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

Should you visit Lagos 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 Lagos 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.

Lagos

Lagos is a scenic, adventure-filled, and dramatic resort town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Budapest

Budapest is a authentic, bustling, and cultural city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Lagos and Budapest: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lagos or Budapest?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Budapest. Although Lagos and Budapest are popular destinations, Budapest has more sights and attractions for tourists. Budapest is very popular for its museums, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Lagos attracts visitors for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Lagos is more touristy than Budapest and is popular for its dramatic beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant nightlife. Budapest is famous for its thermal hot springs, European spas, rich culture, and wild nightlife scene. It is also well known for The Hungarian Parliament Building.

How is Lagos different from Budapest?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Budapest is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Lagos does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Lagos does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Lagos has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

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 Lagos or Budapest Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Lagos and Budapest.

Lagos is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

Many people head to Budapest for the nightlife scene. The city's active nightlife includes dance clubs, local pubs, and cultural festivals throughout the year.

Is Lagos or Budapest Better for Resorts?

Lagos is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Budapest is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Lagos is a perfect choice. 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.

Budapest is not a resort destination.

Is Lagos or Budapest Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Lagos is great for its diving and snorkeling. However, Budapest is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in Lagos. 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.

Budapest is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Lagos or Budapest Better for Beaches?

Lagos is terrific for the beache. However, Budapest is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Lagos is a very popular vacation destination. 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.

Budapest is not a beach destination.

Is Lagos or Budapest Better for its Old Town?

Budapest is well known for its historic old town. However, Lagos does not have a historic old town.

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.

Lagos does not have a historic old town.

Is Lagos or Budapest Better for Hiking?

Lagos is great for hiking. However, Budapest is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Lagos for the hiking trails. 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.

Budapest is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lagos or Budapest?

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

Budapest is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city has a diverse shopping scene that you can experience by visiting the Central Market or Váci Street.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Lagos. 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.

Is Lagos or Budapest Better for Families?

Lagos is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Lagos is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

Budapest is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Is Lagos or Budapest Better for Couples?

Lagos is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

For those traveling as a couple, Lagos has plenty to offer. 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.

Budapest is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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 Lagos or Budapest Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lagos and Budapest are first-rate places to visit 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.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Budapest is extremely popular for backpackers. 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.

Is Lagos or Budapest Better for Students?

Budapest is a must-visit destination for students. However, Lagos 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.

Lagos is not popular with students.

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

Budapest is a must-visit destination for its public transit. However, Lagos is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Budapest has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The metro, trams, and buses make it easy to get around town.

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

Is Lagos or Budapest a more walkable city?

Budapest is a must-visit destination for its walkability. However, Lagos is not particularly known for its high level of walkability.

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

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 Budapest Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Budapest or Lagos?

How long in Lagos or Budapest?

In either Lagos or Budapest, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Lagos has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Lagos than Budapest. In general, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Lagos, and 2-5 days is enough time in Budapest.

Families should spend more time in Lagos than Budapest. 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 Budapest. 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 Budapest than Lagos 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.

One day in Lagos or Budapest?

The beautiful resort town of Lagos offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Each neighborhood in Budapest has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Lagos or Budapest?

Lagos is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Budapest. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Budapest?

Lagos is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lagos, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Budapest is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Budapest has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Lagos or Budapest?

Lagos is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This resort town offers something for everyone.

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the bustling big city of Budapest. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 10-Day Tours from Budapest, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Budapest.

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

Which is Bigger, Lagos or Budapest?

Budapest has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Lagos. When comparing the sizes of Lagos 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 Lagos 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 Lagos or Budapest in the Summer?

Both Budapest and Lagos during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Lagos for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Budapest in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Lagos is a little warmer than Budapest. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lagos in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Budapest averages at about 21°C (70°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Lagos. Lagos usually gets more rain in July than Budapest. Lagos gets 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lagos or Budapest in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Lagos and Budapest. Many visitors come to Lagos in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. 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 October, Lagos is generally much warmer than Budapest. Daily temperatures in Lagos average around 26°C (79°F), and Budapest fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Lagos gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Lagos usually receives more rain than Budapest. Lagos gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lagos or Budapest in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Lagos as well as Budapest. Most visitors come to Lagos for 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. Lagos is much warmer than Budapest in the winter. The daily temperature in Lagos averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Budapest fluctuates around -1°C (31°F).

Lagos usually gets less rain in January than Budapest. Lagos gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lagos or Budapest in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Lagos is much warmer than Budapest. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lagos in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Budapest averages at about 12°C (53°F).

It's quite rainy in Lagos. In April, Lagos usually receives more rain than Budapest. Lagos gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Budapest and Lagos