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

Should you visit Budapest or Hvar?

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

Budapest

Budapest is a historic, authentic, and bustling 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.

Hvar

Hvar is a historic, beautiful, and vibrant island. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Budapest and Hvar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Budapest or Hvar?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Budapest than Hvar, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Budapest is better known for its museums, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Hvar is more popular for its food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. Hvar is more touristy than Budapest and is popular for its wild parties, beautiful buildings, and world class cuisine. 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.

How is Budapest different from Hvar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Budapest is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Budapest. Famous sights include the Buda Castle and Castle Hill, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and St. Stephen's Basilica.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Hvar. Wandering around the old town you'll see many historic buildings such as the Cathedral of St. Stephen. You can also visit the nearby Hvar Fort or explore the Franciscan Monastery.

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

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

Hvar has a huge number of terrific restaurants. It's an island, so you'll find no shortage of seafood in the restaurants. There's fish, crab, lobster, squid, and octopus on the menus around town. Many dishes are prepared with risotto or pasta and you'll find a lot of olive oil and wine.

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 Hvar Better for Nightlife?

Hvar is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

Hvar is a must-see party destination. The island has a reputation as a party island, and it's well earned. Most of the activity is found in Hvar Town, particularly between the months of June and September. Young people flock to the island for the all night parties and wild beach bars and clubs.

Budapest has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city's active nightlife includes dance clubs, local pubs, and cultural festivals throughout the year.

Is Budapest or Hvar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hvar is very good for its diving and snorkeling. However, Budapest is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Hvar. The water is clear and there are snorkeling day trips that leave from town. This is a great way to get out on the water and glimpse the undersea world.

Budapest is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Budapest or Hvar Better for Beaches?

Hvar is great for the beache. However, Budapest is not a beach destination.

Hvar is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The island has hilly bays and coves that are fun to explore. The best beaches are found to the south and southwest of the island and many are pebbly or gravelly.

Budapest is not a beach destination.

Is Budapest or Hvar Better for its Old Town?

Budapest is notable for its old town. However, Hvar does not have a historic old town.

Budapest is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Hvar does not have a historic old town.

Is Budapest or Hvar Better for Hiking?

Hvar is very good for hiking. However, Budapest is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Hvar. There are a number of hikes on the island that cater to every skill level and take you through natural areas or past historic sights.

Budapest is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Budapest or Hvar?

Budapest is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its shopping areas.

Budapest is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has a diverse shopping scene that you can experience by visiting the Central Market or Váci Street.

Hvar has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. In the town you'll find galleries, boutiques, jewelry shops and other beach stores. It's fun to pop in and look at the different items.

Is Budapest or Hvar Better for Families?

Hvar 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, Hvar is very family-friendly. There are adventure parks, water parks, and other fun activities for kids. There are also beaches where everyone can swim and sea kayaking trips. Hvar Observatory is also a unique and fun place to visit as a family.

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 Hvar Better for Couples?

Both Budapest and Hvar are superb destinations to visit as a couple.

Budapest is a great city if you're traveling as 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.

Hvar is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are some romantic hotels and beautiful beaches that make this a wonderful destination for couples. Anyone who enjoys a coastal setting with clear waters and a variety of water sports will enjoy their time here.

Is Budapest or Hvar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Budapest and Hvar are amazing places to visit.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Budapest is extremely popular for backpackers. 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.

Hvar is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. The island has long been a popular stop with backpackers who enjoy the affordable prices, abundance of hostels, and active nightlife scene. You'll have no trouble meeting other travelers, particularly during the peak summer months.

Is Budapest or Hvar Better for Students?

Budapest is renowned for students. However, Hvar is not popular with students.

Budapest is a very popular city for students. The city has a great international vibe with several good universities that are welcoming to international students that are studying abroad.

Hvar is not popular with students.

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

Budapest is renowned for its public transit. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Budapest has a great public transit system. The metro, trams, and buses make it easy to get around town.

Hvar has some public transit options. Buses are operated by Cazmatrans Hva and they travel between the major municipalities.

Is Budapest or Hvar a more walkable city?

Budapest is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its ease of walking around.

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

Hvar is a somewhat walkable city. Hvar Town can be explored on foot, but you'll need a vehicle to explore other parts of the island.

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

Should I spend more time in Hvar or Budapest?

How long in Budapest or Hvar?

It's fun to spend time in either Budapest or Hvar. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Budapest due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Budapest, and 2-4 days is enough time in Hvar.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Budapest than Hvar 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 Hvar?

Budapest is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

The beautiful island of Hvar offers museums and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Hvar?

Budapest is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

Five days in Budapest or Hvar?

Budapest is a artistic big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Hvar is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. 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 Hvar?

The authentic city of Budapest offers museums and nightlife. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

Hvar is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This island 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 in Croatia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Croatia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Budapest and Hvar, we can see that Hvar is more expensive. And not only is Budapest much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Hvar would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hvar 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 Hvar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Budapest or Hvar?

Budapest has a larger population, and is about 460 times larger than the population of Hvar. When comparing the sizes of Budapest and Hvar, 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 Hvar?

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 Hvar in the Summer?

Both Hvar and Budapest during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Budapest for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Hvar in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Budapest is cooler than Hvar in the summer. The daily temperature in Budapest averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Hvar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

In Hvar, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Budapest. In the summer, Budapest often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Budapest gets 278 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 345 hours of full sun.

Budapest usually gets more rain in July than Hvar. Budapest gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Budapest or Hvar in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Budapest and Hvar. Many visitors come to Budapest in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Hvar for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Budapest is much colder than Hvar. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Budapest in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Hvar averages at about 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hvar this time of the year. Budapest usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during autumn. Budapest gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Budapest usually receives less rain than Hvar. Budapest gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Budapest or Hvar in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Budapest as well as Hvar. Most visitors come to Budapest for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Hvar because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Budapest can be very cold during winter. In January, Budapest is generally much colder than Hvar. Daily temperatures in Budapest average around -1°C (31°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Budapest often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Budapest gets 61 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 128 hours of full sun.

Budapest usually gets less rain in January than Hvar. Budapest gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Budapest or Hvar in the Spring?

Both Hvar and Budapest are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Budapest because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Hvar this time of year.

Budapest is cooler than Hvar in the spring. The daily temperature in Budapest averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Hvar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Hvar. Budapest usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during spring. Budapest gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Budapest usually receives less rain than Hvar. Budapest gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hvar and Budapest