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

Should you visit Hong Kong or Belfast?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Hong Kong or Belfast, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a diverse , compact, and dense city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

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.

Hong Kong and Belfast: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Hong Kong or Belfast?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hong Kong than Belfast. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Hong Kong is more touristy than Belfast and is popular for its modern skyscrapers, colorful waterfront, lush parks, and amazing dim sum. It is also well known for Victoria Peak. Belfast is famous for being the birthplace of the Titanic and the location of the era of the "Troubles".

How is Hong Kong different from Belfast?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hong Kong or Belfast?

Hong Kong
Belfast

Hong Kong 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 Hong Kong can be an interesting and educational experience. The city's skyline is one of the most famous "landmarks", but you'll also want to visit Victoria Peak, the Tian Tan Buddha Statue, Wong Tai Sin Temple, and Avenue of Stars.

Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Hong Kong
Belfast

Hong Kong is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Belfast is not a good city for its restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Hong Kong is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The city's population is famous for its frequency of dining out, and the prolific diversity of restaurants is obvious from the moment you arrive. There are street food stalls and night markets, as well as luxury award winning restaurants. The city holds tight to its culinary traditions, but fusion restaurants are creeping in as well. Some of the most famous Hong Kong foods include dim sum, sweet and sour pork, and roast goose.

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 Hong Kong or Belfast Better for Nightlife?

Hong Kong
Belfast

Hong Kong 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.

Hong Kong offers plenty to do in the evening. The city lights up after the sun sets. You'll find a diverse range of activities in the evening with everything from night markets to concerts and parties. There's a wonderful mix of traditional and contemporary activities, particularly around Lan Kwai Fong. Many of the most popular venues are found around Central and, like everything else in Hong Kong, the venues are full of energy.

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 Hong Kong or Belfast Better for Beaches?

Hong Kong
Belfast

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

You'll have a great beach vacation in Hong Kong. You actually don't have to travel far from the city center to find a relatively quiet, sandy beach. The different beaches on Hong Kong Island are relatively close to each other, and each has its own atmosphere. If you need a break from the heat and the crowds, then a beach day is a fun option. Hong Kong's natural coastline give way to popular beaches including Repulse Bay Beach and Shek O Beach. Each offers a number of amenities and dining options.

Belfast is not a beach destination.


Is Hong Kong or Belfast Better for Hiking?

Hong Kong
Belfast

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

Hong Kong is a popular spot for hiking. The city is surrounded by dramatic mountains and beautiful viewpoints, making it easy to enjoy a day in nature. The hikes will offer impressive views and dramatic rock formations. Popular hikes in the area include The Peak, Dragon's Back, and the Violet Hill and Twin Peak hike.

Belfast is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hong Kong or Belfast?

Hong Kong
Belfast

Hong Kong is an unbeatable place for shopping. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Hong Kong is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. There is a high concentration of shopping malls in the city, and you'll likely find yourself cutting through malls to access different parts of town. The city is arguably one of the best shopping cities in the world. Popular items to purchase in the city include designer clothes, handbags, electronics, jewelry, watches, and tailor-made suits.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Belfast. The main shopping areas in the city are Victoria Square Shopping Centre and CastleCourt.

Is Hong Kong or Belfast Better for Families?

Hong Kong
Belfast

Hong Kong is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Hong Kong is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. In addition to its many fascinating cultural experiences like visiting the markets and historical landmarks, this city also has a diversity of kid-friendly entertainment options. The most obvious is Disneyland, but there are also other amusement parks and aquariums like Ocean Park. Make sure you check out the Symphony of Lights in the evening and head to The Peak Tower during the day.

Belfast is a family-friendly city. 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 Hong Kong or Belfast Better for Couples?

Hong Kong
Belfast

Hong Kong is an unbeatable place for romance. However, Belfast is not a good city for its romantic activities.

Hong Kong has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. This city is filled with luxury hotels, beautiful parks, and impressive restaurants. For a romantic evening, check out the Symphony of Lights over Victoria Harbour after the sun sets.

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 Hong Kong or Belfast Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hong Kong
Belfast

Hong Kong is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Belfast is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Hong Kong. The city is more expensive than many places, but cheap eateries and free activities are abundant. Many backpackers stay in the Tsim Sha Shui area of Kowloon. This is where you'll find the frequently talked about Chungking Mansions. Times are changing though, and you'll find more hostels on Hong Kong Island these days as well.

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 Hong Kong or Belfast Better for Students?

Hong Kong
Belfast

Belfast is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Hong Kong 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.

Hong Kong is not popular with students.


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

Hong Kong
Belfast

Hong Kong is an unbeatable place for its public transit. However, Belfast is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors in Hong Kong can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. Land transportation includes the MTR (Mass Transit Railway), buses, minibuses, and tramways. There are also ferries that connect the different parts of the city.

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

Is Hong Kong or Belfast a more walkable city?

Hong Kong
Belfast

Hong Kong is an unbeatable place for its walkability. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Hong Kong on foot. The city has many parks and walking paths that connect different areas.

Belfast is a somewhat walkable place.

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

Should I spend more time in Belfast or Hong Kong?

How long in Hong Kong or Belfast?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Hong Kong and Belfast. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Hong Kong than in Belfast. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Hong Kong, and 1-3 days is enough time in Belfast.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hong Kong 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 Hong Kong.


  • How many days in Hong Kong or Belfast? Ideal Length of Stay
    Hong Kong 3-7 
    Belfast 1-3

One day in Hong Kong or Belfast?

Because Hong Kong is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

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 Hong Kong or Belfast?

Because Hong Kong is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

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 Hong Kong or Belfast?

Hong Kong is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hong Kong has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the authentic 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 Hong Kong or Belfast?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hong Kong. Because Hong Kong is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

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 Budget Tours to United Kingdom, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom.


Which place is cheaper, Belfast or Hong Kong?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Hong Kong is $160, while the average daily cost in Belfast is $167. 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 Hong Kong and Belfast in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hong Kong $75
    Belfast $86
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hong Kong $150
    Belfast $172
Compare Hotels in Hong Kong and Belfast

Looking for a hotel in Hong Kong 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 Hong Kong


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: Hong Kong Hotel Prices and Belfast Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hong Kong $8.73
    Belfast $18
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hong Kong

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hong Kong:


  • MTR (for 2)
    $2.82
  • Local Bus
    $2.82
  • Ferry Ticket
    $0.26
  • Hong Kong Airport Express Train Ticket
    $15

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 Carryduff to Belfast Airport (BFS): $94
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City to Belfast Airport (BFS): $84
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Whiterock: $62
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Warrenpoint: $135
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Tynan: $147
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Trillick : $202
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Tandragee: $122
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Strangford: $110
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Strabane : $227
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Stewartstown : $151
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Rosslea: $214

Is it cheaper to fly into Hong Kong or Belfast?

Prices for flights to both Belfast and Hong Kong 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
    Hong Kong $33
    Belfast $64
Typical Food Prices in Hong Kong

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


  • Dinner for 2
    $12

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: $82
  • Belfast Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $108

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hong Kong $95
    Belfast $23
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hong Kong

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Hong Kong's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Peak Tram
    $7.68
  • Madame Tussauds Hong Kong
    $24

Tours and Activities in Hong Kong

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

  • Plover Cove Bicycling and Hiking Adventure: $110
  • Ma On Shan Climbing Adventure: $115

Typical Entertainment Prices in Belfast

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


  • Movie Tickets
    $10

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
  • (Small Group) Shore Tour from Giant's Causeway and Belfast Day Trip: $147
  • 2 hour Private Political History & Murals Tour Belfast: $70
  • 2 hours Belfast Original Drivers The Troubles Black Taxi Tour: $93
  • 3 Hour extended Murals Tour: $102
  • 4 Hours Private Guided Belfast City Tour: $254
  • A History of Terror - Belfast City Centre Walking Tour : $28
  • Antrim Coast Carrickfergus and Gobbins Cliff Experience: $439
  • Award winners Express 2 hrs Black Taxi tours and Mural Taxi Tour: $159
  • Belfast Famous Black taxi political mural peace wall tour 2 hour: $126

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hong Kong $21
    Belfast $9.86

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
  • 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 comparing the travel costs between Hong Kong and Belfast, we can see that Belfast 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. Even though Hong Kong is in Asia and Belfast is in Europe, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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


Which is Bigger, Hong Kong or Belfast?

Hong Kong has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Belfast. When comparing the sizes of Hong Kong 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.