A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Liverpool vs. Belfast for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Liverpool or Belfast?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Liverpool and Belfast 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.

Liverpool

Liverpool is a historic, fun-filled, and diverse port city. It's also known for theater, nightlife, and live music.

Belfast

Belfast is a under-rated, authentic, and affordable city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife and shopping.

Liverpool and Belfast: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Numerous theater shows
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Liverpool or Belfast?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Liverpool than Belfast. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Liverpool is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, nightlife, music, and shopping, while Belfast attracts visitors for its big city activities. Liverpool is famous for its many museums and art galleries, as well as being the hometown of "The Beatles." It is also well known for The Liverpool Cathedral. Belfast is famous for being the birthplace of the Titanic and the location of the era of the "Troubles".

How is Liverpool different from Belfast?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Liverpool
Belfast

Liverpool is a nice place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

Liverpool is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Popular museums around town include Merseyside Maritime Museum, Victoria Gallery and Museum, and Walker Art Gallery.

Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.


Is Liverpool or Belfast Better for Theater?

Liverpool
Belfast

Liverpool is a well-known place for theatre. However, Belfast is not a theatre destination.

Many visitors plan to see a show while visiting Liverpool. The city has a diverse theater scene with major venues showing world renowned productions as well as cozy, local venues with small shows.

Belfast is not a theatre destination.

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

Liverpool
Belfast

Dining out at restaurants in both Liverpool and Belfast can be an enjoyable experience.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Liverpool. There are a diversity of flavors that are influenced by the city's international population. There are also several famous local dishes including scouse (a meat stew), toad in the hole (a giant yorkie stuffed with British sausages) and wet nelly (a dessert).

Belfast may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. 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 Liverpool or Belfast Better for Nightlife?

Liverpool
Belfast

Liverpool 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.

Liverpool offers plenty to do in the evening. The nightlife is fun and diverse Head to the waterfront for comedy clubs or the Ropewalks and Seel Street if you want a swanky experience. Cavern Quarter is the place to go for an all night party.

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 Liverpool or Belfast Better for Music?

Liverpool
Belfast

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

Liverpool is a world class music destination. Known as the birthplace of the Beatles, the city has been established as a rock and pop capital since the 1950s.

Belfast is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Liverpool or Belfast?

Liverpool
Belfast

Liverpool is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Liverpool is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Head to Liverpool ONE for the area's best shopping. This is the largest open-air shopping center in the UK and it's filled with a mix of name brands and independent vendors.

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

Is Liverpool or Belfast Better for Families?

Liverpool
Belfast

Liverpool 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.

Liverpool is a very family-friendly place to visit. One of the most popular activities for families is Pleasureland, an amuseument park with rides that are fun for young kids. The city also has many museums and play spaces that are great for families.

Belfast is a family-friendly port 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 Liverpool or Belfast Better for Couples?

Liverpool
Belfast

Liverpool is a nice place to visit for romance. However, Belfast is not a good city for its romantic activities.

Liverpool is a nice destination for couples. The city is fun, and the best way to enjoy a romantic getaway is to find a fun or unique activity that you can enjoy together. Going dancing, dining out, or seeing a show are all fun activities in the area.

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 Liverpool or Belfast Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Liverpool
Belfast

Liverpool is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Belfast is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Liverpool. The city has some fun hostels where you can stay and 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 Liverpool or Belfast Better for Students?

Liverpool
Belfast

Liverpool 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.

Liverpool is a great port city to visit as a student. The city is diverse, affordable, and offers an excellent academic environment. International students will fill welcomed and enjoy a fun city with a lot to offer.

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


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

Liverpool
Belfast

Liverpool is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Belfast is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Liverpool has a few public transit options. There are trains, buses, and ferries around the area.

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

Is Liverpool or Belfast a more walkable city?

Liverpool
Belfast

Liverpool is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

Liverpool is very walkable.

Belfast is a somewhat walkable place.

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

Should I spend more time in Belfast or Liverpool?

How long in Liverpool or Belfast?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Liverpool and Belfast. In our opinion, Liverpool has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Liverpool than Belfast. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Liverpool, and 1-3 days is enough time in Belfast.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Liverpool or Belfast? Ideal Length of Stay
    Liverpool 2-3 
    Belfast 1-3

One day in Liverpool or Belfast?

In Liverpool, you'll find museums and theater. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. This port city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the city of Belfast. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Belfast has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A weekend in Liverpool or Belfast?

In Liverpool, you'll find theater and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Liverpool has to offer.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the authentic destination of Belfast. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Liverpool or Belfast?

Liverpool is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the authentic city of Belfast. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Liverpool or Belfast?

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

Belfast is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United Kingdom, and The Best Luxury Tours to United Kingdom.


Which place is cheaper, Belfast or Liverpool?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Liverpool is £161, while the average daily cost in Belfast is £133. 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 Liverpool and Belfast in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Liverpool £76
    Belfast £68
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Liverpool £152
    Belfast £136
Compare Hotels in Liverpool and Belfast

Looking for a hotel in Liverpool or Belfast? 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 Liverpool


Hotels in Belfast


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: Liverpool Hotel Prices and Belfast Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Liverpool £26
    Belfast £14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Liverpool

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Liverpool:


  • City bike hire Liverpool
    £6.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Liverpool

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Liverpool:

  • BUS Transfer to/from John Lennon Airport: $5.75
  • Manchester Airport: BUS Transfer to/from Liverpool: $6.86
  • Liverpool Airport Arrival Private Transfer to Accommodation: $41
  • Liverpool to Liverpool Airport (LPL) - Departure Private Transfer: $41
  • Liverpool Cruise Port to Liverpool Airport (LPL) - Departure Private Transfer: $41
  • Liverpool Airport Transfer 1 to 10 Passengers One Way Transfer : $44
  • Private Departure Transfer from Liverpool City Center to Liverpool Airport (LPL): $47
  • Private Liverpool Departure Transfer - Liverpool Hotel / Accomm To Airport: $50
  • Private Liverpool Arrival Transfer:Liverpool John Lennon Airport to Hotel/Accomm: $50
  • Private Transfer from Stockton Heath to Manchester Airport (MAN): $64
  • Private Transfer from Knutsford to Manchester Airport (MAN): $64
  • Departure Private Transfer: Liverpool to Liverpool Airport LPL in Business Car: $65

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Belfast

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Belfast:

  • Arrival Private Transfer Belfast Airport BHD or BFS to Belfast by Luxury Car: $105
  • Arrival Private Transfer Belfast Airport BHD or BFS to Belfast by Luxury Van: $105
  • Arrival Private Transfer Belfast Airport BHD or BFS to Belfast by Minibus: $145
  • Belfast Accommodation to Belfast City Airport (BHD) - Departure Private Transfer: $23
  • Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Bangor Accommodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $27
  • Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Bangor Accommodation - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $54
  • Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Holywood Accommodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $23
  • Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Lisburn Accommodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $27
  • Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Lisburn Accommodation - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $55
  • Belfast City Airport BHD Executive transfer to Belfast 1-4 people: $58
  • Belfast City to Belfast International Airport (BFS) - Departure Private Transfer: $27
  • Belfast International Airport (BFS) to Belfast City - Arrival Private Transfer: $27

Is it cheaper to fly into Liverpool or Belfast?

Prices for flights to both Belfast and Liverpool 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
    Liverpool £59
    Belfast £51

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Liverpool

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Liverpool.

  • Brewery Bus Tour with Beer Tasting and Pizza: $81
  • Brewery bus tour, 5 breweries, 12 beers, 1 pizza, 1 bus: $89
  • Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $100

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Belfast

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Belfast.

  • Guided Craft Beer and Street Food Tour: $81
  • Belfast Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $108

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Liverpool £36
    Belfast £18

Tours and Activities in Liverpool

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

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Liverpool Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $3.27
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $4.28
  • Escape Game and Tour: $4.28
  • A Hope Street Stroll: A self-guided tour from the Metropolitan Cathedral to LIPA: $5.20
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.36
  • Liverpool History and Culture: A Self-Guided Audio Tour along the River Mersey: $6.99
  • Liverpool’s Hidden Histories: A Self-Guided Walking Tour: $6.99
  • Discover Liverpool’s Legacy: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.56
  • Discover Liverpool’s Legacy: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.59
  • Albert Docks Sightseeing Cruise with Commentary: $9.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11

Typical Entertainment Prices in Belfast

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Belfast are as follows:


  • Movie Tickets
    £8.00

Tours and Activities in Belfast

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Belfast are as follows:

  • Belfast’s Titanic Quarter: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.00
  • Belfast's Iconic Sites: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.47
  • Museum Ticket: $6.90
  • Hillsborough Castle Gardens Entrance Ticket: $12
  • If Buildings Could Talk Tour Belfast: $15
  • If Buildings Could Talk Tour: $15
  • Crumlin Road Gaol Experience: $18
  • 2.5-Hour Street Murals Tour in Spanish: $19
  • Belfast Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK: $19
  • Belfast Murals Political Tour in Spanish: $19
  • Line of Duty Guided Walking Tour: $21
  • Belfast Line of Duty Walking Tour: $22

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Liverpool £13
    Belfast £7.86

Sample the Local Flavors in Liverpool

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

  • FunnyBoyz Liverpool - Drag Shows, Tributes, Brunches & Bar Crawls: $19
  • Liverpool Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $50
  • Pirate Pub Crawl & Boat Tour: $56

Sample the Local Flavors in Belfast

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Belfast:

  • Pub Crawl and Bar Walking Tour with Two Drinks: $15
  • Belfast Pub Crawl: $15
  • Explore & Taste: Distillery Tour at Titanic Distillers: $32
  • Belfast Giant's Causeway and Titanic Distillery Whiskey Tour: $69
  • VIP Skip-the Line Titanic Museum and Distillery Tasting Tour: $119


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Liverpool and Belfast, we can see that Liverpool is more expensive. And not only is Belfast much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Belfast would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Belfast 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 Liverpool would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Liverpool than you might in Belfast.

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


Which is Bigger, Liverpool or Belfast?

Liverpool has a larger population, and is about 71% larger than the population of Belfast. When comparing the sizes of Liverpool 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 Liverpool 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 Liverpool or Belfast in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Liverpool and Belfast. Most visitors come to Liverpool for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Belfast because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Liverpool is generally around the same temperature as Belfast. Daily temperatures in Liverpool average around 15°C (60°F), and Belfast fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

Liverpool usually receives more sunshine than Belfast during summer. Liverpool gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Belfast receives 151 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Liverpool usually receives around the same amount of rain as Belfast. Liverpool gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Liverpool 15°C (60°F) 
    Belfast 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Liverpool or Belfast in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Liverpool as well as Belfast. The autumn months attract visitors to Liverpool because of the shopping scene and the music scene. Additionally, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Belfast this time of year.

Liverpool is a little warmer than Belfast in the autumn. The daily temperature in Liverpool averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Belfast fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the autumn, Liverpool often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Belfast. Liverpool gets 97 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Belfast receives 92 hours of full sun.

Liverpool usually gets less rain in October than Belfast. Liverpool gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Liverpool 12°C (53°F) 
    Belfast 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Liverpool or Belfast in the Winter?

Both Belfast and Liverpool are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Liverpool this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Belfast for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Belfast. In the winter, Liverpool is a little warmer than Belfast. Typically, the winter temperatures in Liverpool in January average around 5°C (42°F), and Belfast averages at about 4°C (39°F).

Liverpool usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Belfast during winter. Liverpool gets 53 hours of sunny skies, while Belfast receives 50 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Liverpool usually receives less rain than Belfast. Liverpool gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Liverpool 5°C (42°F) 
    Belfast 4°C (39°F)

Should I visit Liverpool or Belfast in the Spring?

Both Belfast and Liverpool during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Belfast in the spring for the activities around the city.

In April, Liverpool is generally around the same temperature as Belfast. Daily temperatures in Liverpool average around 8°C (47°F), and Belfast fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the spring, Liverpool often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Belfast. Liverpool gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Belfast receives 150 hours of full sun.

Liverpool usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Belfast. Liverpool gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Liverpool 8°C (47°F) 
    Belfast 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Belfast and Liverpool

Liverpool Belfast
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (42°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 4°C (39°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Feb 5°C (41°F) 50 mm (2 in) 4°C (39°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 6°C (44°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 6°C (43°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Apr 8°C (47°F) 51 mm (2 in) 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jun 14°C (56°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 15°C (60°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 15°C (59°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 15°C (60°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 15°C (59°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 12°C (54°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 9°C (48°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 8°C (47°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 7°C (45°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 6°C (44°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 5°C (41°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)