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

Should you visit Belfast or Boston?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Belfast or Boston, 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 affordable, under-rated, and authentic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife and shopping.

Boston

Boston is a loyal, historic, and traditional city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's a gorgeous place to visit. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Belfast and Boston: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Belfast or Boston?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Boston than Belfast, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Boston is more touristy than Belfast and is known for its enthusiastic sports fans, influential history, beautiful parks, and world-class universities. It is also home to The Freedom Trail. Belfast is popular for being the birthplace of the Titanic and the location of the era of the "Troubles".

How is Belfast different from Boston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Boston 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 Boston?

Boston is an unbeatable place for its sights and museums. However, Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Boston that are not to be missed. The city itself feels like a living museum. It is famous for Faneuil Hall, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Isabelle Stewart Gardner Museum, the USS Constitution, as well as the many sites along the Freedom Trail. There are also many museums on the campuses of the world renowned universities in the city.

Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Belfast or Boston Better for Theater?

Boston is a well-known place for theatre. However, Belfast is not a theatre destination.

Many visitors plan to see a show while visiting Boston. The city has many historic, beautifully restored theaters where you can enjoy a show. Head to the theater district for some of the most famous venues.

Belfast is not a theatre destination.

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

Boston 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, Boston makes for a great culinary experience. There are many local dishes that utilize fresh caught seafood and comfort food flavors. The cuisine also takes advantage of the city's Italian and Irish populations. Famous local foods include New England Clam Chowder, lobster rolls, and baked beans. You'll find hearty sandwiches and filling meals that warm your soul.

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 Boston Better for Nightlife?

Boston 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.

Boston offers plenty to do in the evening. The city is known for its breweries, craft beer, and vibrant university neighborhoods. It also hosts regular outdoor movies and world class sporting events. The nightlife scene is varied, with some areas catering to the student population and other areas focused on the professional or sport-loving crowds.

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 Belfast or Boston Better for Music?

Boston is a nice place to visit for live music. However, Belfast is not a live music destination.

The music scene helps keep Boston active and fun. Popular music venues include Lizard Lounge, Blue Hills Bank Pavilion, and The Middle East.

Belfast is not a live music destination.

Is Belfast or Boston Better for Beaches?

Boston is a moderate city for its beaches. However, Belfast is not a beach destination.

Boston is a good spot to see the beach. There are a few urban beaches in the greater Boston area that you can explore on a nice day.

Belfast is not a beach destination.

Is Belfast or Boston Better for its Old Town?

Boston is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. However, Belfast does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Boston offers plenty to see. Boston is famous for its Freedom Trail, which takes visitors around the city's rich history. The oldest parts of the city are known as Boston Proper and include the neighborhoods of Beacon Hill, Historic Downtown, the North End, and the West End.

Belfast does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Belfast or Boston?

Both Belfast and Boston are good shopping destinations.

Belfast is a great destination for shopping. The main shopping areas in the city are Victoria Square Shopping Centre and CastleCourt.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Boston. Head to Back Bay for some of the best high end shops. There are luxury brands and boutique venues that sell local art or crafts.

Is Belfast or Boston Better for Christmas?

Boston is a well-known place for its Christmas activities. However, Belfast does not offer Christmas activities.

Boston is an extremely popular place to visit during the Christmas season. Christmas comes to life in the city with its Christmas Trees, holiday shows, and festivals.

Belfast does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Belfast or Boston Better for Christmas Markets?

Boston is a well-known place for its Christmas markets. However, Belfast does not offer Christmas markets.

Boston has a large number of Christmas markets. There are a number of European style Christmas markets that pop up during the holiday season around town.

Belfast does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Belfast or Boston Better for Families?

Boston is an unbeatable 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.

Boston is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. It's filled with history, but there are also many activities for kids who need a break from all of the historical stuff. Popular activities for all ages include the Museum of Science, the New England Aquarium, and exploring the waterfront, gardens, and parks around town.

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 Boston Better for Couples?

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

Boston is a nice destination for couples. Couples who enjoy history will enjoy exploring the city. Take a swan boat ride in the Public Garden and wander the unique route along the Freedom Trail. There are also many sporting and entertainment options around town.

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 Boston Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Boston 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 Boston. Like most larger American cities, the city has a handful of hostels to choose from.

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 Boston Better for Students?

Boston is an unbeatable place for students. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Boston is a great destination for students. It is a city of students, with a number of world renowned universities located here including Harvard University, Boston College, and MIT. Many neighborhoods are filled with students and there are many student-centered activities around town including festivals and an active nightlife scene.

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

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

Boston is an unbeatable place for its public transit. However, Belfast is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors in Boston can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. There's the T, which is the subway, as well as a trolley, bus, and water transportation system.

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

Is Belfast or Boston a more walkable city?

Boston is an unbeatable place for its walkability. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Boston on foot. The many parks and compact neighborhoods are best explored on foot.

Belfast is a somewhat walkable place.

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

Should I spend more time in Boston or Belfast?

How long in Belfast or Boston?

In either Belfast or Boston, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Boston than Belfast because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Belfast, and 3-5 days is enough time in Boston.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Boston 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 Boston.

One day in Belfast or Boston?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Belfast. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Because Boston 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. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. 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 Boston?

Belfast is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Because Boston 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. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Belfast or Boston?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Belfast. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Boston 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 Boston has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Belfast or Boston?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the under-rated destination of Belfast. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Boston. Many people enjoy the theater and nightlife when visiting Boston. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. 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 Budget Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Belfast and Boston, we can see that Boston is more expensive. And not only is Belfast much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Belfast is in Europe and Boston is in North America, 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 Belfast would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Belfast 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 Boston would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Boston than you might in Belfast.

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

Which is Bigger, Belfast or Boston?

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

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 Boston in the Summer?

Both Boston and Belfast are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Belfast for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Boston in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Belfast is much colder than Boston in the summer. The daily temperature in Belfast averages around 15°C (59°F) in July, and Boston fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

It's quite sunny in Boston. Belfast usually receives less sunshine than Boston during summer. Belfast gets 151 hours of sunny skies, while Boston receives 304 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Belfast usually receives around the same amount of rain as Boston. Belfast gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Boston receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Belfast or Boston in the Autumn?

Both Boston and Belfast during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Belfast in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Boston for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Belfast is cooler than Boston. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Belfast in October average around 9°C (48°F), and Boston averages at about 54°F (12°C).

In the autumn, Belfast often gets less sunshine than Boston. Belfast gets 92 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Boston receives 194 hours of full sun.

Belfast usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Boston. Belfast gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Boston receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Belfast or Boston in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Belfast and Boston. Most visitors come to Belfast for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Boston because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

The weather in Boston can be very cold. Belfast can be very cold during winter. In January, Belfast is generally much warmer than Boston. Daily temperatures in Belfast average around 4°C (39°F), and Boston fluctuates around 29°F (-2°C).

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

In January, Belfast usually receives less rain than Boston. Belfast gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Boston receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Belfast or Boston in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Belfast as well as Boston. The spring months attract visitors to Belfast because of the activities around the city. Additionally, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Boston this time of year.

Belfast is around the same temperature as Boston in the spring. The daily temperature in Belfast averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Boston fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Boston. In the spring, Belfast often gets less sunshine than Boston. Belfast gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Boston receives 225 hours of full sun.

Belfast usually gets less rain in April than Boston. Belfast gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Boston receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Boston and Belfast