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

Should you visit Heraklion or Belfast?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Heraklion and Belfast 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.

Heraklion

Heraklion is a historic, vibrant, and accessible city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and food.

Belfast

Belfast is a under-rated, authentic, and affordable city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the nightlife and shopping.

Heraklion and Belfast: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Heraklion or Belfast?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Heraklion than Belfast. While Belfast is larger than Heraklion, Heraklion has more sights and attractions for tourists. Heraklion is more touristy than Belfast and is popular for its archeological sights, local Cretan restaurants, and its vibrant nightlife scene. It is also well known for The Palace of Knossos. Belfast is famous for being the birthplace of the Titanic and the location of the era of the "Troubles".

How is Heraklion different from Belfast?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Heraklion is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Heraklion can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is filled with historical sights and archeological ruins. The impressive Palace of Knossos is a must-see, but also make sure you visit the Koules Fortress, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and the Natural History Museum of Crete.

Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Heraklion is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Belfast is not a good city for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Heraklion makes for a great culinary experience. The city is home to countless Cretan restaurants that range in style and budget. There are fine dining restaurants as well as local dives with casual street food. The restaurants reflect the island's multi-cultural past with many styles and flavors available.

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 Heraklion or Belfast Better for Nightlife?

Heraklion 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.

Heraklion offers plenty to do in the evening. The city has some of the best nightlife on the island of Crete. There are many all-night clubs as well as bars that stay open until 2 or 3 in the morning. In particular, there are many British tourists hanging out at the clubs and bars.

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 Heraklion or Belfast Better for Beaches?

Heraklion is a well-known place for its beaches. However, Belfast is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Heraklion. You'll find world-class beaches just outside of town, if you're willing to explore a little. Agia Pelagia Beach is about half an hour away and Limanakia Beach is also not a bad day trip. If you want to stay closer to town, head to nearby Amnissos Beach.

Belfast is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Heraklion or Belfast?

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Heraklion and Belfast.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Heraklion. There are a number of unique shops around town that sell everything from traditional pottery to homemade jewelry.

Many visitors go to Belfast to go shopping. The main shopping areas in the city are Victoria Square Shopping Centre and CastleCourt.

Is Heraklion or Belfast Better for Families?

Both Heraklion and Belfast are nice to visit with kids.

Heraklion is a family-friendly city. In town you'll find many historical and educational sights such as the Palace of Knossos, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and the Koules Venetian fortress. Kids will also enjoy walking the Venetian Walls that are in town. If you're willing to head a bit outside of town, in about half an hour you can reach the Cretaquarium, Dinosauria Park, or Acqua Plus Water Park.

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 Heraklion or Belfast Better for Couples?

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

Heraklion is a very popular place to visit for couples. Most couples head outside of town to other parts of the island, but those who linger in town for a while will enjoy world-class museums and fascinating archeological sights.

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 Heraklion or Belfast Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Heraklion 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 Heraklion. The city is filled with budget-friendly hostels that often have a social atmosphere and a fun vibe.

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 Heraklion or Belfast Better for Students?

Belfast is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Heraklion is not popular with students.

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

Heraklion is not popular with students.

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

Heraklion 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.

Heraklion has a few public transit options. KTEL buses travel both within town and to nearby villages.

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

Is Heraklion or Belfast a more walkable city?

Heraklion 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.

Heraklion is very walkable. Many parts of the town are walkable and doing a walking tour is a great way to see many of the city's sights.

Belfast is a somewhat walkable place.

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

Should I spend more time in Belfast or Heraklion?

How long in Heraklion or Belfast?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Heraklion and Belfast. In our opinion, Heraklion has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Heraklion than Belfast. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Heraklion 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 Heraklion.

One day in Heraklion or Belfast?

In Heraklion, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the city of Belfast. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Belfast has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Heraklion or Belfast?

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

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the authentic destination of Belfast. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Heraklion or Belfast?

Heraklion is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the affordable city of Belfast. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Heraklion or Belfast?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Heraklion. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Heraklion. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Belfast is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best Budget Tours to United Kingdom, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom.

When comparing the travel costs between Heraklion and Belfast, we can see that Heraklion is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Belfast?

Belfast has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Heraklion. When comparing the sizes of Heraklion 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 Heraklion 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 Heraklion or Belfast in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Heraklion as well as Belfast. Most visitors come to Heraklion for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Belfast because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Heraklion is generally much warmer than Belfast. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 25°C (78°F), and Belfast fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Heraklion this time of the year. In the summer, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Belfast. Heraklion gets 366 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Belfast receives 151 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets less rain in July than Belfast. Heraklion gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or Belfast in the Autumn?

Both Belfast and Heraklion are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Heraklion because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Belfast this time of year.

Heraklion is much warmer than Belfast in the autumn. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and Belfast fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Belfast during autumn. Heraklion gets 199 hours of sunny skies, while Belfast receives 92 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Belfast. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Heraklion or Belfast in the Winter?

Both Belfast and Heraklion during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Heraklion this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Belfast for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Belfast. In the winter, Heraklion is much warmer than Belfast. Typically, the winter temperatures in Heraklion in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Belfast averages at about 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Belfast. Heraklion gets 121 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Belfast receives 50 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets more rain in January than Belfast. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or Belfast in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Heraklion and Belfast. Many travelers come to Heraklion for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Belfast in the spring for the activities around the city.

In April, Heraklion is generally much warmer than Belfast. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 16°C (61°F), and Belfast fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In Heraklion, it's very sunny this time of the year. Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Belfast during spring. Heraklion gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Belfast receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Belfast. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Belfast and Heraklion