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

Should you visit Belfast or Chicago?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Belfast or Chicago, 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.

Chicago

Chicago is a vibrant, multicultural, and edgey city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping.

Is there more to do in Belfast or Chicago?

You'll generally find more things to do in Chicago than Belfast. Chicago is bigger than Belfast, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Chicago is more touristy than Belfast and is known for its thriving sports scene, its iconic local cuisine, and its world class shopping at the Magnificent Mile. Also, Chicago is famous for The Willis Tower (previously the Sears Tower). Belfast is well known for being the birthplace of the Titanic and the location of the era of the "Troubles".

How is Belfast different from Chicago?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Chicago 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 Chicago that are not to be missed. There are countless landmarks, museums, and iconic sights in the area. Some of the most famous are the Art Institute of Chicago, Adler Planetarium, and the Museum of Science and Industry. Notable landmarks include the famous Willis Tower - formerly the Sears Tower, Buckingham Fountain, and the iconic Cloud Gate (the bean).

Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Belfast or Chicago Better for Theater?

Chicago is an unbeatable place for theatre. However, Belfast is not a theatre destination.

Famous for its theaters and plays, you'll find world-renowned shows in Chicago. Theater is big here with many of the major Broadway productions visiting the city. There is also an endless list of smaller, local theaters to choose from.

Belfast is not a theatre destination.

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

Chicago is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Belfast is not a good city for its restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Chicago is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. With everything from award-winning luxury restaurants to local dives, this city has something for everyone. It also has very distinct local flavors and dishes that create an identity and bring great pride to the locals. While you're in town you have to try the famous deep dish pizza, Chicago style hot dogs, and Italian beef.

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 Chicago Better for Nightlife?

Chicago is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Chicago is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. It has a wide range of activities at night, with everything from theater and comedy clubs to dance venues, sporting events, and local bars. It's easy to fill many evenings with whatever activity appeals to you. Popular bars and clubs include the Smart Bar, Beauty Bar, and Le Nocturne.

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 Chicago Better for Music?

Chicago is an unbeatable place for live music. However, Belfast is not a live music destination.

Chicago is a world class music destination. The city is the birthplace of such interesting styles as modern gospel and the Chicago style blues.

Belfast is not a live music destination.

Is Belfast or Chicago Better for Beaches?

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

Chicago has a beach worth visiting. While you don't immediately think of beaches when you think of Chicago, there are some nice beaches by the lake. If the weather is nice, it's a great area to spend some time.

Belfast is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Belfast or Chicago?

Chicago is an unbeatable place for shopping. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Chicago is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are countless neighborhoods that are filled with boutiques, local vendors, and art galleries. The city has some of the country's best shopping opportunities, and the most notable area is the famous Michigan Avenue and the Magnificent Mile.

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 Chicago Better for Christmas?

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

Chicago is an extremely popular place to visit during the Christmas season. There's a number of seasonal celebrations, ice skating, and excellent shopping.

Belfast does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Belfast or Chicago Better for Christmas Markets?

Chicago is a nice place to visit for its Christmas markets. However, Belfast does not offer Christmas markets.

Chicago has Christmas markets worth visiting. Shopping is a highlight of a trip to the city, and the Christkindlmarkt is not to be missed.

Belfast does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Belfast or Chicago Better for Families?

Chicago 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.

Chicago is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. The city has a large number of activities for kids, including zoos, Shedd Aquarium, impressive children's museums, and large and elaborate playgrounds in Millennium Park. It's easy to keep kids entertained in this very kid-focused city.

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 Chicago Better for Couples?

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

Chicago is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy exploring the city's vibrant theater scene and diverse neighborhoods. There are many varied restaurants and entertainment options that make for a great date night. There are also sporting events, parks, and gardens where couples can explore.

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 Chicago Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chicago 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 Chicago. The city doesn't have a huge backpacker vibe, but it does have a number of hostels that help keep costs in check.

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 Chicago Better for Students?

Chicago 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.

Chicago is a great destination for students. The city has a large number of universities that bring in students from around the country and around the globe. It's a huge international city with economic ties and many opportunities connected to the universities.

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

Chicago 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 Chicago can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. There's a subway (the "L"), a commuter well, as well as buses and countless taxis available.

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

Is Belfast or Chicago a more walkable city?

Chicago 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.

Chicago is very walkable. The city has many restaurants, sights, and hotels that are easily accessible on foot.

Belfast is a somewhat walkable place.

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

Should I spend more time in Chicago or Belfast?

How long in Belfast or Chicago?

In either Belfast or Chicago, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Chicago 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 Chicago.

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

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

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

One day in Belfast or Chicago?

In Belfast, you'll find nightlife and shopping. 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.

Because Chicago is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Chicago?

In Belfast, you'll find shopping and nightlife. 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 Belfast has to offer.

Because Chicago 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. 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 Chicago?

Belfast 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.

Chicago is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Chicago has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Belfast or Chicago?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Belfast. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Belfast. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chicago. Many people enjoy the theater and nightlife when visiting Chicago. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Belfast and Chicago, we can see that Chicago 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 Chicago 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 Chicago would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Chicago 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 Chicago Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Belfast or Chicago?

Chicago has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Belfast. When comparing the sizes of Belfast and Chicago, 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 Chicago?

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 Chicago in the Summer?

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

In July, Belfast is generally much colder than Chicago. Daily temperatures in Belfast average around 15°C (59°F), and Chicago fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chicago this time of the year. Belfast usually receives less sunshine than Chicago during summer. Belfast gets 151 hours of sunny skies, while Chicago receives 326 hours of full sun in the summer.

Chicago receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Belfast usually receives less rain than Chicago. Belfast gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Belfast or Chicago in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Belfast as well as Chicago. The autumn months attract visitors to Belfast because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Chicago this time of year.

Belfast is much colder than Chicago in the autumn. The daily temperature in Belfast averages around 9°C (48°F) in October, and Chicago fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

In the autumn, Belfast often gets less sunshine than Chicago. Belfast gets 92 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chicago receives 195 hours of full sun.

Belfast usually gets more rain in October than Chicago. Belfast gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Belfast or Chicago in the Winter?

Both Chicago 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 Chicago for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Chicago. It's quite cold in Belfast in the winter. In the winter, Belfast is much warmer than Chicago. Typically, the winter temperatures in Belfast in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Chicago averages at about 25°F (-4°C).

Belfast usually receives less sunshine than Chicago during winter. Belfast gets 50 hours of sunny skies, while Chicago receives 134 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Belfast usually receives more rain than Chicago. Belfast gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 1.9 inches (47 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Belfast or Chicago in the Spring?

Both Chicago and Belfast during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Belfast for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Chicago in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Belfast is generally cooler than Chicago. Daily temperatures in Belfast average around 8°C (46°F), and Chicago fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

In Chicago, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Belfast often gets less sunshine than Chicago. Belfast gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chicago receives 218 hours of full sun.

Chicago gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Belfast usually gets less rain in April than Chicago. Belfast gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 4.3 inches (108 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Chicago and Belfast