 Bangkok or Budapest Better for Families?

Bangkok 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, Bangkok is very family-friendly. This city is full of energy and kids will love the vibrant atmosphere. There are colorful temples, spirited markets, and kid-friendly museums. It's good to choose a hotel with a pool, as temperatures can get hot during the day. Kids will also enjoy having new experiences like riding in a tuk tuk or taking a boat ride. There are also a number of amusement parks and entertainment centers around town.

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 Bangkok or Budapest Better for Couples?

Bangkok is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

For those traveling as a couple, Bangkok has plenty to offer. This is a great city for couples who enjoy culture, food, partying, and soaking up life. Wandering the grounds of the stunning temples, sampling food at the markets, or taking a boat cruise will all make memorable experiences.

Budapest is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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 Bangkok or Budapest Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bangkok and Budapest are amazing places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Bangkok is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. This part of the world is a mecca for backpackers, and many arrive or depart from this city. It's filled with hostels and budget accommodation, as well as entertainment, bars, tours (and even scams so stay alert). The most famous backpacker area is around Khao San Road, where you'll find parties, bars, street food, and large crowds. If you're looking for a slightly more mellow vibe, you should consider a different area like Phaya Thai.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Budapest is extremely popular for backpackers. 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.

Is Bangkok or Budapest Better for Students?

Budapest is a world-class destination for students. However, Bangkok is not popular with students.

Budapest is a very popular city for students. The city has a great international vibe with several good universities that are welcoming to international students that are studying abroad.

Bangkok is not popular with students.

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

Budapest is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Bangkok is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Budapest can get you around easily. The metro, trams, and buses make it easy to get around town.

While Bangkok offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The Skytrain and Metro are the most efficient way to get around. The city's crazy traffic can make buses and taxis a bit frustrating, but tuk tuks are also a fun option.

Is Bangkok or Budapest a more walkable city?

Budapest is a world-class destination for its walkability. However, Bangkok is a capital city with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

Getting around Budapest on foot is easy. Pest is very flat, making for an easy stroll, while Buda is more hilly.

Bangkok is generally not a very walkable capital city. The crowds and size make walking a bit challenging, so it's best to plan your day in advance.

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

Should I spend more time in Budapest or Bangkok?

How long in Bangkok or Budapest?

In either Bangkok or Budapest, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Bangkok than Budapest because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Bangkok, and 2-5 days is enough time in Budapest.

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

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

One day in Bangkok or Budapest?

Bangkok is a big city with plenty to do. 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.

In Budapest, you'll find museums and nightlife. 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 Bangkok or Budapest?

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

In Budapest, you'll find nightlife and shopping. 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 Bangkok or Budapest?

Bangkok is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bangkok, 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 Bangkok or Budapest?

Bangkok is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bangkok has to offer. This capital city 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, 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 Bangkok and Budapest, we can see that Budapest is more expensive. And not only is Bangkok much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bangkok is in Asia and Budapest is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Bangkok would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bangkok 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 Budapest would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Budapest than you might in Bangkok.

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

Which is Bigger, Bangkok or Budapest?

Bangkok has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Budapest. When comparing the sizes of Bangkok 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 Bangkok or Budapest?

Budapest has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Bangkok experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Bangkok or Budapest in the Summer?

Both Budapest and Bangkok during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Bangkok because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, most visitors come to Budapest for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Bangkok is a little warmer than Budapest. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bangkok in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Budapest averages at about 21°C (70°F).

In Budapest, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Bangkok often gets less sunshine than Budapest. Bangkok gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 278 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bangkok. Bangkok usually gets more rain in July than Budapest. Bangkok gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bangkok or Budapest in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bangkok and Budapest. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bangkok year-round. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Budapest because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Bangkok is generally much warmer than Budapest. Daily temperatures in Bangkok average around 28°C (83°F), and Budapest fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In Bangkok, it's very sunny this time of the year. Bangkok usually receives more sunshine than Budapest during autumn. Bangkok gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Bangkok gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Bangkok usually receives more rain than Budapest. Bangkok gets 242 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn. November to February in Bangkok is the dry season. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Bangkok.

Should I visit Bangkok or Budapest in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bangkok as well as Budapest. Bangkok attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Budapest this time of year.

It's quite cold in Budapest in the winter. Bangkok is much warmer than Budapest in the winter. The daily temperature in Bangkok averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Budapest fluctuates around -1°C (31°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bangkok this time of the year. In the winter, Bangkok often gets more sunshine than Budapest. Bangkok gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 61 hours of full sun.

Bangkok usually gets less rain in January than Budapest. Bangkok gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to February in Bangkok is the dry season.

Should I visit Bangkok or Budapest in the Spring?

Both Budapest and Bangkok are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bangkok throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Budapest for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Bangkok is much warmer than Budapest. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bangkok in April average around 31°C (87°F), and Budapest averages at about 12°C (53°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bangkok. Bangkok usually receives more sunshine than Budapest during spring. Bangkok gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Bangkok usually receives more rain than Budapest. Bangkok gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring. The rainy season in Bangkok is May to October.

Typical Weather for Budapest and Bangkok