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

Should you visit Belfast or Utrecht?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Belfast or Utrecht, 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. It's also known for nightlife and shopping.

Utrecht

This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Belfast and Utrecht: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Belfast or Utrecht?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Utrecht. Although Belfast and Utrecht are about the same size, Utrecht has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Utrecht is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Belfast is known for its big city activities. Utrecht is more touristy than Belfast and is known for its beautiful canals, huge number of bikes, and charming old town. It is also home to the Dom Tower. Belfast is popular for being the birthplace of the Titanic and the location of the era of the "Troubles".

How is Belfast different from Utrecht?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Utrecht is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The Dom Tower and St. Martin's Cathedral is a highlight of the city, but you'll also find smaller, more local museums and several beautiful churches. If you're up for heading out of town, you can visit De Haar Castle, which is most accessible if you have a private vehicle.

Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Utrecht offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are a number of interesting international restaurants around town including Greek, Italian, and Spanish tapas. It's particularly fun to dine canal-side and sip wine as the boats pass by.

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 Utrecht Better for Nightlife?

Utrecht 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.

Utrecht offers plenty to do in the evening. The student population keeps the nightlife scene fun and lively. There are plenty of bars in the old town and you'll find tourists and locals hanging out at the same spots.

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 Utrecht Better for its Old Town?

Utrecht is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. However, Belfast does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Utrecht offers plenty to see. The old town is large, charming, and filled with locals. There are canals that that see a frequent stream of boats and kayakers. There are also historic buildings and cobblestone streets. The city is unique because many cafes offer seating directly next to the canals.

Belfast does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Belfast or Utrecht?

Utrecht is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Utrecht is an extremely popular place for shoppers. You'll find both local shops and European chains throughout the old town. There's also a large mall right next to the main tourist area.

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 Utrecht Better for Families?

Belfast and Utrecht 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.

Utrecht is a family-friendly city. There are a few museums around town that are fun for kids. Make sure you check out the Miffy Museum, which is great for younger kids. The Museum Speelklok is fun for kids and adults alike. Families will also enjoy renting bikes for the day or taking a canal boat tour. Also make sure you try some local pancakes.

Is Belfast or Utrecht Better for Couples?

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

Utrecht is a very popular place to visit for couples. The charming old town and cozy cafes make for a wonderful date day. You can take a canal boat tour, sip coffee at a cafe by a canal, or explore the city as it lights up at night.

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 Utrecht Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Utrecht 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 Utrecht. It's a university city with a young population and plenty to do in the evening. There are also a decent number of hostels to choose from and a lively atmosphere with fun activities and festivals.

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 Utrecht Better for Students?

Utrecht is a well-known place for students. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Utrecht is a great to visit as a student. This is a great university city. The population is young, but housing can be challenging to find and very expensive.

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

Utrecht 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 Utrecht. There are buses around town and two tram lines that travel to the suburbs.

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

Is Belfast or Utrecht a more walkable city?

Utrecht is an unbeatable place for its walkability. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Utrecht on foot. The old town is easy to explore on foot, but don't walk in a bike lane or you'll likely receive a firm scolding from a local. Utrecht is regularly ranked as one of the world's most bike-friendly cities.

Belfast is a somewhat walkable place.

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

Should I spend more time in Utrecht or Belfast?

How long in Belfast or Utrecht?

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

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

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

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

One day in Belfast or Utrecht?

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 Utrecht, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This 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 Utrecht?

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 Utrecht, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Utrecht has to offer.

Five days in Belfast or Utrecht?

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.

Utrecht is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Utrecht?

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 Utrecht. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Utrecht. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Netherlands, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Netherlands.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Belfast and Utrecht, we can see that Utrecht is more expensive. And not only is Belfast much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Utrecht would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Utrecht 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 Utrecht Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Belfast or Utrecht?

Utrecht has a larger population, and is about 6% larger than the population of Belfast. When comparing the sizes of Belfast and Utrecht, 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 Utrecht?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Belfast or Utrecht in the Summer?

Both Utrecht and Belfast are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Belfast in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Utrecht for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Belfast is cooler than Utrecht in the summer. The daily temperature in Belfast averages around 15°C (59°F) in July, and Utrecht fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

Belfast usually receives less sunshine than Utrecht during summer. Belfast gets 151 hours of sunny skies, while Utrecht receives 194 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Belfast usually receives around the same amount of rain as Utrecht. Belfast gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Utrecht receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Belfast or Utrecht in the Autumn?

Both Utrecht and Belfast during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Belfast for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Utrecht because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Belfast is cooler than Utrecht. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Belfast in October average around 9°C (48°F), and Utrecht averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Belfast often gets less sunshine than Utrecht. Belfast gets 92 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Utrecht receives 100 hours of full sun.

Belfast usually gets more rain in October than Utrecht. Belfast gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Utrecht receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Belfast or Utrecht in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Belfast and Utrecht. The winter months attract visitors to Belfast because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Utrecht this time of year.

It's quite cold in Utrecht in the winter. The weather in Belfast can be very cold. In January, Belfast is generally much warmer than Utrecht. Daily temperatures in Belfast average around 4°C (39°F), and Utrecht fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Belfast usually receives more sunshine than Utrecht during winter. Belfast gets 50 hours of sunny skies, while Utrecht receives 38 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Belfast usually receives more rain than Utrecht. Belfast gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Utrecht receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Belfast or Utrecht in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Belfast as well as Utrecht. The activities around the city are the main draw to Belfast this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Utrecht for the natural beauty.

Belfast is around the same temperature as Utrecht in the spring. The daily temperature in Belfast averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Utrecht fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the spring, Belfast often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Utrecht. Belfast gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Utrecht receives 156 hours of full sun.

Belfast usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Utrecht. Belfast gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Utrecht receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Utrecht and Belfast