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

Should you visit Beijing 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 Beijing 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.

Beijing

Beijing is a cultural, fascinating, and historic city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Budapest

Budapest is a historic, authentic, and bustling 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. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Beijing and Budapest: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Beijing or Budapest?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Beijing than Budapest, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Beijing is more popular for its museums and food, while Budapest is known for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Beijing is more touristy than Budapest and is popular for its rich culture, many historical landmarks, its long running history, and its world class cuisine. It is also home to The Forbidden City. Budapest is popular for its thermal hot springs, European spas, rich culture, and wild nightlife scene.

How is Beijing different from Budapest?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Beijing 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 Beijing are world-renowned. The city is filled with iconic landmarks including the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and The Temple of Heaven. It's also essential that you plan a trip outside of town to the world renowned Great Wall of China. The trip takes about an hour and you can organize a tour through almost any hotel or tour company.

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 Beijing or Budapest? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Beijing has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city has a number of iconic dishes that have put it on the culinary map. The most notable dish is Peking Duck, which is a delectable crispy roast duck that is usually served with cucumber, scallions, sweet bean sauce and pancakes or other steamed buns. Hot pots are another must-try experience in the city, and, of course, you have to experience the dumplings. A huge part of a visit to Beijing is experiencing its long running culinary history.

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 Beijing or Budapest Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Beijing or Budapest has a better nightlife scene.

The people in Beijing know how to have a good time. Live performances are popular in the city, and range from concerts to magic shows and acrobatics. There is also an active bar scene around town. Some of the most popular nightlife areas include Sanlitun and Houhai.

The nightlife in Budapest has something for everybody. The city's active nightlife includes dance clubs, local pubs, and cultural festivals throughout the year.

Is Beijing or Budapest Better for its Old Town?

Budapest is a great destination for its historic old town charm. However, Beijing 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.

Beijing does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Beijing or Budapest?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Budapest and Beijing.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Beijing. There are many unique handicrafts that you can purchase around town. Popular souvenirs include silk, pearls, and snuff bottles with pictures inside. The city has many shopping streets as well as markets and shopping malls that are worth visiting.

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

Is Beijing or Budapest Better for Families?

Both Beijing and Budapest are good to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Beijing. The city offers a unique cultural immersion that kids and adults can enjoy. Wander through the Forbidden City or watch your kids be mesmerized by a Chinese acrobatics show. It's also fun to get lost in the Hutongs or test their culinary palates by visiting a snack street.

Budapest offers lots of family activities. 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 Beijing or Budapest Better for Couples?

Budapest is a great destination for couples. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Beijing is a nice destination for couples. The culture, history, and food all make this a stunning place to visit. While romance doesn't immediately spring to mind when you think of Beijing, there are shows and fine dining restaurants that couples will enjoy. There are also many luxury hotels with spas and other amenities.

Is Beijing or Budapest Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Budapest is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Budapest is a very popular city to visit 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.

Beijing is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The city has many hostels and budget-friendly options. There isn't the backpacker community vibe that you may get in other Asian cities, but if you organize an excursion through your hostel, you're sure to make a few friends along the way.

Is Beijing or Budapest Better for Students?

Budapest is an unbeatable place for students. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Many students visit Beijing. Students will enjoy the culture, food, and academic opportunities that the universities offer. There is also a decent nightlife scene and affordable places where students can live.

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

Budapest is an unbeatable place for its public transit. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors in Budapest can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The metro, trams, and buses make it easy to get around town.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Beijing. The system can be crowded and confusing at first, but it's one of the most convenient and affordable ways to get around town. There's a subway system as well as buses, trolleybuses, and suburban rail.

Is Beijing or Budapest a more walkable city?

Budapest is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. However, Beijing is a city with minimal options for its walkability.

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

Beijing is generally not a very walkable city. While parts of the city are fun to explore on foot, the city itself is very large with long blocks that aren't pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Budapest or Beijing?

How long in Beijing or Budapest?

In either Beijing or Budapest, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Beijing than Budapest because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Beijing, and 2-5 days is enough time in Budapest.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Budapest than Beijing 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 Beijing or Budapest?

Beijing 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 Beijing or Budapest?

Beijing is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. 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 Beijing or Budapest?

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

Beijing 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 Beijing has to offer. This 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 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, 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 Beijing and Budapest, we can see that Budapest is more expensive. And not only is Beijing much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Beijing 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 Beijing would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Beijing 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 Beijing.

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

Which is Bigger, Beijing or Budapest?

Beijing has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Budapest. When comparing the sizes of Beijing 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 Beijing or Budapest?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Beijing or Budapest in the Summer?

Both Budapest and Beijing during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Beijing in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Budapest for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Beijing is generally a little warmer than Budapest. Daily temperatures in Beijing average around 27°C (80°F), and Budapest fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

In Budapest, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Beijing. In the summer, Beijing often gets less sunshine than Budapest. Beijing gets 224 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 Beijing. Beijing usually gets more rain in July than Budapest. Beijing gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Beijing or Budapest in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Beijing and Budapest. Most visitors come to Beijing for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. 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.

Beijing is a little warmer than Budapest in the autumn. The daily temperature in Beijing averages around 14°C (56°F) in October, and Budapest fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In Beijing, it's very sunny this time of the year. Beijing usually receives more sunshine than Budapest during autumn. Beijing gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Beijing usually receives less rain than Budapest. Beijing gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Beijing or Budapest in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Beijing as well as Budapest. The winter months attract visitors to Beijing because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. 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. The weather in Beijing can be very cold. In the winter, Beijing is much colder than Budapest. Typically, the winter temperatures in Beijing in January average around -4°C (26°F), and Budapest averages at about -1°C (31°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beijing this time of the year. In the winter, Beijing often gets more sunshine than Budapest. Beijing gets 201 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 61 hours of full sun.

Beijing usually gets less rain in January than Budapest. Beijing gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Beijing or Budapest in the Spring?

Both Budapest and Beijing are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Beijing this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Budapest for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Beijing is generally a little warmer than Budapest. Daily temperatures in Beijing average around 14°C (57°F), and Budapest fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beijing. Beijing usually receives more sunshine than Budapest during spring. Beijing gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Beijing usually receives less rain than Budapest. Beijing gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Budapest and Beijing