A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Inverness vs. Belfast for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Inverness or Belfast?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Inverness and Belfast can help you decide which place is right for you.

Inverness

Inverness is a cultural, traditional, and local city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

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. And you can't forget about the nightlife and shopping.

Inverness and Belfast: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Home to Loch Ness
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Inverness or Belfast?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Belfast. Although Inverness and Belfast are popular destinations, Belfast has more sights and attractions for tourists. Belfast is very popular for its big city activities, while Inverness attracts visitors for its museums & sights, food, shopping, and small town charm. Inverness is more touristy than Belfast and is known for its surrounding countryside, but also its regional heritage, local festivals and proximity to the famous Loch Ness. Belfast is famous for being the birthplace of the Titanic and the location of the era of the "Troubles". It is also well known for Belfast Castle.

How is Inverness different from Belfast?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Inverness
Belfast

Inverness 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 Inverness can be an interesting and educational experience. As a city rich in culture and heritage, you'll find a number of sights and museums in town. Check out the Highland House of Fraser, Culloden Moor, and Clava Cairns.

Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Inverness
Belfast

Inverness 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, Inverness makes for a great culinary experience. The city makes a great spot to fill your belly after a few days exploring the Scottish Highlands. You'll find local restaurants that serve up regional specialties, and when the weather's nice, there are some spots with outdoor seating.

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 Inverness or Belfast Better for Nightlife?

Inverness
Belfast

Both Inverness and Belfast are nice when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Inverness. Nightlife isn't the first thing that comes to mind with this town, but there are actually lots of distilleries in the area and there's a surprising number of high quality bars and pubs that make for a fun evening.

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 the Shopping Better in Inverness or Belfast?

Inverness
Belfast

Inverness is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Inverness is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The town is at the cultural heart of the Scottish Highlands you'll find plenty of local shops where you can pick up local products. Make sure you check out the Inverness Victorian Market.

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


Is Inverness or Belfast Better for Families?

Inverness
Belfast

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either Inverness or Belfast.

Inverness is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has some parks and activities that are great for kids. Make sure you explore Inverness Castle and the Inverness Mystery Treasure Trail.

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 Inverness or Belfast Better for Couples?

Inverness
Belfast

Inverness is a nice place to visit for romance. However, Belfast is not a good city for its romantic activities.

Inverness is a nice destination for couples. Located in the Scottish Highlands, there ae many scenic spots and nice activities that couples can enjoy in the area.

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 Inverness or Belfast Better for Students?

Inverness
Belfast

Belfast is very good for students. However, Inverness is not popular with students.

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

Inverness is not popular with students.


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

Inverness
Belfast

Both Inverness and Belfast offer reasonable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Inverness. There are local buses that pass through the town.

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

Is Inverness or Belfast a more walkable city?

Inverness
Belfast

Inverness 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.

Inverness is very walkable. It's compact enough that you can explore much of the town on foot.

Belfast is a somewhat walkable place.

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

Should I spend more time in Belfast or Inverness?

How long in Inverness or Belfast?

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

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

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

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


  • How many days in Inverness or Belfast? Ideal Length of Stay
    Inverness 1-3 
    Belfast 1-3

One day in Inverness or Belfast?

In Inverness, you'll find nightlife and food. 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 Inverness or Belfast?

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

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the affordable 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 Inverness or Belfast?

Inverness is a great place to explore. 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 under-rated 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 Inverness or Belfast?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Inverness. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Inverness. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from London, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 10-Day Tours from London, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh.


Which place is cheaper, Belfast or Inverness?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Inverness is £168, while the average daily cost in Belfast is £133. 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 Inverness and Belfast in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Inverness £91
    Belfast £68
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Inverness £182
    Belfast £136
Compare Hotels in Inverness and Belfast

Looking for a hotel in Inverness 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 Inverness


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: Inverness Hotel Prices and Belfast Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Inverness £33
    Belfast £14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Inverness

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Inverness:

  • Inverness Airport (INV) to Lecht Ski Resort - Arrival Transfer: $34
  • Inverness Airport to Glenshee Ski Resort - Round-Trip Transfer: $134
  • Inverness Private Transfer to Fort William : $167
  • Transfers / Tour from , inverness, Edinburgh ,Glasgow ,Aberdeen : $194
  • Inverness direct transfer to mallaig : $266
  • Inverness to Glasgow Direct Transfer: $1,247

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Belfast

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Belfast:

  • Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Holywood Accommodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $24
  • Belfast Airport (BFS) to Belfast City - Arrival Private Transfer: $28
  • Belfast International Airport (BFS) to Lisburn City - Arrival Private Transfer: $28
  • Belfast City to Belfast International Airport (BFS) - Departure Private Transfer: $28
  • Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Lisburn Accommodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $28
  • Private Belfast Arrival Transfer- Belfast City Airport to Belfast Hotel / Accomm: $47
  • Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Holywood City - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $47
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Holywood: $47
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Crawfordsburn: $52
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Comber: $52
  • Game of Thrones Studio Tour Admission and Transfer from Belfast : $54
  • Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Lisburn Accommodation - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $56

Is it cheaper to fly into Inverness or Belfast?

Prices for flights to both Belfast and Inverness 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
    Inverness £49
    Belfast £51

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: $98
  • Belfast Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $114
  • The Original Belfast Food Tour™ with Drinks: $118

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Inverness £44
    Belfast £18

Tours and Activities in Inverness

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Inverness are as follows:

  • Inverness Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $5.98
  • City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $16
  • Inverness City Daily Walking Tour (11:30am & 2pm): $19
  • WW2 and cold-war bunker - Guided Experience Tour: $20
  • 1 Hour Shared Rewilding Walking Tour at Dundreggan: $20
  • Loch Ness 1-Hour Cruise with Urquhart Castle Views: $28
  • City Walking Tour & Exploration Game: $38
  • Loch Ness and Caledonian Canal 2-Hour Cruise from Dochgarroch: $40
  • Glenaladale Cruise - Great for wizard spotting!: $40
  • Puffin Tour: $60
  • From Loch Ness Cruise and Urquhart Castle: $63
  • Loch Ness Cruise and Urquhart Castle visit from Inverness: $64

Typical Entertainment Prices in Belfast

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


  • Movie Tickets
    £8.00

Tours and Activities in Belfast

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Belfast are as follows:

  • Belfast’s Titanic Quarter: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.00
  • Belfast's Iconic Sites: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.47
  • Museum Ticket: $7.29
  • Hillsborough Castle Gardens Entrance Ticket: $13
  • Ulster Folk Museum Admission Ticket: $15
  • If Buildings Could Talk Tour Belfast: $16
  • Crumlin Road Gaol Experience: $19
  • 2.5-Hour Street Murals Tour in Spanish: $20
  • Belfast Murals Political Tour in Spanish: $20
  • Belfast Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK: $20
  • Hop-On Hop-Off Belfast Open Top Bus Tour: $21
  • Falls Road Political Mural Walking Tour: $22

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Inverness £23
    Belfast £7.86

Sample the Local Flavors in Inverness

Also in Inverness, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Distillery and Brewery Tour in Inverness Scotland: $47
  • INVERGORDON PORT Tour Dunrobin, Dornoch & Distillery : $120
  • Speyside Distillery Tour From Inverness: $1,181

Sample the Local Flavors in Belfast

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Belfast:

  • Belfast Pub Crawl: $21
  • McConnell's Distillery Guided Tour with Tasting: $26
  • Belfast Giant's Causeway and Titanic Distillery Whiskey Tour: $72
  • Giant's Causeway and Whisky Distillery tasting tour from Belfast : $74
  • Historic Pub Tour: $197


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Inverness and Belfast, we can see that Inverness is more expensive. And not only is Belfast much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Belfast would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Belfast 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 Inverness would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Inverness than you might in Belfast.

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


Which is Bigger, Inverness or Belfast?

Belfast has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Inverness. When comparing the sizes of Inverness 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 Inverness or Belfast?

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 Inverness or Belfast in the Summer?

Both Belfast and Inverness are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Inverness this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Belfast for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Inverness is generally around the same temperature as Belfast. Daily temperatures in Inverness average around 14°C (58°F), and Belfast fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

Inverness usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Belfast during summer. Inverness gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Belfast receives 151 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Inverness usually receives less rain than Belfast. Inverness gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Inverness 14°C (58°F) 
    Belfast 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Inverness or Belfast in the Autumn?

Both Belfast and Inverness during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Inverness for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Also, many visitors come to Belfast in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Inverness is around the same temperature as Belfast in the autumn. The daily temperature in Inverness averages around 9°C (49°F) in October, and Belfast fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the autumn, Inverness often gets less sunshine than Belfast. Inverness gets 84 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Belfast receives 92 hours of full sun.

Inverness usually gets less rain in October than Belfast. Inverness gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Inverness 9°C (49°F) 
    Belfast 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Inverness or Belfast in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Inverness and Belfast. Many visitors come to Inverness in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Belfast for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Belfast can be very cold during winter. Inverness can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Inverness is cooler than Belfast. Typically, the winter temperatures in Inverness in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Belfast averages at about 4°C (39°F).

Inverness usually receives less sunshine than Belfast during winter. Inverness gets 42 hours of sunny skies, while Belfast receives 50 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Inverness usually receives less rain than Belfast. Inverness gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Inverness 3°C (38°F) 
    Belfast 4°C (39°F)

Should I visit Inverness or Belfast in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Inverness as well as Belfast. Most visitors come to Inverness for the small town charm during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Belfast because of the activities around the city.

In April, Inverness is generally cooler than Belfast. Daily temperatures in Inverness average around 7°C (44°F), and Belfast fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the spring, Inverness often gets less sunshine than Belfast. Inverness gets 136 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Belfast receives 150 hours of full sun.

Inverness usually gets less rain in April than Belfast. Inverness gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Inverness 7°C (44°F) 
    Belfast 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Belfast and Inverness

Inverness Belfast
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 4°C (39°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 4°C (39°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 6°C (43°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Apr 7°C (44°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 10°C (50°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jun 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 14°C (58°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 15°C (59°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 15°C (59°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 9°C (49°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 9°C (48°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 5°C (42°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 7°C (45°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 52 mm (2 in) 5°C (41°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)