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

Should you visit Heraklion 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 Heraklion 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.

Heraklion

Heraklion is a bustling, historic, and vibrant city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

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. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Heraklion and Budapest: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Heraklion or Budapest?

You'll generally find more things to do in Budapest than Heraklion. Budapest is bigger than Heraklion, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Budapest is better known for its historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Heraklion is more popular for its food and beaches. Heraklion is well known for its archeological sights, local Cretan restaurants, and its vibrant nightlife scene. Budapest is well known for its thermal hot springs, European spas, rich culture, and wild nightlife scene. Also, Budapest is famous for The Hungarian Parliament Building.

How is Heraklion different from Budapest?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Budapest 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 Budapest?

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Heraklion and Budapest.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Heraklion. 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.

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.

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

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

Heraklion has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

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 Heraklion or Budapest Better for Nightlife?

The superb nightlife scene is relatively similar in Heraklion and Budapest.

Heraklion has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Budapest is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city's active nightlife includes dance clubs, local pubs, and cultural festivals throughout the year.

Is Heraklion or Budapest Better for Beaches?

Heraklion is great for the beache. However, Budapest is not a beach destination.

Heraklion is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. 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.

Budapest is not a beach destination.

Is Heraklion or Budapest Better for its Old Town?

Budapest is a very popular place for its old town. However, Heraklion does not have a historic old town.

Budapest is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Heraklion does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Heraklion or Budapest?

Budapest is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Heraklion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Budapest is well-known for its shopping. The city has a diverse shopping scene that you can experience by visiting the Central Market or Váci Street.

Many visitors go to Heraklion to go shopping. There are a number of unique shops around town that sell everything from traditional pottery to homemade jewelry.

Is Heraklion or Budapest Better for Families?

Both Heraklion and Budapest are notable 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 Budapest. 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 Heraklion or Budapest Better for Couples?

Both Heraklion and Budapest are superb destinations for a couple's getaway.

Heraklion makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

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.

Is Heraklion or Budapest Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Budapest is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Heraklion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Budapest is extremely popular for backpackers. 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.

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

Is Heraklion or Budapest Better for Students?

Budapest is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Heraklion is not popular with students.

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.

Heraklion is not popular with students.

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

Budapest is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Heraklion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

With a huge network, the transit system in Budapest can get you around easily. The metro, trams, and buses make it easy to get around town.

You'll find some public transit in Heraklion, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. KTEL buses travel both within town and to nearby villages.

Is Heraklion or Budapest a more walkable city?

Budapest is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Heraklion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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

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

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

Should I spend more time in Budapest or Heraklion?

How long in Heraklion or Budapest?

In either Heraklion or Budapest, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Budapest than Heraklion because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Heraklion, and 2-5 days is enough time in Budapest.

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

One day in Heraklion or Budapest?

The city of Heraklion offers food and shopping. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

People visit Budapest because there is so much to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Heraklion or Budapest?

Heraklion 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. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Heraklion, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

People visit Budapest because there is so much to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Budapest?

Heraklion 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.

People visit Budapest because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Heraklion or Budapest?

Heraklion is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 10-Day Tours from Budapest, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Budapest.

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

Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Budapest?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Heraklion and Budapest. Many visitors come to Heraklion in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Budapest for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Heraklion is a little warmer than Budapest in the summer. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 25°C (78°F) in July, and Budapest fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Budapest this time of the year. In Heraklion, it's very sunny this time of the year. Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Budapest during summer. Heraklion gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 278 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Budapest. Heraklion gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Heraklion or Budapest in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Heraklion as well as Budapest. Most visitors come to Heraklion for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. 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, Heraklion is much warmer than Budapest. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Heraklion in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Budapest averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Budapest. Heraklion gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 152 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets more rain in October than Budapest. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or Budapest in the Winter?

Both Budapest and Heraklion are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Heraklion because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. 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, Heraklion is generally much warmer than Budapest. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 12°C (54°F), and Budapest fluctuates around -1°C (31°F).

Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Budapest during winter. Heraklion gets 121 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 61 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Heraklion usually receives more rain than Budapest. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Heraklion or Budapest in the Spring?

Both Budapest and Heraklion during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Heraklion this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Budapest for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Heraklion is a little warmer than Budapest in the spring. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Budapest fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

It's quite sunny in Heraklion. In the spring, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Budapest. Heraklion gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 178 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets less rain in April than Budapest. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Budapest and Heraklion