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

Should you visit Belfast or Hamburg?

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

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

Hamburg

Hamburg is a energetic, cultural, and vibrant port city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and live music.

Belfast and Hamburg: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit


Is there more to do in Belfast or Hamburg?

You'll generally find more things to do in Hamburg than Belfast. Hamburg is bigger than Belfast, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Hamburg is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Belfast is more popular for its big city activities. Hamburg is more touristy than Belfast and is known for its music clubs, beautiful architecture, relaxing natural areas, and green space. Also, Hamburg is famous for St. Michael's Church. 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 Hamburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Belfast
Hamburg

Hamburg 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 Hamburg can be an interesting and educational experience. The city's most famous district is the port area, which has a number of cultural sights and a pedestrian trail. There are also many museums and architectural landmarks around town.

Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Belfast
Hamburg

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

Hamburg offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The city has a mix of cosmopolitan restaurants and traditional places where you can enjoy a classic German dish like currywurst or labskaus (a type of stew).

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 Hamburg Better for Nightlife?

Belfast
Hamburg

Hamburg 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.

Hamburg offers plenty to do in the evening. The city is often overlooked, but it's nightlife scene is actually among the best. There are techno concerts, music festivals, and nightclubs that appeal to all personalities.

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 Hamburg Better for Music?

Belfast
Hamburg

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

Hamburg is a world class music destination. The city is an influential power in the music scene around Europe. You'll find many clubs concentrated in the St. Pauli district.

Belfast is not a live music destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Belfast or Hamburg?

Belfast
Hamburg

Hamburg 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.

Hamburg is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The diversity of shopping venues includes flea markets and luxury shopping malls. One of the main shopping streets in town is the Mönkebergstrasse.

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 Hamburg Better for Families?

Belfast
Hamburg

Hamburg is a well-known 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.

Hamburg is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has a surprising number of opportunities to see wildlife nearby including a zoo and a wildlife park just outside of town. The city also has great playgrounds that are fun for kids who need a break from sightseeing.

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 Hamburg Better for Couples?

Belfast
Hamburg

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

Hamburg is a nice destination for couples. Romantic activities in town include taking a boat ride or harbor cruise or grabbing a cocktail at one of the city's many bars.

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 Hamburg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Belfast
Hamburg

Hamburg 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 Hamburg. Many backpackers overlook the city, but there are a number of good hostels and a relaxing vibe that makes for a nice visit.

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 Hamburg Better for Students?

Belfast
Hamburg

Belfast and Hamburg are both notable 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 Hamburg. The city has a few great universities and a number of opportunities for international students.

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

Belfast
Hamburg

Hamburg is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Belfast is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Hamburg. There are trains and buses that make their way around town.

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


Is Belfast or Hamburg a more walkable city?

Belfast
Hamburg

Hamburg 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.

Hamburg is very walkable. Most tourist areas can easily be explored on foot.

Belfast is a somewhat walkable place.

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

Should I spend more time in Hamburg or Belfast?

How long in Belfast or Hamburg?

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

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

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

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


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

One day in Belfast or Hamburg?

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.

In Hamburg, you'll find shopping and museums. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. This port 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 Hamburg?

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.

In Hamburg, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hamburg has to offer.


Five days in Belfast or Hamburg?

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.

Hamburg 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 Hamburg?

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 Hamburg. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Hamburg. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. 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 Berlin, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Berlin.


Which place is cheaper, Hamburg 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 Hamburg is £100. 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 Hamburg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Belfast £68
    Hamburg £46
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Belfast £136
    Hamburg £92
Compare Hotels in Belfast and Hamburg

Looking for a hotel in Belfast or Hamburg? 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 Hamburg


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 Hamburg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Belfast £14
    Hamburg £25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Belfast

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Belfast:

  • Arrival Private Transfer Belfast Airport BHD or BFS to Belfast by Luxury Car: $105
  • Arrival Private Transfer Belfast Airport BHD or BFS to Belfast by Luxury Van: $105
  • Arrival Private Transfer Belfast Airport BHD or BFS to Belfast by Minibus: $145
  • Belfast Accommodation to Belfast City Airport (BHD) - Departure Private Transfer: $23
  • Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Bangor Accommodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $27
  • Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Bangor Accommodation - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $54
  • Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Holywood Accommodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $23
  • Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Lisburn Accommodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $27
  • Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Lisburn Accommodation - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $55
  • Belfast City Airport BHD Executive transfer to Belfast 1-4 people: $58
  • Belfast City to Belfast International Airport (BFS) - Departure Private Transfer: $27
  • Belfast International Airport (BFS) to Belfast City - Arrival Private Transfer: $27

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hamburg

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Hamburg:


  • Short Distance Ubahn Ticket
    £1.45

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hamburg

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hamburg:

  • Private Transfer from Hamburg Cruise Port to Hamburg Airport(HAM): $38
  • Private Transfer from Hamburg Airport(HAM) to Hamburg Cruise Port: $38
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Hamburg Airport HAM to Hamburg: $41
  • Private Transfer from Hamburg to Hamburg Airport HAM Departure : $41
  • Private Transfer from Hamburg Cruise Port to Hamburg City Hotels: $51
  • Private Transfer from Hamburg City Hotels to Hamburg Cruise Port: $51
  • Private Transfer from Hamburg Hotels to Bremerhaven Cruise Port: $65
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Hamburg Airport XFW to Hamburg City: $76
  • Departure Private Transfers from Hamburg City to Hamburg Airport XFW: $76
  • Private Transfer from Hamburg Airport(HAM) to Ostseekai Kiel Port: $78
  • Private Transfer from Hamburg City to Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port: $78
  • Roundtrip Private Transfer from Hamburg Airport HAM to Hamburg: $83

Is it cheaper to fly into Belfast or Hamburg?

Prices for flights to both Hamburg 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
    Hamburg £30

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

Typical Food Prices in Hamburg

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hamburg:


  • Pink Thai Soup Dinner and Spring Rolls
    £13
  • Currywurst and Pommes Frites
    £4.28
  • Donner Kebab and Coke
    £5.13
  • Traditional Hamburg Dinner w/ Beer
    £13
  • Donner Kebab Lunch
    £3.42
  • Sandwich and Coffee Break
    £5.13
  • Fish Sandwich from Fish Market
    £2.99
  • Coffee and Donut
    £3.42

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hamburg

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

  • St. Pauli kulinarisch – Die Food Tour: $48
  • Elphi Plaza und HafenCity kulinarisch – Die Food Tour: $59
  • Original Musical Dinner Cruise 2024: $117
  • Hamburg Private Food Tours with a Local: 100% Personalized : $186
  • St. Pauli: Guided Food Tour with 5 Tastings: $481
  • Elbphilharmonie Plaza and HafenCity Food Tour: $588
  • Elbphilharmonie Plaza and HafenCity Food Tour: $588

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Belfast £18
    Hamburg £34
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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Hamburg

Here are a few typical costs in Hamburg for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Tower at St. Michael's Church
    £2.99

Tours and Activities in Hamburg

Here are a few actual costs in Hamburg for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Selfguided Audiotour "Speicherstadt and HafenCity": $3.20
  • Selfguided Audiotour "Old Town and City Center": $3.20
  • Deutsche Hafen & St.Pauli Bezahl-Was-ihr-wollt Tour zu Fuß: $3.21
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $3.21
  • Harbor&St. Pauli Pay-What-You-Want 2-Hour Walking Tour: $3.21
  • English Hamburg City Center Pay-What-You-Want Walking Tour: $3.21
  • German Hamburg Historic City Center Pay-What-You-Want Tour: $3.21
  • English Harbor&St.Pauli Pay-What-You-Want Walking Tour: $3.21
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • The Local Tour of Hamburg Historic Centre: $3.26
  • Germany eSIM Tourist Roaming Data Plan: $4.28
  • Exclusive Self-Guided Audio Tour in St. Pauli: $4.60

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Belfast £7.86
    Hamburg £15

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 Hamburg

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Hamburg:

  • Night Pub Crawl through The Repperbahn: $21
  • Weekend Night Pub Crawl through the Reeperbahn: $34
  • Pub Crawl - Ultimate party pub crawl incl. One-hour drinks flat rate: $44
  • Hamburg Pub Crawl including 1 hour flatrate for beer: $51
  • Bachelor(ette) Premium Party with Pub Crawl: $401
  • Private Pub Crawl Tour: $401
  • Private Premium Pub Crawl: $513


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

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


Which is Bigger, Belfast or Hamburg?

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

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 Hamburg in the Summer?

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

In July, Belfast is generally cooler than Hamburg. Daily temperatures in Belfast average around 15°C (59°F), and Hamburg fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hamburg this time of the year. Belfast usually receives less sunshine than Hamburg during summer. Belfast gets 151 hours of sunny skies, while Hamburg receives 207 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Belfast usually receives less rain than Hamburg. Belfast gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Belfast 15°C (59°F) 
    Hamburg 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Belfast or Hamburg in the Autumn?

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

Belfast is around the same temperature as Hamburg in the autumn. The daily temperature in Belfast averages around 9°C (48°F) in October, and Hamburg fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the autumn, Belfast often gets less sunshine than Hamburg. Belfast gets 92 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hamburg receives 101 hours of full sun.

Belfast usually gets more rain in October than Hamburg. Belfast gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Belfast 9°C (48°F) 
    Hamburg 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Belfast or Hamburg in the Winter?

Both Hamburg 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 Hamburg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Hamburg. It's quite cold in Belfast in the winter. In the winter, Belfast is much warmer than Hamburg. Typically, the winter temperatures in Belfast in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Hamburg averages at about 0°C (33°F).

Belfast usually receives more sunshine than Hamburg during winter. Belfast gets 50 hours of sunny skies, while Hamburg receives 42 hours of full sun in the winter.

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


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Belfast 4°C (39°F) 
    Hamburg 0°C (33°F)

Should I visit Belfast or Hamburg in the Spring?

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

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

In the spring, Belfast often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hamburg. Belfast gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hamburg receives 161 hours of full sun.

Belfast usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Hamburg. Belfast gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Belfast 8°C (46°F) 
    Hamburg 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Hamburg and Belfast

Belfast Hamburg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 0°C (33°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 1°C (34°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 4°C (39°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in) 8°C (46°F) 51 mm (2 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (2 in) 12°C (54°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 15°C (60°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Jul 15°C (59°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 17°C (62°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Aug 15°C (59°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 17°C (62°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Oct 9°C (48°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 10°C (50°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 5°C (41°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 2°C (35°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)