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

Should you visit Belfast or Montreal?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Belfast or Montreal, 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. It's also popular because of the nightlife and shopping. See Belfast travel costs.

Montreal

Montreal is a cultural, vibrant, and colorful 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. See Montreal travel costs.

Belfast and Montreal: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Belfast or Montreal?

You'll generally find more things to do in Montreal than Belfast. Montreal is bigger than Belfast, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Montreal is more touristy than Belfast and is popular for its music, fashion, and cultural activities. Also, Montreal is famous for Notre-Dame Basilica. 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 Montreal?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Montreal 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 Montreal that are not to be missed. The city is filled with world-class museums and historic sites such as Notre-Dame Basilica, St. Joseph's Oratory, the Biosphere, and the Fine Arts Museum.

Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Montreal 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, Montreal makes for a great culinary experience. There are both local and international restaurants that serve up excellent dishes. Some of the local recipes that you should try include tourtiere (a meat pie), a smoked meat sandwich, and, of course, poutine.

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 Montreal Better for Nightlife?

Montreal 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 Montreal is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The city's nightlife scene is centered around its live music scene, which is excellent. There are also many bars and clubs, as well as a young population that keep evenings lively.

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 Montreal Better for Music?

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

Montreal is a world class music destination. The music scene is thriving and world class. One of the most unique aspects of the city's music scene is its impromptu nature. You'll find many talented street performers and you'll likely stumble into many high quality performers. There's also a great indie scene as well as hip hop, classical, jazz, and heavy metal at the many live music venues.

Belfast is not a live music destination.

Is Belfast or Montreal Better for its Old Town?

Montreal is a well-known place for its historic old town. However, Belfast does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Montreal to see the historical old town. Vieux-Montreal is the historic part of the city, and it's filled with cobblestone streets and historic buildings. This is also where you'll find the Old Port, which has a waterfront promenade.

Belfast does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Belfast or Montreal?

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

Montreal is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. It's known for its fashion scene and there are many independent and local vendors around town. Bonsecours Market is both historic and fascinating, but also make sure you check out Mont-Royal Avenue, which is the main shopping and dining street in town.

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 Montreal Better for Families?

Montreal 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.

Montreal is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids and teens will love the many science museums, parks and gardens, and the nearby La Ronde Amusement Park. If your kids are music lovers, there are many talented street performers in the city that will entertain the young and old alike.

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 Montreal Better for Couples?

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

Montreal is a very popular place to visit for couples. The city is filled with romance, from the world class music scene to the romantic restaurants and sunset river cruises. If you're in town during the fall months, check out the Botanical Gardens, which come to life with the annual Gardens of Light.

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 Montreal Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Montreal 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 Montreal. There's a decent number of hostels as well as a great nightlife scene and plenty of younger visitors looking to meet other travelers.

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 Montreal Better for Students?

Montreal 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.

Montreal is a great destination for students. It's regularly ranked as one of the top cities in North America for students. There are many students around town, a great nightlife scene, and plenty of opportunities to receive a world-class education.

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

Montreal 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 Montreal. There's an efficient and reliable metro and bus system.

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

Is Belfast or Montreal a more walkable city?

Montreal 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.

Montreal is very walkable. The city is very walkable, particularly in the areas that are popular with tourists.

Belfast is a somewhat walkable place.

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

Should I spend more time in Montreal or Belfast?

How long in Belfast or Montreal?

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

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

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

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

One day in Belfast or Montreal?

The city of Belfast offers shopping and nightlife. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Because Montreal is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Montreal?

Belfast is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Belfast, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Because Montreal 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. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Montreal?

Belfast is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Montreal is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Montreal has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Belfast or Montreal?

Belfast is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Montreal. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Montreal. 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 Train & Rail Tours in Canada, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada.

When comparing the travel costs between Belfast and Montreal, we can see that Montreal 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. Even though Belfast is in Europe and Montreal is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Belfast or Montreal?

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

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 Montreal in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Belfast as well as Montreal. Most visitors come to Belfast for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Montreal because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Belfast is generally cooler than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Belfast average around 15°C (59°F), and Montreal fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montreal. In the summer, Belfast often gets less sunshine than Montreal. Belfast gets 151 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 276 hours of full sun.

Belfast usually gets less rain in July than Montreal. Belfast gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Montreal receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Belfast or Montreal in the Autumn?

Both Montreal and Belfast are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Belfast because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Montreal this time of year.

Belfast is around the same temperature as Montreal in the autumn. The daily temperature in Belfast averages around 9°C (48°F) in October, and Montreal fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Belfast usually receives less sunshine than Montreal during autumn. Belfast gets 92 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 141 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Belfast usually receives more rain than Montreal. Belfast gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Montreal receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Belfast or Montreal in the Winter?

Both Montreal and Belfast during the winter are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Belfast this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Montreal for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Montreal. It's quite cold in Belfast in the winter. In the winter, Belfast is much warmer than Montreal. Typically, the winter temperatures in Belfast in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Montreal averages at about -10°C (14°F).

In the winter, Belfast often gets less sunshine than Montreal. Belfast gets 50 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 103 hours of full sun.

Belfast usually gets more rain in January than Montreal. Belfast gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Montreal receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Belfast or Montreal in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Belfast and Montreal. Many travelers come to Belfast for the activities around the city. Furthermore, many visitors come to Montreal in the spring for the activities around the city.

In April, Belfast is generally a little warmer than Montreal. Daily temperatures in Belfast average around 8°C (46°F), and Montreal fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

Belfast usually receives less sunshine than Montreal during spring. Belfast gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 183 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Belfast usually receives less rain than Montreal. Belfast gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Montreal receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Montreal and Belfast