A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koblenz vs. Budapest for Backpackers, Attractions, Nightlife, and Old Town

Should you visit Koblenz or Budapest?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Koblenz and Budapest. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Koblenz

Koblenz is a dynamic, accessible, and historic city. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food.

Budapest

Budapest is a authentic, bustling, and cultural 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. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Koblenz and Budapest: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Koblenz or Budapest?

You'll generally find more things to do in Budapest than Koblenz. Budapest is bigger than Koblenz, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Budapest is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Koblenz is more popular for its food and small town charm. Koblenz is well known for its location at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, its popularity with river cruises, and its many nearby vineyards. 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 Koblenz different from Budapest?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Koblenz or Budapest?

Koblenz
Budapest

Budapest is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Koblenz is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Koblenz. Most visitors head to the historic Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, which can be reached by chairlift. Also make sure you visit the Forum Confluentes, the State Museum, the Romanticum, and the Koblenz Sparkling Wine Museum.


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

Koblenz
Budapest

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

Koblenz has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The city is large enough to have a diversity of restaurants that serve everything from local German specialties to other European dishes. If you want to enjoy some regional cuisine, try the Rheinischer Sauerbraten (marinated beef), Döppekooche (potato cakes), or locally brewed beer.

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 Koblenz or Budapest Better for Nightlife?

Koblenz
Budapest

Budapest is well known for nightlife and partying. However, Koblenz is not particularly known for its evening party scene.

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.

Koblenz doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It's a smaller city, but there are still pubs around town that attract a crowd. Enjoy the local beer and chat with the locals on a relaxing night out.

Is Koblenz or Budapest Better for its Old Town?

Koblenz
Budapest

Budapest is well known for its old town. Also, Koblenz is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Budapest. 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.

Koblenz has an old town worth visiting. The old town is fun to explore with its beautiful churches and quaint ice cream shops.


Is the Shopping Better in Koblenz or Budapest?

Koblenz
Budapest

Budapest is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Koblenz is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Budapest is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has a diverse shopping scene that you can experience by visiting the Central Market or Váci Street.

Koblenz has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of clothing shops in the old town where you can find a deal or splurge on a new outfit.

Is Koblenz or Budapest Better for Families?

Koblenz
Budapest

Budapest is a good destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Koblenz is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

For families, Koblenz is not always the best place to visit. Kids will enjoy the chairlift across the river that leads to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. It's also fun to take a stroll along the river, grab ice cream in old town, and play at one of the parks around town.

Is Koblenz or Budapest Better for Couples?

Koblenz
Budapest

Koblenz and Budapest both high quality destinations for a couple.

Couples visit Koblenz frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Seeped in romantic walks and historic buildings, couples will enjoy visiting this beautiful German town. Sip Reisling at one of the many restaurants or wander through the quaint old town.

Budapest is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. 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 Koblenz or Budapest Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koblenz
Budapest

Budapest is an amazing city to visit for backpackers. Also, Koblenz is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Budapest. 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Koblenz. There are a few affordable accommodation options around town. Food is reasonably priced as well so backpackers can enjoy a visit without breaking the bank.

Is Koblenz or Budapest Better for Students?

Koblenz
Budapest

Budapest is an amazing city to visit for students. However, Koblenz is not popular with students.

Budapest is a very popular place to visit for students. The city has a great international vibe with several good universities that are welcoming to international students that are studying abroad.

Koblenz is not popular with students.

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

Koblenz
Budapest

Budapest is an amazing city to visit for its public transit. Also, Koblenz is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Budapest is top-notch. The metro, trams, and buses make it easy to get around town.

While Koblenz offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses that travel the major routes around town. There's also a cable car that takes you up to the fortress.


Is Koblenz or Budapest a more walkable city?

Koblenz
Budapest

Budapest is an amazing city to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Koblenz is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Budapest on foot is easy. Pest is very flat, making for an easy stroll, while Buda is more hilly.

Koblenz is a somewhat walkable city. If you stay in the old town, you'll have no trouble walking around, but the train station is a good distance from the old town.

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

Should I spend more time in Budapest or Koblenz?

How long in Koblenz or Budapest?

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

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

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


  • How many days in Koblenz or Budapest? Ideal Length of Stay
    Koblenz 1-2 
    Budapest 2-5

One day in Koblenz or Budapest?

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

Because Budapest is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Koblenz or Budapest?

Koblenz 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Koblenz, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Because Budapest 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. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Budapest has to offer.


Five days in Koblenz or Budapest?

Koblenz 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.

Budapest is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Budapest has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Koblenz or Budapest?

Koblenz is a great place to explore. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Budapest. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Budapest. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Munich, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, The Best 10-Day Tours from Budapest, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Budapest.


Which place is cheaper, Budapest or Koblenz?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Koblenz is €124, while the average daily cost in Budapest is €84. 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 Koblenz and Budapest in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Koblenz 67
    Budapest 46
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Koblenz 134
    Budapest 92
Compare Hotels in Koblenz and Budapest

Looking for a hotel in Koblenz or Budapest? 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 Koblenz


Hotels in Budapest


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: Koblenz Hotel Prices and Budapest Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Koblenz 42
    Budapest 9.80

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Budapest

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


  • Short Taxi Ride
    6.47
  • Metro Pass
    3.55

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Budapest

Also for Budapest, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Bucharest - Romania to Budapest - Hungary /Private Transfer: $1,181
  • Budapest - Bük Transfer: $153
  • Budapest - Bratislava Transfer: $199
  • Budapest - Debrecen Transfer: $168
  • Budapest - Hungary to Bucharest - Romania /Private Transfer: $1,289
  • Budapest - Pécs Transfer: $149
  • Budapest - Szeged Transfer: $134
  • Budapest Airport BUD Arrival Private Transfer to Budapest City: $89
  • Budapest Airport Private Departure Transfer : City to Airport: $16
  • Budapest Airport Private Luxury Transfer by a Mercedes Benz S Class: $120
  • Budapest Airport Transfer: $55
  • Budapest Airport Transfer - Round trip to and from Liszt Ferenc Airport: $78

Is it cheaper to fly into Koblenz or Budapest?

Prices for flights to both Budapest and Koblenz 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
    Koblenz 28
    Budapest 22

Typical Food Prices in Budapest

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Budapest:


  • Lunch
    3.16

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Budapest

For Budapest, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Traveling Spoon Hungarian Goulash Private Online Cooking Class: $40
  • Downtown Budapest Cruise with Pizza and Beer: $45
  • Pizza & Beer Downtown Budapest Cruise: $46
  • Vegan Hungarian Food Tour (full meals): $51
  • Medieval Dinner Show with Drinks: $52
  • Private Street Food Tour: $59
  • Danube Cruise with Hungarian Dinner and Live Music: $74
  • Budapest Danube Cruise with Buffet Dinner, Performances and Music: $75
  • Evening Cruise and Dinner with Champagne: $86
  • Lángos (Hungary’s nr1 streetfood) cooking class: $87
  • Candlelit Dinner River Cruise with Live Music: $91
  • Budapest Danube River Candlelit Dinner Cruise with Live Music: $93

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Koblenz 30
    Budapest 20

Tours and Activities in Koblenz

Here are a few actual costs in Koblenz for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Bochum Private Guided Walking Tour With A Professional Guide : $282
  • Cochem 1-Hour Sightseeing Cruise: $15
  • Cochem Evening Panorama Cruise : $27
  • Cochem Private Guided Walking Tour: $247
  • Essen Private Guided Walking Tour: $271
  • Koblenz - Guided tour of the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress: $330
  • Koblenz Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $224
  • Koblenz private guided city tour: $403
  • 2-Hour Sightseeing Cruise on the Rhine: $20
  • Christmas Boat Tour with Mulled Wine: $21
  • Historical Sparkling Wine Museum Guided Tour: $20
  • Murder Crime Game Self-Guided Interactive City Tour: $74

Typical Entertainment Prices in Budapest

For Budapest, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Entrance to the Baths for Two
    6.35

Tours and Activities in Budapest

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Budapest.

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Free Tour Budapest Essential in Spanish: $3.26
  • Budapest Historical Sightseeing - Walking Tour: $3.27
  • Free walking tour in the Buda Castle incl. Fisherman's Bastion: $3.27
  • Free Walking Tour Budapest incl. the Shoes on the Danube Bank: $3.27
  • Communist History Evening Walking Tour of Budapest: $3.27
  • Past and Present of Budapest Jewish District Tour: $3.27
  • Self Guided City Audio Tour in Buda Castle: $5.45
  • Escape Game and Tour: $5.88
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $5.88
  • Historical Heroes & Hot Spa Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • TOP 10 Budapest- City Tour : $6.00

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Koblenz 7.79
    Budapest 17

Sample the Local Flavors in Koblenz

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

  • Private wine tasting meets Bulli in the Ruhr area: $75

Sample the Local Flavors in Budapest

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

  • The Original Budapest Pub Crawl - One Hour Open Bar + Free Shots: $17
  • 5-Hour Pub Crawl through Ruin Bars: $21
  • Ultimate Budapest Pub Crawl: $23
  • Ultimate Budapest Pub Crawl: $23
  • Bingo Bar Crawl: $25
  • Budapest Original Ruin Pub Crawl Including 5 Shots: $28
  • Ruin Bar Pub Crawl with Entry Tickets: $29
  • Detective Pub Crawl Game by App: $38
  • 8-Tier Hungarian Wine Tasting in a Cozy Downtown Wine Bar: $38
  • Tipsy Tour Fun Bar Crawl with a Local Guide: $42
  • Drunken History Bar Crawl Tour with Local Drinks: $42
  • Hungarian Wine Tasting (with Cheese and Charcuterie) in Budapest: $50


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


Which is Bigger, Koblenz or Budapest?

Budapest has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Koblenz. When comparing the sizes of Koblenz 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 Koblenz or Budapest?

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 Koblenz or Budapest in the Summer?

Both Budapest and Koblenz during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Koblenz for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Budapest in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Koblenz is cooler than Budapest in the summer. The daily temperature in Koblenz averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Budapest fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

In Budapest, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Koblenz often gets less sunshine than Budapest. Koblenz gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 278 hours of full sun.

Koblenz usually gets more rain in July than Budapest. Koblenz gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Koblenz 19°C (66°F) 
    Budapest 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Koblenz or Budapest in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Koblenz and Budapest. Many visitors come to Koblenz in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Also, most visitors come to Budapest for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Koblenz is around the same temperature as Budapest. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Koblenz in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Budapest averages at about 12°C (53°F).

Koblenz usually receives less sunshine than Budapest during autumn. Koblenz gets 109 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Koblenz usually receives more rain than Budapest. Koblenz gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Koblenz 12°C (53°F) 
    Budapest 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Koblenz or Budapest in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Koblenz as well as Budapest. Most visitors come to Koblenz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Budapest because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Budapest can be very cold. Koblenz can be very cold during winter. In January, Koblenz is generally much warmer than Budapest. Daily temperatures in Koblenz average around 3°C (37°F), and Budapest fluctuates around -1°C (31°F).

In the winter, Koblenz often gets less sunshine than Budapest. Koblenz gets 45 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 61 hours of full sun.

Koblenz usually gets more rain in January than Budapest. Koblenz gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Koblenz 3°C (37°F) 
    Budapest -1°C (31°F)

Should I visit Koblenz or Budapest in the Spring?

Both Budapest and Koblenz are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Koblenz because of the small town charm. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Budapest this time of year.

Koblenz is cooler than Budapest in the spring. The daily temperature in Koblenz averages around 10°C (50°F) in April, and Budapest fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Koblenz usually receives less sunshine than Budapest during spring. Koblenz gets 145 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Koblenz usually receives more rain than Budapest. Koblenz gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Koblenz 10°C (50°F) 
    Budapest 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Budapest and Koblenz

Koblenz Budapest
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) -1°C (31°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 2°C (35°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.8 in) 7°C (44°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Apr 10°C (50°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 12°C (53°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
May 14°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 16°C (62°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 17°C (63°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 20°C (67°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 21°C (70°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 19°C (66°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 21°C (69°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Sep 16°C (61°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 12°C (53°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 6°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 1°C (34°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)