A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Budapest vs. Baltimore for Backpackers, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Budapest or Baltimore?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Budapest and Baltimore can help you decide which place is right for you.

Budapest

Budapest is a cultural, artistic, and historic city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Baltimore

Baltimore is a historic, vibrant, and diverse city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Budapest and Baltimore: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Budapest or Baltimore?

You'll generally find more things to do in Budapest than Baltimore. Budapest is bigger than Baltimore, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Budapest is better known for its historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Baltimore is more popular for its food. Budapest is well known for its thermal hot springs, European spas, rich culture, and wild nightlife scene. Also, Budapest is famous for The Hungarian Parliament Building. Baltimore is well known for the Inner Harbor and its many water based activities.

How is Budapest different from Baltimore?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Budapest or Baltimore?

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Budapest and Baltimore.

Many visitors head to Budapest specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Famous sights include the Buda Castle and Castle Hill, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and St. Stephen's Basilica.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Baltimore can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is known for its historic ships that are found in the Inner Harbor. There are many other museums around town as well like the American Visionary Art Museum, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, and the Baltimore Museum of Art. Many days can be filled exploring the many art, history, or science museums in the area.

Is the Food Better in Budapest or Baltimore? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Baltimore is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Budapest is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Baltimore has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city's location near the Chesapeake Bay means that there are many great local seafood dishes. Blue crab is a regional favorite and is often served as crab soup, crab dip, or crab cakes. You'll find many famous restaurants in the Inner Harbor, but if you want something more local you should check out Little Italy or Fells Point.

Budapest may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Traditional dishes tend to be heavy on the meat and bread. They make good comfort food and are very filling meals. The city also has many great pastry shops. Make sure you check out the stuffed cabbage, goulash, and chimney cake.

Is Budapest or Baltimore Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is very good in both Budapest and Baltimore.

Many people head to Budapest for the nightlife scene. The city's active nightlife includes dance clubs, local pubs, and cultural festivals throughout the year.

Baltimore has plenty to do after the sun goes down. It's a vibrant city with many night time activities like breweries, night clubs, and cocktail bars. There's even outside the box activities like ballroom dancing or arcade bars.

Is Budapest or Baltimore Better for its Old Town?

Budapest is well known for its old town. However, Baltimore does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Budapest. The city grew from the merging of two towns, Buda and Pest, which were divided by the Danube River. Buda is the more historical part of town and Pest is more modern.

Baltimore does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Budapest or Baltimore?

If you're looking to go shopping, Budapest and Baltimore both offer plenty of very good spots.

Budapest is well-known for its shopping. The city has a diverse shopping scene that you can experience by visiting the Central Market or Váci Street.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Baltimore. Shopping is a great way to experience the different neighborhoods around town. For high end shopping head to Harbor East. For a bit more history check out Federal Hill. Hampden is known for its quirky style and Fell's Point is particularly popular with tourists.

Is Budapest or Baltimore Better for Families?

Baltimore is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Baltimore is very family-friendly. The National Aquarium is a highlight for many families. It's an impressive aquarium with dolphins, sharks, puffins, and fish. Also in town is the Port Discovery Children’s Museum which has many interactive exhibits. The Maryland Science Center, the Maryland Zoo, and the many historic ships in the harbor also offer educational opportunities for kids. For something a bit different, check out Urban Pirates in the Inner Harbor.

Budapest is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has the typical trampoline parks and playgrounds, but kids will also enjoy the baths and pools around town. Do take note that most of the museums are less hands on than kids prefer.

Is Budapest or Baltimore Better for Couples?

Budapest is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Budapest frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With it's many beautiful neighborhoods, and unique entertainment options including the opera, this is a fun city for couples. The baths and spas also make for a great experience for couples.

Baltimore is a good city for couples to visit. Most visitors spend the majority of their time around the Inner Harbor. There are restaurants and romantic hotels that are perfect for couples. The city also has many entertainment options and other activities that make for a great date night.

Is Budapest or Baltimore Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Budapest is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Budapest. The city is more affordable than many large cities and it has a number of fun hostels to choose from. There's a good backpacker vibe around town with many places to meet and hang out with other travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Baltimore. There are a couple of hostels around town, but most international travelers overlook this city.

Is Budapest or Baltimore Better for Students?

Budapest is a world-class destination for students. However, Baltimore is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Budapest. The city has a great international vibe with several good universities that are welcoming to international students that are studying abroad.

Baltimore is not popular with students.

Is Budapest or Baltimore Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Budapest is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Budapest can get you around easily. The metro, trams, and buses make it easy to get around town.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Baltimore. There are water taxis and a free downtown bus service that's called the Charm City Circulator. MTA also operates a metro and a light rail system.

Is Budapest or Baltimore a more walkable city?

Budapest is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Budapest on foot is easy. Pest is very flat, making for an easy stroll, while Buda is more hilly.

Baltimore is a very walkable destination. The downtown area is the most walkable part of the city. In particular, the Inner Harbor and Fells Point are particularly walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Budapest Worth Visiting? and Is Baltimore Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Baltimore or Budapest?

How long in Budapest or Baltimore?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Budapest and Baltimore. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Budapest than in Baltimore. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Budapest, and 2-3 days is enough time in Baltimore.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Budapest than Baltimore 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 Budapest.

One day in Budapest or Baltimore?

People visit Budapest because there is so much to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The city of Baltimore offers food and shopping. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Budapest or Baltimore?

People visit Budapest because there is so much to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

Baltimore is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Baltimore, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Budapest or Baltimore?

People visit Budapest because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Baltimore is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Budapest or Baltimore?

Budapest is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Baltimore is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Budapest, The Best 2-Week Tours from Budapest, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Budapest or Baltimore?

Budapest has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Baltimore. When comparing the sizes of Budapest and Baltimore, 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 Budapest or Baltimore?

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 Budapest or Baltimore in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Budapest as well as Baltimore. The summer months attract visitors to Budapest because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Baltimore this time of year.

Budapest is cooler than Baltimore in the summer. The daily temperature in Budapest averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Baltimore fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Baltimore. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Budapest this time of the year. In the summer, Budapest often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Baltimore. Budapest gets 278 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Baltimore receives 283 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Baltimore. Budapest usually gets less rain in July than Baltimore. Budapest gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Baltimore receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Budapest or Baltimore in the Autumn?

Both Baltimore and Budapest are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Budapest this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Baltimore for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Budapest is cooler than Baltimore. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Budapest in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Baltimore averages at about 57°F (14°C).

Budapest usually receives less sunshine than Baltimore during autumn. Budapest gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Baltimore receives 196 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Budapest usually receives less rain than Baltimore. Budapest gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Baltimore receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Budapest or Baltimore in the Winter?

Both Baltimore and Budapest during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Budapest for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Baltimore in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Baltimore can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Budapest. In January, Budapest is generally much colder than Baltimore. Daily temperatures in Budapest average around -1°C (31°F), and Baltimore fluctuates around 32°F (0°C).

In the winter, Budapest often gets less sunshine than Baltimore. Budapest gets 61 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Baltimore receives 153 hours of full sun.

Budapest usually gets less rain in January than Baltimore. Budapest gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Baltimore receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Budapest or Baltimore in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Budapest and Baltimore. Many visitors come to Budapest in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Baltimore for the activities around the city during these months.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Baltimore this time of the year. Budapest usually receives less sunshine than Baltimore during spring. Budapest gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Baltimore receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Budapest usually receives less rain than Baltimore. Budapest gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Baltimore receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Baltimore and Budapest