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

Should you visit Budapest or Lillehammer?

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

Budapest

Budapest is a artistic, historic, and authentic city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Lillehammer

Lillehammer is a natural, adventure-filled, and sporty city. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Budapest and Lillehammer: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Budapest or Lillehammer?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Budapest. Although Budapest and Lillehammer are popular destinations, Budapest has more sights and attractions for tourists. Budapest is very popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Lillehammer attracts visitors for its skiing, food, hiking, and small town charm. Budapest is more touristy than Lillehammer and is popular for its thermal hot springs, European spas, rich culture, and wild nightlife scene. It is also well known for The Hungarian Parliament Building. Lillehammer is famous for its winter sports and role as host for the 1994 Winter Olympics.

How is Budapest different from Lillehammer?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Budapest or Lillehammer Better for Skiing?

Lillehammer is great for skiing. However, Budapest is not a skiing destination.

Visitors travel far to experience snow skiing in Lillehammer. There is both downhill skiing and cross country skiing in the area. There are five alpine centers that offer skiing for everyone from beginners to the world's elite. There are also 2,300 kilometers of cross country ski trails. The region is known for its long and reliable winter with great ski conditions.

Budapest is not a skiing destination.

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

Budapest is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Budapest can be an interesting and educational experience. Famous sights include the Buda Castle and Castle Hill, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and St. Stephen's Basilica.

Lillehammer offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a number of sights that are related to the city's role as host of the 1994 Olympics. Check out the Norwegian Olympic Museum, Lysgårdsbakkene Ski Jumping Arena, and the Lillehammer Olympic Bobsleigh and Luge Track. Also make sure you visit the Maihaugen Open-Air Museum.

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

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

Lillehammer has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Local food traditions date back centuries and you'll find a combination of simple recipes and elaborate menus. Dishes often include fish or local meat such as elk. There are also soups such as kål, which are made with bacon, meat, potatoes, and barley.

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 Lillehammer Better for Nightlife?

Budapest is well known for nightlife. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Budapest is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city's active nightlife includes dance clubs, local pubs, and cultural festivals throughout the year.

If you're looking for night time activities Lillehammer has a few options to choose from. There is a lively atmosphere with many bars, clubs, and pubs around town.

Is Budapest or Lillehammer Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors go to Budapest to see the historical old town. 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.

Lillehammer does not have a historic old town.

Is Budapest or Lillehammer Better for Hiking?

Lillehammer is great for hiking. However, Budapest is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Lillehammer for the hiking trails. You'll find many hikes that take you through the alpine setting and the pristine landscapes. You can enjoy breathtaking views and strolls through nearby national parks.

Budapest is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Budapest or Lillehammer?

Budapest is well known for shopping. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Budapest is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city has a diverse shopping scene that you can experience by visiting the Central Market or Váci Street.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Lillehammer. You'll find a number of shopping centers that have retail stores selling clothing, jewelry, sporting goods, and more.

Is Budapest or Lillehammer Better for Families?

Lillehammer 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, Lillehammer is very family-friendly. The town has many winter and adventure sports that are great for the whole family. You can visit the Olympic Park, or spend the day at Hunderfossen Familiepark, which is one of the original amusement parks in the country. You can also visit Jorekstad Waterpark, go hiking in the summer, or skiing in the winter.

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 Lillehammer Better for Couples?

Both Budapest and Lillehammer are excellent 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.

Lillehammer is a very popular place to visit for couples. The skiing and other winter activities are great for winter sport enthusiasts. During the summer months there's hiking and other outdoor fun.

Is Budapest or Lillehammer Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Budapest is a mecca for backpackers and 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.

Lillehammer is a good city to visit for backpackers. There's some camping and other affordable accommodation for backpackers in the area.

Is Budapest or Lillehammer Better for Students?

Budapest is a world-class destination for students. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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

It's common for students to visit Lillehammer. The city has a number of students and offers some great entertainment activities. The cost of living can be high though.

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

Budapest is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Lillehammer 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.

While Lillehammer offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are trains and buses throughout the region.

Is Budapest or Lillehammer a more walkable city?

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

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

Lillehammer is a somewhat walkable place. There are some pedestrian streets and pedestrian-friendly areas in town.

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

Should I spend more time in Lillehammer or Budapest?

How long in Budapest or Lillehammer?

It's fun to spend time in either Budapest or Lillehammer. 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 Lillehammer.

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

Couples should spend more time in Budapest than Lillehammer. 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 Lillehammer 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 Lillehammer?

Budapest is a authentic city where you can fill many days. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The city of Lillehammer offers museums and skiing. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Lillehammer?

Budapest is a bustling big city where you can fill many days. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Lillehammer 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. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lillehammer, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Budapest or Lillehammer?

Budapest is a historic city where you can fill many days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Lillehammer 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 Lillehammer?

Many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting Budapest. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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.

Lillehammer is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway.

When comparing the travel costs between Budapest and Lillehammer, we can see that Lillehammer is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Budapest or Lillehammer?

Budapest has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Lillehammer. When comparing the sizes of Budapest and Lillehammer, 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.