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

Should you visit Belfast or Calais?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Belfast or Calais, 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 authentic, affordable, and under-rated city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife and shopping.

Calais

Calais is a authentic, undiscovered, and coastal city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and food.

Belfast and Calais: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Belfast or Calais?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Calais than Belfast. While Belfast is larger than Calais, Calais has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Belfast is more touristy than Calais and is known for being the birthplace of the Titanic and the location of the era of the "Troubles". Calais is well known for being a gateway for travelers to France. Also, Calais is famous for The Town Hall.

How is Belfast different from Calais?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Calais is a nice place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

Calais is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. It's a port city with a few good museums and landmarks to see. Check out the Town Hall, Burghers of Calais, La Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode, and Musée de la Guerre de Calais, as well as the Calais Lighthouse.

Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Calais is a nice place to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Belfast is not a good city for its restaurants.

Calais offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The region is known for its mackerel, andouillette sausage, and endive and ham gratin. If you're passing through, this is also a good place to stock up on wine and cheese.

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 Calais Better for Nightlife?

Both Belfast and Calais are notable when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Belfast. The city has a number of bars and clubs with local DJs or musicians.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Calais. You'll find bars and pubs around town as well as a few clubs. Places range from trendy and high end to local dive bars.

Is Belfast or Calais Better for Beaches?

Calais is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Belfast is not a beach destination.

Calais has a beach worth visiting. There are some sandy beaches near town that have nice stretches of sand and plenty of sand dunes. Many locals enjoy sunbathing at the beaches.

Belfast is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Belfast or Calais?

Both Belfast and Calais are notable 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 Calais. Many visitors stock up on wine and cheese when they're passing through. It's common to head straight to Auchan or Carrefour to stock up on some items.

Is Belfast or Calais Better for Families?

Belfast and Calais are both notable 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.

Calais is a family-friendly city. There's the Nausicaa Aquarium, the Museum of the Atlantic Wall, and the Second World War Museum. There are also beaches and parks to explore as well as some nice playgrounds.

Is Belfast or Calais Better for Couples?

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

Calais is a nice destination for couples. Couples can picnic with wine and cheese or eat their way through the town's great restaurants. There are also some nice beaches where people enjoy sunbathing or relaxing.

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 Calais Better for Students?

Belfast is a popular place for students. However, Calais 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.

Calais is not popular with students.

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

Calais is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Belfast is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Calais has a few public transit options. The city has 13 bus lines that run through town and into the surrounding areas. If you're arriving by ferry from the UK, there are shuttle buses that connect the ferry terminal to the train station.

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

Is Belfast or Calais a more walkable city?

Belfast and Calais both are notable when exploring on foot.

Belfast is somewhat walkable.

Calais is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the town are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Calais or Belfast?

How long in Belfast or Calais?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Belfast and Calais. In our opinion, Calais has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Calais than Belfast. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

One day in Belfast or Calais?

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

In Calais, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Belfast or Calais?

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.

In Calais, 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 Calais has to offer.

Five days in Belfast or Calais?

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.

Calais 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 Calais?

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 Calais. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Calais. 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 Budget Tours to France, and The Best Tours for Seniors to France.

When comparing the travel costs between Belfast and Calais, we can see that Belfast 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. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Belfast or Calais?

Belfast has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Calais. When comparing the sizes of Belfast and Calais, 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 Calais?

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 Calais in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Belfast and Calais. Many visitors come to Belfast in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Calais for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Belfast is generally cooler than Calais. Daily temperatures in Belfast average around 15°C (59°F), and Calais fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Calais this time of the year. Belfast usually receives less sunshine than Calais during summer. Belfast gets 151 hours of sunny skies, while Calais receives 212 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Belfast usually receives more rain than Calais. Belfast gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Calais receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Belfast or Calais in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Belfast as well as Calais. Most visitors come to Belfast for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Calais because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Belfast is cooler than Calais in the autumn. The daily temperature in Belfast averages around 9°C (48°F) in October, and Calais fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Belfast often gets less sunshine than Calais. Belfast gets 92 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Calais receives 119 hours of full sun.

Belfast usually gets more rain in October than Calais. Belfast gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Calais receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Belfast or Calais in the Winter?

Both Calais and Belfast are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Belfast because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Calais this time of year.

It's quite cold in Calais in the winter. The weather in Belfast can be very cold. In the winter, Belfast is around the same temperature as Calais. Typically, the winter temperatures in Belfast in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Calais averages at about 4°C (40°F).

Belfast usually receives less sunshine than Calais during winter. Belfast gets 50 hours of sunny skies, while Calais receives 57 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Belfast usually receives more rain than Calais. Belfast gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Calais receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Belfast or Calais in the Spring?

Both Calais and Belfast during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city are the main draw to Belfast this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Calais for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Belfast is generally around the same temperature as Calais. Daily temperatures in Belfast average around 8°C (46°F), and Calais fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

In the spring, Belfast often gets less sunshine than Calais. Belfast gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Calais receives 162 hours of full sun.

Belfast usually gets more rain in April than Calais. Belfast gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Calais receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Calais and Belfast