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

Should you visit Belfast or Girona?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Belfast or Girona, 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. And you can't forget about the nightlife and shopping.

Girona

Girona is a colorful, medieval, and ancient city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

Belfast and Girona: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Belfast or Girona?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Girona than Belfast. While Belfast is larger than Girona, Girona has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Girona is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Belfast attracts visitors for its nightlife and big city activities. Belfast is famous for being the birthplace of the Titanic and the location of the era of the "Troubles". Girona is famous for its ancient ruins, colorful old town, grand cathedral, and impressive local cuisine. It is also well known for The Girona Cathedral.

How is Belfast different from Girona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Belfast
Girona

Girona 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 Girona can be an interesting and educational experience. Wander the ancient city walls, explore the beautiful Girona Cathedral, and learn about the Church of Sant Feliu. There are also some interesting museums in town including the Museum of Jewish History, the Archaeology Museum, and the Film Museum. Also make sure you walk across the famed Eiffel Bridge.

Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Belfast
Girona

Girona 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, Girona makes for a great culinary experience. The small city is filled with cafes and restaurants that spill out into the street. There are also markets such as El Lleó Marketplace where you can check out fresh, local items. Many restaurants also have Catalonian style tapas, seafood such as octopus, and garlic shrimp. For breakfast, there are many pastry shops where you can enjoy a European breakfast.

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 Girona Better for Nightlife?

Belfast
Girona

Belfast is a good destination for nightlife and partying. However, Girona is not a good city for its evening party scene.

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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Girona. It's a surprisingly quiet town, especially compared to other nearby party cities, but there are some nightclubs, bars, and music venues that are worth checking out.

Is Belfast or Girona Better for its Old Town?

Belfast
Girona

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

With a famous historical old-town, Girona offers plenty to see. It's a beautiful medieval old town with many wandering streets that are lined with storefronts and classic European cafes.

Belfast does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Belfast or Girona?

Belfast
Girona

Girona 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.

Girona is an extremely popular place for shoppers. In and around the old town you'll find modern shops, local eateries, charming markets, and anything you might need to purchase. There's also no shortage of souvenir and trinket shops, but they have a bit of personality and character to them.

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 Girona Better for Families?

Belfast
Girona

Belfast is a good destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Girona is not a good city for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Girona is not always a place people visit with their families. While the old town is beautiful, with charming colorful buildings, the city itself doesn't have a wide number of activities for kids. There are ice cream shops where they can enjoy a sweet treat. There are also several museums and many restaurants have kid-friendly menus.

Is Belfast or Girona Better for Couples?

Belfast
Girona

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

Girona is a very popular place to visit for couples. The setting is both beautiful and romantic. Couples can enjoy wandering the streets, popping in the many shops, and soaking up the atmosphere. There are also many great restaurants that make for a wonderful night out. Head up the hills towards the cathedral for the best viewpoints, or wander along the river and enjoy the colorful atmosphere.

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 Girona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Belfast
Girona

Girona 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 Girona. Prices aren't too crazy and it's not hard to find a place to stay for an affordable price, but you won't find the lively backpacker scene that is common in many nearby cities.

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 Girona Better for Students?

Belfast
Girona

Belfast and Girona are both nice destinations for students and younger travelers.

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

Plenty of students visit Girona. It's a smaller city with affordable accommodation and many great restaurants. It has a quintessential European atmosphere that makes it a fun place to spend some time as a student

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

Belfast
Girona

Girona 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.

Girona has a few public transit options. The town is small enough that you can likely walk anywhere you want to go, but if you need transit, there are 10 local bus routes.

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


Is Belfast or Girona a more walkable city?

Belfast
Girona

Girona 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 Girona on foot. Everything is easily accessible on foot and its best not to bring a car into town.

Belfast is a somewhat walkable place.

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

Should I spend more time in Girona or Belfast?

How long in Belfast or Girona?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Belfast or Girona to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Belfast than Girona 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 Girona.

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

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


  • How many days in Belfast or Girona? Ideal Length of Stay
    Belfast 1-3 
    Girona 1-2

One day in Belfast or Girona?

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

In Girona, you'll find museums and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Girona?

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 Girona, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Girona has to offer.


Five days in Belfast or Girona?

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.

Girona is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Girona?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the authentic 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 Girona. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Girona. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid.


Which place is cheaper, Girona or Belfast?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Belfast is £133, while the average daily cost in Girona is £120. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Belfast and Girona in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Belfast £68
    Girona £59
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Belfast £136
    Girona £118
Compare Hotels in Belfast and Girona

Looking for a hotel in Belfast or Girona? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Belfast


Hotels in Girona


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Belfast Hotel Prices and Girona Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Belfast £14
    Girona £42

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Belfast

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Belfast:

  • Belfast Accommodation to Belfast City Airport (BHD) - Departure Private Transfer: $23
  • Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Holywood Accommodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $23
  • Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Bangor Accommodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $27
  • Belfast International Airport (BFS) to Belfast City - Arrival Private Transfer: $27
  • Belfast City to Belfast International Airport (BFS) - Departure Private Transfer: $27
  • Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Lisburn Accommodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $27
  • Private Belfast Arrival Transfer- Belfast City Airport to Belfast Hotel / Accomm: $44
  • Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Belfast Airport: $44
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Crawfordsburn: $50
  • Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Bangor Accommodation - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $54
  • Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Lisburn Accommodation - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $55
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Groomsport: $57

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Girona

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Girona:

  • Girona Airport Bus Transfer from/to Barcelona Center: $21
  • Palamós to Girona Airport (GRO) - Departure Private Transfer : $33
  • Palamós to Barcelona Airport (BNC) Departure Private Transfer: $60
  • Girona Airport (GRO) to Costa Brava - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $98
  • Transfer from Barcelona to girona Airport: $196
  • Private Transfer from Tossa de Mar/ Lloret de Mar to Barcelona: $262

Is it cheaper to fly into Belfast or Girona?

Prices for flights to both Girona and Belfast change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Belfast £51
    Girona £35

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Belfast

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Belfast.

  • Guided Craft Beer and Street Food Tour: $81
  • Belfast Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $108

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Girona

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Girona.

  • The 11 tastings of Girona small-group tour and dinner: $88
  • Girona Morning Food Tour & Local Market: $91
  • Girona Evening Food Tour & Tapas Bar Experience: $95
  • The 11 Tastings of Girona small-group tour and dinner: $96
  • Girona Morning Food Tour & Local Market: $97

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Belfast £18
    Girona £21
Typical Entertainment Prices in Belfast

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Belfast are as follows:


  • Movie Tickets
    £8.00

Tours and Activities in Belfast

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Belfast are as follows:

  • Belfast’s Titanic Quarter: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.00
  • Belfast's Iconic Sites: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.47
  • Museum Ticket: $6.90
  • Hillsborough Castle Gardens Entrance Ticket: $12
  • If Buildings Could Talk Tour Belfast: $15
  • If Buildings Could Talk Tour: $15
  • Crumlin Road Gaol Experience: $18
  • 2.5-Hour Street Murals Tour in Spanish: $19
  • Belfast Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK: $19
  • Belfast Murals Political Tour in Spanish: $19
  • Line of Duty Guided Walking Tour: $21
  • Belfast Line of Duty Walking Tour: $22

Tours and Activities in Girona

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Girona are as follows:

  • Girona self-guided tour app with multilingual audioguide: $4.28
  • Audio Tour Imprescindible a tu ritmo: $6.41
  • Girona Art Museum: Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket & Audio Guide: $6.42
  • Entrance ticket to the Girona Art Museum: $6.54
  • Museum of Cinema Entry Ticket: $7.49
  • Fábrica-Museo de Anchoas Solés Ticket: $7.74
  • Self-guided Audio City Tour on Your Phone: $11
  • Girona City Tour Self-guided Audio Tour on Your Phone (no ticket): $11
  • Ticket pass to Girona Cathedral, Sant Felix and Girona Art Museum: $13
  • Catedral, Art Museum, St Felix Church Ticket & Audio: $29
  • E-ticket to Girona's Cathedral, Art Museum & S.t Feliu Church: $29
  • Girona History, Legends, and Food Walking Tour with food tasting: $31

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Belfast £7.86
    Girona £8.29

Sample the Local Flavors in Belfast

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Belfast:

  • Pub Crawl and Bar Walking Tour with Two Drinks: $15
  • Belfast Pub Crawl: $15
  • Explore & Taste: Distillery Tour at Titanic Distillers: $32
  • Belfast Giant's Causeway and Titanic Distillery Whiskey Tour: $69
  • VIP Skip-the Line Titanic Museum and Distillery Tasting Tour: $119

Sample the Local Flavors in Girona

Also in Girona, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Spanish Wine Tasting in the Costa Brava: $82
  • Local Wineries Tour with Breakfast and Wine Tasting: $149


When comparing the travel costs between Belfast and Girona, 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 Girona Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Belfast or Girona?

Belfast has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Girona. When comparing the sizes of Belfast and Girona, 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 Girona?

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 Girona in the Summer?

Both Girona 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 Girona in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Belfast is much colder than Girona. Typically, the summer temperatures in Belfast in July average around 15°C (59°F), and Girona averages at about 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Girona. Belfast usually receives less sunshine than Girona during summer. Belfast gets 151 hours of sunny skies, while Girona receives 279 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Belfast usually receives more rain than Girona. Belfast gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Girona receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Belfast 15°C (59°F) 
    Girona 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Belfast or Girona in the Autumn?

Both Girona 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. Also, most visitors come to Girona for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Belfast is generally much colder than Girona. Daily temperatures in Belfast average around 9°C (48°F), and Girona fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Belfast often gets less sunshine than Girona. Belfast gets 92 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Girona receives 170 hours of full sun.

Belfast usually gets more rain in October than Girona. Belfast gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Girona receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Belfast 9°C (48°F) 
    Girona 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Belfast or Girona in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Belfast and Girona. Most visitors come to Belfast for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Girona because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Belfast can be very cold during winter. Belfast is much colder than Girona in the winter. The daily temperature in Belfast averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Girona fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Belfast usually receives less sunshine than Girona during winter. Belfast gets 50 hours of sunny skies, while Girona receives 148 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Belfast usually receives more rain than Girona. Belfast gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Girona receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Belfast 4°C (39°F) 
    Girona 8°C (46°F)

Should I visit Belfast or Girona in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Belfast as well as Girona. 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 Girona this time of year.

In the spring, Belfast is much colder than Girona. Typically, the spring temperatures in Belfast in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Girona averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Belfast often gets less sunshine than Girona. Belfast gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Girona receives 177 hours of full sun.

Belfast usually gets less rain in April than Girona. Belfast gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Girona receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Belfast 8°C (46°F) 
    Girona 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Girona and Belfast

Belfast Girona
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 9°C (48°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 11°C (51°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in) 13°C (55°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (2 in) 16°C (62°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Jun 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 21°C (69°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 15°C (59°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 24°C (75°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Aug 15°C (59°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 24°C (74°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 21°C (70°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 9°C (48°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 16°C (61°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 11°C (52°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 9°C (47°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)