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

Should you visit Belfast or Houston?

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

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

Houston

Houston is a sprawling, southern, and one-of-a-kind city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and live music.

Belfast and Houston: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Belfast or Houston?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Houston than Belfast. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Belfast is more touristy than Houston and is known for being the birthplace of the Titanic and the location of the era of the "Troubles". Houston is famous for its sprawling size, its local Texas restaurants, and being the home to NASA. It is also well known for The Space Center Houston.

How is Belfast different from Houston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Houston 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 Houston can be an interesting and educational experience. Head to Houston's Museum District to explore 19 different museums in a walkable area. A highlight of a trip to the city is a visit to the Space Center, but other popular museums include the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Houston Children's Museum.

Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Houston offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The city is famous for its Texas barbecue, Mexican food, and a wide diversity of other different ethnic foods. It's a surprisingly diverse city and this is reflected in the restaurant selection around town.

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 Houston Better for Nightlife?

Houston 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.

Houston offers plenty to do in the evening. The nightlife is at its best on weekends when bars, dance clubs, and concert halls come to life. There are a diversity of venues around town including dance clubs, Honky Tonks, and cocktail bars. Some of the most active nightlife areas are Downtown, Midtown, Montrose, Washington Avenue, and Rice Village.

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 Houston Better for Music?

Houston is a nice place to visit for live music. However, Belfast is not a live music destination.

The music scene helps keep Houston active and fun. Popular music venues include Fitzgerald's, Walter's Downtown, and The Continental Club.

Belfast is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Belfast or Houston?

Both Belfast and Houston are nice 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 Houston. There are a number of upscale malls and shopping centers that have brand names, chain stores, and the occasional local shop where you can pick up items.

Is Belfast or Houston Better for Families?

Houston 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.

Houston is a very family-friendly place to visit. It is a large city with plenty of things that kids can enjoy including museums, theaters, a zoo, and even the Space Center. The Children's Museum of Houston is perfect for a rainy day. For science loving kids there's the Health Museum and the Museum of Natural Science. Houston also has a Six Flags nearby which the whole family can enjoy.

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 Houston Better for Couples?

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

Houston is a nice destination for couples. There's a surprising diversity of restaurants around the city. There are also performing arts productions and many outdoor parks and gardens.

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 Houston Better for Students?

Belfast and Houston 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 Houston. It's a large city with a number of universities and a large student population.

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

Both Belfast and Houston offer reasonable public transit options.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Houston. The system includes buses and a limited light rail. Houston is known as a car-centric city and you really need a car to fully experience it.

Is Belfast or Houston a more walkable city?

Belfast is a good destination for its high level of walkability. However, Houston is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.

Belfast is a somewhat walkable place.

Houston is generally not a very walkable city. The most walkable neighborhood is the historic Houston Heights, but most parts of the city aren't very walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Houston or Belfast?

How long in Belfast or Houston?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Belfast and Houston. In our opinion, Houston has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Houston than Belfast. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Belfast, and 2-3 days is enough time in Houston.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Belfast than Houston 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 Belfast.

One day in Belfast or Houston?

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 Houston 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 Houston?

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 Houston 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. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Houston has to offer.

Five days in Belfast or Houston?

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.

Houston 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 Houston?

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 Houston. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Houston. 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 Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.

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

Which is Bigger, Belfast or Houston?

Houston has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Belfast. When comparing the sizes of Belfast and Houston, 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 Houston?

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 Houston in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Belfast and Houston. Many travelers come to Belfast for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Houston in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Belfast is much colder than Houston. Typically, the summer temperatures in Belfast in July average around 15°C (59°F), and Houston averages at about 84°F (29°C).

Houston receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Belfast usually receives less rain than Houston. Belfast gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Houston receives 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Belfast or Houston in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Belfast as well as Houston. Many visitors come to Belfast in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Houston for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

In October, Belfast is generally much colder than Houston. Daily temperatures in Belfast average around 9°C (48°F), and Houston fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

It's quite rainy in Houston. Belfast usually gets less rain in October than Houston. Belfast gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Houston receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Belfast or Houston in the Winter?

Both Houston and Belfast are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Belfast for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Houston because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Belfast can be very cold during winter. Belfast is much colder than Houston in the winter. The daily temperature in Belfast averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Houston fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

In January, Belfast usually receives less rain than Houston. Belfast gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Houston receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Belfast or Houston in the Spring?

Both Houston and Belfast during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Belfast because of the activities around the city. Furthermore, the activities around the city are the main draw to Houston this time of year.

In the spring, Belfast is much colder than Houston. Typically, the spring temperatures in Belfast in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Houston averages at about 70°F (21°C).

Belfast usually gets less rain in April than Houston. Belfast gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Houston receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Houston and Belfast