A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Limerick vs. Budapest for Backpackers, Attractions, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Limerick or Budapest?

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 Limerick and Budapest can help you decide which place is right for you.

Limerick

Limerick is a outdoorsy, fun-filled, and historic city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Budapest

Budapest is a cultural, artistic, and historic city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Limerick and Budapest: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less popular for students
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • 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 Limerick or Budapest?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Budapest than Limerick, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Budapest is more popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Limerick is known for its food. Budapest is more touristy than Limerick and is known for its thermal hot springs, European spas, rich culture, and wild nightlife scene. It is also home to The Hungarian Parliament Building. Limerick is popular for its castle, old town, and outdoor activities.

How is Limerick different from Budapest?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Limerick
Budapest

Budapest is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Budapest specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Famous sights include the Buda Castle and Castle Hill, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and St. Stephen's Basilica.

Limerick is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The town is famous for King John's Castle as well as St. Mary's Cathedral, and St. John's Square and Cathedral.


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

Limerick
Budapest

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

Limerick has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find a mix of traditional Irish restaurants and more modern international cuisine. Local specialties to try include Limerick Ham, Cahill's Whiskey Cheese, and Walnut Cheddar.

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 Limerick or Budapest Better for Nightlife?

Limerick
Budapest

Budapest is a great city for its evening party scene. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

The nightlife in Budapest has something for everybody. The city's active nightlife includes dance clubs, local pubs, and cultural festivals throughout the year.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Limerick. It's a student town so much of the nightlife scene centers around the student population. There are lively pubs and clubs around town so it's not hard to have a fun night out.

Is Limerick or Budapest Better for its Old Town?

Limerick
Budapest

Budapest is a great city for its historic old town charm. However, Limerick does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights 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.

Limerick does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Limerick or Budapest?

Limerick
Budapest

Budapest is a great city for its shopping areas. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Budapest. The city has a diverse shopping scene that you can experience by visiting the Central Market or Váci Street.

Limerick is a great destination for shopping. You'll find a mix of brand name chains and independent boutiques in the city center. There are several major shopping streets in town including O'Connell Street, and the pedestrian streets of Bedford Row and Cruises Street.

Is Limerick or Budapest Better for Families?

Limerick
Budapest

You'll find good kid-friendly activities in either Limerick or Budapest.

Limerick offers lots of family activities. Families will enjoy visiting King John's Castle but for kids who need a break from the sightseeing, there are kid-friendly activities around town like Curraghchase Forest Park and the Peoples Park. Families should also check out the Dreamland Fun Center. Museums like Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum are also fun for the whole family.

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 Limerick or Budapest Better for Couples?

Limerick
Budapest

Budapest is a great city for couples. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

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.

Limerick is a nice destination for couples. There are river cruises, kayaking, and nature to explore. Head to the Curraghchase Forest Park or any of the many beautiful parks around town. Couples can combine history with nature and enjoy a nice, romantic trip through Limerick.


Is Limerick or Budapest Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Limerick
Budapest

Budapest is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Limerick is not known for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Budapest, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. 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.

Limerick is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't many hostels in the area so it can be hard to find other likeminded travelers.

Is Limerick or Budapest Better for Students?

Limerick
Budapest

Budapest is terrific for its student-friendly activities. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Budapest. The city has a great international vibe with several good universities that are welcoming to international students that are studying abroad.

Limerick is a good city to visit for students. The city has a nice student scene with plenty of areas to explore.

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

Limerick
Budapest

Budapest is terrific for times when you don't have a car. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Budapest can take you anywhere. The metro, trams, and buses make it easy to get around town.

Limerick has a few public transit options. There's a city bus service that travels around town.


Is Limerick or Budapest a more walkable city?

Limerick
Budapest

Budapest is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Budapest is a very easy city to get around on foot. Pest is very flat, making for an easy stroll, while Buda is more hilly.

Limerick is somewhat walkable. There are compact and walkable parts to the city that can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Budapest or Limerick?

How long in Limerick or Budapest?

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

Families should spend more time in Budapest than Limerick. 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 Limerick. 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 Limerick 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 Limerick or Budapest? Ideal Length of Stay
    Limerick 1-2 
    Budapest 2-5

One day in Limerick or Budapest?

The city of Limerick 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.

Budapest is a big city with plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

A weekend in Limerick or Budapest?

Limerick 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 Limerick, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Budapest 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. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Budapest, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.


Five days in Limerick or Budapest?

Limerick 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 popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Budapest, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Limerick or Budapest?

Limerick 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.

Budapest is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Dublin, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ireland, The Best 10-Day Tours from Budapest, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Budapest.


Which place is cheaper, Budapest or Limerick?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Limerick is €108, 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 Limerick and Budapest in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Limerick 49
    Budapest 46
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Limerick 98
    Budapest 92
Compare Hotels in Limerick and Budapest

Looking for a hotel in Limerick 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 Limerick


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: Limerick Hotel Prices and Budapest Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Limerick 40
    Budapest 9.80

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Limerick

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

  • Private Transfer between CORK & LIMERICK | Premium Vehicles: $300
  • Transfer - Shannon Airport to Galway City (or reverse) - Premium Sedan: $300
  • Private Transfer between SHANNON & ADARE | Premium Vehicles: $213
  • Limerick Private Transfer from central Limerick to Shannon: $203
  • Transfer - Shannon Airport to Limerick City (or reverse) - Premium Sedan: $158
  • Private Transfer between SHANNON & LIMERICK | Premium Vehicles: $136

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:

  • T72 Tank Driving with Hummer Transfer: $1,581
  • Budapest - Hungary to Bucharest - Romania /Private Transfer: $1,289
  • Bucharest - Romania to Budapest - Hungary /Private Transfer: $1,181
  • Private transfer from Budapest to Prague: $1,059
  • Private transfer from Budapest to Zagreb: $930
  • Transfer from Vienna to Budapest: $706
  • From Bucharest: One-way Private Fast Transfer to Budapest: $642
  • Budapest-Vienna Private Transfer by Luxury Vehicle: $642
  • Private transfer from Budapest to Vienna: $588
  • Private transfer between Budapest and Vienna: $471
  • Budapest-Vienna One-Way Sightseeing Transfer: $295
  • Budapest-Bratislava One-Way Sightseeing Transfer: $295

Is it cheaper to fly into Limerick or Budapest?

Prices for flights to both Budapest and Limerick 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
    Limerick 35
    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.
    Limerick 17
    Budapest 20

Tours and Activities in Limerick

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

  • Angela's Ashes 1.5hrs Walking Tour: $142
  • Cliffs of Moher Day Tour from Including The Wild Altanic Way: $43
  • Cliffs of Moher explorer day tour from Limerick. Guided.: $54
  • Dingle Peninsula Day Tour from Including The Wild Altanic Way: $53
  • Guided eBike Tours on the Lough Derg Shore: $82
  • Limericks Lost Whiskey Walking Tour: $19
  • Private Walking Tour of Adare: $272
  • Private Walking Tour of Limerick City: $142
  • Ring of Kerry Day Tour from Including Killarney National Park: $53
  • Self Guided Bike Tour on the Limerick Greenway: $16
  • Skip the Line: Bunratty Castle and Folk Park Admission Ticket: $21
  • Skip the Line: Hunt Museum Ticket: $14

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.

  • Danube Bend Private All Day Tour with Lunch, with entrance fees and cruise: $164
  • Private Budapest city tour with a daytime Danube river cruise: $240
  • 101 things you have to see in Budapest - Full Day Tour with Lunch & Dessert: $185
  • 10PM Budapest Danube Cruise with Live Music & Food or Drinks : $20
  • 2 Hours Buda Castle Walking Tour - Walk with a Historian: $38
  • 2 Hours Jewish Heritage Walking Tour - Walk with a Historian: $49
  • 2 Hours Private Scenic Photo Tour Around Budapest: $156
  • 2-Hour Private Market Tour in Budapest With Free Tastings: $59
  • 22 Dog-statues in Budapest - an unusual tour: $25
  • 3 Hours Budapest Segway Grand City Tour Buda, Margaret and Pest: $93
  • 3-Hour Jewish Quarter Walking Tour in Budapest with Historian: $55
  • 3-Hour Orientation Walking Tour of Buda and Pest: $37

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Limerick 12
    Budapest 17

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 Limerick and Budapest, we can see that Limerick 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 Limerick would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Limerick 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 Limerick Expensive? and Is Budapest Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Limerick or Budapest?

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

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 Limerick or Budapest in the Summer?

Both Budapest and Limerick are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Limerick because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Budapest this time of year.

In July, Limerick is generally cooler than Budapest. Daily temperatures in Limerick average around 16°C (60°F), and Budapest fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

It's quite sunny in Budapest. Limerick usually receives less sunshine than Budapest during summer. Limerick gets 142 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 278 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Limerick usually receives more rain than Budapest. Limerick gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Limerick 16°C (60°F) 
    Budapest 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Limerick or Budapest in the Autumn?

Both Budapest and Limerick during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Limerick this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Budapest for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Limerick is around the same temperature as Budapest in the autumn. The daily temperature in Limerick averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Budapest fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Limerick often gets less sunshine than Budapest. Limerick gets 82 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 152 hours of full sun.

Limerick usually gets more rain in October than Budapest. Limerick gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Limerick 11°C (52°F) 
    Budapest 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Limerick or Budapest in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Limerick and Budapest. Many travelers come to Limerick for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Budapest in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Budapest can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Limerick is much warmer than Budapest. Typically, the winter temperatures in Limerick in January average around 6°C (42°F), and Budapest averages at about -1°C (31°F).

Limerick usually receives less sunshine than Budapest during winter. Limerick gets 49 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 61 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Limerick usually receives more rain than Budapest. Limerick gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Limerick 6°C (42°F) 
    Budapest -1°C (31°F)

Should I visit Limerick or Budapest in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Limerick as well as Budapest. Many visitors come to Limerick in the spring for the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Budapest for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Limerick is generally cooler than Budapest. Daily temperatures in Limerick average around 9°C (48°F), and Budapest fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the spring, Limerick often gets less sunshine than Budapest. Limerick gets 148 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 178 hours of full sun.

Limerick usually gets more rain in April than Budapest. Limerick gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Limerick 9°C (48°F) 
    Budapest 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Budapest and Limerick

Limerick Budapest
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (42°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) -1°C (31°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 2°C (35°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 7°C (45°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 7°C (44°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 12°C (53°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
May 11°C (53°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 16°C (62°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 14°C (57°F) 62 mm (2.5 in) 20°C (67°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 16°C (60°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 21°C (70°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 16°C (60°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 21°C (69°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 17°C (63°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 12°C (53°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Nov 8°C (46°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 6°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 6°C (44°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 1°C (34°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)