A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bucharest vs. Tihany for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Bucharest or Tihany?

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 Tihany. 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.

Where Should I go: Bucharest or Tihany?

Bucharest

Bucharest is the capital and largest city in the country of Romania. With about 2 million residents living in the city and about 2.4 million in the surrounding urban area, it is also one of the largest cities in Southeastern Europe. As such, it is the economic, industrial and commercial center for the country. As a visitor, you will likely enter Romania by arriving in Bucharest. The city continues to grow and change, and there are ongoing infrastructure projects that continue to modernize the city. It is not uncommon to find historic churches on the same block as modern office buildings and Communist style apartment buildings. There are also many sights around town and the city continues to grow as a trendy and fascinating city.

Tihany

Located on the northern coast of Lake Balaton in Hungary, Tihany is a historic village with quaint streets and bustling squares - all centered on the twin-towered Tihany Benedictine Abbey which dates back to the 11th century.

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 Food and Culinary Tours in Hungary, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Hungary.


Which place is cheaper, Tihany 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 Tihany is $44. 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 Tihany in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bucharest $63
    Tihany $19
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bucharest $126
    Tihany $38
Compare Hotels in Bucharest and Tihany

Looking for a hotel in Bucharest or Tihany? 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 Tihany


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 Tihany Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bucharest $26
    Tihany $11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bucharest

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bucharest:

  • Bucharest to Sofia - Private Transfer: $578
  • Bucharest to Sofia Private Transfer: $446
  • Bucharest to Mihail Kogalniceanu - Private Transfer: $343
  • Mihail Kogalniceanu to Bucharest - Private Transfer: $343
  • Bucharest to Veliko Tarnovo - Private Transfer: $321
  • Bucharest to Fetesti - Private Transfer: $321
  • Bucharest to Craiova - Private Transfer: $300
  • Transfer From Bucharest Airport To Sofia Bulgaria: $290
  • Transfer Bucharest Airport to Brasov: $287
  • Bucharest (Romania) to Veliko Tarnavo (Bulgaria) - Private Guided Transfer : $282
  • Bucharest to Brasov - Private Transfer from Henri Coanda International Airport: $272
  • Bucharest to Fetesti - Private Transfer - Car and Driver: $272

Is it cheaper to fly into Bucharest or Tihany?

Prices for flights to both Tihany 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
    Tihany $18

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bucharest

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

  • 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
  • 4-Hour Walking Food Tour in the Old Town: $201
  • Bucharest City Tour & Traditional Home-made Cooking Experience: $227

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bucharest $15
    Tihany $4.82

Tours and Activities in Bucharest

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

  • Bears Sanctuary, Dracula's Castle, Brasov Day Trip Private Tour from Bucharest: $248
  • Bucharest Panoramic Sightseeing - Private City Tour: $92
  • Transylvania Heritage Tour at Peles Bran and Cantacuzino Castles: $92
  • 1 Day 4x4 Tour in Carpathian Mountains: $173
  • 1 Day ATV Tour in Carpathian Mountains: $206
  • 1 Day Castles Tour - Sinaia and Bran: $137
  • 10h Bucharest City Tour & Snagov Monastery (Dracula's Grave): $257
  • 14 Days Private Tour in Romania, Moldova & Transnistria: $4,712
  • 2 Days Private Tour - The Romanian Caves from Bucharest: $557
  • 2 Hour Photoshoot Experience Near Bucharest Architectural Charms: $98
  • 2 Hours Private Walking Tour in Bucharest City: $87
  • 2-Day Medieval Transylvania with Brasov,Sibiu and Sighisoara Tour from Bucharest: $250

Tours and Activities in Tihany

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tihany.

  • Erotic Renaissance Wax Museum Entrance Ticket: $5.43
  • Lake Balaton: Paddle Board Tour of Tihany National Park: $43
  • Lake Balaton: Sunset SUP Tour Tihany: $43
  • The best of Keszthely walking tour: $98
  • Romantic tour around Keszthely for couples: $98
  • Special Magical Christmas Walking Tour in Keszthely: $217

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bucharest $9.17
    Tihany $6.58

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: $23
  • Bucharest Pub Crawl in the Old Town: $25
  • Bachelors Party in Custom Bar Crawl: $37
  • Private Bar Crawling in Bucharest Old City: $42
  • Private Wine Tasting in Bucharest: $43
  • From Romanian Wine Tasting Tour: $45
  • Pub Crawl in the Old CIty and Rooftop Hopping in Bucharest: $47
  • Romanian Wine Tasting: $48
  • Private Romanian Wine Tasting in UrlaČ›i: $51
  • Bucharest VIP Bar Crawl in Lipscani 'Old Town': $59
  • Bucharest City Tour and Wine Tasting: $84
  • Wine Tasting Tour at First Wine Bar: $85

Sample the Local Flavors in Tihany

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

  • From Budapest: Wine Tasting At Balaton Full Day Private Tour: $1,209


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

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


Which is Bigger, Bucharest or Tihany?

Bucharest has a larger population, and is about 1310 times larger than the population of Tihany. When comparing the sizes of Bucharest and Tihany, 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 Tihany?

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 Bucharest or Tihany in the Summer?

Both Tihany and Bucharest during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bucharest this time of year.

Bucharest is around the same temperature as Tihany in the summer. The daily temperature in Bucharest averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Tihany fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

In Tihany, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Bucharest. In the summer, Bucharest often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Tihany. Bucharest gets 289 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tihany receives 278 hours of full sun.

Bucharest usually gets more rain in July than Tihany. Bucharest gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Tihany receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bucharest 23°C (73°F) 
    Tihany 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Bucharest or Tihany in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bucharest and Tihany. Many travelers come to Bucharest for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Bucharest is around the same temperature as Tihany. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bucharest in October average around 13°C (55°F), and Tihany averages at about 12°C (53°F).

Bucharest usually receives more sunshine than Tihany during autumn. Bucharest gets 177 hours of sunny skies, while Tihany receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Bucharest usually receives around the same amount of rain as Tihany. Bucharest gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Tihany receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bucharest 13°C (55°F) 
    Tihany 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Bucharest or Tihany in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bucharest as well as Tihany. Many visitors come to Bucharest in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Tihany can be very cold during winter. Bucharest can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Bucharest is generally much colder than Tihany. Daily temperatures in Bucharest average around -1°C (29°F), and Tihany fluctuates around -1°C (31°F).

In the winter, Bucharest often gets more sunshine than Tihany. Bucharest gets 71 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tihany receives 61 hours of full sun.

Bucharest usually gets more rain in January than Tihany. Bucharest gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Tihany receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bucharest -1°C (29°F) 
    Tihany -1°C (31°F)

Should I visit Bucharest or Tihany in the Spring?

Both Tihany and Bucharest are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Bucharest for the activities around the city during these months.

Bucharest is around the same temperature as Tihany in the spring. The daily temperature in Bucharest averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and Tihany fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Bucharest usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Tihany during spring. Bucharest gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Tihany receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Bucharest usually receives more rain than Tihany. Bucharest gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Tihany receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bucharest 12°C (54°F) 
    Tihany 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Tihany and Bucharest

Bucharest Tihany
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -1°C (29°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) -1°C (31°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Feb 1°C (34°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 2°C (35°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 7°C (44°F) 27 mm (1 in)
Apr 12°C (54°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 12°C (53°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 16°C (62°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 77 mm (3 in) 20°C (67°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 21°C (70°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Aug 22°C (72°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 21°C (69°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Sep 18°C (65°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 17°C (63°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Oct 13°C (55°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 12°C (53°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Nov 6°C (44°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 6°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 1°C (34°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 1°C (34°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)