A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Granada vs. Belfast for Nightlife, Couples, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Granada or Belfast?

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

Should I visit Granada or Belfast? 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.

Granada

Granada is a historic, beautiful, and charming city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and food.

Belfast

Belfast is a affordable, under-rated, and authentic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include nightlife and shopping.

Granada and Belfast: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Alhambra
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Granada or Belfast?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Granada. Although Granada and Belfast are both popular with visitors, Granada has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Granada is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Belfast is known for its big city activities. Granada is more touristy than Belfast and is popular for its Islamic architecture, charming old town, and the stunningly impressive Alhambra. It is also home to The Alhambra. Belfast is popular for being the birthplace of the Titanic and the location of the era of the "Troubles".

How is Granada different from Belfast?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Granada or Belfast?

Granada
Belfast

Granada is an unbeatable place for its sights and museums. However, Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Granada that are not to be missed. Many visitors head to Granada specifically to visit the famed Alhambra. The palace and fortress complex will not disappoint. The gardens are beautifully maintained and the palace is filled with intricate details. It's easy to spend hours wandering around. In addition to The Alhambra, the Granada Cathedral is also impressive to visit. If you have kids or extra time to fill, head to Parque de las Ciencias, which is the city's Science Park.

Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Granada or Belfast? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Granada
Belfast

Granada is a nice place to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Belfast is not a good city for its restaurants.

Granada offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. It's a very touristy city so restaurants can be hit or miss. There are some amazing local eateries, but you'll also find a number of places with lower quality, overpriced food. Classic local dishes include Churros, Plato Alpujarreño, and Habas con Jamón. Tapas are very popular and many restaurants provide free tapas with drink orders. There are also a number of Moroccan restaurants around town.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Belfast. While many restaurants have moved towards more modern cuisines, there are still places that hold tight to the traditions of the area. Traditional dishes include pasties, full Irish breakfasts, and oysters.

Is Granada or Belfast Better for Nightlife?

Granada
Belfast

Granada is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Granada offers plenty to do in the evening. The nightlife scene kicks off around 11 pm, when most people have finished up a late dinner. There's a laid-back atmosphere with pubs, live music, and dance clubs that stay open late into the night. There are several popular streets at night including Calle Elvira, Calle Reyes Católicos, and the Realejo District.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Belfast. The city has a number of bars and clubs with local DJs or musicians.

Is Granada or Belfast Better for its Old Town?

Granada
Belfast

Granada is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. However, Belfast does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Granada offers plenty to see. The Old Town spills out around the Granada Cathedral and is filled with charming pedestrian streets, lively plazas, and many great shops.

Belfast does not have a historic old town.


Is Granada or Belfast Better for Hiking?

Granada
Belfast

Granada is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Belfast is not a hiking destination.

Granada is a popular spot for hiking. Ruta de Los Cahorros is a great hike about 25 minutes outside of Granada that begins in the town of Monochil. It crosses many bridges and weaves through dramatic canyons. There are places where you can wade in the water or check out a hidden waterfall. It's well worth the time and can be reached by taxi or public bus.

Belfast is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Granada or Belfast?

Granada
Belfast

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Granada and Belfast.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Granada. The town is filled with souvenir shops and places to buy local items. It's fun to wander through the old town and pop into the many different shops.

Belfast offers some nice shopping areas. The main shopping areas in the city are Victoria Square Shopping Centre and CastleCourt.

Is Granada or Belfast Better for Families?

Granada
Belfast

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Granada or Belfast.

Granada is a family-friendly city. While the highlight of the city is the Alhambra, kids will likely enjoy exploring the shops or seeing a Flamenco show a bit more. Just outside of town is a wonderful hike, Ruta de Los Cahorros. It begins near the town of Monachil which is easily accessible by taxi or public bus. The hike goes through canyons and across bridges and its a wonderful activity for the whole family.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Belfast. The city has several great kid-friendly museums, a zoo, and a few indoor or outdoor activity centers where you can let kids play and explore.


Is Granada or Belfast Better for Couples?

Granada
Belfast

Granada is a well-known place for romance. However, Belfast is not a good city for its romantic activities.

Granada is a very popular place to visit for couples. It is a beautiful city that is filled with charm and history. Couples will enjoy exploring the Alhambra, taking in a Flamenco show, or sipping Sangria with tapas. The city is incredibly beautiful with stunning views and many great restaurants.

Most people don't think of Belfast as a couple's destination. There are gardens and parks to explore, several nice hotels with spas, and an Observatory on the 23rd floor of the Grand Central Hotel.

Is Granada or Belfast Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Granada
Belfast

Granada is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Belfast is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Granada. It's a touristy city and it's a popular destination for backpackers as well. There are plenty of hostels around town and the city has social atmosphere with many opportunities to meet other travelers.

Belfast is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a reasonably affordable destination with a few hostels to choose from, but most backpackers don't make their way to this city.

Is Granada or Belfast Better for Students?

Granada
Belfast

Granada is a well-known place for students. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Granada is a great city to visit as a student. It's a popular study abroad destination. Accommodation for students is usually affordable and this is also a great city for integrating into the local culture. You may even end up with a Spanish roommate.

Plenty of students visit Belfast. The city's affordability has made it a popular option for international students headed to the area.


Is Granada or Belfast Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Granada
Belfast

Granada is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Belfast is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Granada has a few public transit options. There is a comprehensive bus system around town that many tourists take advantage of. Taxis are also very affordable, so for many visitors, that is an easy option.

Public transit is mostly limited in Belfast. There is a bus service in the city.

Is Granada or Belfast a more walkable city?

Granada
Belfast

Granada is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

Granada is very walkable. Most of the touristy areas are easy to explore on foot, but there are some steep hills so put on your walking shoes.

Belfast is a somewhat walkable place.

For even more information, also check out Is Granada Worth Visiting? and Is Belfast Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Belfast or Granada?

How long in Granada or Belfast?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Granada and Belfast. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Granada than in Belfast. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Granada, and 1-3 days is enough time in Belfast.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Granada than Belfast 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 Granada.


  • How many days in Granada or Belfast? Ideal Length of Stay
    Granada 2-4 
    Belfast 1-3

One day in Granada or Belfast?

In Granada, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Belfast, you'll find nightlife and shopping. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.


A weekend in Granada or Belfast?

In Granada, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Granada has to offer.

In Belfast, you'll find shopping and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Belfast has to offer.

Five days in Granada or Belfast?

Granada is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Belfast is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Granada or Belfast?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Granada. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Granada. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Belfast. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Belfast. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Madrid, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, The Best Budget Tours to United Kingdom, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom.


Which place is cheaper, Belfast or Granada?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Granada is €123, while the average daily cost in Belfast is €155. 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 Granada and Belfast in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Granada 59
    Belfast 80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Granada 118
    Belfast 160
Compare Hotels in Granada and Belfast

Looking for a hotel in Granada or Belfast? 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 Granada


Hotels in Belfast


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: Granada Hotel Prices and Belfast Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Granada 22
    Belfast 17
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Granada

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Granada are as follows:


  • 7 Trip Bus Pass
    5.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Granada

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

  • Private Transfer from Granada Airport(GRX) to Granada City Center: $31
  • Private Transfer from Granada City Center to Granada Airport(GRX): $31
  • Granada Airport Private Arrival Transfer: $45
  • One-Way Private Transfer From/To Granada Airport: $50
  • Granada Private Transfer from the city centre to Granada Airport: $55
  • Private Transfer from Granada Airport to Granada by Luxury van: $76
  • Via Ferrata Moclín with Transfers: $80
  • Private Transfer IN or OUT in Upscale Vehicle with Professional Driver: $132
  • Granada airport private arrival transfer, Mercedes Sedan: $142
  • From Granada; Private transfer to Sierra Nevada (all hotels): $171
  • Granada Private Intercity Transfer to Malaga: $175
  • Private Transfer from Molvízar to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $188

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Belfast

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Belfast:

  • Private Transfer from Dundonald to Belfast Airport (BFS): $94
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City to Belfast Airport (BFS): $84
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Tynan: $147
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Tempo: $241
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Tandragee: $122
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Sixmilecross : $193
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Rosslea: $214
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Rathfriland : $122
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Poyntzpass: $122
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Portavogie: $96
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Portadown: $122
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Newtownstewart: $172

Is it cheaper to fly into Granada or Belfast?

Prices for flights to both Belfast and Granada 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
    Granada 37
    Belfast 59
Typical Food Prices in Granada

For Granada, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Sangria
    2.50
  • Sandwich to go
    3.00
  • Bocadillo & Drink
    6.25

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Granada

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

  • Sacromonte Caves Flamenco Show with Dinner: $62
  • Dinner and Show flamenco in the Albayzin Granada: $62
  • Walking Food Tour: $75
  • 2-Day Geopark Desert, Ancient Culture and Food Tour: $169

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Belfast

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Belfast.

  • Guided Craft Beer and Street Food Tour: $81
  • Belfast Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $108

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Granada 28
    Belfast 21

Tours and Activities in Granada

For Granada, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $3.21
  • Sacromonte Caves Museum Admission Ticket: $5.35
  • Granada City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Sacromonte Abbey Entry Ticket with Audio Guide: $6.42
  • Granada Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
  • Granada City Train 1 or 2-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Ticket: $7.49
  • Self-Guided City Exploration Smartphone Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.75
  • Granada (Alhambra): Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Tour: $8.75
  • Albaicín and Sacromonte’s Iconic Sights: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Historic Center and Lower Albaicin Walking Tour: $9.62

Typical Entertainment Prices in Belfast

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Belfast are as follows:


  • Movie Tickets
    9.35

Tours and Activities in Belfast

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

  • Belfast A Music and StreetArt Experience. Small Gr Walking Tour : $25
  • Belfast The Troubles cab tour Adventure 2hrs personal guide : $113
  • Historical Private Tour in Belfast : $76
  • 2 Hour Fungi Experience in Belfast: $62
  • 2 hour Private Political History & Murals Tour Belfast: $70
  • 2 hours Belfast Original Drivers The Troubles Black Taxi Tour: $92
  • 3 Hour extended Murals Tour: $101
  • A History of Terror - Belfast City Centre Walking Tour : $28
  • Antrim Coast Carrickfergus and Gobbins Cliff Experience: $437
  • Award winners Express 2 hrs Black Taxi tours and Mural Taxi Tour: $158
  • Belfast Black Taxi Tour of Murals and Peace Walls 2 hours: $114
  • Belfast Famous Black taxi political mural peace wall tour 2 hour: $125

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Granada 24
    Belfast 9.18

Sample the Local Flavors in Granada

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Granada:

  • Granada Traditional Tapas and Wine Tour - by Oh My Good Guide!: $77
  • BEST OF Flamenco, Tapas and Wine Tour: $100

Sample the Local Flavors in Belfast

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Belfast:

  • Pub Crawl and Bar Walking Tour with Two Drinks: $15
  • Belfast Pub Crawl: $15
  • Explore & Taste: Distillery Tour at Titanic Distillers: $32
  • Belfast Giant's Causeway and Titanic Distillery Whiskey Tour: $69
  • VIP Skip-the Line Titanic Museum and Distillery Tasting Tour: $119


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Granada and Belfast, we can see that Belfast is more expensive. And not only is Granada much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Granada would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Granada 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 Belfast would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Belfast than you might in Granada.

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


Which is Bigger, Granada or Belfast?

Belfast has a larger population, and is about 15% larger than the population of Granada. When comparing the sizes of Granada and Belfast, 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 Granada or Belfast?

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 Granada or Belfast in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Granada as well as Belfast. Many travelers come to Granada for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Belfast in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Granada is much warmer than Belfast in the summer. The daily temperature in Granada averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Belfast fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Granada this time of the year. In the summer, Granada often gets more sunshine than Belfast. Granada gets 348 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Belfast receives 151 hours of full sun.

Granada usually gets less rain in July than Belfast. Granada gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Granada 25°C (77°F) 
    Belfast 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Granada or Belfast in the Autumn?

Both Belfast and Granada are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Granada in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Belfast for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Granada is much warmer than Belfast. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Granada in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Belfast averages at about 9°C (48°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Granada. Granada usually receives more sunshine than Belfast during autumn. Granada gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Belfast receives 92 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Granada usually receives less rain than Belfast. Granada gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Granada 19°C (67°F) 
    Belfast 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Granada or Belfast in the Winter?

Both Belfast and Granada during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Granada for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Belfast because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

The weather in Belfast can be very cold. In January, Granada is generally much warmer than Belfast. Daily temperatures in Granada average around 12°C (54°F), and Belfast fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Granada often gets more sunshine than Belfast. Granada gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Belfast receives 50 hours of full sun.

Granada usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Belfast. Granada gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Granada 12°C (54°F) 
    Belfast 4°C (39°F)

Should I visit Granada or Belfast in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Granada and Belfast. The spring months attract visitors to Granada because of the natural beauty. Furthermore, the activities around the city are the main draw to Belfast this time of year.

Granada is much warmer than Belfast in the spring. The daily temperature in Granada averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Belfast fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In Granada, it's very sunny this time of the year. Granada usually receives more sunshine than Belfast during spring. Granada gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Belfast receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Granada usually receives less rain than Belfast. Granada gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Granada 16°C (60°F) 
    Belfast 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Belfast and Granada

Granada Belfast
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (54°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 4°C (39°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 75 mm (3 in) 4°C (39°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 14°C (57°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 6°C (43°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 25°C (78°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 15°C (59°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 9°C (48°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 15°C (60°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 7°C (45°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 13°C (55°F) 102 mm (4 in) 5°C (41°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)