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

Should you visit Belfast or Vancouver?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Belfast or Vancouver, 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. See Belfast travel costs.

Vancouver

Vancouver is a friendly, outdoorsy, and scenic city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Vancouver is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and food. See Vancouver travel costs.

Belfast and Vancouver: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Belfast or Vancouver?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Vancouver than Belfast, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Vancouver is more touristy than Belfast and is popular for its beautiful setting, sweeping views, and welcoming atmosphere. It is also home to Stanley 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 Vancouver?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Vancouver is an unbeatable place for its sights and museums. However, Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Vancouver that are not to be missed. There are tons of museums and sights around town such as the Vancouver Aquarium, the Museum of Anthropology, the Museum of Vancouver, and Science World. Also make sure you take a walk over the Capilano Suspension Bridge.

Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Vancouver is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Belfast is not a good city for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Vancouver makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find diverse restaurants and fresh ingredients. Local seafood is a staple in many restaurants so make sure you try the prawns, salmon, and even sea urchin. Asian food is also excellent around town. Sushi, Japanese hot dogs, and dim sum are all worth sampling.

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 Vancouver Better for Nightlife?

Vancouver 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.

Vancouver offers plenty to do in the evening. The city has a vibrant nightlife scene. Most of the activity is centered around The Granville Entertainment District in the downtown area. It runs along Granville Street between Robson Street and Davie Street. In the area you'll find a high concentration of bars and nightclubs.

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 Vancouver Better for Hiking?

Vancouver is an unbeatable place for the nearby hiking options. However, Belfast is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Vancouver draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The city is surrounded by water and mountains, making it one of the best hiking cities in the world. You don't have to go far to enjoy spectacular vistas, serene rainforests, and rugged coastline. The trails range from casual strolls to more strenuous day long hikes.

Belfast is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Belfast or Vancouver?

Vancouver is an unbeatable place for shopping. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Vancouver is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. You can enjoy strolling through Chinatown, hitting up a public market, or wandering around a large shopping mall.

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 Vancouver More Beautiful?

Vancouver is a well-known place for its scenery and beauty. However, Belfast is not a destination known for its beauty.

Vancouver is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It sits between the Pacific Ocean and high reaching mountains, so the city offers spectacular views.

Belfast is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Belfast or Vancouver Better for Families?

Vancouver is a well-known 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.

Vancouver is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are great kid-friendly museums like the Science Museum, as well as outdoor markets, public parks, and easy access to the nearby nature. A visit to Grouse Mountain is a must for many families. You can see the bears, take a gondola, and see the a lumberjack show.

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 Vancouver Better for Couples?

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

Vancouver has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Most of the activities take advantage of the beautiful outdoor setting. You can take a carriage ride in Stanley Park or visit the Sun Yat Sen Chinese Garden. Eat dim sum in Chinatown and then wander through the diverse neighborhood. End the day with a show at Orpheum Theater.

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 Vancouver Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Vancouver 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 Vancouver. It's a favorite city for backpackers who enjoy the many outdoor activities. There are also many hostels available around 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 Vancouver Better for Students?

Vancouver 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.

Vancouver is a great city to visit as a student. The cities friendly personality and fun energy make it a great place to study.

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

Vancouver is an unbeatable place for its public transit. However, Belfast is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors in Vancouver can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. Public transit is efficient and comfortable. The Translink system includes buses, the SeaBus ferry, and the SkyTrain light rail system.

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

Is Belfast or Vancouver a more walkable city?

Vancouver 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 Vancouver on foot. The downtown area is very compact and fun to explore on foot.

Belfast is a somewhat walkable place.

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

Should I spend more time in Vancouver or Belfast?

How long in Belfast or Vancouver?

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

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

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

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

One day in Belfast or Vancouver?

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.

Because Vancouver is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Vancouver?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the under-rated 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.

Because Vancouver is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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. 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 Vancouver?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the affordable 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.

Vancouver is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Vancouver has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Belfast or Vancouver?

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 Vancouver. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Vancouver. 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 10-Day Tours from Vancouver, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Belfast and Vancouver, we can see that Belfast is more expensive. And not only is Vancouver much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Belfast is in Europe and Vancouver 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 Vancouver would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vancouver 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 Belfast would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Belfast than you might in Vancouver.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Belfast Expensive? and Is Vancouver Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Belfast or Vancouver?

Vancouver has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Belfast. When comparing the sizes of Belfast and Vancouver, 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 Vancouver?

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 Vancouver in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Belfast as well as Vancouver. Many travelers come to Belfast for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Vancouver in the summer for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Belfast is cooler than Vancouver in the summer. The daily temperature in Belfast averages around 15°C (59°F) in July, and Vancouver fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vancouver. In the summer, Belfast often gets less sunshine than Vancouver. Belfast gets 151 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 296 hours of full sun.

Belfast usually gets more rain in July than Vancouver. Belfast gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Belfast or Vancouver in the Autumn?

Both Vancouver 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 Vancouver for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

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

Belfast usually receives less sunshine than Vancouver during autumn. Belfast gets 92 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 124 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Vancouver. In October, Belfast usually receives less rain than Vancouver. Belfast gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Belfast or Vancouver in the Winter?

Both Vancouver 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 Vancouver because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

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

In the winter, Belfast often gets less sunshine than Vancouver. Belfast gets 50 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 55 hours of full sun.

Vancouver gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Belfast usually gets less rain in January than Vancouver. Belfast gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Belfast or Vancouver in the Spring?

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

Belfast is cooler than Vancouver in the spring. The daily temperature in Belfast averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Vancouver fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

Belfast usually receives less sunshine than Vancouver during spring. Belfast gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

Vancouver receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Belfast usually receives less rain than Vancouver. Belfast gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Vancouver and Belfast