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

Should you visit Canberra or Budapest?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Canberra or Budapest? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Canberra

Canberra is a cultural, diverse, and under-rated city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

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.

Canberra and Budapest: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Canberra or Budapest?

You'll generally find more things to do in Budapest than Canberra. Budapest is bigger than Canberra, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Budapest is better known for its nightlife, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Canberra is more popular for its food and hiking. Budapest is more touristy than Canberra and is known for its thermal hot springs, European spas, rich culture, and wild nightlife scene. Also, Budapest is famous for The Hungarian Parliament Building. Canberra is well known for its educational museums and the nearby nature reserves.

How is Canberra different from Budapest?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Canberra offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. As Australia's capital, there are a large number of museums around town that focus on everything from history and culture to science and nature. Some of the most interesting are the Australian War Memorial, the New Parliament House, the Museum of Australian Democracy, the National Gallery of Australia, and the National Science and Technology Centre, but there are many more.

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.

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

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

Canberra has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's a trendy culinary scene as well as nearby vineyards that provide great wine. You'll find everything from family-friendly and casual to upscale and fine dining.

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 Canberra or Budapest Better for Nightlife?

Budapest is an excellent place to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Budapest has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city's active nightlife includes dance clubs, local pubs, and cultural festivals throughout the year.

Canberra has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are local pubs and music venues that offer fun entertainment in the evening. You can sip wine or practice your dance moves at one of the city's clubs.

Is Canberra or Budapest Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Canberra does not have a historic old town.

Is Canberra or Budapest Better for Hiking?

Canberra is very good for hiking. However, Budapest is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Canberra. There's one national park - Namadgi, as well as green space, rolling hills, and hiking trails just outside of town.

Budapest is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Canberra or Budapest?

Budapest is an excellent place to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

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.

Many visitors go to Canberra to go shopping. Caberra Centre is the city's largest shopping centre and it has all of the usual international brands.

Is Canberra or Budapest Better for Families?

Canberra 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, Canberra is very family-friendly. There are interactive museums and science centers such as Questacon, the National Dinosaur Museum, and the National Zoo and Aquarium. There are also cultural and historical museums such as the Australian War Memorial, the Museum of Australian Democracy, and the National Museum of Australia. The city also has plenty of outdoor space and hands on crafts that kids will enjoy.

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 Canberra or Budapest Better for Couples?

Budapest is an excellent place to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Budapest makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Canberra is a good city for couples to visit. As the city has plenty of date night activities like nice restaurants, interesting shows, and trendy wineries. During the day you can explore the outdoor setting, have a picnic, or visit a vineyard.

Is Canberra or Budapest Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Budapest is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Canberra is lacking in options 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.

Canberra is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Despite being the capital city, few backpackers actually spend much time in town. There are some budget-friendly motels if you're stopping by.

Is Canberra or Budapest Better for Students?

Budapest is terrific for its student-friendly activities. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

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

Canberra is very popular with students. It's a welcoming city that is a fairly popular study abroad destination. Many students appreciate the friendly atmosphere, safe environment, and great economic setting.

Is Canberra or Budapest 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, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

You'll find some public transit in Canberra, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are public buses as well as a light rail system. The Red Explorer Loop bus goes by many of the city's sights.

Is Canberra or Budapest a more walkable city?

Budapest is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Budapest. Pest is very flat, making for an easy stroll, while Buda is more hilly.

Canberra is a somewhat walkable city. There are parts of the city that are walkable and possible to explore on foot, but in general this is a very car-centered city.

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

Should I spend more time in Budapest or Canberra?

How long in Canberra or Budapest?

In either Canberra or Budapest, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Budapest than Canberra because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Canberra, and 2-5 days is enough time in Budapest.

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

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

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

The city of Canberra offers food and shopping. 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.

Budapest is a big city with plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Canberra or Budapest?

Canberra 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Canberra, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Budapest 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 Budapest, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Canberra or Budapest?

Canberra 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.

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

A week in Canberra or Budapest?

Canberra is a great place to explore. 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.

Budapest 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 Walking Tours in Australia, The Best Eco Tours in Australia, The Best 10-Day Tours from Budapest, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Budapest.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Canberra and Budapest, we can see that Canberra is more expensive. And not only is Budapest much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Canberra is in Pacific and Budapest is in Europe, 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 Canberra would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Canberra 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 Canberra Expensive? and Is Budapest Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Canberra or Budapest?

Budapest has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Canberra. When comparing the sizes of Canberra and Budapest, 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 Canberra or Budapest?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Canberra is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Budapest has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Canberra or Budapest in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Canberra and Budapest. The hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Canberra this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Budapest for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Canberra is around the same temperature as Budapest in the summer. The daily temperature in Canberra averages around 20°C (68°F) in January, and Budapest fluctuates around 21°C (70°F)in July.

In January, Canberra usually receives more rain than Budapestin July. Canberra gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Canberra or Budapest in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Canberra as well as Budapest. Many travelers come to Canberra for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene. Additionally, 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.

In the autumn, Canberra is a little warmer than Budapest. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Canberra in April average around 17°C (63°F), and Budapest averages at about 12°C (53°F)in October.

Canberra receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Canberra usually gets more rain in April than Budapestin October. Canberra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Canberra or Budapest in the Winter?

Both Budapest and Canberra are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Canberra in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Budapest for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Budapest can be very cold during winter. In July, Canberra is generally much warmer than Budapestin January. Daily temperatures in Canberra average around 11°C (52°F), and Budapest fluctuates around -1°C (31°F).

In July, Canberra usually receives around the same amount of rain as Budapestin January. Canberra gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Canberra or Budapest in the Spring?

Both Budapest and Canberra during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Canberra for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Budapest because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Canberra is a little warmer than Budapest in the spring. The daily temperature in Canberra averages around 15°C (60°F) in October, and Budapest fluctuates around 12°C (53°F)in April.

Canberra usually gets more rain in October than Budapestin April. Canberra gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Budapest and Canberra