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

Should you visit Budapest or Washington?

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

Budapest

Budapest is a cultural, artistic, and historic 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.

Washington

Washington is a monument-filled, international, and diverse city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the live music, food, and shopping.

Budapest and Washington: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Budapest or Washington?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Washington than Budapest. While Budapest is larger than Washington, Washington has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Washington is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, music, hiking, and quaint atmosphere, while Budapest attracts visitors for its historical sights and big city activities. Budapest is famous for its thermal hot springs, European spas, rich culture, and wild nightlife scene. Washington is famous for its reputation as the capital of the United States, but it's also known for its many monuments, memorials, and museums. It is also well known for The Washington Monument and the White House.

How is Budapest different from Washington?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Washington 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 Washington are world-renowned. The city has world class museums that are often free. The Smithsonian Museums are arguably some of the most impressive museums in the United States. The city also has a large collection of monuments that are dedicated to past presidents or historical events. Many are best experienced at night when the sun sets and the lights come on.

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 Washington Better for Theater?

Washington is great for its theatre productions. However, Budapest is not a theatre destination.

Washington has a number of performance venues where you can see a variety of shows. Theater is popular in the city. From major theaters like the Kennedy Center and Ford's Theater, to lesser known smaller venues, there are options for everyone.

Budapest is not a theatre destination.

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

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

Washington has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. This city is among the most diverse in the country, so you can find restaurants from almost any cuisine here. It's worth exploring and stepping out of your comfort zone. There are popular neighborhoods for Ethiopian, Korean, Thai, Japanese, and Chinese food, among many others.

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 Washington Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is very good in both Budapest and Washington.

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.

Washington has plenty to do after the sun goes down. Many visitors head straight to the museums and the National Mall, and don't realize what a livable and fun city this is. Some of the best nightlife is found in Dupont Circle, U Street, and even Arlington, VA. The city's young population ensures that there's never a dull moment.

Is Budapest or Washington Better for Music?

Washington is very good for its live music scene. However, Budapest is not a live music destination.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in Washington. Notable live music venues include the 9:30 Club, the Anthem, and Union Stage.

Budapest is not a live music destination.

Is Budapest or Washington Better for its Old Town?

Budapest is great for its historic old town. However, Washington does not have a historic old town.

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.

Washington does not have a historic old town.

Is Budapest or Washington Better for Hiking?

Washington is adequate for hiking. However, Budapest is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors include a hike while visiting Washington. Just outside of Washington DC you'll find plenty of places to go hiking. There's also an elaborate bike and walking trail system in the city. To enjoy a bit of nature, head to Teddy Roosevelt Island.

Budapest is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Budapest or Washington?

If you're looking to go shopping, Budapest and Washington both offer plenty of very good 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 Washington. Head to Georgetown and Dupont Circle for some of the city's best local shopping. There are name brand chains mixed in with local boutiques. You'll also find plenty of souvenir shops in the more touristy areas if you're looking to pick up some trinkets.

Is Budapest or Washington Better for Christmas?

Washington is terrific for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Budapest does not offer Christmas activities.

With so many activities, Washington is a top place to visit during Christmas. With it's beautiful lights and holiday shows, Christmas is beautiful in the capital of the United States.

Budapest does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Budapest or Washington Better for Families?

Washington 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, Washington is very family-friendly. It is a fun and educational destination where kids can explore world class museums and try unique foods from all around the world. The city has nationally recognized landmarks, monuments, and memorials and it's also home to some of the best (free) museums in the United States including the world class Smithsonian Institutions. Many schools visit Washington DC as a field trip, particularly during the Spring months, so you'll kids groups in colorful t-shirts running around the National Mall.

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 Washington Better for Couples?

Both Budapest and Washington are very good 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.

Washington is a very popular place to visit for couples. The city lights up at night, so couples will enjoy wandering by the monuments in the evening or taking in a dinner and show. During the Spring months you'll find couples wandering through the Cherry Blossoms or along the waterfront.

Is Budapest or Washington Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Budapest is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Washington is not a good destination 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.

Washington is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it is an international travel destination, the city often isn't at the top of most backpacker's lists. There are some affordable accommodation options available though if you know where to look.

Is Budapest or Washington Better for Students?

For students, both Budapest and Washington are fantastic 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.

Washington is a great destination for students. International students come from around the world to study, learn, intern, and work in the capital of the United States. There are many internships available through the federal government as well as NGOs and nonprofits.

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

Budapest and Washington both offer fantastic 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.

Washington has a great public transit system. The metro system and the bus system are reliable and efficient ways to explore the city.

Is Budapest or Washington a more walkable city?

Budapest and Washington are fantastic 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 Washington on foot. Many neighborhoods around the city are easy to explore on foot. Most tourists spend a lot of time in the Mall area, which is very pedestrian friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Washington or Budapest?

How long in Budapest or Washington?

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

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

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

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

When visiting Budapest, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The beautiful city of Washington 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 Washington?

When visiting Budapest, people usually allow for lots of time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Washington 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 Washington?

Budapest, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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

Budapest is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Washington 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 Washington 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 Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Budapest or Washington?

Budapest has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Washington. When comparing the sizes of Budapest and Washington, 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 Washington?

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 Washington in the Summer?

Both Washington and Budapest are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Budapest because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Washington this time of year.

In July, Budapest is generally cooler than Washington. Daily temperatures in Budapest average around 21°C (70°F), and Washington fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

It's quite sunny in Washington. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Budapest. Budapest usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Washington during summer. Budapest gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while Washington receives 278 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Budapest usually receives less rain than Washington. Budapest gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Washington receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Budapest or Washington in the Autumn?

Both Washington and Budapest during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Budapest this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Washington for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Budapest is cooler than Washington in the autumn. The daily temperature in Budapest averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Washington fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

In the autumn, Budapest often gets less sunshine than Washington. Budapest gets 152 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Washington receives 197 hours of full sun.

Budapest usually gets less rain in October than Washington. Budapest gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Budapest or Washington in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Budapest and Washington. Many travelers come to Budapest for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Washington in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Washington can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Budapest. In the winter, Budapest is much colder than Washington. Typically, the winter temperatures in Budapest in January average around -1°C (31°F), and Washington averages at about 35°F (1°C).

Budapest usually receives less sunshine than Washington during winter. Budapest gets 61 hours of sunny skies, while Washington receives 139 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Budapest usually receives less rain than Washington. Budapest gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Budapest or Washington in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Budapest as well as Washington. Many visitors come to Budapest in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Washington for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Budapest is generally cooler than Washington. Daily temperatures in Budapest average around 12°C (53°F), and Washington fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Washington. In the spring, Budapest often gets less sunshine than Washington. Budapest gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Washington receives 228 hours of full sun.

Budapest usually gets less rain in April than Washington. Budapest gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Washington and Budapest