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

Should you visit Belfast or San Diego?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Belfast or San Diego, 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. Visitors also love the nightlife and shopping.

San Diego

San Diego is a fun-filled, hip, and dynamic coastal city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Belfast and San Diego: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Belfast or San Diego?

Tourists will generally find more to do in San Diego than Belfast. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. San Diego is more touristy than Belfast and is popular for its relaxed coastal atmosphere, its many kid-friendly sights, and its beautiful beaches with critter-filled tidal pools. It is also well known for The San Diego Zoo. Belfast is famous for being the birthplace of the Titanic and the location of the era of the "Troubles".

How is Belfast different from San Diego?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

San Diego 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 San Diego can be an interesting and educational experience. While the city is famous for it's beaches, zoos, and aquariums, don't overlook the museums and other landmarks. Popular options include the Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum, the Old Town State Historic Park, and Point Loma and Cabrillo Monument.

Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

San Diego offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The city has great seafood and a diversity of cuisines. There are many casual dining options that serve informal foods like burgers or salads, but there are also award-winning fine dining restaurants with elegant atmospheres. Popular local dishes include fish tacos and California burritos.

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 San Diego Better for Nightlife?

San Diego 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.

San Diego offers plenty to do in the evening. The heart of the city's nightlife scene is in the Gaslamp District, which is filled with bars, clubs, and music venues. There's a young student population that keeps the nightlife scene casual and fun.

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 San Diego Better for Music?

San Diego is a well-known place for live music. However, Belfast is not a live music destination.

The music scene in San Diego is very popular with diverse venues. Popular venues include the House of Blues, The Belly Up, and The Shout House.

Belfast is not a live music destination.

Is Belfast or San Diego Better for Resorts?

San Diego is a nice place to visit for its resorts. However, Belfast is not a resort destination.

San Diego has a handful of resorts to choose from. Most people prefer to stay in hotels or VRBOs, but several popular resorts include Fairmont Grand Del Mar, Paradise Point, and the famous Hotel del Coronado.

Belfast is not a resort destination.

Is Belfast or San Diego Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

San Diego is a nice place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Belfast is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

San Diego has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. Popular snorkeling and diving spots include La Jolla Cove, Mission Bay, and Turtle Town. The water's a bit chili, but it's still worth going for a dive or popping on a mask and snorkeling around for a bit.

Belfast is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Belfast or San Diego Better for Beaches?

San Diego is an unbeatable place for its beaches. However, Belfast is not a beach destination.

The beaches in San Diego are among the best in the world. The city has great beaches with tidal pools and interesting sea life at low tide. Adults and kids alike will enjoy hitting the beach when the tides are out and looking for local critters in the tidal pools. Popular beaches in the area include La Jolla Cove Beach, Coronado Beach, and Pacific Beach.

Belfast is not a beach destination.

Is Belfast or San Diego Better for Hiking?

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

San Diego is a popular spot for hiking. The city is filled with parks and has tons of natural beauty. There is plenty of urban hiking in town, or you can visit more natural areas just out of town. Head to Torrey Pines State Park or Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail for some nice hikes.

Belfast is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Belfast or San Diego?

Both Belfast and San Diego 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 San Diego. Head to Fashion Valley or Westfield UTC for some fun shopping. There are suburban shopping malls in the area as well as souvenir shops in the more touristy areas.

Is Belfast or San Diego Better for Families?

San Diego is an unbeatable 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.

San Diego is an amazing family-friendly coastal city to visit. The city is filled with kid-friendly activities that everyone can enjoy. There's the world-class zoo, several amusement parks, the beaches, aquariums, and more. The year-round warm weather makes it easy to spend plenty of time outdoors in parks, playgrounds, and beaches where kids can stretch their legs and run around.

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 San Diego Better for Couples?

San Diego is an unbeatable place for romance. However, Belfast is not a good city for its romantic activities.

San Diego has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. For adventurous couples, there are many outdoor activities that you can enjoy together. The beaches offer a great playground for adults who enjoy the water and warm weather. There are also restaurants and a great nightlife in San Diego.

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 San Diego Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

San Diego 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 San Diego. Backpackers will enjoy the young vibe of the city. There are a few great hostels near the beach or in town.

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 San Diego Better for Students?

San Diego 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.

San Diego is a great destination for students. With its young population and many universities, international students will feel right at home in San Diego. There are also many great outdoor activities for the adventurous.

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

Both Belfast and San Diego 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 San Diego. The city has a trolley (light rail system) as well as a bus system. Most people depend on cars to get around, and you'll likely enjoy your trip a bit more if you have your own vehicle.

Is Belfast or San Diego a more walkable city?

Belfast and San Diego both are nice when exploring on foot.

Belfast is somewhat walkable.

San Diego is a somewhat walkable place. The downtown area is walkable, but if you want to travel further, you'll need to find a different form of transportation.

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

Should I spend more time in San Diego or Belfast?

How long in Belfast or San Diego?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Diego 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 San Diego.

One day in Belfast or San Diego?

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the city of Belfast. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Belfast has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In San Diego, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This coastal 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 San Diego?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the authentic destination of Belfast. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In San Diego, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. 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 San Diego?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the authentic city of Belfast. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

San Diego is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that San Diego has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Belfast or San Diego?

Belfast is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in San Diego. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting San Diego. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Belfast or San Diego?

San Diego has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Belfast. When comparing the sizes of Belfast and San Diego, 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 San Diego?

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 San Diego in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Belfast as well as San Diego. Many travelers come to Belfast for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to San Diego in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Belfast is cooler than San Diego. Typically, the summer temperatures in Belfast in July average around 15°C (59°F), and San Diego averages at about 71°F (22°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Diego. In the summer, Belfast often gets less sunshine than San Diego. Belfast gets 151 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 306 hours of full sun.

Belfast usually gets more rain in July than San Diego. Belfast gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Belfast or San Diego in the Autumn?

Both San Diego and Belfast are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Belfast in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to San Diego for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Belfast is generally much colder than San Diego. Daily temperatures in Belfast average around 9°C (48°F), and San Diego fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in San Diego. Belfast usually receives less sunshine than San Diego during autumn. Belfast gets 92 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 244 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Belfast usually receives more rain than San Diego. Belfast gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Belfast or San Diego in the Winter?

Both San Diego and Belfast during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Belfast for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to San Diego because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Belfast can be very cold during winter. Belfast is much colder than San Diego in the winter. The daily temperature in Belfast averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and San Diego fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

In San Diego, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Belfast often gets less sunshine than San Diego. Belfast gets 50 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 239 hours of full sun.

Belfast usually gets more rain in January than San Diego. Belfast gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 1.8 inches (46 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Belfast or San Diego in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Belfast and San Diego. The spring months attract visitors to Belfast because of the activities around the city. Furthermore, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to San Diego this time of year.

In the spring, Belfast is much colder than San Diego. Typically, the spring temperatures in Belfast in April average around 8°C (46°F), and San Diego averages at about 62°F (17°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Diego this time of the year. Belfast usually receives less sunshine than San Diego during spring. Belfast gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 277 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Belfast usually receives more rain than San Diego. Belfast gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.8 inches (20 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for San Diego and Belfast