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

Should you visit Belfast or Budapest?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Belfast or Budapest, 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. Visitors also love the nightlife and shopping.

Budapest

Budapest is a artistic, historic, and authentic 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.

Belfast and Budapest: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Belfast or Budapest?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Budapest than Belfast. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Budapest is more touristy than Belfast and is popular for its thermal hot springs, European spas, rich culture, and wild nightlife scene. It is also well known for The Hungarian Parliament Building. Belfast is famous for being the birthplace of the Titanic and the location of the era of the "Troubles".

How is Belfast different from Budapest?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Budapest 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 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.

Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Belfast and Budapest can be an enjoyable experience.

Belfast offers some easy restaurants to choose from. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Budapest. 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 Belfast or Budapest Better for Nightlife?

Budapest 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.

Budapest offers plenty to do in the evening. The city's active nightlife includes dance clubs, local pubs, and cultural festivals throughout the year.

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 Budapest Better for its Old Town?

Budapest is a well-known place for its historic old town. However, Belfast does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Budapest to see the historical old town. 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.

Belfast does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Belfast or Budapest?

Budapest 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.

Budapest is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city has a diverse shopping scene that you can experience by visiting the Central Market or Váci Street.

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 Budapest Better for Families?

Belfast and Budapest are both nice destinations for the whole family.

Belfast is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Budapest is a family-friendly city. 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 Belfast or Budapest Better for Couples?

Budapest is a well-known place for romance. However, Belfast is not a good city for its romantic activities.

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.

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 Budapest Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Budapest is an unbeatable place for backpackers. However, Belfast is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Budapest is a mecca for backpackers and 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.

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 Budapest Better for Students?

Budapest 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.

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

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

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

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

Is Belfast or Budapest a more walkable city?

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

Belfast is a somewhat walkable place.

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

Should I spend more time in Budapest or Belfast?

How long in Belfast or Budapest?

In either Belfast or Budapest, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Budapest than Belfast because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Belfast, and 2-5 days is enough time in Budapest.

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

Couples should spend more time in Budapest than Belfast. 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 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 Budapest.

One day in Belfast or Budapest?

The city of Belfast offers shopping and nightlife. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. 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 Belfast or Budapest?

Belfast is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Belfast, 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 Belfast or Budapest?

Belfast is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. 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 Belfast or Budapest?

Belfast is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. 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 Budget Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, 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 Belfast and Budapest, we can see that Belfast 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 Belfast would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Belfast 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 Belfast Expensive? and Is Budapest Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Belfast or Budapest?

Budapest has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Belfast. When comparing the sizes of Belfast 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 Belfast 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 Belfast or Budapest in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Belfast as well as Budapest. Most visitors come to Belfast for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Budapest because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Belfast is cooler than Budapest. Typically, the summer temperatures in Belfast in July average around 15°C (59°F), and Budapest averages at about 21°C (70°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Budapest. In the summer, Belfast often gets less sunshine than Budapest. Belfast gets 151 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 278 hours of full sun.

Belfast usually gets more rain in July than Budapest. Belfast gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Belfast or Budapest in the Autumn?

Both Budapest and Belfast are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Budapest this time of year.

In October, Belfast is generally cooler than Budapest. Daily temperatures in Belfast average around 9°C (48°F), and Budapest fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Belfast usually receives less sunshine than Budapest during autumn. Belfast gets 92 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Belfast usually receives more rain than Budapest. Belfast gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Belfast or Budapest in the Winter?

Both Budapest and Belfast during the winter are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Belfast this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Budapest for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Budapest. It's quite cold in Belfast in the winter. Belfast is much warmer than Budapest in the winter. The daily temperature in Belfast averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Budapest fluctuates around -1°C (31°F).

In the winter, Belfast often gets less sunshine than Budapest. Belfast gets 50 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 61 hours of full sun.

Belfast usually gets more rain in January than Budapest. Belfast gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Belfast or Budapest in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Belfast and Budapest. Many travelers come to Belfast for the activities around the city. Furthermore, many visitors come to Budapest in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Belfast is cooler than Budapest. Typically, the spring temperatures in Belfast in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Budapest averages at about 12°C (53°F).

Belfast usually receives less sunshine than Budapest during spring. Belfast gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Belfast usually receives more rain than Budapest. Belfast gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Budapest and Belfast