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

Should you visit Belfast or Phoenix?

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

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

Phoenix

Phoenix is a sprawling, desert, and laid back city. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and food.

Belfast and Phoenix: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Belfast or Phoenix?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Belfast than Phoenix. While Phoenix is larger than Belfast, Belfast has more sights and attractions for tourists. Belfast is better known for its big city activities, while Phoenix is more popular for its museums, food, and hiking. Belfast is more touristy than Phoenix and is popular for being the birthplace of the Titanic and the location of the era of the "Troubles". Also, Belfast is famous for Belfast Castle. Phoenix is well known for its desert landscapes, high number of golf courses, and year round warm weather.

How is Belfast different from Phoenix?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Phoenix is a nice place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

Phoenix is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. You'll find art, science, and cultural museums around town. Favorites include the Heard Museum, the Phoenix Art Museum, S'edav Va'aki Museum, and the Arizona Science Museum.

Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Phoenix offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are many mom-and-pop shops around town that serve everything from casual meals to quality steaks. There's also a huge selection of Mexican restaurants, as well as other international options such as sushi, dim sum, and Italian.

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 Phoenix Better for Nightlife?

Both Belfast and Phoenix are notable when it comes to partying.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Phoenix. The best nightlife scene is found in downtown and central Phoenix. There are bars, restaurants, and venues where you can catch a show. North Phoenix also has grown into a popular evening spot with cocktail bars and pubs.

Is Belfast or Phoenix Better for Hiking?

Phoenix is a nice place to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Belfast is not a hiking destination.

Phoenix has hiking trails worth exploring. You don't have to head far out of town for impressive hiking opportunities. You'll find trails that range from easy to challenging, and many pass through other-worldly landscapes. You'll find popular trails in Usery Mountain Regional Park, Papago Park, White Tank Mountain Regional Park, South Mountain Park and many others.

Belfast is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Belfast or Phoenix?

Both Belfast and Phoenix are notable 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 Phoenix. There are plenty of shopping centers, outlets, and malls where you'll find the standard chain stores. You'll also find farmer's markets around town.

Is Belfast or Phoenix Better for Families?

Belfast and Phoenix are both notable destinations for the whole family.

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.

Phoenix is a family-friendly city. Kids will love the Phoenix Zoo, the Arizona Science Center, the SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium, and the Bearizona Wildlife Park. There's also a number of parks and gardens as well as a children's museum and several other interactive museums for kids.

Is Belfast or Phoenix Better for Couples?

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

Phoenix is a nice destination for couples. There are many parks and gardens in town as well as beautiful hikes and outdoor activities that couples will enjoy. In the evening, there's theater, shows, and many romantic restaurants.

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 Phoenix Better for Students?

Belfast is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Phoenix is not popular with students.

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

Phoenix is not popular with students.

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

Both Belfast and Phoenix offer respectable public transit options.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Phoenix. There's a bus and light rail system, but you really need your own vehicle to get around.

Is Belfast or Phoenix a more walkable city?

Belfast is a city with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Phoenix is not known for its walkability.

Belfast is a somewhat walkable city.

Phoenix is generally not very walkable. It's a sprawling city and the only real area that's walkable is the downtown.

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

Should I spend more time in Phoenix or Belfast?

How long in Belfast or Phoenix?

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

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

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

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

One day in Belfast or Phoenix?

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 Phoenix, you'll find nightlife and food. 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 Phoenix?

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

Five days in Belfast or Phoenix?

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.

Phoenix 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 Phoenix?

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 Phoenix. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Phoenix. 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 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.

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

Which is Bigger, Belfast or Phoenix?

Phoenix has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Belfast. When comparing the sizes of Belfast and Phoenix, 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 Phoenix?

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 Phoenix in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Belfast as well as Phoenix. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Belfast this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Phoenix for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

It's very hot in Phoenix this time of the year. In July, Belfast is generally much colder than Phoenix. Daily temperatures in Belfast average around 15°C (59°F), and Phoenix fluctuates around 98°F (36°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Phoenix. In the summer, Belfast often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. Belfast gets 151 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 380 hours of full sun.

Belfast usually gets more rain in July than Phoenix. Belfast gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Belfast or Phoenix in the Autumn?

Both Phoenix and Belfast are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Belfast for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Phoenix in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Belfast is much colder than Phoenix in the autumn. The daily temperature in Belfast averages around 9°C (48°F) in October, and Phoenix fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Phoenix. Belfast usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during autumn. Belfast gets 92 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 305 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Belfast usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Belfast gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Belfast or Phoenix in the Winter?

Both Phoenix and Belfast during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Belfast in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Phoenix for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Belfast can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Belfast is much colder than Phoenix. Typically, the winter temperatures in Belfast in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Phoenix averages at about 58°F (14°C).

In Phoenix, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Belfast often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. Belfast gets 50 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 254 hours of full sun.

Belfast usually gets more rain in January than Phoenix. Belfast gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Belfast or Phoenix in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Belfast and Phoenix. Most visitors come to Belfast for the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Belfast is generally much colder than Phoenix. Daily temperatures in Belfast average around 8°C (46°F), and Phoenix fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phoenix this time of the year. Belfast usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during spring. Belfast gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 355 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Belfast usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Belfast gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Phoenix and Belfast