A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Bristol vs. Belfast for Nightlife, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Bristol or Belfast?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bristol and Belfast can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Bristol

Bristol is a authentic, historic, and diverse city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Bristol travel costs.

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. See Belfast travel costs.

Bristol and Belfast: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bristol or Belfast?

You'll generally find more things to do in Bristol than Belfast. Bristol is bigger than Belfast, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Bristol is well known for its laid-back atmosphere and progressive environmental policies. Also, Bristol is famous for The Bristol Harbour. Belfast is well known for being the birthplace of the Titanic and the location of the era of the "Troubles".

How is Bristol different from Belfast?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Belfast and Bristol. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bristol or Belfast?

Bristol 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 Bristol can be an interesting and educational experience. The city has some great museums and landmarks such as the SS Great Britain, M Shed, the Clifton Suspension Bridge, and Cabot Tower.

Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Bristol offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find all of the classic British specialties such as bangers and mash or fish and chips. There are many restaurants, markets, and pubs where you can grab a relaxing meal and enjoy the British ambiance.

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 Bristol or Belfast Better for Nightlife?

Bristol 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.

Bristol offers plenty to do in the evening. The nightlife scene is diverse and inclusive. There are huge clubs that host well known DJs. There is also an underground music scene as well as local bars and even traditional speakeasies. Whether your interest is live jazz or upscale cocktail bars, there really is something for everyone.

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 Bristol or Belfast?

Bristol 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.

Bristol is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Head to Clifton Village for the most upscale boutiques or the Bristol Shopping Quarter for a diversity of budgets and brands. Gloucester Street is famous for its independent shops or there are the student neighborhoods of Park Street and the Triangle which have a number of trendy shops.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Belfast. The main shopping areas in the city are Victoria Square Shopping Centre and CastleCourt.

Is Bristol or Belfast Better for Families?

Both Bristol and Belfast are notable to visit with kids.

Bristol offers lots of family activities. The city has a number of kid-friendly museums, activities, and playgrounds. For museums, check out the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, the M Shed, or Aerospace Bristol. There are also boat rides and the Bristol Aquarium among other unique activities.

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.

Is Bristol or Belfast Better for Couples?

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

Bristol is a nice destination for couples. There are romantic restaurants, fun bars, and unique museums that make for a variety of different date options.

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 Bristol or Belfast Better for Students?

For students, both Bristol and Belfast are notable places to visit.

It's common for students to visit Bristol. It's a small and friendly city with enough diversity that it stays interesting and dynamic.

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.

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

Bristol 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.

Bristol has a few public transit options. Metrobus serves the greater Bristol area.

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

Is Bristol or Belfast a more walkable city?

Bristol 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.

Bristol is very walkable. The city center is well designed for walking.

Belfast is a somewhat walkable place.

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

Should I spend more time in Belfast or Bristol?

How long in Bristol or Belfast?

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

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

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

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

One day in Bristol or Belfast?

In Bristol, you'll find nightlife and food. 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 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.

A weekend in Bristol or Belfast?

In Bristol, 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 Bristol has to offer.

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.

Five days in Bristol or Belfast?

Bristol 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.

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.

A week in Bristol or Belfast?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bristol. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bristol. 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 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, and The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bristol and Belfast, we can see that Belfast is more expensive. And not only is Bristol much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bristol would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bristol 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 Bristol.

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

Which is Bigger, Bristol or Belfast?

Bristol has a larger population, and is about 57% larger than the population of Belfast. When comparing the sizes of Bristol and Belfast, 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 Bristol or Belfast?

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 Bristol or Belfast in the Summer?

Both Belfast and Bristol during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Bristol for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Belfast because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Bristol is a little warmer than Belfast. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bristol in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Belfast averages at about 15°C (59°F).

Bristol usually gets less rain in July than Belfast. Bristol gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bristol or Belfast in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bristol and Belfast. The autumn months attract visitors to Bristol because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Belfast this time of year.

In October, Bristol is generally a little warmer than Belfast. Daily temperatures in Bristol average around 13°C (55°F), and Belfast fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In October, Bristol usually receives around the same amount of rain as Belfast. Bristol gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bristol or Belfast in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bristol as well as Belfast. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bristol this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Belfast for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Belfast. Bristol is a little warmer than Belfast in the winter. The daily temperature in Bristol averages around 6°C (43°F) in January, and Belfast fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Bristol usually gets more rain in January than Belfast. Bristol gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bristol or Belfast in the Spring?

Both Belfast and Bristol are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Bristol for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Belfast in the spring for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Bristol is a little warmer than Belfast. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bristol in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Belfast averages at about 8°C (46°F).

In April, Bristol usually receives less rain than Belfast. Bristol gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Belfast and Bristol