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

Should you visit Lisbon or Belfast?

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

Should I visit Lisbon or Belfast? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Lisbon

Lisbon is a colorful, vibrant, and stunning city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Belfast

Belfast is a authentic, affordable, and under-rated city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the nightlife and shopping.

Lisbon and Belfast: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lisbon or Belfast?

You'll generally find more things to do in Lisbon than Belfast. Lisbon is bigger than Belfast, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Lisbon is more touristy than Belfast and is popular for its hilltop vistos, beautiful old town, and lively Fado music. Also, Lisbon is famous for Castelo de São Jorge. Belfast is well known for being the birthplace of the Titanic and the location of the era of the "Troubles".

How is Lisbon different from Belfast?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Lisbon or Belfast?

Lisbon is an unbeatable place for its sights and museums. However, Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Lisbon that are not to be missed. World renowned landmarks include St. George's Castle, Jerónimos monastery, the Belém Tower, Santa Justa Lift, and countless world class museums.

Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Lisbon is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Belfast is not a good city for its restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Lisbon is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. There are many local restaurants as well as food tours and cooking classes that you can enjoy. Make sure you try the local favorites like bacalhau à brás, frango no churrasco, and pastel de nata. Given the beautiful climate, outdoor seating is also popular. Head into the less touristy neighborhoods to try some local dishes or hit up a seafood market. There are also many cafes that offer great breakfasts with fresh ingredients.

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 Lisbon or Belfast Better for Nightlife?

Lisbon is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Lisbon is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. It is a bustling city with a lot of energy late into the night. There are countless bars, clubs, and music venues that cater to every personality type and style. Whether you want a more relaxed vibe or a raging party, there is likely an place for you.

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 Lisbon or Belfast Better for Music?

Lisbon is an unbeatable place for live music. However, Belfast is not a live music destination.

Lisbon is a world class music destination. The local folk music, fado, is popular here, but there are also venues that host almost any other style of music as well. You'll also find several fado museums around town.

Belfast is not a live music destination.

Is Lisbon or Belfast Better for Beaches?

Lisbon is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Belfast is not a beach destination.

Lisbon has a beach worth visiting. The beaches are often overlooked by visitors, but the coastline near the city is lined with beautiful sandy beaches that are arguably among the best in the area. If you want to get away from city life, head for the water.

Belfast is not a beach destination.

Is Lisbon or Belfast Better for its Old Town?

Lisbon is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. However, Belfast does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Lisbon offers plenty to see. The city is famous for the Alfama area, which is where you find the traditional buildings, cobblestoned streets, wandering alleyways, and steep hills. Make sure you take in the stunning view from various parts of town.

Belfast does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Lisbon or Belfast?

Lisbon is an unbeatable place for shopping. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Lisbon is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. For high end shopping, head to The Avenida da Liberdade. It's lined with designer brands and luxury boutiques.

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

Is Lisbon or Belfast Better for Families?

Lisbon is a well-known 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.

Lisbon is a very family-friendly place to visit. Popular family-friendly activities include exploring Castelo Sao Jorge, visiting the aquarium, hanging out on the beach, and of course, taking the funiculars. Kids of all ages will appreciate the intricate maze of streets and lively atmosphere that this city offers. There's also the famous Livraria Lello & Irmão, which is a beautiful bookshop that is said to be an inspiration for Harry Potter. Don't expect to simply walk in, as there is often a long line to enter.

Belfast is a family-friendly city. 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 Lisbon or Belfast Better for Couples?

Lisbon is a well-known place for romance. However, Belfast is not a good city for its romantic activities.

Lisbon is a very popular place to visit for couples. With it's colorful buildings and dramatic hills, this city offers a truly romantic setting for couples. There are many romantic viewpoints as well as world class restaurants that couples will enjoy.

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 Lisbon or Belfast Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Lisbon is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. Hostels are abundant, and you'll have no trouble finding other backpackers to hang out with. Many hostels even organize activities and group meals for travelers. Prices are also reasonable for a large and vibrant city.

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 Lisbon or Belfast Better for Students?

Lisbon is a well-known place for students. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Lisbon is a great city to visit as a student. It's a lively city with a lot to see and do for international students.

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

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

Lisbon is an unbeatable place for its public transit. However, Belfast is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors in Lisbon can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The metro has four lines that go around the city. There are also trams, buses, and the funiculars.

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

Is Lisbon or Belfast a more walkable city?

Lisbon is an unbeatable place for its walkability. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Lisbon on foot. There are many walkable areas that aren't too hilly like Baixa, a stretch along the Tagus River, and Belém.

Belfast is a somewhat walkable place.

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

Should I spend more time in Belfast or Lisbon?

How long in Lisbon or Belfast?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Lisbon and Belfast. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Lisbon than in Belfast. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Lisbon, and 1-3 days is enough time in Belfast.

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

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

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

One day in Lisbon or Belfast?

Because Lisbon 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.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Belfast. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Lisbon or Belfast?

Because Lisbon 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. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Belfast 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 Lisbon or Belfast?

Lisbon 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 Lisbon has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Belfast. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Lisbon or Belfast?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lisbon. Because Lisbon is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the under-rated destination of Belfast. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Portugal, The Best 2-Week 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 Lisbon and Belfast, we can see that Belfast is more expensive. And not only is Lisbon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lisbon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lisbon 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 Lisbon.

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

Which is Bigger, Lisbon or Belfast?

Lisbon has a larger population, and is about 88% larger than the population of Belfast. When comparing the sizes of Lisbon 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 Lisbon or Belfast?

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 Lisbon or Belfast in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Lisbon as well as Belfast. Many travelers come to Lisbon for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Belfast in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Lisbon is much warmer than Belfast. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lisbon in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Belfast averages at about 15°C (59°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lisbon this time of the year. In the summer, Lisbon often gets more sunshine than Belfast. Lisbon gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Belfast receives 151 hours of full sun.

Lisbon usually gets less rain in July than Belfast. Lisbon gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lisbon or Belfast in the Autumn?

Both Belfast and Lisbon are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Lisbon in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Belfast for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Lisbon is generally much warmer than Belfast. Daily temperatures in Lisbon average around 19°C (66°F), and Belfast fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lisbon. Lisbon usually receives more sunshine than Belfast during autumn. Lisbon gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Belfast receives 92 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Lisbon usually receives less rain than Belfast. Lisbon gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lisbon or Belfast in the Winter?

Both Belfast and Lisbon during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Lisbon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Belfast because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

The weather in Belfast can be very cold. Lisbon is much warmer than Belfast in the winter. The daily temperature in Lisbon averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Belfast fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Lisbon often gets more sunshine than Belfast. Lisbon gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Belfast receives 50 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Lisbon. Lisbon usually gets more rain in January than Belfast. Lisbon gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lisbon or Belfast in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Lisbon and Belfast. The spring months attract visitors to Lisbon because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Belfast this time of year.

In the spring, Lisbon is much warmer than Belfast. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lisbon in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Belfast averages at about 8°C (46°F).

In Lisbon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lisbon usually receives more sunshine than Belfast during spring. Lisbon gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Belfast receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Lisbon usually receives more rain than Belfast. Lisbon gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Belfast and Lisbon