A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Belfast vs. Baltimore for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Belfast or Baltimore?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Belfast or Baltimore, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Belfast

Belfast is a under-rated, authentic, and affordable city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife and shopping.

Baltimore

Baltimore is a vibrant, diverse, and colorful city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Belfast and Baltimore: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit


Is there more to do in Belfast or Baltimore?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Baltimore than Belfast. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Baltimore is more touristy than Belfast and is known for the Inner Harbor and its many water based activities. It is also well known for the National Aquarium. Belfast is famous for being the birthplace of the Titanic and the location of the era of the "Troubles".

How is Belfast different from Baltimore?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Belfast or Baltimore?

Belfast
Baltimore

Baltimore is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Baltimore can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is known for its historic ships that are found in the Inner Harbor. There are many other museums around town as well like the American Visionary Art Museum, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, and the Baltimore Museum of Art. Many days can be filled exploring the many art, history, or science museums in the area.

Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Belfast or Baltimore? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Belfast
Baltimore

Baltimore is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Belfast is not a good city for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Baltimore makes for a great culinary experience. The city's location near the Chesapeake Bay means that there are many great local seafood dishes. Blue crab is a regional favorite and is often served as crab soup, crab dip, or crab cakes. You'll find many famous restaurants in the Inner Harbor, but if you want something more local you should check out Little Italy or Fells Point.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Belfast. While many restaurants have moved towards more modern cuisines, there are still places that hold tight to the traditions of the area. Traditional dishes include pasties, full Irish breakfasts, and oysters.

Is Belfast or Baltimore Better for Nightlife?

Belfast
Baltimore

Baltimore is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Baltimore offers plenty to do in the evening. It's a vibrant city with many night time activities like breweries, night clubs, and cocktail bars. There's even outside the box activities like ballroom dancing or arcade bars.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Belfast. The city has a number of bars and clubs with local DJs or musicians.

Is the Shopping Better in Belfast or Baltimore?

Belfast
Baltimore

Baltimore is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Baltimore is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Shopping is a great way to experience the different neighborhoods around town. For high end shopping head to Harbor East. For a bit more history check out Federal Hill. Hampden is known for its quirky style and Fell's Point is particularly popular with tourists.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Belfast. The main shopping areas in the city are Victoria Square Shopping Centre and CastleCourt.


Is Belfast or Baltimore Better for Families?

Belfast
Baltimore

Baltimore is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Baltimore is a very family-friendly place to visit. The National Aquarium is a highlight for many families. It's an impressive aquarium with dolphins, sharks, puffins, and fish. Also in town is the Port Discovery Children’s Museum which has many interactive exhibits. The Maryland Science Center, the Maryland Zoo, and the many historic ships in the harbor also offer educational opportunities for kids. For something a bit different, check out Urban Pirates in the Inner Harbor.

Belfast is a family-friendly city. The city has several great kid-friendly museums, a zoo, and a few indoor or outdoor activity centers where you can let kids play and explore.

Is Belfast or Baltimore Better for Couples?

Belfast
Baltimore

Baltimore is a nice place to visit for romance. However, Belfast is not a good city for its romantic activities.

Baltimore is a nice destination for couples. Most visitors spend the majority of their time around the Inner Harbor. There are restaurants and romantic hotels that are perfect for couples. The city also has many entertainment options and other activities that make for a great date night.

Most people don't think of Belfast as a couple's destination. There are gardens and parks to explore, several nice hotels with spas, and an Observatory on the 23rd floor of the Grand Central Hotel.

Is Belfast or Baltimore Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Belfast
Baltimore

Baltimore is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Belfast is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Baltimore. There are a couple of hostels around town, but most international travelers overlook this city.

Belfast is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a reasonably affordable destination with a few hostels to choose from, but most backpackers don't make their way to this city.


Is Belfast or Baltimore Better for Students?

Belfast
Baltimore

Belfast is very good for students. However, Baltimore is not popular with students.

Belfast is popular with students. The city's affordability has made it a popular option for international students headed to the area.

Baltimore is not popular with students.

Is Belfast or Baltimore Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Belfast
Baltimore

Baltimore is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Belfast is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Baltimore. There are water taxis and a free downtown bus service that's called the Charm City Circulator. MTA also operates a metro and a light rail system.

Public transit is mostly limited in Belfast. There is a bus service in the city.

Is Belfast or Baltimore a more walkable city?

Belfast
Baltimore

Baltimore is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

Baltimore is very walkable. The downtown area is the most walkable part of the city. In particular, the Inner Harbor and Fells Point are particularly walkable.

Belfast is a somewhat walkable place.


For even more information, also check out Is Belfast Worth Visiting? and Is Baltimore Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Baltimore or Belfast?

How long in Belfast or Baltimore?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Belfast and Baltimore. In our opinion, Baltimore has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Baltimore than Belfast. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Belfast, and 2-3 days is enough time in Baltimore.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Baltimore than Belfast 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 Baltimore.


  • How many days in Belfast or Baltimore? Ideal Length of Stay
    Belfast 1-3 
    Baltimore 2-3

One day in Belfast or Baltimore?

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the city of Belfast. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Belfast has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Baltimore, you'll find nightlife and food. 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 Belfast or Baltimore?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the under-rated destination of Belfast. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Baltimore, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Baltimore has to offer.

Five days in Belfast or Baltimore?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the authentic city of Belfast. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Baltimore is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.


A week in Belfast or Baltimore?

Belfast is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Baltimore. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Baltimore. 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 Budget Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.


Which place is cheaper, Baltimore or Belfast?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Belfast is $167, while the average daily cost in Baltimore is $184. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Belfast and Baltimore in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Belfast $86
    Baltimore $93
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Belfast $172
    Baltimore $186
Compare Hotels in Belfast and Baltimore

Looking for a hotel in Belfast or Baltimore? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Belfast


Hotels in Baltimore


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Belfast Hotel Prices and Baltimore Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Belfast $18
    Baltimore $21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Belfast

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Belfast:

  • Arrival Private Transfer Belfast Airport BHD or BFS to Belfast by Business Car: $95
  • Arrival Private Transfer Belfast Airport BHD or BFS to Belfast by Luxury Van: $106
  • Belfast Accommodation to Belfast City Airport (BHD) - Departure Private Transfer: $23
  • Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Bangor Accommodation - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $54
  • Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Belfast Accommodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $23
  • Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Belfast Accommodation - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $46
  • Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Holywood Accommodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $23
  • Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Lisburn Accommodation - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $55
  • Belfast City Airport BHD Executive transfer to Belfast 1-4 people: $58
  • Belfast City to Belfast International Airport (BFS) - Departure Private Transfer: $27
  • Belfast International Airport (BFS) to Lisburn City - Arrival Private Transfer: $27
  • Departure Private Transfer Belfast to Belfast Airport BHD or BFS by Business Car: $91

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Baltimore

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Baltimore:

  • Oakland to San Francisco Airport (SFO)-Departure Private Transfer: $44
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Baltimore Washington Airport BWI: $60
  • Baltimore City to Washington City - Private Car Transfer: $63
  • Baltimore Washington Airport (BWI) to Washington - Arrival Private Transfer: $93
  • Arrival Private Transfer Baltimore Airport BWI to Baltimore by Business Vehicle: $111
  • Departure Private Transfer Baltimore to Baltimore Airport BWI - Business Vehicle: $111
  • BWI Airport: Transfer to Baltimore or Washington DC: $150
  • Airport Transfer BWI Airport to Baltimore Downtown Area Only: $160
  • Private Transfer to BWI or Washington DC/Airports: $160
  • Airport transfer to or from Silver Spring, MD & Reagan Airport(DCA): $200
  • Private transfer To or Form Bethesda and Dulles International Airport: $209
  • Airport Transfer Baltimore/Washington International Airport BWI to Washington,DC: $240

Is it cheaper to fly into Belfast or Baltimore?

Prices for flights to both Baltimore and Belfast change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Belfast $64
    Baltimore $46

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Belfast

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Belfast.

  • Guided Craft Beer and Street Food Tour: $82
  • Belfast Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $108

Typical Food Prices in Baltimore

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Baltimore:


  • Seafood Dinner (for 2) in Fells Point
    $76

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Baltimore

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Baltimore.

  • Federal Hill Food Tour: $71
  • Little Italy and Jonestown Food Tour: $73
  • Fells Point Food Tour in Baltimore: $74
  • Inner Harbor Buffet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner: $76
  • Christmas Eve Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $84
  • Christmas Day Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $84
  • Baltimore Signature Dinner Cruise: $101
  • Baltimore Buffet Dinner/Dance Cruise of the Inner Harbor: $119
  • Baltimore Father's Day Buffet Dinner Cruise : $126
  • Baltimore New Year's Eve Buffet Dinner Cruise: $251

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Belfast $23
    Baltimore $18
Typical Entertainment Prices in Belfast

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Belfast are as follows:


  • Movie Tickets
    $10

Tours and Activities in Belfast

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Belfast are as follows:

  • Belfast’s Titanic Quarter: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.00
  • Belfast's Iconic Sites: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.47
  • Museum Ticket: $6.93
  • Hillsborough Castle Gardens Entrance Ticket: $13
  • If Buildings Could Talk Tour Belfast: $15
  • If Buildings Could Talk Tour: $15
  • Crumlin Road Gaol Experience: $18
  • 2.5-Hour Street Murals Tour in Spanish: $19
  • Belfast Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK: $19
  • Belfast Murals Political Tour in Spanish: $19
  • Line of Duty Guided Walking Tour: $21
  • Belfast Line of Duty Walking Tour: $22

Tours and Activities in Baltimore

Here are a few actual costs in Baltimore for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Self-guided Waterfall Hiking Tour through Great Falls National Park: $5.00
  • Downtown Baltimore In-App Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Historic & Cultural Baltimore Self-Driving Audio Guided Tour: $14
  • Antietam National Battlefield Self-Guided Driving Tour: $15
  • Historical Baltimore Self-Driving Sightseeing Audio Tour: $17
  • Baltimore Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
  • Baltimore Ghosts By US Ghost Adventures: $24
  • The Original Fells Point Ghost Walk by Baltimore Ghost Tours: $24
  • Baltimore's Cruise ship Tour-shuttle service: $25
  • Inner Harbor Sightseeing Cruise: $28
  • Baltimore Harbor Tour: $28
  • The Original Fells Point Ghost Walk by Baltimore Ghost Tours: $30

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Belfast $9.86
    Baltimore $17

Sample the Local Flavors in Belfast

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Belfast:

  • Pub Crawl and Bar Walking Tour with Two Drinks: $15
  • Explore & Taste: Distillery Tour at Titanic Distillers: $32
  • Belfast Giant's Causeway and Titanic Distillery Whiskey Tour: $69
  • VIP Skip-the Line Titanic Museum and Distillery Tasting Tour: $119

Sample the Local Flavors in Baltimore

Also in Baltimore, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Original Fells Point Haunted Pub Tour by Baltimore Ghost Tours: $33
  • Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • From Patapsco Region Wine Tour with Lunch: $175


When comparing the travel costs between Belfast and Baltimore, we can see that Baltimore is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Belfast is in Europe and Baltimore is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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


Which is Bigger, Belfast or Baltimore?

Baltimore has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Belfast. When comparing the sizes of Belfast and Baltimore, 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 Belfast or Baltimore?

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 Belfast or Baltimore in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Belfast and Baltimore. Most visitors come to Belfast for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Baltimore because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Belfast is much colder than Baltimore. Typically, the summer temperatures in Belfast in July average around 15°C (59°F), and Baltimore averages at about 78°F (25°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Baltimore this time of the year. Belfast usually receives less sunshine than Baltimore during summer. Belfast gets 151 hours of sunny skies, while Baltimore receives 283 hours of full sun in the summer.

Baltimore receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Belfast usually receives less rain than Baltimore. Belfast gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Baltimore receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Belfast 15°C (59°F) 
    Baltimore 78°F (25°C)

Should I visit Belfast or Baltimore in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Belfast as well as Baltimore. The autumn months attract visitors to Belfast because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Baltimore this time of year.

In October, Belfast is generally much colder than Baltimore. Daily temperatures in Belfast average around 9°C (48°F), and Baltimore fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

In the autumn, Belfast often gets less sunshine than Baltimore. Belfast gets 92 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Baltimore receives 196 hours of full sun.

Belfast usually gets more rain in October than Baltimore. Belfast gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Baltimore receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Belfast 9°C (48°F) 
    Baltimore 57°F (14°C)

Should I visit Belfast or Baltimore in the Winter?

Both Baltimore and Belfast are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Belfast this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Baltimore for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Baltimore. It's quite cold in Belfast in the winter. Belfast is much warmer than Baltimore in the winter. The daily temperature in Belfast averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Baltimore fluctuates around 32°F (0°C).

Belfast usually receives less sunshine than Baltimore during winter. Belfast gets 50 hours of sunny skies, while Baltimore receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Belfast usually receives more rain than Baltimore. Belfast gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Baltimore receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Belfast 4°C (39°F) 
    Baltimore 32°F (0°C)

Should I visit Belfast or Baltimore in the Spring?

Both Baltimore and Belfast during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Belfast for the activities around the city. Furthermore, many visitors come to Baltimore in the spring for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Belfast is much colder than Baltimore. Typically, the spring temperatures in Belfast in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Baltimore averages at about 54°F (12°C).

In Baltimore, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Belfast often gets less sunshine than Baltimore. Belfast gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Baltimore receives 225 hours of full sun.

Belfast usually gets less rain in April than Baltimore. Belfast gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Baltimore receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Belfast 8°C (46°F) 
    Baltimore 54°F (12°C)

Typical Weather for Baltimore and Belfast

Belfast Baltimore
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 32°F (0°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 35°F (2°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 45°F (7°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in) 54°F (12°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
May 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (2 in) 64°F (18°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jun 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 73°F (23°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Jul 15°C (59°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 78°F (25°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)
Aug 15°C (59°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 76°F (25°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 69°F (21°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Oct 9°C (48°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 57°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 47°F (9°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 37°F (3°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)