A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hannover vs. Budapest for Backpackers, Attractions, Nightlife, and Old Town

Should you visit Hannover or Budapest?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Hannover and Budapest. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Hannover

Hannover is a diverse, vibrant, and cultural city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Budapest

Budapest is a authentic, bustling, and cultural 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.

Hannover and Budapest: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Hannover or Budapest?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Budapest than Hannover. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Budapest is very popular for its museums, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Hannover attracts visitors for its food. Budapest is more touristy than Hannover and is known for its thermal hot springs, European spas, rich culture, and wild nightlife scene. It is also well known for The Hungarian Parliament Building. Hannover is famous for its many parks and gardens as well as its accessibility to the German train system.

How is Hannover different from Budapest?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Hannover
Budapest

Budapest is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Hannover is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Budapest. Famous sights include the Buda Castle and Castle Hill, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and St. Stephen's Basilica.

Hannover offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. You'll see many of the city's sights along the Red Thread Trail in the city center. Make sure you check out the New Town Hall, the Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen, and the Lower Saxony State Museum as well.


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

Hannover
Budapest

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

Hannover has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find classic tearooms, food halls, fine dining restaurants, and markets. Try all of the classic German sausages or sample international dishes in this dynamic city.

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 Hannover or Budapest Better for Nightlife?

Hannover
Budapest

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find high quality options in both Hannover and Budapest.

The nightlife in Hannover has something for everybody. There are many students who keep the nightlife scene active. From beer halls to jazz venues, you'll find a diversity of options around town.

Budapest offers plenty to do in the evening. The city's active nightlife includes dance clubs, local pubs, and cultural festivals throughout the year.

Is Hannover or Budapest Better for its Old Town?

Hannover
Budapest

Budapest is a great city for its historic old town. Also, Hannover is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its old town.

There are many historical things to see 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.

Many people head to Hannover to see the old town. Check out the half-timbered buildings, the old churches, and the charming streets around old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Hannover or Budapest?

Hannover
Budapest

Budapest is a great city for shopping. Also, Hannover is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Budapest. The city has a diverse shopping scene that you can experience by visiting the Central Market or Váci Street.

Hannover offers some nice shopping areas. Head to the 14th-century Market Church (Marktkirche) and wander around the nearby streets for some of the city's best shopping. Also make sure you check out the city flea market. In addition to boutiques and independent shops, there are also major department stores and large shopping malls in the area.

Is Hannover or Budapest Better for Families?

Hannover
Budapest

Both Hannover and Budapest are nice family-friendly destinations.

Hannover offers lots of family activities. Like many German cities, there are a number of activities geared specifically to kids. Check out the Sea Life Center or the Hannover Zoo. If you're willing to get out of town a bit, there's also Serengeti Park Hodenhagen or Rasti-Land theme park, which has rides and games.

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 Hannover or Budapest Better for Couples?

Hannover
Budapest

Budapest is a great city for romance. Also, Hannover is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic 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.

Hannover makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Romantic settings around town include Herrenhäuser Gärten, Berggarten, and Maschpark.


Is Hannover or Budapest Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hannover
Budapest

Budapest is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Hannover is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Hannover. Some people use the city to split up longer train trips. There are a couple of hostels in town if you decide to stay a night or two.

Is Hannover or Budapest Better for Students?

Hannover
Budapest

Budapest is very popular for its student-friendly activities. Also, Hannover is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Budapest is a very popular place to visit for students. The city has a great international vibe with several good universities that are welcoming to international students that are studying abroad.

Hannover is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. There are a few great universities in town including Leibniz University, which attract international students. There's also a nice nightlife and easy accessibility to the rest of Germany.

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

Hannover
Budapest

Budapest is very popular for times when you don't have a car. Also, Hannover is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Budapest has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. The metro, trams, and buses make it easy to get around town.

Hannover has some very good public transit options. The city has 12 city trains and 38 bus lines.


Is Hannover or Budapest a more walkable city?

Hannover
Budapest

Budapest is very popular for its walkability. Also, Hannover is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of 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.

Hannover is a very walkable city. There are some nice walkable parts to the city.

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

Should I spend more time in Budapest or Hannover?

How long in Hannover or Budapest?

In either Hannover or Budapest, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Budapest than Hannover because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Hannover, and 2-5 days is enough time in Budapest.

Families should spend more time in Budapest than Hannover. 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 Hannover. 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 Hannover 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 Hannover or Budapest? Ideal Length of Stay
    Hannover 1-2 
    Budapest 2-5

One day in Hannover or Budapest?

The city of Hannover offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. 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 Hannover or Budapest?

Hannover 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 Hannover, 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 Hannover or Budapest?

Hannover 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 Hannover or Budapest?

Hannover 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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Germany, The Best Oktoberfest Tours in Germany, The Best 10-Day Tours from Budapest, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Budapest.


Which place is cheaper, Budapest or Hannover?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Hannover is €155, 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 Hannover and Budapest in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hannover 85
    Budapest 46
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hannover 170
    Budapest 92
Compare Hotels in Hannover and Budapest

Looking for a hotel in Hannover 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 Hannover


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: Hannover Hotel Prices and Budapest Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hannover 23
    Budapest 9.80

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hannover

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

  • Private Direct Transfer From Wolfsburg to Hamburg; English Speaking Driver: $289
  • Private Transfer From Hannover to Hamburg With Sightseeing Stops: $271
  • Private Transfer From Hannover to Hamburg, English Speaking Driver: $212
  • Private Transfer From Hanover City to Bremen City: $94

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:

  • T72 Tank Driving with Hummer Transfer: $1,581
  • Budapest - Hungary to Bucharest - Romania /Private Transfer: $1,289
  • Bucharest - Romania to Budapest - Hungary /Private Transfer: $1,181
  • Private transfer from Budapest to Prague: $1,059
  • Private transfer from Budapest to Zagreb: $930
  • Transfer from Vienna to Budapest: $706
  • From Bucharest: One-way Private Fast Transfer to Budapest: $642
  • Budapest-Vienna Private Transfer by Luxury Vehicle: $642
  • Private transfer from Budapest to Vienna: $588
  • Private transfer between Budapest and Vienna: $471
  • Budapest-Vienna One-Way Sightseeing Transfer: $295
  • Budapest-Bratislava One-Way Sightseeing Transfer: $295

Is it cheaper to fly into Hannover or Budapest?

Prices for flights to both Budapest and Hannover 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
    Hannover 49
    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.
    Hannover 35
    Budapest 20

Tours and Activities in Hannover

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

  • Culinary bike tour: $41
  • Fritz Haarmann murder tour through Hanover's old town: $33
  • Guided tour of the New Town Hall in Hanover: $11
  • Guided tour of the Royal Herrenhausen Gardens: $13
  • Hamelin Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $257
  • Hanno(ver)nascht Culinary city tour: $40
  • Hanover Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $252
  • Hanover: Private Walking tour with A Guide (Private Tour): $120
  • Hanover: SEA LIFE Entry Ticket: $20
  • Hop-on hop-off tour in Hanover in a double-decker bus: $22
  • On the trail of crime - Hannover's Crime Tour: $19
  • Personal Travel & Vacation Photography Walking Tour in Hannover: $186

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.

  • Danube Bend Private All Day Tour with Lunch, with entrance fees and cruise: $164
  • Private Budapest city tour with a daytime Danube river cruise: $240
  • 101 things you have to see in Budapest - Full Day Tour with Lunch & Dessert: $185
  • 10PM Budapest Danube Cruise with Live Music & Food or Drinks : $20
  • 2 Hours Buda Castle Walking Tour - Walk with a Historian: $38
  • 2 Hours Jewish Heritage Walking Tour - Walk with a Historian: $49
  • 2 Hours Private Scenic Photo Tour Around Budapest: $156
  • 2-Hour Private Market Tour in Budapest With Free Tastings: $59
  • 22 Dog-statues in Budapest - an unusual tour: $25
  • 3 Hours Budapest Segway Grand City Tour Buda, Margaret and Pest: $93
  • 3-Hour Jewish Quarter Walking Tour in Budapest with Historian: $55
  • 3-Hour Orientation Walking Tour of Buda and Pest: $37

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hannover 34
    Budapest 17

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 Hannover and Budapest, we can see that Hannover 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 Hannover would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hannover 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 Hannover Expensive? and Is Budapest Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Hannover or Budapest?

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

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 Hannover or Budapest in the Summer?

Both Budapest and Hannover are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Hannover for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Budapest in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Hannover is cooler than Budapest. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hannover in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Budapest averages at about 21°C (70°F).

It's quite sunny in Budapest. Hannover usually receives less sunshine than Budapest during summer. Hannover gets 198 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 278 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Hannover usually receives more rain than Budapest. Hannover gets 62 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hannover 18°C (64°F) 
    Budapest 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Hannover or Budapest in the Autumn?

Both Budapest and Hannover during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Hannover in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Budapest for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Hannover is generally cooler than Budapest. Daily temperatures in Hannover average around 10°C (51°F), and Budapest fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Hannover often gets less sunshine than Budapest. Hannover gets 104 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 152 hours of full sun.

Hannover usually gets more rain in October than Budapest. Hannover gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hannover 10°C (51°F) 
    Budapest 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Hannover or Budapest in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hannover and Budapest. Most visitors come to Hannover for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Budapest because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Budapest can be very cold. Hannover can be very cold during winter. Hannover is much warmer than Budapest in the winter. The daily temperature in Hannover averages around 1°C (33°F) in January, and Budapest fluctuates around -1°C (31°F).

Hannover usually receives less sunshine than Budapest during winter. Hannover gets 42 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 61 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Hannover usually receives more rain than Budapest. Hannover gets 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hannover 1°C (33°F) 
    Budapest -1°C (31°F)

Should I visit Hannover or Budapest in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hannover as well as Budapest. The spring months attract visitors to Hannover because of the activities around the city. Additionally, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Budapest this time of year.

In the spring, Hannover is cooler than Budapest. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hannover in April average around 8°C (47°F), and Budapest averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In the spring, Hannover often gets less sunshine than Budapest. Hannover gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 178 hours of full sun.

Hannover usually gets more rain in April than Budapest. Hannover gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hannover 8°C (47°F) 
    Budapest 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Budapest and Hannover

Hannover Budapest
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (33°F) 52 mm (2.1 in) -1°C (31°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 1°C (35°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 2°C (35°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 5°C (40°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 7°C (44°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Apr 8°C (47°F) 50 mm (2 in) 12°C (53°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
May 13°C (55°F) 62 mm (2.5 in) 16°C (62°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 16°C (61°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 20°C (67°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 62 mm (2.5 in) 21°C (70°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 17°C (63°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 21°C (69°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Sep 14°C (58°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Oct 10°C (51°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 12°C (53°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Nov 5°C (42°F) 52 mm (2.1 in) 6°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 1°C (34°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)