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

Should you visit Budapest or Pisa?

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

Budapest

Budapest is a bustling, cultural, and artistic 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. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Pisa

Pisa is a world-famous, classic, and charming city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Budapest and Pisa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Budapest or Pisa?

You'll generally find more things to do in Budapest than Pisa. Budapest is bigger than Pisa, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Budapest is better known for its big city activities, while Pisa is more popular for its food and beaches. 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. Pisa is well known for its iconic Leaning Tower, its beautiful squares, and its lively atmosphere.

How is Budapest different from Pisa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Pisa can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is more than a one hit wonder. In addition to the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, you'll find many beautiful buildings and museums. Popular places to visit include the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, Campo Santo (Sacred Field), and Museo dell'Opera del Duomo.

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

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

Pisa has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The local cuisine is heavily influenced by the city's maritime roots. You'll find many seafood dishes as well as local classic recipes that have been passed down through the generations. A quintessential local dish is Bordatino alla Pisana, which is made with beans, cabbage, and cornflour. Also popular are Pasta e Ceci (chickpea pasta), Palette (a local polenta), and Trippa alla Pisana.

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 Pisa Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is great in both Budapest and Pisa.

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.

Pisa has plenty to do after the sun goes down. Head out to an aperitivo bar for an early drink, then head to one of the area's best nightlife neighborhoods. For the biggest party scene, go about 10 kilometers out of town to the Versilian coast. This area has the most popular clubs. If you decide to stay in town, there are still plenty of places to catch live music and dance.

Is Budapest or Pisa Better for Beaches?

Pisa is very good for the beache. However, Budapest is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Pisa to enjoy the beach. Many people forget that there are beaches near Pisa, but the city is close to the sea. Some of the closest beaches include Marina di Vecchiano and Marina di Pisa.

Budapest is not a beach destination.

Is Budapest or Pisa Better for its Old Town?

Budapest and Pisa are both popular destinations with charming historical areas.

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.

Many visitors go to Pisa to see the historical old town. The old town is where you'll find the city's classic charm and many of the best sights.

Is the Shopping Better in Budapest or Pisa?

If you're looking to go shopping, Budapest and Pisa both offer plenty of great 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 Pisa. There's a great mix of traditional markets, high end stores, and indoor shopping malls where you can find anything that you might need. Corso Italia is one of the most popular shopping areas, but also worth checking out are Centro Commerciale Pisanova, Borgo Stretto and Borgo Largo.

Is Budapest or Pisa Better for Families?

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either Budapest or Pisa.

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.

Pisa is a family-friendly place to visit. It's a lively city with beautiful squares and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Kids will enjoy hanging out in the city center, visiting Parco Don Bosco, Giardino Scotto Park, or Marina di Pisa. If you have a car and are willing to venture a bit further away, there's the Piccolo Mondo Amusement Park and Parco Preistorico Peccioli.

Is Budapest or Pisa Better for Couples?

Budapest is a great city for its romantic activities. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

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.

Pisa is a good city for couples to visit. It's an iconic Italian destination that offers so much more than its most famous landmark. The city is filled with charming squares, beautiful architecture, and plenty of fun activities that couples can enjoy.

Is Budapest or Pisa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Budapest is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

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.

Pisa is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. Most backpackers pass through on their way to other towns, but for those that linger, there are plenty of hostels and a lively social scene.

Is Budapest or Pisa Better for Students?

For students, both Budapest and Pisa are world-class 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.

Pisa is a great destination for students. Many study abroad students flock to Italy for its beautiful culture, art, and architecture. Pisa makes a nice base for international students, and it offers easy access to other parts of Italy. It's also home to an internationally acclaimed university, Scuola Normale Superiore, which was founded in 1810.

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

Budapest is terrific for times when you don't have a car. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

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.

Pisa has a few public transit options. There are public buses through town with the most popular lines being the Red and Green Lines.

Is Budapest or Pisa a more walkable city?

Budapest is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

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.

Pisa is a very walkable destination. The city is a great place to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Pisa or Budapest?

How long in Budapest or Pisa?

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

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

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

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 city of Pisa offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Pisa?

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.

Pisa 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 visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Pisa, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Budapest or Pisa?

Budapest is a historic 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.

Pisa 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 Pisa?

The bustling 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.

Pisa is a great place to explore. 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. 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 2-Week Tours in Italy, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Budapest or Pisa?

Budapest has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Pisa. When comparing the sizes of Budapest and Pisa, 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 Pisa?

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 Pisa in the Summer?

Both Pisa and Budapest are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Budapest for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Pisa because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Budapest is around the same temperature as Pisa in the summer. The daily temperature in Budapest averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Pisa fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Pisa. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Budapest. Budapest usually receives less sunshine than Pisa during summer. Budapest gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while Pisa receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Budapest usually receives more rain than Pisa. Budapest gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Budapest or Pisa in the Autumn?

Both Pisa and Budapest during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Budapest because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Pisa this time of year.

In the autumn, Budapest is cooler than Pisa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Budapest in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Pisa averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Budapest often gets less sunshine than Pisa. Budapest gets 152 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pisa receives 177 hours of full sun.

Pisa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Budapest usually gets less rain in October than Pisa. Budapest gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Budapest or Pisa in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Budapest and Pisa. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Budapest this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Pisa for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Budapest in the winter. In January, Budapest is generally much colder than Pisa. Daily temperatures in Budapest average around -1°C (31°F), and Pisa fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Budapest usually receives less sunshine than Pisa during winter. Budapest gets 61 hours of sunny skies, while Pisa receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Budapest usually receives less rain than Pisa. Budapest gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Budapest or Pisa in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Budapest as well as Pisa. Many travelers come to Budapest for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to Pisa in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Budapest is cooler than Pisa in the spring. The daily temperature in Budapest averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Pisa fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Budapest often gets less sunshine than Pisa. Budapest gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pisa receives 192 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Pisa. Budapest usually gets less rain in April than Pisa. Budapest gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Pisa and Budapest