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

Should you visit Budapest or Tromso?

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

Budapest

Budapest is a historic, authentic, and bustling 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.

Tromso

Tromso is a remote, one-of-a-kind, and spectacular town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the food, hiking, and nightlife.

Budapest and Tromso: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Budapest or Tromso?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Budapest than Tromso, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Budapest is more popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Tromso is known for its food, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Budapest is popular for its thermal hot springs, European spas, rich culture, and wild nightlife scene. It is also home to The Hungarian Parliament Building. Tromso is popular for its stunning nature, beautiful Arctic landscape, and breathtaking fjords.

How is Budapest different from Tromso?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Budapest is a great city for its historical sights. However, Tromso does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Tromso does not have museums and landmarks. You can learn about everything having to do with the Arctic at the museum, Polaria. There's also the the Polar Museum, the Arctic Cathedral, and Nordnorsk Kunstmuseum.

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

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

Tromso has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Fish is the staple around town and you'll find local seasonal fish dishes. There are also modern restaurants that serve international cuisines or trendy options.

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 Tromso Better for Nightlife?

Budapest is a great city for its evening party scene. Also, Tromso is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife.

The nightlife in Budapest has something for everybody. The city's active nightlife includes dance clubs, local pubs, and cultural festivals throughout the year.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Tromso. There's a good nightlife scene with many bars and clubs that are popular with locals and tourists alike.

Is Budapest or Tromso Better for its Old Town?

Budapest is a great city for its historic old town charm. However, Tromso 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.

Tromso does not have a historic old town.

Is Budapest or Tromso Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors go to Tromso for the hiking trails. The surrounding countryside is filled with fjords, mountains, and pristine wilderness. There are hikes that cater to every level, and a trip to Tromso is not complete without heading into the rural areas.

Budapest is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Budapest or Tromso?

Budapest is a great city for its shopping areas. However, Tromso is not known 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.

Tromso is a good destination for shopping. There are shops sprinkled along the main street, as well as a shopping center or two around town.

Is Budapest or Tromso Better for Families?

Tromso 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, Tromso is very family-friendly. Whether you visit during the summer or winter season, there are a number of indoor or outdoor activities around town. Many visitors come during the winter months to see the Northern Lights. There's also the Ice Hotel, Husky Sledding, and fjords cruises. Indoors, you'll find the Science Center, the Arctic University Museum, and the Troll Museum.

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 Tromso Better for Couples?

Both Budapest and Tromso 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.

Tromso is a very popular place to visit for couples. For many couples, seeing the Northern Lights is an iconic romantic experience. The area also has an amazing outdoor setting with fjords and hiking. Indoors, there are art museums and more.

Is Budapest or Tromso Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Budapest is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Tromso is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Tromso. There are hostels as well as camping in the area that make this otherwise expensive area somewhat more affordable.

Is Budapest or Tromso Better for Students?

Budapest is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Tromso is not as popular, but is still a nice town for 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.

Tromso is a good city to visit for students. Although it's a very small city, there are a large number of students and some big city amenities. There are plenty of entertainment options both in town and in the surrounding countryside.

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

Budapest is an unbeatable place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Tromso is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its public transit.

Visitors in Budapest can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The metro, trams, and buses make it easy to get around town.

Tromso has a few public transit options. There's an efficient and reliable bus system in town.

Is Budapest or Tromso a more walkable city?

Budapest is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Tromso is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its 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.

Tromso is very walkable. The city is generally walkable but if you want to get into the countryside you'll need to travel by car or bus.

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

Should I spend more time in Tromso or Budapest?

How long in Budapest or Tromso?

Both Budapest and Tromso have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Tromso than in Budapest. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Budapest, and 4-7 days is enough time in Tromso.

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

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

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.

Tromso is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and nightlife. 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 Tromso?

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.

Tromso is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Tromso?

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.

Tromso is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Tromso, 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 Tromso?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the artistic 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.

Tromso is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Tromso has to offer. 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 Coach Bus Tours in Norway, and The Best Adventure Tours to Norway.

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

Which is Bigger, Budapest or Tromso?

Budapest has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Tromso. When comparing the sizes of Budapest and Tromso, 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 Tromso?

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 Tromso in the Summer?

Both Tromso and Budapest are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Budapest for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Tromso in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Budapest is much warmer than Tromso. Typically, the summer temperatures in Budapest in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Tromso averages at about 12°C (54°F).

It's quite sunny in Tromso. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Budapest. Budapest usually receives more sunshine than Tromso during summer. Budapest gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while Tromso receives 205 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Budapest usually receives less rain than Tromso. Budapest gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Budapest or Tromso in the Autumn?

Both Tromso and Budapest during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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. Furthermore, most visitors come to Tromso for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Tromso can be very cold during autumn. In October, Budapest is generally much warmer than Tromso. Daily temperatures in Budapest average around 12°C (53°F), and Tromso fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the autumn, Budapest often gets more sunshine than Tromso. Budapest gets 152 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tromso receives 49 hours of full sun.

Tromso gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Budapest usually gets less rain in October than Tromso. Budapest gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Budapest or Tromso in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Budapest and Tromso. Most visitors come to Budapest for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Tromso because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

The weather in Tromso can be very cold. Budapest can be very cold during winter. Budapest is much warmer than Tromso in the winter. The daily temperature in Budapest averages around -1°C (31°F) in January, and Tromso fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

Budapest usually receives more sunshine than Tromso during winter. Budapest gets 61 hours of sunny skies, while Tromso receives 3 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Budapest usually receives less rain than Tromso. Budapest gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Budapest or Tromso in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Budapest as well as Tromso. The spring months attract visitors to Budapest because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Additionally, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Tromso this time of year.

It's quite cold in Tromso in the spring. In the spring, Budapest is much warmer than Tromso. Typically, the spring temperatures in Budapest in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Tromso averages at about 1°C (33°F).

In the spring, Budapest often gets more sunshine than Tromso. Budapest gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tromso receives 160 hours of full sun.

Budapest usually gets less rain in April than Tromso. Budapest gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Tromso and Budapest