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

Should you visit Bucharest or Belfast?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Bucharest and Belfast. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Bucharest

Bucharest is a historical, less touristy, and undiscovered city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

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. And you can't forget about the nightlife and shopping.

Bucharest and Belfast: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Bucharest or Belfast?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bucharest than Belfast. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Belfast is more touristy than Bucharest and is known for being the birthplace of the Titanic and the location of the era of the "Troubles". Bucharest is famous for its wide avenues and longstanding religious institutions. It is also well known for The Palace of Parliament.

How is Bucharest different from Belfast?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bucharest
Belfast

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

Bucharest is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The city is rich in landmarks and historical buildings. Popular sights include the Romanian Athenaeum, the Palace of the Parliament, Stavropoleos Church, and Curtea Veche.

Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Bucharest
Belfast

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

Bucharest offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Many Romanian recipes have been passed down through the generations and they still use traditional flavors. You'll see some German or Hungarian influences, but the flavors are still uniquely Romanian. Popular dishes include ciorba (tripe soup), cabbage rolls, and mici (grilled meat rolls).

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 Bucharest or Belfast Better for Nightlife?

Bucharest
Belfast

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Bucharest and Belfast.

Bucharest has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city has come to life with its party scene, with many bars and clubs that you can choose from. There are rooftop bars, chic dance clubs, and cozy pubs where you can pass the evening. You'll find most of the upscale clubs in the northern part of the city, with a more casual scene found in the downtown areas around Universitate and Romanā.

If you're looking for night time activities Belfast has a few options to choose from. The city has a number of bars and clubs with local DJs or musicians.

Is Bucharest or Belfast Better for its Old Town?

Bucharest
Belfast

Bucharest is a nice place to visit for its historic old town. However, Belfast does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Bucharest to see the historical old town. The old town dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries, with much of the historical charm seen in the architecture. Many of the buildings have been restored, but others are still awaiting repairs. This gives the area a sense of authenticity that you often miss in other old towns.

Belfast does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Bucharest or Belfast?

Bucharest
Belfast

Shopping is a popular activity in both Belfast and Bucharest.

Bucharest offers some nice shopping areas. The residents love fashion, and you'll find many shopping centers around town where you can find a good deal. In addition to the many malls, there are also antique shops, flea markets and boutique clothing stores where you might find a hidden gem.

Belfast has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The main shopping areas in the city are Victoria Square Shopping Centre and CastleCourt.

Is Bucharest or Belfast Better for Families?

Bucharest
Belfast

Belfast is a good destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Bucharest is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Belfast. 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.

For families, Bucharest is not always the best place to visit. Kid-friendly activities include kid's play areas, museums such as the Museum of the Senses, and water centered activities like rowing in the park or visiting the wellness center Therme.

Is Bucharest or Belfast Better for Couples?

Bucharest
Belfast

Most people don't think of either Bucharest or Belfast as a couple's destination.

Most people don't think of Bucharest as a couple's destination. The city has some romantic settings such as wandering down Victory Avenue or exploring the historic Cotroceni Neighbourhood. There are also several gardens and a number of nice cafes to explore.

Belfast is not always the best place to visit for a couple. 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 Bucharest or Belfast Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bucharest
Belfast

Bucharest 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 Bucharest. The city is affordable, but it's often overlooked by backpackers. Part of the charm for many is the sense of authenticity that can often be hard to find in travel these days.

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 Bucharest or Belfast Better for Students?

Bucharest
Belfast

Belfast is a good destination for students. However, Bucharest is not popular with students.

Belfast is popular with students. The city's affordability has made it a popular option for international students headed to the area.

Bucharest is not popular with students.

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

Bucharest
Belfast

Bucharest 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 Bucharest. Public transit options include trams, buses, and trolley buses.

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


Is Bucharest or Belfast a more walkable city?

Bucharest
Belfast

Bucharest and Belfast both are nice when exploring on foot.

Bucharest is a somewhat walkable place. Many of the tourist attractions are within a walkable area.

Belfast is a somewhat walkable city.

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

Should I spend more time in Belfast or Bucharest?

How long in Bucharest or Belfast?

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

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

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

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


  • How many days in Bucharest or Belfast? Ideal Length of Stay
    Bucharest 1-3 
    Belfast 1-3

One day in Bucharest or Belfast?

In Bucharest, 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.

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.

A weekend in Bucharest or Belfast?

In Bucharest, 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 Bucharest has to offer.

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.


Five days in Bucharest or Belfast?

Bucharest 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.

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.

A week in Bucharest or Belfast?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bucharest. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bucharest. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bucharest, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Romania, The Best Budget Tours to United Kingdom, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom.


Which place is cheaper, Belfast or Bucharest?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Bucharest is $137, while the average daily cost in Belfast is $166. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Bucharest and Belfast in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bucharest $63
    Belfast $85
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bucharest $126
    Belfast $170
Compare Hotels in Bucharest and Belfast

Looking for a hotel in Bucharest or Belfast? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Bucharest


Hotels in Belfast


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Bucharest Hotel Prices and Belfast Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bucharest $26
    Belfast $18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bucharest

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bucharest:

  • Therme Bucharest Express Shuttle Transfer: $7.63
  • Bucharest Airport Transfer: $11
  • Bucuresti: Transfer Therme Bucuresti different hours: $12
  • Therme Bucuresti Transfer with Optional Ticket: $13
  • Bucharest Transfer Service: $17
  • Bucharest Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Tecuci: $21
  • Airport Transfer: $21
  • Private Bucharest Otopeni Airport (OTP) Transfer: $22
  • Bucharest Private Airport Transfer from or to City Center Hotel: $22
  • Bucharest Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Barlad: $24
  • Bucharest Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Vaslui OMV: $26
  • Bucharest Otopeni Airport OTP to Bucharest City Center Hotel - private transfer: $27

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Belfast

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Belfast:

  • Arrival Private Transfer Belfast Airport BHD or BFS to Belfast by Luxury Car: $105
  • Arrival Private Transfer Belfast Airport BHD or BFS to Belfast by Luxury Van: $105
  • Arrival Private Transfer Belfast Airport BHD or BFS to Belfast by Minibus: $145
  • Belfast Accommodation to Belfast City Airport (BHD) - Departure Private Transfer: $23
  • Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Bangor Accommodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $27
  • Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Bangor Accommodation - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $54
  • Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Holywood Accommodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $23
  • Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Lisburn Accommodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $27
  • Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Lisburn Accommodation - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $55
  • Belfast City Airport BHD Executive transfer to Belfast 1-4 people: $58
  • Belfast City to Belfast International Airport (BFS) - Departure Private Transfer: $27
  • Belfast International Airport (BFS) to Belfast City - Arrival Private Transfer: $27

Is it cheaper to fly into Bucharest or Belfast?

Prices for flights to both Belfast and Bucharest change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Bucharest $58
    Belfast $63

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bucharest

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bucharest.

  • Dinner at the Museum of Communism - Traditional Food Tour: $53
  • Bohemian Bucharest Markets and Mahallas Traditional Food Tour: $60
  • Cooking Class traditional food: $65
  • Street Food Tour with a Local Guide: $74
  • Unhealthy Food Tour of Bucharest – 4 hours: $75
  • Bucharest Evening Tour and Traditional Dinner: $84
  • Bucharest Evening Tour and Traditional Dinner - 3 hours: $86
  • Private Walking Food Tour - Culture, History & Traditions: $98
  • Historical and Cultural Tour with Romanian Cuisine dinner: $141
  • Cooking Class in Transylvania - Day Tour from Bucharest: $182
  • 4-Hour Walking Food Tour in the Old Town: $202

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Belfast

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Belfast.

  • Guided Craft Beer and Street Food Tour: $81
  • Belfast Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $108

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bucharest $15
    Belfast $23

Tours and Activities in Bucharest

Here are a few actual costs in Bucharest for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Tour Reyes y Palacios Bucarest: $11
  • Reptiland Bucharest Entry Ticket: $13
  • Communism Walking Tour from Lenin to Ceausescu in Bucharest: $13
  • A Tale of Bucharest Old Town Walking Tour: $16
  • City Highlights Guided Walking Tour: $17
  • Bucharest Highlights Walking Tour: $17
  • Calea Victoriei and Old Town Highlights Tour: $19
  • Parliament Palace Skip-the-line Ticket: $20
  • Palace of Parliament Bucharest 1 Hour Guided Tour: $21
  • Virtual Reality Experience: $21
  • Buchaest: Peles Castle, Bran Castle, & Brasov Old Town Tour: $21
  • Guided Tour at museum Casa Storck: $21

Typical Entertainment Prices in Belfast

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Belfast are as follows:


  • Movie Tickets
    $9.97

Tours and Activities in Belfast

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Belfast are as follows:

  • Belfast’s Titanic Quarter: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.00
  • Belfast's Iconic Sites: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.47
  • Museum Ticket: $6.90
  • Hillsborough Castle Gardens Entrance Ticket: $12
  • If Buildings Could Talk Tour Belfast: $15
  • If Buildings Could Talk Tour: $15
  • Crumlin Road Gaol Experience: $18
  • 2.5-Hour Street Murals Tour in Spanish: $19
  • Belfast Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK: $19
  • Belfast Murals Political Tour in Spanish: $19
  • Line of Duty Guided Walking Tour: $21
  • Belfast Line of Duty Walking Tour: $22

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bucharest $9.17
    Belfast $9.79

Sample the Local Flavors in Bucharest

Also in Bucharest, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Weekend Pub Crawl: $24
  • Bucharest Pub Crawl in the Old Town: $25
  • From Romanian Wine Tasting Tour: $26
  • Bachelors Party in Custom Bar Crawl: $37
  • Private Bar Crawling in Bucharest Old City: $43
  • Private Wine Tasting in Bucharest: $43
  • Pub Crawl in the Old CIty and Rooftop Hopping in Bucharest: $47
  • Romanian Wine Tasting: $49
  • Private Romanian Wine Tasting in Urlați: $51
  • Bucharest Old Town Pub and Bar Crawl with Guide: $57
  • Bucharest VIP Bar Crawl in Lipscani 'Old Town': $59
  • Bucharest City Tour and Wine Tasting: $84

Sample the Local Flavors in Belfast

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Belfast:

  • Pub Crawl and Bar Walking Tour with Two Drinks: $15
  • Belfast Pub Crawl: $15
  • Explore & Taste: Distillery Tour at Titanic Distillers: $32
  • Belfast Giant's Causeway and Titanic Distillery Whiskey Tour: $69
  • VIP Skip-the Line Titanic Museum and Distillery Tasting Tour: $119


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

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


Which is Bigger, Bucharest or Belfast?

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

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 Bucharest or Belfast in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bucharest and Belfast. Many visitors come to Bucharest in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Belfast for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Bucharest is generally much warmer than Belfast. Daily temperatures in Bucharest average around 23°C (73°F), and Belfast fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In Bucharest, it's very sunny this time of the year. Bucharest usually receives more sunshine than Belfast during summer. Bucharest gets 289 hours of sunny skies, while Belfast receives 151 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bucharest usually receives less rain than Belfast. Bucharest gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bucharest 23°C (73°F) 
    Belfast 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Bucharest or Belfast in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bucharest as well as Belfast. Most visitors come to Bucharest for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Belfast because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Bucharest is a little warmer than Belfast in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bucharest averages around 13°C (55°F) in October, and Belfast fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the autumn, Bucharest often gets more sunshine than Belfast. Bucharest gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Belfast receives 92 hours of full sun.

Bucharest usually gets less rain in October than Belfast. Bucharest gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bucharest 13°C (55°F) 
    Belfast 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Bucharest or Belfast in the Winter?

Both Belfast and Bucharest are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Bucharest because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Belfast this time of year.

It's quite cold in Belfast in the winter. The weather in Bucharest can be very cold. In the winter, Bucharest is much colder than Belfast. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bucharest in January average around -1°C (29°F), and Belfast averages at about 4°C (39°F).

Bucharest usually receives more sunshine than Belfast during winter. Bucharest gets 71 hours of sunny skies, while Belfast receives 50 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bucharest usually receives less rain than Belfast. Bucharest gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bucharest -1°C (29°F) 
    Belfast 4°C (39°F)

Should I visit Bucharest or Belfast in the Spring?

Both Belfast and Bucharest during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city are the main draw to Bucharest this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Belfast for the activities around the city.

In April, Bucharest is generally much warmer than Belfast. Daily temperatures in Bucharest average around 12°C (54°F), and Belfast fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the spring, Bucharest often gets more sunshine than Belfast. Bucharest gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Belfast receives 150 hours of full sun.

Bucharest usually gets less rain in April than Belfast. Bucharest gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bucharest 12°C (54°F) 
    Belfast 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Belfast and Bucharest

Bucharest Belfast
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -1°C (29°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 4°C (39°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Feb 1°C (34°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 4°C (39°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 6°C (43°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Apr 12°C (54°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 77 mm (3 in) 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 22°C (72°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 15°C (59°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 18°C (65°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 13°C (55°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 9°C (48°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 6°C (44°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 7°C (45°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 1°C (34°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 5°C (41°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)