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

Should you visit Ios or Belfast?

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

Should I visit Ios or Belfast? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Ios

Ios is a beautiful, striking, and touristy island. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

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.

Ios and Belfast: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ios or Belfast?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Ios. Although Ios and Belfast are popular destinations, Ios has more sights and attractions for tourists. Ios is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Belfast attracts visitors for its big city activities. Ios is more touristy than Belfast and is known for its party hard atmosphere that attracts a younger and rowdier crowd. It is also well known for Skarkos Archeological Site. Belfast is famous for being the birthplace of the Titanic and the location of the era of the "Troubles".

How is Ios different from Belfast?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Ios is a nice place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

Ios is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. If you can pull yourself away from the beaches or parties, there are a number of archaeological and historic sights around the island. Churches like Panayia Gremiotissa Church and Evangelisimos Cathedral are worth visiting. Other attractions include Odysseas Elytis Theatre, Homer’s Tomb, and Skarkos Hill.

Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Ios 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, Ios makes for a great culinary experience. Most of the island's restaurants are found in the port area or in the town of Chora, but you'll also find several options near Mylopotas Beach. Most restaurants offer typical Greek dishes, but they often have a local twist. You'll often find local cheeses or a slightly different take on an old favorite. Popular ingredients include cheese, yogurt, fish, olives, honey, olive oil, and grains. Common meats include lamb, beef, and even rabbit, but seafood is obviously popular as well.

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 Ios or Belfast Better for Nightlife?

Ios is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Ios is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. This is one of the quintessential party islands in Greece. Many young backpackers come here just to party, particularly during the summer months. You'll find many parties start around midnight or later and carry on well into the morning. Most of the clubs and bars are around the main square and nearby streets in Chora, but there are also clubs spread throughout the town. Outside of town, Mylopotas Beach is another popular party area.

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 Ios or Belfast Better for Resorts?

Ios is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Belfast is not a resort destination.

Ios is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There are a number of resort areas around the island with families preferring the areas around Yialos Beach and Manganari Beach. Partiers usually head to Chora and the great beaches near Mylopotas, but if you want to escape the crowds, head to Agia Theodoti.

Belfast is not a resort destination.

Is Ios or Belfast Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Ios is a nice place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Belfast is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Ios has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are some nice snorkeling and diving areas around the island as well as vendors who organize snorkeling and dive trips.

Belfast is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ios or Belfast Better for Beaches?

Ios is an unbeatable place for its beaches. However, Belfast is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Ios are among the best in the world. The island has beautiful sandy beaches that range from family-friendly to party hard. There are popular and more developed beaches near Chora like Koumbara and Mylopotas as well as more relaxing beaches a little more removed like Kalamos and Manganari. Because of their striking beauty, the beaches around the island have been featured in a few films.

Belfast is not a beach destination.

Is Ios or Belfast Better for Hiking?

Ios is a nice place to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Belfast is not a hiking destination.

Ios has hiking trails worth exploring. The island has a barren and rocky landscape that offers spectacular views. Many of the hikes are quite challenging, but there are a few options for beginners as well. Many also pass by the spectacular ruins around the island.

Belfast is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ios or Belfast?

Both Ios and Belfast are nice shopping destinations.

Ios offers some nice shopping areas. There are a number of local souvenirs that you can pick up. Many visitors prefer to take home unique items such as a tin of olives or olive oil. Jewelry, honey, and local ceramics also make good gifts.

Belfast has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The main shopping areas in the city are Victoria Square Shopping Centre and CastleCourt.

Is Ios or Belfast Better for Families?

Belfast is a popular place for its family-friendly activities. However, Ios is a mediocre island for its kid-friendly activities.

Belfast is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Ios is not always a place people visit with their families. While the island is known as one of the top party destinations in Greece, it also has a more cultural side. There are impressive archaeological ruins and stunning beaches that kids will enjoy. The island also has snorkeling and plenty of kid-friendly food. Some of the best family-friendly beaches are in Manganari Bay and Yialos Beach is a nice family-friendly area.

Is Ios or Belfast Better for Couples?

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

Ios is a very popular place to visit for couples. Because it's so close to Santorini, many people visit as a day trip. While the island is synonymous with partying, there are still many world-class archaeological sites and romantic beaches that make for an active and fun honeymoon. It's a bit quieter outside of the peak summer months.

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 Ios or Belfast Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ios is an unbeatable place for backpackers. However, Belfast is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Ios is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. For many backpackers, partying in Ios is a quintessential European experience. Nights are spent at all night clubs or beach raves, while days are spent nursing a hangover on the beach. There are plenty of venues that cater to the budget crowd, with cheap food available at different places.

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 Ios or Belfast Better for Students?

Belfast is a popular place for students. However, Ios 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.

Ios is not popular with students.

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

Ios is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Belfast is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Ios. There are public buses that travel to most of the tourist sights around the island including several of the more remote beaches like Manganari and Agia Theodoti.

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

Is Ios or Belfast a more walkable city?

Ios and Belfast both are nice when exploring on foot.

Ios is a somewhat walkable place. Chora is the most walkable part of the island.

Belfast is a somewhat walkable island.

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

Should I spend more time in Belfast or Ios?

How long in Ios or Belfast?

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

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

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

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

One day in Ios or Belfast?

In Ios, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

With nightlife and shopping around the affordable destination of Belfast, there's plenty to do. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A weekend in Ios or Belfast?

In Ios, you'll find museums and nightlife. 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 Ios has to offer.

Many people visit Belfast for a weekend. With shopping and nightlife around the under-rated city of Belfast, there's plenty to do. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Ios or Belfast?

Ios is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

The destination of Belfast offers nightlife and shopping. It offers something for everyone. 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.

A week in Ios or Belfast?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ios. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Ios. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Belfast, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best 3-Day Tours in Greece, The Best Budget Tours to United Kingdom, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Ios or Belfast?

Belfast has a larger population, and is about 150 times larger than the population of Ios. When comparing the sizes of Ios 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.