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

Should you visit Lindau or Budapest?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Lindau and Budapest can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Lindau

Lindau is a fun-filled, scenic, and alpine town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food.

Budapest

Budapest is a historic, authentic, and bustling 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.

Lindau and Budapest: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food


Is there more to do in Lindau or Budapest?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Budapest than Lindau, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Budapest is better known for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Lindau is more popular for its food and small town charm. Lindau is well known for its lakefront location and quaint old town. 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 Lindau different from Budapest?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lindau
Budapest

Budapest is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Lindau is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Budapest. Famous sights include the Buda Castle and Castle Hill, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and St. Stephen's Basilica.

While most people don't head to Lindau specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The town is more about it's beautiful setting than landmarks and museums, but there are some interesting sights including the harbor and lighthouse.


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

Lindau
Budapest

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

Lindau has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Head to the waterfront for the best seafood restaurants. Many restaurants use seasonal ingredients and serve local fish. The local whitefish is particularly popular. Dishes are influenced by the town's proximity to Switzerland and Austria, so you'll enjoy a hybrid of flavors and recipes.

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 Lindau or Budapest Better for Nightlife?

Lindau
Budapest

Budapest is a great destination for nightlife and partying. However, Lindau is a town with minimal options for its evening party scene.

The people in Budapest know how to have a good time. The city's active nightlife includes dance clubs, local pubs, and cultural festivals throughout the year.

Lindau doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It's not known for its nightlife scene but there are bars where you can enjoy a relaxing night out.

Is Lindau or Budapest Better for its Old Town?

Lindau
Budapest

Both Lindau and Budapest have superb historic old towns worth visiting.

Lindau is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old town is located on Lindau island in Lake Constance. It has quaint buildings and many waterfront restaurants.

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.


Is the Shopping Better in Lindau or Budapest?

Lindau
Budapest

Budapest is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Lindau is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Lindau is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Lindau or Budapest Better for Families?

Lindau
Budapest

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

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Lindau is very family-friendly. Head to the waterfront where there's a playground, stand up paddleboarding, paddleboats, and more. Kids will also enjoy climbing to the top of the Old Lighthouse or exploring the Museum of Local History.

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 Lindau or Budapest Better for Couples?

Lindau
Budapest

Both Lindau and Budapest are superb destinations for a couple's getaway.

Couples visit Lindau frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With its charming old town, beautiful waterfront, great seafood restaurants, and nice hotels, couples will really enjoy a few days away at this lakefront town. It's the perfect place to have a romantic weekend.

Budapest is a great town 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 Lindau or Budapest Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lindau
Budapest

Budapest is terrific for backpackers. Also, Lindau 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 backpackers visit Lindau. The town has a couple of hostels and affordable hotels that make this waterfront town accessible to backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Lindau or Budapest Better for Students?

Lindau
Budapest

Budapest is terrific for students. However, Lindau is not popular with students.

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

Lindau is not popular with students.

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

Lindau
Budapest

Budapest is terrific for its public transit. However, Lindau is a town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Lindau. It's possible to reach town by bus or train and once you're in town you can walk many places.


Is Lindau or Budapest a more walkable city?

Lindau
Budapest

Budapest is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Lindau 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.

Lindau is a very walkable destination. The town is very walkable and there are also many walks into the countryside.

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

Should I spend more time in Budapest or Lindau?

How long in Lindau or Budapest?

In either Lindau or Budapest, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Budapest than Lindau because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Lindau, and 2-5 days is enough time in Budapest.

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

Couples should spend more time in Budapest than Lindau. 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 Lindau 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 Lindau or Budapest? Ideal Length of Stay
    Lindau 2-4 
    Budapest 2-5

One day in Lindau or Budapest?

Lindau is a small town where visitors enjoy the food. 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.

Budapest is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Lindau or Budapest?

Lindau is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town 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 Lindau, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Budapest is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


Five days in Lindau or Budapest?

Lindau 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Budapest. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Lindau or Budapest?

Lindau 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 town offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the bustling big city of Budapest. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Germany, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Germany, The Best 10-Day Tours from Budapest, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Budapest.


Which place is cheaper, Budapest or Lindau?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Lindau is €163, 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 Lindau and Budapest in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lindau 91
    Budapest 46
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lindau 182
    Budapest 92
Compare Hotels in Lindau and Budapest

Looking for a hotel in Lindau 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 Lindau


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: Lindau Hotel Prices and Budapest Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lindau 40
    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 Lindau or Budapest?

Prices for flights to both Budapest and Lindau 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
    Lindau 45
    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.
    Lindau 27
    Budapest 20

Tours and Activities in Lindau

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

  • Lindau - Town Highlights Walking Tour: $321
  • Lindau Private Christmas Market Tour: $267
  • Lindau Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Murder Crime Game Self-Guided Interactive Tour: $74
  • Private Guided Walking Tour: $207

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
    Lindau 25
    Budapest 17

Sample the Local Flavors in Lindau

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

  • Lake Constance wine tour > day tour > wine tasting at 3 winemakers: $195

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


Which is Bigger, Lindau or Budapest?

Budapest has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Lindau. When comparing the sizes of Lindau 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.