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

Should you visit Dijon or Budapest?

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

Should I visit Dijon 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.

Dijon

Dijon is a historical, cultural, and laid-back city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Budapest

Budapest is a bustling, cultural, and artistic 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. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Dijon and Budapest: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less popular for students
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food


Is there more to do in Dijon or Budapest?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Budapest than Dijon. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Budapest is very popular for its nightlife, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Dijon attracts visitors for its food. Dijon is famous for its cuisine, wine, and nearby vineyards. Budapest is famous for its thermal hot springs, European spas, rich culture, and wild nightlife scene. It is also well known for The Hungarian Parliament Building.

How is Dijon different from Budapest?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Dijon
Budapest

Both Dijon and Budapest have great landmarks and museums for visitors.

Dijon offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. This historic city is filled with sights worth checking. Palais des Ducs and the Musée des Beaux-Arts, Cathédrale Saint-Bénigne, and Eglise Notre-Dame are among the favorites.

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 Dijon or Budapest? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dijon
Budapest

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

Dijon has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. It is one of the top foodie destinations in France, and you'll find amazing local markets, award winning restaurants, and world class cuisine. Make sure you check out Les Halles Market to try local flavors. In addition to its famous mustard, the city is also popular for gingerbread, truffles, escargot, and, of course, wine.

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 Dijon or Budapest Better for Nightlife?

Dijon
Budapest

Budapest is notable for nightlife. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Budapest has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city's active nightlife includes dance clubs, local pubs, and cultural festivals throughout the year.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Dijon. While it's not a active as the larger European cities, there's still an fun nightlife scene that is driven mostly by the large student population.

Is Dijon or Budapest Better for its Old Town?

Dijon
Budapest

Budapest is notable for its historic old town. However, Dijon 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.

Dijon does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Dijon or Budapest?

Dijon
Budapest

Budapest is notable for shopping. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Budapest is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city has a diverse shopping scene that you can experience by visiting the Central Market or Váci Street.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Dijon. For the best shopping in town, head to the main shopping street - Rue de la Liberté. It's lined with everything from clothing stores to wine shops and larger department stores. You'll even be able to pick up some of the famed mustard while you're in town.

Is Dijon or Budapest Better for Families?

Dijon
Budapest

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Dijon or Budapest.

Dijon is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy the open space that the city offers. There are parks where they can run around, like The Parc de la Colombieres which has a carousel and a ropes course. There are also many museums including two favorites for young ones - Musee de la Vie Bourguignonne and Musee d'Histoire Naturelle.

Budapest is a family-friendly city. 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 Dijon or Budapest Better for Couples?

Dijon
Budapest

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

Dijon is a very popular place to visit for couples. Art, palaces, gardens, and fine wine make it a perfect couple's getaway. There is some of the best food in France, as well as a welcoming culture and many beautiful sights to explore.

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.


Is Dijon or Budapest Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dijon
Budapest

Budapest is terrific for backpackers. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Budapest is a mecca for backpackers and 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.

Dijon is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's a beautiful city with a touristy vibe, so you'll likely meet other travelers while you're in town.

Is Dijon or Budapest Better for Students?

Dijon
Budapest

Budapest is terrific for students. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Plenty of students visit Dijon. While it's quieter than the bigger cities, you'll find a young vibe and enough of a nightlife scene to keep it interesting.

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

Dijon
Budapest

Budapest is terrific for its public transit. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Dijon has some public transit options. Tram and buses offer access to many parts of the city.


Is Dijon or Budapest a more walkable city?

Dijon
Budapest

Budapest is terrific for its walkability. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Dijon is a somewhat walkable place. Most of the inner city is walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Budapest or Dijon?

How long in Dijon or Budapest?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Budapest than Dijon. 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 Dijon 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.


  • How many days in Dijon or Budapest? Ideal Length of Stay
    Dijon 2-4 
    Budapest 2-5

One day in Dijon or Budapest?

The city of Dijon 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.

Each neighborhood in Budapest has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Dijon or Budapest?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Budapest. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.


Five days in Dijon or Budapest?

Dijon is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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 fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Budapest has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Dijon or Budapest?

Dijon is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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.

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the authentic big city of Budapest. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to France, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in France, The Best 10-Day Tours from Budapest, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Budapest.


Which place is cheaper, Budapest or Dijon?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Dijon is €153, while the average daily cost in Budapest is €84. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Dijon and Budapest in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dijon 80
    Budapest 46
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dijon 160
    Budapest 92
Compare Hotels in Dijon and Budapest

Looking for a hotel in Dijon or Budapest? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Dijon


Hotels in Budapest


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Dijon Hotel Prices and Budapest Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dijon 36
    Budapest 9.80

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dijon

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dijon:

  • 2 Hour Private Tour of Dijon - with Hotel Transfer: $427

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Budapest

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Budapest:


  • Short Taxi Ride
    6.47
  • Metro Pass
    3.55

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Budapest

Also for Budapest, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Shared Airport Shuttle Bus Transfer: $13
  • Budapest Airport Private Departure Transfer : City to Airport: $16
  • Budapest Private Arrival Transfer: Railway station to hotels: $16
  • Premier Outlet Shopping Transfer from City Center: $16
  • Private One-Way Budapest Int Airport Transfer To/From Budapest: $24
  • Ferenc Liszt Intl Airport to Budapest - Arrival Private Transfer : $25
  • Budapest Airport Transfers: $26
  • Budapest Private transfer Airport or Hotel to or from Cruise Port: $26
  • Private Airport Transfer Budapest: $27
  • Budapest City - Budapest Airport Transfer: $31
  • Private Transfer Budapest Airport BUD to Budapest by car or van: $34
  • Hotel to Liszt Ferenc Airport departure Transfer: $37

Is it cheaper to fly into Dijon or Budapest?

Prices for flights to both Budapest and Dijon change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Dijon 48
    Budapest 22

Typical Food Prices in Budapest

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Budapest:


  • Lunch
    3.16

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Budapest

For Budapest, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Traveling Spoon Hungarian Goulash Private Online Cooking Class: $40
  • Downtown Budapest Cruise with Pizza and Beer: $45
  • Pizza & Beer Downtown Budapest Cruise: $46
  • Vegan Hungarian Food Tour (full meals): $51
  • Medieval Dinner Show with Drinks: $52
  • Private Street Food Tour: $59
  • Danube Cruise with Hungarian Dinner and Live Music: $74
  • Budapest Danube Cruise with Buffet Dinner, Performances and Music: $75
  • Evening Cruise and Dinner with Champagne: $86
  • Lángos (Hungary’s nr1 streetfood) cooking class: $87
  • Candlelit Dinner River Cruise with Live Music: $91
  • Budapest Danube River Candlelit Dinner Cruise with Live Music: $93

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dijon 25
    Budapest 20

Tours and Activities in Dijon

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Dijon are as follows:

  • Best of Burgundy Private Tasting Tour - Premier & Grand Crus: $1,273
  • DIJON : Private Walking Tour: $176
  • Dijon : City Walking Tour with Audio Guide (Office Tourisme): $7.49
  • Dijon City Tour : Highlights Tour with Gourmet Break: $60
  • Dijon Private Guided Walking Tour: $294
  • Dijon private guided city tour: $383
  • A Self-Guided Audio Tour through the City: $5.99
  • Bike tour and Tastings in the Vineyards of Burgundy: $71
  • City Tour with a French-speaking Guide: $13
  • Historic Guided Walking Tour: $384
  • E-bike Burgundy day tour, tastings & lunch from Beaune or Dijon: $240
  • Half Day Tour of the Cote de Nuits Vineyards from Dijon: $97

Typical Entertainment Prices in Budapest

For Budapest, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Entrance to the Baths for Two
    6.35

Tours and Activities in Budapest

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Budapest.

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Free Tour Budapest Essential in Spanish: $3.26
  • Budapest Historical Sightseeing - Walking Tour: $3.27
  • Free walking tour in the Buda Castle incl. Fisherman's Bastion: $3.27
  • Free Walking Tour Budapest incl. the Shoes on the Danube Bank: $3.27
  • Communist History Evening Walking Tour of Budapest: $3.27
  • Past and Present of Budapest Jewish District Tour: $3.27
  • Self Guided City Audio Tour in Buda Castle: $5.45
  • Escape Game and Tour: $5.88
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $5.88
  • Historical Heroes & Hot Spa Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • TOP 10 Budapest- City Tour : $6.00

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dijon 29
    Budapest 17

Sample the Local Flavors in Dijon

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Dijon:

  • ✨ Masterclass Chardonnay - Wine tasting in Dijon : $37
  • Chardonnay Masterclass - Wine tasting in Dijon: $38
  • Pinot Noir Masterclass - Wine tasting in Dijon: $38
  • Cheese and Burgundy Wine Tasting Workshop: $48
  • Wine Tasting Workshop with Tastings: $48
  • La Cave du Palais Burgundy Wine Tasting Experience: $59
  • Bike Tour with Gourmet Food and Wine Tasting: $66
  • Small-Group Burgundy Tour with Wine Tastings from Dijon: $74
  • Small group Burgundy tour of Beaune with Wine Tasting from Dijon: $95

Sample the Local Flavors in Budapest

Also in Budapest, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • The Original Budapest Pub Crawl - One Hour Open Bar + Free Shots: $17
  • 5-Hour Pub Crawl through Ruin Bars: $21
  • Ultimate Budapest Pub Crawl: $23
  • Ultimate Budapest Pub Crawl: $23
  • Bingo Bar Crawl: $25
  • Budapest Original Ruin Pub Crawl Including 5 Shots: $28
  • Ruin Bar Pub Crawl with Entry Tickets: $29
  • Detective Pub Crawl Game by App: $38
  • 8-Tier Hungarian Wine Tasting in a Cozy Downtown Wine Bar: $38
  • Tipsy Tour Fun Bar Crawl with a Local Guide: $42
  • Drunken History Bar Crawl Tour with Local Drinks: $42
  • Hungarian Wine Tasting (with Cheese and Charcuterie) in Budapest: $50


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


Which is Bigger, Dijon or Budapest?

Budapest has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Dijon. When comparing the sizes of Dijon 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 Dijon or Budapest?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Dijon or Budapest in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Dijon as well as Budapest. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dijon this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Budapest for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Dijon is around the same temperature as Budapest. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dijon in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Budapest averages at about 21°C (70°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Budapest. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dijon this time of the year. In the summer, Dijon often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Budapest. Dijon gets 266 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 278 hours of full sun.

Dijon usually gets more rain in July than Budapest. Dijon gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dijon 21°C (70°F) 
    Budapest 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Dijon or Budapest in the Autumn?

Both Budapest and Dijon are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Dijon for the city's sights and attractions, 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 October, Dijon is generally around the same temperature as Budapest. Daily temperatures in Dijon average around 13°C (55°F), and Budapest fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Dijon usually receives less sunshine than Budapest during autumn. Dijon gets 121 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Dijon usually receives more rain than Budapest. Dijon gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dijon 13°C (55°F) 
    Budapest 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Dijon or Budapest in the Winter?

Both Budapest and Dijon during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Dijon 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. Dijon can get quite cold in the winter. Dijon is much warmer than Budapest in the winter. The daily temperature in Dijon averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Budapest fluctuates around -1°C (31°F).

In the winter, Dijon often gets less sunshine than Budapest. Dijon gets 53 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 61 hours of full sun.

Dijon usually gets more rain in January than Budapest. Dijon gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dijon 3°C (38°F) 
    Budapest -1°C (31°F)

Should I visit Dijon or Budapest in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Dijon and Budapest. Most visitors come to Dijon for the activities around the city 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.

In the spring, Dijon is around the same temperature as Budapest. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dijon in April average around 11°C (53°F), and Budapest averages at about 12°C (53°F).

Dijon usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Budapest during spring. Dijon gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Dijon usually receives more rain than Budapest. Dijon gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dijon 11°C (53°F) 
    Budapest 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Budapest and Dijon

Dijon Budapest
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) -1°C (31°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 5°C (41°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 2°C (35°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 7°C (44°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Apr 11°C (53°F) 52 mm (2 in) 12°C (53°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 16°C (62°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 20°C (67°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 51 mm (2 in) 21°C (70°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 21°C (69°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 21°C (69°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Oct 13°C (55°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 12°C (53°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 6°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 1°C (34°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)