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

Should you visit Christchurch or Budapest?

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

Should I visit Christchurch 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.

Christchurch

Christchurch is a outdoorsy, adventure-filled, and cultural city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

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. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Christchurch and Budapest: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Christchurch or Budapest?

You'll generally find more things to do in Budapest than Christchurch. Budapest is bigger than Christchurch, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Budapest is better known for its historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Christchurch is more popular for its food, beaches, and hiking. Budapest is more touristy than Christchurch and is popular for its thermal hot springs, European spas, rich culture, and wild nightlife scene. Also, Budapest is famous for The Hungarian Parliament Building. Christchurch is well known for its outdoor beauty and relaxing, scenic atmosphere.

How is Christchurch different from Budapest?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the great sights and museums in both Christchurch and Budapest.

Christchurch offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is filled with street art and local galleries. There's also Canterbury Museum, the International Antarctic Centre, the Arts Centre, and the Riccarton House & Bush.

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 Christchurch or Budapest? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Christchurch has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's a mix of cozy cafes and casual eateries around town. You'll also find some fine dining restaurants as well as international flavors.

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 Christchurch or Budapest Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Christchurch and Budapest.

Christchurch is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city has its share of dance clubs, live music venues, and laid back bars. You'll find a number of popular hangout spots around Oxford Terrace or on the historic New Regent Street.

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.

Is Christchurch or Budapest Better for Beaches?

Christchurch is great for the beache. However, Budapest is not a beach destination.

Christchurch is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are sandy beaches in the area with water sports and various amenities. The summer months are the most popular time for hanging out at the beach, and you'll find local families playing in the sun or enjoying a picnic.

Budapest is not a beach destination.

Is Christchurch or Budapest Better for its Old Town?

Budapest is well known for its old town. However, Christchurch 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.

Christchurch does not have a historic old town.

Is Christchurch or Budapest Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors go to Christchurch for the hiking trails. There are many beautiful hikes in the area that take you along the coastline or past local historic sights. The landscape is diverse and you'll find many amazing parks in the area. Hooker Valley Track is one of the best hiking routes nearby.

Budapest is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Christchurch or Budapest?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Budapest and Christchurch.

Christchurch is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There's a mix of boutique shops, outlet malls, and open air markets. Some of the best shopping places include the Tannery and the Colombo.

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.

Is Christchurch or Budapest Better for Families?

Christchurch is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Christchurch is one of the most popular family destinations. The International Antarctic Centre is a thrilling and fun experience. There's also the Orana Wildlife Park or Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. For adrenaline junkies there are the ropes courses at the Adrenalin Forest. There are also many indoor playgrounds and rock climbing facilities.

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 Christchurch or Budapest Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Christchurch and Budapest make for a great place to visit.

Couples visit Christchurch frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Punting on the Avon River is one of the most romantic activities in the city. There are also botanical gardens, parks, and natural areas that are fun to explore. Nearby, you can do a wine tour, or there are cocktail bars and charming restaurants in town. The city also has a nice theater and many other date night activities.

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.

Is Christchurch or Budapest Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Budapest is terrific for backpackers. Also, Christchurch is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit 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.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Christchurch. There's no shortage of hostels around town, and many backpackers pass through Christchurch on their epic New Zealand adventure.

Is Christchurch or Budapest Better for Students?

Budapest is terrific for students. Also, Christchurch is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Christchurch is very popular with students. It's the largest city on the South Island and there are plenty of activities and nearby trips that you can enjoy.

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

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

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.

While Christchurch offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. While it's not a diverse transit system, the buses are well connected and offer the cheapest way to get around town.

Is Christchurch or Budapest a more walkable city?

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

Getting around Budapest on foot is easy. Pest is very flat, making for an easy stroll, while Buda is more hilly.

Christchurch is a very walkable destination. The city center is relatively flat and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Budapest or Christchurch?

How long in Christchurch or Budapest?

In either Christchurch or Budapest, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Budapest than Christchurch because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Christchurch, and 2-5 days is enough time in Budapest.

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

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

The city of Christchurch offers food and shopping. 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.

Each neighborhood in Budapest has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Christchurch or Budapest?

Christchurch 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. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Christchurch, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Budapest is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Christchurch or Budapest?

Christchurch 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.

Each neighborhood in Budapest has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Christchurch or Budapest?

Christchurch is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 popular place to visit. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland, The Best 10-Day Tours from Budapest, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Budapest.

When comparing the travel costs between Christchurch and Budapest, we can see that Christchurch is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Christchurch is in Pacific and Budapest is in Europe, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Christchurch Expensive? and Is Budapest Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Christchurch or Budapest?

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

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Christchurch 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 Christchurch or Budapest in the Summer?

Both Budapest and Christchurch during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Christchurch this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Budapest for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Christchurch is cooler than Budapest in the summer. The daily temperature in Christchurch averages around 18°C (64°F) in January, and Budapest fluctuates around 21°C (70°F)in July.

In Budapest, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Christchurch. In the summer, Christchurch often gets less sunshine than Budapestin July. Christchurch gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 278 hours of full sun.

Christchurch usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Budapestin July. Christchurch gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Christchurch or Budapest in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Christchurch and Budapest. Many travelers come to Christchurch for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, 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, Christchurch is around the same temperature as Budapest. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Christchurch in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Budapest averages at about 12°C (53°F)in October.

Christchurch usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Budapest during autumn. Christchurch gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In April, Christchurch usually receives more rain than Budapestin October. Christchurch gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Christchurch or Budapest in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Christchurch as well as Budapest. Many visitors come to Christchurch 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, Christchurch is generally much warmer than Budapestin January. Daily temperatures in Christchurch average around 6°C (43°F), and Budapest fluctuates around -1°C (31°F).

In the winter, Christchurch often gets more sunshine than Budapestin January. Christchurch gets 122 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 61 hours of full sun.

Christchurch usually gets more rain in July than Budapestin January. Christchurch gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Christchurch or Budapest in the Spring?

Both Budapest and Christchurch are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Christchurch for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Budapest because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Christchurch is around the same temperature as Budapest in the spring. The daily temperature in Christchurch averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Budapest fluctuates around 12°C (53°F)in April.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Christchurch. Christchurch usually receives more sunshine than Budapest during spring. Christchurch gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

In October, Christchurch usually receives around the same amount of rain as Budapestin April. Christchurch gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Budapest and Christchurch