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

Should you visit Budapest or Gjovik?

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 Gjovik can help you decide which place is right for you.

Budapest

Budapest is a cultural, artistic, and historic city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Gjovik

Gjovik is a friendly, relaxed, and accessible town. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Budapest and Gjovik: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less popular for students
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Budapest or Gjovik?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Budapest. Although Budapest and Gjovik are both popular with visitors, Budapest has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Budapest is more popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Gjovik is known for its food. Budapest is more touristy than Gjovik and is known for its thermal hot springs, European spas, rich culture, and wild nightlife scene. It is also home to The Hungarian Parliament Building. Gjovik is popular for its beautiful surrounding countryside and nice landscape.

How is Budapest different from Gjovik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Budapest
Gjovik

Budapest is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. Also, Gjovik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Gjovik is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a handful of sights and attractions near town such as the Gjøvik Olympic Cavern Hall and the Royal Palace.


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

Budapest
Gjovik

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

Gjovik has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find many local restaurants that range from fine dining opportunities to local cafes. Dishes usually include local ingredients that are fresh and high quality.

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 Gjovik Better for Nightlife?

Budapest
Gjovik

Budapest is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Gjovik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Budapest has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city's active nightlife includes dance clubs, local pubs, and cultural festivals throughout the year.

Gjovik has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find some bars and pubs around town as well as a couple of nightclubs.

Is Budapest or Gjovik Better for its Old Town?

Budapest
Gjovik

Budapest is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Gjovik 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.

Gjovik does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Budapest or Gjovik?

Budapest
Gjovik

Budapest is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Gjovik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Budapest. The city has a diverse shopping scene that you can experience by visiting the Central Market or Váci Street.

Gjovik is a great destination for shopping. The town center has some nice retail shops with clothing and other interesting items.

Is Budapest or Gjovik Better for Families?

Budapest
Gjovik

You'll find good kid-friendly activities in either Budapest or Gjovik.

Budapest offers lots of family activities. 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.

Gjovik is a family-friendly place to visit. You'll find a combination of museums and outdoor adventure activities. There are climbing parks, Olympic centers, and art galleries that the whole family can enjoy.

Is Budapest or Gjovik Better for Couples?

Budapest
Gjovik

Budapest is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Gjovik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Budapest makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Gjovik is a nice destination for couples. You'll find romantic hotels and many great museums or outdoor parks that couples will appreciate.


Is Budapest or Gjovik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Budapest
Gjovik

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

A large number of backpackers visit Budapest, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. 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 Gjovik. There's at least one hostel around town, and many fun activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Is Budapest or Gjovik Better for Students?

Budapest
Gjovik

Budapest is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Gjovik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for 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.

Gjovik is popular with students. The location offers access to much of what Norway has to offer, making it a nice place to base yourself while you're studying.

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

Budapest
Gjovik

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

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.

You'll find some public transit in Gjovik, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses that travel through town.


Is Budapest or Gjovik a more walkable city?

Budapest
Gjovik

Budapest is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Gjovik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Budapest. Pest is very flat, making for an easy stroll, while Buda is more hilly.

Gjovik is somewhat walkable. There are some pedestrian-friendly areas as well as walking paths just outside of town.

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

Should I spend more time in Gjovik or Budapest?

How long in Budapest or Gjovik?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Budapest and Gjovik. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Budapest than in Gjovik. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Budapest, and 1-3 days is enough time in Gjovik.

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

Couples should spend more time in Budapest than Gjovik. 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 Gjovik 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.


  • How many days in Budapest or Gjovik? Ideal Length of Stay
    Budapest 2-5 
    Gjovik 1-3

One day in Budapest or Gjovik?

Budapest is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The town of Gjovik offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Budapest or Gjovik?

Budapest is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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


Five days in Budapest or Gjovik?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Budapest. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Gjovik 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 Gjovik?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the bustling big city of Budapest. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Gjovik 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 town 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Norway, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway.


Which place is cheaper, Gjovik or Budapest?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Budapest is $89, while the average daily cost in Gjovik is $75. 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 Budapest and Gjovik in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Budapest $49
    Gjovik $47
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Budapest $98
    Gjovik $94
Compare Hotels in Budapest and Gjovik

Looking for a hotel in Budapest or Gjovik? 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 Budapest


Hotels in Gjovik


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: Budapest Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Budapest $10
    Gjovik $5.91
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Budapest

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Budapest:


  • Short Taxi Ride
    $6.91
  • Metro Pass
    $3.79

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Budapest

Also for Budapest, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Budapest HTL-APT (BUD): $57
  • Transfer from Vienna to Budapest: $706
  • T72 Tank Driving with Hummer Transfer: $1,581
  • Private transfer from Budapest to Zagreb: $930
  • Private transfer from Budapest to Vienna: $588
  • Private transfer from Budapest to Prague: $1,059
  • Private transfer from Budapest to Bratislava with Hotel or Airport pick-up: $276
  • Private transfer between Budapest and Vienna: $471
  • Private Transfer in Budapest: $76
  • Private Transfer from Budapest to Zagreb with 2 hours for sightseeing: $267
  • Private Transfer from Budapest to Zadar, Hotel-to-hotel, English-speaking driver: $282
  • Private Transfer from Budapest to Vienna, English-speaking driver: $196

Is it cheaper to fly into Budapest or Gjovik?

Prices for flights to both Gjovik and Budapest 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
    Budapest $23
    Gjovik $23
Typical Food Prices in Budapest

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Budapest:


  • Lunch
    $3.37

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Budapest

For Budapest, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Traveling Spoon Hungarian Goulash Private Online Cooking Class: $40
  • Downtown Budapest Cruise with Pizza and Beer: $45
  • Pizza & Beer Downtown Budapest Cruise: $46
  • Vegan Hungarian Food Tour (full meals): $51
  • Medieval Dinner Show with Drinks: $52
  • Private Street Food Tour: $59
  • Danube Cruise with Hungarian Dinner and Live Music: $74
  • Budapest Danube Cruise with Buffet Dinner, Performances and Music: $75
  • Evening Cruise and Dinner with Champagne: $86
  • Lángos (Hungary’s nr1 streetfood) cooking class: $87
  • Candlelit Dinner River Cruise with Live Music: $91
  • Budapest Danube River Candlelit Dinner Cruise with Live Music: $93

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Budapest $22
    Gjovik $6.56
Typical Entertainment Prices in Budapest

For Budapest, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Entrance to the Baths for Two
    $6.77

Tours and Activities in Budapest

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

  • Danube Bend Private All Day Tour with Lunch, with entrance fees and cruise: $164
  • Private Budapest city tour with a daytime Danube river cruise: $240
  • 101 things you have to see in Budapest - Full Day Tour with Lunch & Dessert: $185
  • 10PM Budapest Danube Cruise with Live Music & Food or Drinks : $20
  • 2 Hours Buda Castle Walking Tour - Walk with a Historian: $38
  • 2 Hours Jewish Heritage Walking Tour - Walk with a Historian: $49
  • 2 Hours Private Scenic Photo Tour Around Budapest: $156
  • 2-Hour Private Market Tour in Budapest With Free Tastings: $59
  • 22 Dog-statues in Budapest - an unusual tour: $25
  • 3 Hours Budapest Segway Grand City Tour Buda, Margaret and Pest: $93
  • 3-Hour Jewish Quarter Walking Tour in Budapest with Historian: $55
  • 3-Hour Orientation Walking Tour of Buda and Pest: $37

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Budapest $18
    Gjovik $5.91

Sample the Local Flavors in Budapest

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

  • The Original Budapest Pub Crawl - One Hour Open Bar + Free Shots: $17
  • 5-Hour Pub Crawl through Ruin Bars: $21
  • Ultimate Budapest Pub Crawl: $23
  • Ultimate Budapest Pub Crawl: $23
  • Bingo Bar Crawl: $25
  • Budapest Original Ruin Pub Crawl Including 5 Shots: $28
  • Ruin Bar Pub Crawl with Entry Tickets: $29
  • Detective Pub Crawl Game by App: $38
  • 8-Tier Hungarian Wine Tasting in a Cozy Downtown Wine Bar: $38
  • Tipsy Tour Fun Bar Crawl with a Local Guide: $42
  • Drunken History Bar Crawl Tour with Local Drinks: $42
  • Hungarian Wine Tasting (with Cheese and Charcuterie) in Budapest: $50


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

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


Which is Bigger, Budapest or Gjovik?

Budapest has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Gjovik. When comparing the sizes of Budapest and Gjovik, 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 Gjovik?

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 Budapest or Gjovik in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Budapest and Gjovik. The summer months attract visitors to Budapest because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Gjovik this time of year.

In the summer, Budapest is a little warmer than Gjovik. Typically, the summer temperatures in Budapest in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Gjovik averages at about 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gjovik this time of the year. In Budapest, it's very sunny this time of the year. Budapest usually receives more sunshine than Gjovik during summer. Budapest gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while Gjovik receives 246 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Budapest usually receives less rain than Gjovik. Budapest gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Gjovik receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Budapest 21°C (70°F) 
    Gjovik 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Budapest or Gjovik in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Budapest as well as Gjovik. 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 Gjovik for the shopping scene.

In October, Budapest is generally much warmer than Gjovik. Daily temperatures in Budapest average around 12°C (53°F), and Gjovik fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the autumn, Budapest often gets more sunshine than Gjovik. Budapest gets 152 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gjovik receives 86 hours of full sun.

Budapest usually gets less rain in October than Gjovik. Budapest gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Gjovik receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Budapest 12°C (53°F) 
    Gjovik 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Budapest or Gjovik in the Winter?

Both Gjovik and Budapest are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Budapest for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Gjovik in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Gjovik can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Budapest. Budapest is much warmer than Gjovik in the winter. The daily temperature in Budapest averages around -1°C (31°F) in January, and Gjovik fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

Budapest usually receives more sunshine than Gjovik during winter. Budapest gets 61 hours of sunny skies, while Gjovik receives 40 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Budapest usually receives less rain than Gjovik. Budapest gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Gjovik receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Budapest -1°C (31°F) 
    Gjovik -4°C (25°F)

Should I visit Budapest or Gjovik in the Spring?

Both Gjovik and Budapest during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Budapest in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Budapest is much warmer than Gjovik. Typically, the spring temperatures in Budapest in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Gjovik averages at about 6°C (42°F).

In the spring, Budapest often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Gjovik. Budapest gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gjovik receives 178 hours of full sun.

Budapest usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Gjovik. Budapest gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Gjovik receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Budapest 12°C (53°F) 
    Gjovik 6°C (42°F)

Typical Weather for Gjovik and Budapest

Budapest Gjovik
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -1°C (31°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) -4°C (25°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Feb 2°C (35°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) -3°C (26°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Mar 7°C (44°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 1°C (33°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 12°C (53°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 6°C (42°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
May 16°C (62°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 12°C (53°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Jun 20°C (67°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 16°C (61°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Aug 21°C (69°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 16°C (61°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 17°C (63°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 12°C (53°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 7°C (45°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 1°C (35°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Dec 1°C (34°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) -2°C (28°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)