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

Should you visit Hanoi or Budapest?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Hanoi and Budapest can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Hanoi

Hanoi is a high energy, colorful, and cultural city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Budapest

Budapest is a historic, authentic, and bustling 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.

Hanoi and Budapest: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hanoi or Budapest?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hanoi than Budapest, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hanoi is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, and shopping, while Budapest is more popular for its impressive beauty. Hanoi is well known for its impressive street food, historical museums, and bustling energy. Also, Hanoi is famous for Hoan Kiem Lake. Budapest is well known for its thermal hot springs, European spas, rich culture, and wild nightlife scene.

How is Hanoi different from Budapest?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

The museums and tourist attractions in Hanoi are world-renowned. The city is rich in history and culture, which you can experience through its many museums and temples. Notable sights include the Temple of Literature, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, Hoa Lo Prison Museum, and the Imperial Citadel.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Budapest can be an interesting and educational experience. Famous sights include the Buda Castle and Castle Hill, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and St. Stephen's Basilica.

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

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

Hanoi has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Northern Vietnamese cuisine is fresh and delicious. There are some Chinese influences, but it still has a distinct flavor that's all its own. Most notably, Hanoi is the birthplace of the famous soup, Pho. There are also many dishes that use freshwater fish and seafood. Street food and food stalls are a part of the culture, and you'll find some of the best dishes prepared right on the street.

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 Hanoi or Budapest Better for Nightlife?

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

Hanoi is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There are night markets, nightclubs, and bars that are popular with backpackers and other young travelers. Some of the best streets for nightlife include Ta Hien Street, Hang Buom Street, Trang Tien Street, and Hoan Kiem Lake Walking 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 Hanoi or Budapest Better for its Old Town?

Hanoi is terrific for its old town. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its historic old town charm.

Hanoi has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. This compact and energetic area is filled with history, Vietnamese architecture, traditional food stalls, and some of the city's most interesting streets. It's also at the heart of the city's backpacker scene, and you'll find many hostels in the area.

Many visitors go to Budapest to see the historical old town. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Hanoi or Budapest?

Hanoi is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Hanoi draws large crowds to its stores. Explore the Old Quarter where you'll find narrow shophouses and traditional markets. It's best to explore on foot and pop in to the places that look interesting. Silk Street and Silver Street are particularly fascinating.

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

Is Hanoi or Budapest Better for Families?

Both Hanoi and Budapest are notable to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Hanoi. Some kids love the energy of the city, but others can get a bit intimidated by it. The traffic and chaotic congestion is part of the experience, but for kids it can feel overwhelming. Take a tour to help ease some of the pressure. Kids will also enjoy going to a water puppet show or visiting a museum such as the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology.

Budapest offers lots of family activities. 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 Hanoi or Budapest Better for Couples?

Budapest is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Hanoi is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Budapest frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Hanoi is a good city for couples to visit. Couples who enjoy adventure and exploring new cultures will love a trip to this fascinating city. If you want to get out of town, also book a trip through the stunning Halong Bay.

Is Hanoi or Budapest Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hanoi and Budapest are amazing places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Hanoi. It's a highlight for many backpackers doing the Southeast Asian circuit. It is filled with hostels and cheap places to eat, and there is no shortage of backpackers around town. Most stay in the Old Quarter, where you'll find the highest concentration of hostels and budget accommodation.

A large number of backpackers visit Budapest, as it is a very popular city for 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.

Is Hanoi or Budapest Better for Students?

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

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

Many students visit Hanoi. It's affordability, fascinating culture, and accessibility make it a great study abroad destination. The food and plethora of cultural opportunities are a highlight for many international students.

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

Budapest is renowned for its public transit. However, Hanoi is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Budapest has a great public transit system. The metro, trams, and buses make it easy to get around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Hanoi. The best ways to get around town include motorbike taxis, cyclos, regular taxis, and local buses.

Is Hanoi or Budapest a more walkable city?

Budapest is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, Hanoi 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.

Hanoi is a somewhat walkable city. There are parts of the city that are best explored on foot, but you'll also find crowded areas with motorbikes, food stalls, and cars, so come prepared for a bit of a thrill. Most visitors spend the majority of their time in the Old Quarter, which is compact and dense.

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

Should I spend more time in Budapest or Hanoi?

How long in Hanoi or Budapest?

In either Hanoi or Budapest, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. You can fill a similar amount of time in either place. In general, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Hanoi, and 2-5 days is enough time in Budapest.

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

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

One day in Hanoi or Budapest?

Hanoi 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.

In Budapest, many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping that this cultural big city offers. 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 Hanoi or Budapest?

Hanoi is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. 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 Hanoi or Budapest?

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

Budapest is a fun place to experience. In Budapest, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this big city destination offers. 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 Hanoi or Budapest?

Hanoi 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.

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the artistic 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 Adventure Tours to Vietnam, The Best Eco Tours in Vietnam, The Best 10-Day Tours from Budapest, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Budapest.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hanoi and Budapest, we can see that Budapest is more expensive. And not only is Hanoi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Hanoi is in Asia and Budapest is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Hanoi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hanoi 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 Budapest would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Budapest than you might in Hanoi.

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

Which is Bigger, Hanoi or Budapest?

Budapest has a larger population, and is about 19% larger than the population of Hanoi. When comparing the sizes of Hanoi 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 Hanoi or Budapest?

Budapest has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Hanoi experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Hanoi or Budapest in the Summer?

Both Budapest and Hanoi during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Hanoi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Budapest for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Hanoi is a little warmer than Budapest in the summer. The daily temperature in Hanoi averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Budapest fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hanoi. Hanoi usually gets more rain in July than Budapest. Hanoi gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year. May to September is the rainy season in Hanoi.

Should I visit Hanoi or Budapest in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hanoi and Budapest. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hanoi year-round. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Budapest because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Hanoi is much warmer than Budapest. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hanoi in October average around 25°C (77°F), and Budapest averages at about 12°C (53°F).

Hanoi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Hanoi usually receives more rain than Budapest. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn. November to April in Hanoi is the dry season.

Should I visit Hanoi or Budapest in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hanoi as well as Budapest. Hanoi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Budapest this time of year.

It's quite cold in Budapest in the winter. In January, Hanoi is generally much warmer than Budapest. Daily temperatures in Hanoi average around 17°C (63°F), and Budapest fluctuates around -1°C (31°F).

Hanoi usually gets less rain in January than Budapest. Hanoi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hanoi or Budapest in the Spring?

Both Budapest and Hanoi are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hanoi throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Budapest for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Hanoi is much warmer than Budapest in the spring. The daily temperature in Hanoi averages around 24°C (75°F) in April, and Budapest fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

It's quite rainy in Hanoi. In April, Hanoi usually receives more rain than Budapest. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Hanoi is November to April. The rainy season in Hanoi is May to September.

Typical Weather for Budapest and Hanoi