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

Should you visit Belfast or Pittsburgh?

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

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

Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is a industrial, authentic, and under-rated city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Belfast and Pittsburgh: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Belfast or Pittsburgh?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Pittsburgh. Although Belfast and Pittsburgh are roughly the same size, Pittsburgh has more sights and attractions for tourists. Belfast is more touristy than Pittsburgh and is popular for being the birthplace of the Titanic and the location of the era of the "Troubles". Pittsburgh is well known for its many bridges, its steel industry, and being the home of "Mr. Roger's Neighborhood". Also, Pittsburgh is famous for Mount Washington.

How is Belfast different from Pittsburgh?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh can be an interesting and educational experience. The museums range from science and nature focused, like the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Garden, to quirky and artsy, like the Mattress Factory. The Warhol Museum is dedicated to the works of Andy Warhol and it's not to be missed. Also worth a visit is the Heinz History Center, Randyland, and the Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History.

Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Pittsburgh offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The city is known for its working class roots, and the food is hearty and filling, which is great for those on a budget. Popular local dishes include pierogis, deli sandwiches, Pittsburgh salads (complete with French fries), and hotcakes.

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 Pittsburgh Better for Nightlife?

Pittsburgh 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.

Pittsburgh offers plenty to do in the evening. There's an active music and dance scene in town. For the best bars and clubs, head to the Strip and South Side and for live entertainment and casinos check out the North Shore.

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 the Shopping Better in Belfast or Pittsburgh?

Both Belfast and Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh. You'll find local fashion boutiques and shopping centers in the city's downtown. Other great shopping neighborhoods include Shadyside, Station Square, and Fifth Avenue Place.

Is Belfast or Pittsburgh Better for Families?

Belfast and Pittsburgh 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.

Pittsburgh is a family-friendly city. There's a surprising number of kid-friendly activities packed into this city. Check out the National Aviary or visit the popular Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium. There are also kid-focused museums and science centers as well as parks and playgrounds. Also make sure you take the cable car up Duquesne Incline or enjoy a boat ride on one of the rivers as well.

Is Belfast or Pittsburgh Better for Couples?

Most people don't think of either Belfast or Pittsburgh as a couple's destination.

Belfast is not the best destination for a couple to visit. There are gardens and parks to explore, several nice hotels with spas, and an Observatory on the 23rd floor of the Grand Central Hotel.

Most people don't think of Pittsburgh as a couple's destination. There are a few good date night activities like taking river cruises, enjoying dinner and show, or going to a Pirate's game.

Is Belfast or Pittsburgh Better for Students?

Belfast is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Pittsburgh 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.

Pittsburgh is not popular with students.

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

Pittsburgh 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.

Pittsburgh has a few public transit options. There are bus and lightrail options through the city's downtown. There's also the unique incline, which is an experience worth doing.

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

Is Belfast or Pittsburgh a more walkable city?

Belfast and Pittsburgh both are notable when exploring on foot.

Belfast is somewhat walkable.

Pittsburgh is a somewhat walkable place. Some of the attractions are spread out, but if you're willing to do a bit of walking, it's possible to get around on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Pittsburgh or Belfast?

How long in Belfast or Pittsburgh?

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

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

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

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

One day in Belfast or Pittsburgh?

With shopping and nightlife around the affordable city of Belfast, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Belfast, one day is sufficent for most.

In Pittsburgh, you'll find nightlife and food. 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 Pittsburgh?

With nightlife and shopping around the destination of Belfast, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

In Pittsburgh, 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 Pittsburgh has to offer.

Five days in Belfast or Pittsburgh?

Belfast, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh?

Belfast is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pittsburgh. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Pittsburgh. 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 Anchorage, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles.

When comparing the travel costs between Belfast and Pittsburgh, we can see that Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Belfast or Pittsburgh?

Pittsburgh has a larger population, and is about 16% larger than the population of Belfast. When comparing the sizes of Belfast and Pittsburgh, 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.