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

Should you visit Belfast or Portland?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Belfast or Portland, 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 affordable, under-rated, and authentic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include nightlife and shopping.

Portland

Portland is a tree-lined, nature-filled, and scenic city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and hiking.

Belfast and Portland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Belfast or Portland?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Portland than Belfast, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Portland is more popular for its museums, music, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Belfast is known for its big city activities. Portland is more touristy than Belfast and is popular for its independent and vintage shops, thriving art scene, lush parks and gardens, progressive and quirky personality, and easy access to amazing natural beauty. It is also home to Washington Park. Belfast is popular for being the birthplace of the Titanic and the location of the era of the "Troubles".

How is Belfast different from Portland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Portland is a moderate city for its sights and museums. However, Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

Portland offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Visitors usually come for the city's outdoor recreation and eclectic personality more than the landmarks and museums. There are a few places to visit on a rainy day though including Pittock Mansion, the Portland Art Museum, and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.

Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Belfast and Portland can be an enjoyable experience.

Belfast offers some easy restaurants to choose from. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Portland. The town is more famous for it's craft beer than it's food, but there are still a number of local restaurants that offer unique Oregon dishes. You'll find no shortage of vegetarian and vegan options on most menus. There is also a big farm-to-table scene with many farmers markets around town as well.

Is Belfast or Portland Better for Nightlife?

Both Belfast and Portland are good 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 Portland. Famously, this town's nightlife is all about the craft beer and local breweries. Make sure you check out Bailey's Taproom, The Big Legrowlski, and The Commons Brewery.

Is Belfast or Portland Better for Music?

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

The music scene helps keep Portland active and fun. The town has a thriving live music and international folk dancing scene.

Belfast is not a live music destination.

Is Belfast or Portland Better for Hiking?

Portland is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Belfast is not a hiking destination.

Portland is a popular spot for hiking. Just outside of town you'll find amazing hikes and stunning natural beauty. In town there are many urban hikes through parks and gardens, but in just a short drive you also have access to Mount Hood and many of the region's most beautiful hikes around the Columbia River Gorge.

Belfast is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Belfast or Portland?

Both Belfast and Portland are good 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 Portland. To fully experience shopping in town, head to the local vendors and thrift shops. There are many vintage clothing shops, book stores, and independent sellers around town. The city is also full of farmers markets. For some of the most interesting shopping, check out the Pearl District, Pioneer Place, Union Way, and Downtown neighborhoods.

Is Belfast or Portland Better for Families?

Belfast and Portland are both good 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.

Portland is a family-friendly city. This is an outdoor city by nature, so families will appreciate the many parks and outdoor recreational activities around town. It's easy to fill a couple of days exploring and having fun with the kids. Kid-friendly activities include the zoo, the aerial tram, and several great museums.

Is Belfast or Portland Better for Couples?

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

Portland is a nice destination for couples. The laid-back, alternative vibe is fun to explore as a couple. There are independent bookstores, nice parks, and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Couples who enjoy an eclectic city, breweries, and nature, will find a lot to do in town.

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 Portland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Portland is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Belfast is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Portland. The town has drawn young explorers for years, and backpackers who like to step away from the mainstream will feel right at home here.

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 Portland Better for Students?

Belfast and Portland are both good 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 Portland. It's a young and relaxed city that attracts independent thinkers. There are many bookstores and breweries around town. The cost of living can be a bit high though.

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

Portland 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.

Portland has a few public transit options. The town has a bus and light rail system as well the Aerial tram.

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

Is Belfast or Portland a more walkable city?

Portland 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.

Portland is very walkable. It is quite walkable, particularly in the tourist areas such as Downtown, Pearl, and Old Town Chinatown.

Belfast is a somewhat walkable place.

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

Should I spend more time in Portland or Belfast?

How long in Belfast or Portland?

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

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

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

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

One day in Belfast or Portland?

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.

In Portland, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 Portland?

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.

In Portland, you'll find nightlife and live music. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Portland has to offer.

Five days in Belfast or Portland?

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.

Portland is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Portland?

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 Portland. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Portland. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Belfast or Portland?

Portland has a larger population, and is about 97% larger than the population of Belfast. When comparing the sizes of Belfast and Portland, 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 Portland?

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 Portland in the Summer?

Both Portland and Belfast during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Belfast this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Portland for the hiking, the small town charm, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Belfast is cooler than Portland in the summer. The daily temperature in Belfast averages around 15°C (59°F) in July, and Portland fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

In Portland, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Belfast often gets less sunshine than Portland. Belfast gets 151 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 338 hours of full sun.

Belfast usually gets more rain in July than Portland. Belfast gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Portland receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Belfast or Portland in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Belfast and Portland. Many travelers come to Belfast for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Portland in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Belfast is cooler than Portland. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Belfast in October average around 9°C (48°F), and Portland averages at about 55°F (13°C).

Belfast usually receives less sunshine than Portland during autumn. Belfast gets 92 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Belfast usually receives more rain than Portland. Belfast gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Portland receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Belfast or Portland in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Belfast as well as Portland. Many visitors come to Belfast in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Portland for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Portland can be very cold during winter. Belfast can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Belfast is generally around the same temperature as Portland. Daily temperatures in Belfast average around 4°C (39°F), and Portland fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

In the winter, Belfast often gets less sunshine than Portland. Belfast gets 50 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 86 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Portland. Belfast usually gets less rain in January than Portland. Belfast gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Portland receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Belfast or Portland in the Spring?

Both Portland and Belfast are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Belfast for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Portland because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Belfast is cooler than Portland in the spring. The daily temperature in Belfast averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Portland fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

It's quite sunny in Portland. Belfast usually receives less sunshine than Portland during spring. Belfast gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 231 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Belfast usually receives less rain than Portland. Belfast gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Portland receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Portland and Belfast