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

Should you visit Budapest or New York City?

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 New York City can help you decide which place is right for you.

Budapest

Budapest is a authentic, bustling, and cultural 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. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, shopping, and museums.

New York City

New York City is a energetic, cosmopolitan, and one-of-a-kind city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the live music, food, and shopping.

Budapest and New York City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Budapest or New York City?

Tourists will generally find more to do in New York City than Budapest. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. New York City is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and christmas markets, while Budapest attracts visitors for its historical sights and impressive beauty. New York City is more touristy than Budapest and is known for its high-reaching skyscrapers, iconic landmarks, world-class theater scene, and endless energy. It is also well known for The Statue of Liberty. Budapest is famous for its thermal hot springs, European spas, rich culture, and wild nightlife scene.

How is Budapest different from New York City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between New York City 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 New York City?

New York City is terrific for its historical sights. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in New York City are world-renowned. The sights and museums around the city are too numerous to list, but some of the most famous include the Statue of Liberty, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, Central Park, and the Empire State Building. This is a city that is filled with iconic landmarks and you could spend weeks here and still not see it all.

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.

Is Budapest or New York City Better for Theater?

New York City is terrific for its theatre productions. However, Budapest is not a theatre destination.

The theater scene in New York City is world-class. Visiting Broadway is a quintessential NYC experience. Whether you enjoy the theater or simply want to experience something new, seeing a Broadway show is a true bucket list activity.

Budapest is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Budapest or New York City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

New York City is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Budapest is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

New York City has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city has a diverse variety of restaurants, with everything from local dives to Michelin star options. There are many neighborhoods that are notable for their ethnic cuisine, particularly Little Italy and Chinatown. Quintessential NYC dishes include NYC pizza, NYC hot dogs, bagels, and Chinese dim sum.

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 New York City Better for Nightlife?

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

New York City is a must-see party destination. Known as the city that never sleeps, you can be assured that NYC has some of the best nightlife in the world. There are world class bars and clubs, but also local venues that have a more relaxed atmosphere. Several famous clubs include Paul's Cocktail Lounge, Le Bain, and Avant Gardner.

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 New York City Better for Music?

New York City is terrific for its live music scene. However, Budapest is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in New York City. Popular music venues include Music Hall of Williamsburg, Radio City Music Hall, Beacon Theatre, and Forest Hills Stadium.

Budapest is not a live music destination.

Is Budapest or New York City Better for its Old Town?

Budapest is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town. However, New York City does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see 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.

New York City does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Budapest or New York City?

New York City is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, New York City draws large crowds to its stores. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. Head for Fifth Avenue for high end shopping or check out any of the many street markets for local items. New York is known for its many flea markets where you can find vintage items at a good price. And if you're looking to pick up a souvenir shirt or knick knack, there are plenty of souvenir shops around town as well.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Budapest. The city has a diverse shopping scene that you can experience by visiting the Central Market or Váci Street.

Is Budapest or New York City Better for Christmas?

New York City is terrific for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Budapest does not offer Christmas activities.

With so many activities, New York City is a top place to visit during Christmas. Christmas in the city is a quintessential experience. From the Christmas tree and ice skating at Rockefeller Center to seeing a live performance of the Nutcracker, everyone enjoys the holidays in New York.

Budapest does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Budapest or New York City Better for Christmas Markets?

New York City is great for visiting Christmas markets. However, Budapest does not offer Christmas markets.

New York City has plenty of Christmas markets during the holiday season. There are a number of Christmas markets that pop up around town during the holiday season. Nothing will get you more in the holiday spirit than wandering these unique venues.

Budapest does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Budapest or New York City Better for Families?

New York City 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, New York City is very family-friendly. The city has many activities for kids of all ages including world class museums, beautifully designed playgrounds, and theater shows designed just for young ones. There are many kid-friendly restaurants as well and older kids will enjoy visiting the iconic landmarks in this world-class city.

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 New York City Better for Couples?

New York City is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

For those traveling as a couple, New York City has plenty to offer. From a beautiful carriage ride through Central Park, to a romantic river cruise at night, there is an endless list of unique activities that couples can enjoy in the city. Whether you're interested in theater, the arts, music, or nightlife, this city has it all.

Budapest is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Is Budapest or New York City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Budapest is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, New York City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent 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.

New York City is a great city to visit for backpackers. It isn't a particularly budget-friendly destination, but it does get its share of backpackers, so you'll find a nice list of hostels and affordable hangouts that are perfect for the backpacker crowd. This is probably one of the most popular cities for backpackers in the entire United States.

Is Budapest or New York City Better for Students?

For students, both Budapest and New York City are first-rate places to visit.

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.

New York City is a great destination for students. The city has a diverse population, and international students will feel right at home here exploring the city. There are also plenty of major universities including NYU, Columbia University, and Cornell University.

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

Budapest and New York City both offer first-rate public transit to get you around.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Budapest can take you anywhere. The metro, trams, and buses make it easy to get around town.

New York City has a great public transit system. The city has one of the largest subway systems in the world. There's also an elaborate bus system, ferry system, and yellow taxis all around town.

Is Budapest or New York City a more walkable city?

Budapest and New York City are first-rate when it comes to walkability.

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

It is easy to get around New York City on foot. The majority of the neighborhoods in Manhattan are very walkable and easy to explore on foot. Most people prefer not to drive here as it can be overwhelming and chaotic.

For even more information, also check out Is Budapest Worth Visiting? and Is New York City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in New York City or Budapest?

How long in Budapest or New York City?

Both Budapest and New York City have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in New York City than in Budapest. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Budapest, and 3-7 days is enough time in New York City.

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

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

One day in Budapest or New York City?

Budapest is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

The city of New York City offers shopping and museums. 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 New York City?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Budapest. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

New York City is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Budapest or New York City?

Budapest is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

New York City is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in New York City, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Budapest or New York City?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the beautiful city of Budapest. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

New York City is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that New York City has to offer. 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 Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, and The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Budapest and New York City, we can see that New York City 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 New York City 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 New York City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in New York City 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 New York City Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Budapest or New York City?

New York City has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Budapest. When comparing the sizes of Budapest and New York City, 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 New York City?

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 New York City in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Budapest and New York City. Many visitors come to Budapest in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to New York City for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Budapest is generally cooler than New York City. Daily temperatures in Budapest average around 21°C (70°F), and New York City fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

New York City receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Budapest usually receives less rain than New York City. Budapest gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while New York City receives 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Budapest or New York City in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Budapest as well as New York City. Most visitors come to Budapest for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to New York City because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Budapest is cooler than New York City in the autumn. The daily temperature in Budapest averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and New York City fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

Budapest usually gets less rain in October than New York City. Budapest gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while New York City receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Budapest or New York City in the Winter?

Both New York City and Budapest are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Budapest because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to New York City this time of year.

It's quite cold in New York City in the winter. The weather in Budapest can be very cold. In the winter, Budapest is around the same temperature as New York City. Typically, the winter temperatures in Budapest in January average around -1°C (31°F), and New York City averages at about 31°F (-1°C).

In January, Budapest usually receives less rain than New York City. Budapest gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while New York City receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Budapest or New York City in the Spring?

Both New York City and Budapest during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Budapest this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to New York City for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Budapest is generally around the same temperature as New York City. Daily temperatures in Budapest average around 12°C (53°F), and New York City fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

Budapest usually gets less rain in April than New York City. Budapest gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while New York City receives 3.8 inches (98 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for New York City and Budapest