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

Should you visit Lagos or Belfast?

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 Lagos and Belfast. 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.

Lagos

Lagos is a adventure-filled, dramatic, and vibrant resort town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Belfast

Belfast is a affordable, under-rated, and authentic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife and shopping.

Lagos and Belfast: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lagos or Belfast?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lagos. Although Lagos and Belfast are both popular with visitors, Lagos has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Lagos is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Belfast is known for its big city activities. Lagos is more touristy than Belfast and is known for its dramatic beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant nightlife. It is also home to Ponta da Piedade. Belfast is popular for being the birthplace of the Titanic and the location of the era of the "Troubles".

How is Lagos different from Belfast?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lagos 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, Lagos makes for a great culinary experience. The city offers some of the best food in the Algarve. The old town has plenty of restaurants that are both affordable and high quality. Seafood is the obvious choice, but you'll also find tapas, paellas, and local dishes such as cataplana (a seafood and chorizo stew). Most restaurants serve up a local fish of the day as well as prawns and other seafood items.

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 Lagos or Belfast Better for Nightlife?

Lagos 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.

Lagos offers plenty to do in the evening. The city has a mellow vibe, even at night, but that's not to say there aren't good parties going on, particularly during the peak of the travel season. There's a local charm to the nightlife scene here and you'll likely start to recognize other party-goers. Many of the bars are housed in character-filled old buildings which can feel a bit cramped, but that's all part of the charm.

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 Lagos or Belfast Better for Resorts?

Lagos is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Belfast is not a resort destination.

Lagos offers an unforgettable resort vacation. As a resort town, you'll find no shortage of places to stay in the area. If you don't have a car, your best options are in the historic center. If transportation isn't a concern, then you'll find plenty of great resorts in the Marina, Meia Praia, Dona Ana Beach, Camilo Beach, and Porto de Mós Beach.

Belfast is not a resort destination.

Is Lagos or Belfast Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Lagos is a well-known place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Belfast is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to Lagos to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. With its unique rock formations and caves, there are many spots where you can snorkel or scuba dive nearby. There's also sparkling blue waters and plenty of marine life including lobster, shrimp, anemones, octopuses, and brightly colored fish.

Belfast is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Lagos or Belfast Better for Beaches?

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

The beaches in Lagos are among the best in the world. The beaches are long, flat and sandy with beautifully dramatic rock formations. The largest beach in the area is Meia Praia and arguably one of the best beaches is Praia Dona Ana. For convenience, Praia da Batata is the closest beach to town. Praia de Porto de Mós is one of the more quiet beaches, but it's still along a bus line. For beautiful nature head to either Praia dos Estudantes or Praia dos Pinheiros.

Belfast is not a beach destination.

Is Lagos or Belfast Better for Hiking?

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

Lagos is a popular spot for hiking. The city makes an excellent base for exploring some of the nearby hikes and walks. Favorite places to hike include the famous Ponte de Piedade Trail, which is the last part of the multi-day Fisherman's Trail. It takes you by many beautiful rock formations and scenic viewpoints. Another scenic hike is The Alvor Walkways, which is a series of boardwalks through sand dunes.

Belfast is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lagos or Belfast?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Belfast and Lagos.

Lagos is a great destination for shopping. The town has a long history of local artisan crafts. You can head to the seafront promenade and find local traditional items such as ceramics, leather goods, and jewelry.

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

Is Lagos or Belfast Better for Families?

Lagos 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.

Lagos is an amazing family-friendly resort town to visit. You can spend days hanging out on the beautiful beaches, but there are so many other activities that the whole family will enjoy. Explore the caves in kayaks, take surfing lessons, head for the zoo, or go dolphin watching. There are also plenty of playgrounds and kid-friendly restaurants around town.

Belfast is a family-friendly resort town. 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 Lagos or Belfast Better for Couples?

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

Lagos has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The beaches and hotels in the area offer a truly romantic setting for couples, whether you're on a honeymoon or a couple's weekend getaway. Spend some time on the beach or go kayaking through the caves. Get a spa treatment at a luxury hotel or go wine tasting through the countryside. You can also enjoy the beautiful sunsets on a sunset boat cruise while sipping a glass of local wine.

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 Lagos or Belfast Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Lagos is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. The area is a favorite for backpackers who come to hang out on the beaches during the day or party late into the night after the sun goes down. There are plenty of hostels around town and many offer a social vibe where it's easy to meet other travelers.

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 Lagos or Belfast Better for Students?

Belfast is a good destination for students. However, Lagos is not popular with students.

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

Lagos is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Lagos and Belfast.

Public transit is generally limited in Lagos. The area has buses, but they are limited in where they go. There is also reduced service on weekends and holidays.

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

Is Lagos or Belfast a more walkable city?

Belfast is a good destination for its walkability. However, Lagos is not particularly known for its high level of walkability.

Belfast is somewhat walkable.

Lagos is not a very walkable resort town. Most people prefer to have a car as some areas are very hilly and many resorts are outside of town. Depending on your fitness level and motivation, you may be able to get by without a vehicle, but it is generally not recommended.

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

Should I spend more time in Belfast or Lagos?

How long in Lagos or Belfast?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Lagos and Belfast. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Lagos than in Belfast. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Lagos, and 1-3 days is enough time in Belfast.

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

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

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

One day in Lagos or Belfast?

In Lagos, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This resort town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Belfast, many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping that this under-rated destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Lagos or Belfast?

In Lagos, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. 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. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Belfast. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Lagos or Belfast?

Lagos is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Lagos has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Belfast is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the destination of Belfast. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Lagos or Belfast?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lagos. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Lagos. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the under-rated destination of Belfast. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, 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 Lagos and Belfast, we can see that Belfast is more expensive. And not only is Lagos much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lagos would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lagos 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 Lagos.

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

Which is Bigger, Lagos or Belfast?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Lagos and Belfast. Many visitors come to Lagos in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Belfast for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Lagos is much warmer than Belfast in the summer. The daily temperature in Lagos averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Belfast fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

Lagos gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Lagos usually receives more rain than Belfast. Lagos gets 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Lagos or Belfast in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Lagos as well as Belfast. Most visitors come to Lagos for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Belfast because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Lagos is much warmer than Belfast. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lagos in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Belfast averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Lagos receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Lagos usually gets more rain in October than Belfast. Lagos gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lagos or Belfast in the Winter?

Both Belfast and Lagos are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Lagos because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Belfast this time of year.

It's quite cold in Belfast in the winter. In January, Lagos is generally much warmer than Belfast. Daily temperatures in Lagos average around 27°C (81°F), and Belfast fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In January, Lagos usually receives less rain than Belfast. Lagos gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lagos or Belfast in the Spring?

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

Lagos is much warmer than Belfast in the spring. The daily temperature in Lagos averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Belfast fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Lagos. Lagos usually gets more rain in April than Belfast. Lagos gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Belfast and Lagos