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

Should you visit Belfast or Carcassonne?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Belfast or Carcassonne, 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. Other reasons to visit include nightlife and shopping.

Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a medieval, historical, and fairytale town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food and museums.

Belfast and Carcassonne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Belfast or Carcassonne?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Belfast. Although Belfast and Carcassonne are both popular with visitors, Belfast has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Belfast is more popular for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Carcassonne is known for its museums, food, historical sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Carcassonne is more touristy than Belfast and is popular for its medieval history, walled fortifications, and well-known castle. Belfast is popular for being the birthplace of the Titanic and the location of the era of the "Troubles". It is also home to Belfast Castle.

How is Belfast different from Carcassonne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne can be an interesting and educational experience. The town is filled with medieval sights including the Château Comtal, the Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus, and the Carcassonne Cathedral.

Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Carcassonne 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, Carcassonne makes for a great culinary experience. There are a number of local restaurants that serve regional specialties such as cassoulet. You can spend a few hours exploring the castle and then grab a delicious bite to eat.

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 Carcassonne Better for Nightlife?

Belfast is a good destination for nightlife. However, Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Belfast or Carcassonne Better for its Old Town?

Carcassonne is a nice place to visit for its historic old town. However, Belfast does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Carcassonne to see the historical old town. The medieval walled city is seeped in history and filled with atmosphere. Cars are not allowed in town.

Belfast does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Belfast or Carcassonne?

Belfast is a good destination for shopping. However, Carcassonne is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Belfast. The main shopping areas in the city are Victoria Square Shopping Centre and CastleCourt.

Carcassonne is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Belfast or Carcassonne Better for Families?

Belfast and Carcassonne are both good 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.

Carcassonne is a family-friendly city. Kids who love castles will enjoy wandering the maze of rooms and getting lost in the medieval atmosphere.

Is Belfast or Carcassonne Better for Couples?

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

Carcassonne is a nice destination for couples. It's a medieval city with an impressive castle and walled fortifications. It's a uniquely European sight that is great for couples who enjoy history.

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 Carcassonne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Carcassonne is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Belfast is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Carcassonne. There are interesting hostels in the area including a converted 17th century convent.

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 Carcassonne Better for Students?

Belfast is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Carcassonne is not popular with students.

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

Carcassonne is not popular with students.

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

Carcassonne 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.

Carcassonne has a few public transit options. You can reach the town by train from Dijon, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, or Bordeaux and many people visit the town as a day trip.

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

Is Belfast or Carcassonne a more walkable city?

Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne on foot. Cars aren't allowed in the medieval city so it's best to explore on foot.

Belfast is a somewhat walkable place.

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

Should I spend more time in Carcassonne or Belfast?

How long in Belfast or Carcassonne?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Belfast or Carcassonne to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Belfast than Carcassonne because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Belfast, and 1-2 days is enough time in Carcassonne.

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

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

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

One day in Belfast or Carcassonne?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the under-rated city of Belfast. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Carcassonne, you'll find food and museums. This town 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 Carcassonne?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the under-rated destination of Belfast. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Carcassonne, you'll find museums and food. 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 Carcassonne has to offer.

Five days in Belfast or Carcassonne?

The under-rated city of Belfast offers nightlife and shopping. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne?

Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Belfast. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 Carcassonne. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Carcassonne. 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in France, and The Best Historical Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Belfast and Carcassonne, we can see that Belfast is more expensive. And not only is Carcassonne much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Carcassonne would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne.

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

Which is Bigger, Belfast or Carcassonne?

Belfast has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Carcassonne. When comparing the sizes of Belfast and Carcassonne, 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 Carcassonne?

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 Carcassonne in the Summer?

Both Carcassonne and Belfast during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Belfast for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Carcassonne in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Belfast is much colder than Carcassonne in the summer. The daily temperature in Belfast averages around 15°C (59°F) in July, and Carcassonne fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In Carcassonne, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Belfast often gets less sunshine than Carcassonne. Belfast gets 151 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Carcassonne receives 275 hours of full sun.

Belfast usually gets more rain in July than Carcassonne. Belfast gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Belfast or Carcassonne in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Belfast and Carcassonne. Many visitors come to Belfast in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Carcassonne for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Belfast is much colder than Carcassonne. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Belfast in October average around 9°C (48°F), and Carcassonne averages at about 17°C (62°F).

Belfast usually receives less sunshine than Carcassonne during autumn. Belfast gets 92 hours of sunny skies, while Carcassonne receives 161 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Belfast usually receives around the same amount of rain as Carcassonne. Belfast gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Belfast or Carcassonne in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Belfast as well as Carcassonne. Most visitors come to Belfast for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Carcassonne because of the museums and the cuisine.

Belfast can be very cold during winter. In January, Belfast is generally much colder than Carcassonne. Daily temperatures in Belfast average around 4°C (39°F), and Carcassonne fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Belfast often gets less sunshine than Carcassonne. Belfast gets 50 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Carcassonne receives 88 hours of full sun.

Belfast usually gets more rain in January than Carcassonne. Belfast gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Belfast or Carcassonne in the Spring?

Both Carcassonne and Belfast are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Belfast because of the activities around the city. Also, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Carcassonne this time of year.

Belfast is much colder than Carcassonne in the spring. The daily temperature in Belfast averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Carcassonne fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

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

In April, Belfast usually receives less rain than Carcassonne. Belfast gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Carcassonne and Belfast