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

Should you visit London 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 London and Budapest can help you decide which place is right for you.

London

London is a diverse, iconic, and global 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. Visitors also love the live music, food, and shopping.

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.

London and Budapest: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in London or Budapest?

Travelers will usually find more to do in London than Budapest, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. London is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and christmas markets, while Budapest is known for its historical sights. London is more touristy than Budapest and is known for its international reputation, its world-renowned theater productions, and its many different markets. It is also home to Big Ben. Budapest is popular for its thermal hot springs, European spas, rich culture, and wild nightlife scene.

Big Ben

How is London different from Budapest?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

The museums and tourist attractions in London are world-renowned. The city has so many iconic sights that we can't list them all, but some of the most famous include the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, St. Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the British Museum. You can fill many days exploring the treasures found at each of the venues.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Budapest can be an interesting and educational experience. Famous sights include the Buda Castle and Castle Hill, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and St. Stephen's Basilica.

Is London or Budapest Better for Theater?

London is terrific for its theatre productions. However, Budapest is not a theatre destination.

The theater scene in London is world-class. The West End theater district is where you'll find the most popular musicals. Famous theaters include Apollo Theatre, Palace Theatre, and Piccadilly Theatre. There are often Wednesday matinees that are a bit cheaper than the evening shows. You may also be able to get discounted last minute tickets if you're visiting during the less touristy times.

Budapest is not a theatre destination.

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

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

London has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Although food here was once the butt of a number of jokes, the restaurant scene has come a long way, and you can find anything and everything around town. Head to Chinatown to try dim sum or hot pot. There are no shortage of Indian restaurants as well. If you want the best food for the lowest prices, your best bet is to get out of the touristy areas and discover where the locals eat. There are also many markets that are perfect for grabbing a unique lunch or snack. Burrough Market has a number of ethnic and seafood vendors as well as fresh produce and snack options.

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 London or Budapest Better for Nightlife?

London is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

London is a must-see party destination. Some of the best neighborhoods for nightlife are Camden, West End, Soho, and Shoreditch. There are many festivals, concerts, and shows worth checking out and the nightlife scene is diverse enough that there really is something for everyone.

Budapest has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city's active nightlife includes dance clubs, local pubs, and cultural festivals throughout the year.

Is London or Budapest Better for Music?

London is terrific for its live music scene. However, Budapest is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in London. Famous music venues include Dominion Theatre, the Roundhouse, and Dublin Castle.

Budapest is not a live music destination.

Is London or Budapest Better for its Old Town?

Budapest is a great city for its historic old town charm. However, London 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.

London does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in London or Budapest?

London is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, London draws large crowds to its stores. With so much iconic shopping around town, it's hard to decide where to go. Head to Oxford Street, Regent Street, or Piccadilly Circus for a quintessential British shopping experience.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Budapest. The city has a diverse shopping scene that you can experience by visiting the Central Market or Váci Street.

Is London or Budapest Better for Christmas?

London is terrific for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Budapest does not offer Christmas activities.

With so many activities, London is a top place to visit during Christmas. There's Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, outdoor ice skating, and beautiful Christmas lights throughout the city. You can also listen to Christmas Carols in Trafalgar Square or see a classic Christmas show.

Budapest does not offer Christmas activities.

Is London or Budapest Better for Christmas Markets?

London is terrific for visiting Christmas markets. However, Budapest does not offer Christmas markets.

The Christmas markets in London are not to be missed. The city has many Christmas markets. There is Winter Wonderland Christmas market, Southbank Centre Winter Market, and Selfridges Christmas Market, among many others.

Budapest does not offer Christmas markets.

Is London or Budapest Better for Families?

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

London is one of the most popular family destinations. Whether you do a Harry Potter Tour, take a ride on the London Eye, or enjoy afternoon tea, there are plenty of activities for kids around town. The Harry Potter Studio Tour is fun for everyone, but should be booked well in advance as it sells out. Theatre enthusiasts will enjoy catching a musical in West End and sampling dim sum or a hot pot in Chinatown. There are often Wednesday matinee showings that are perfect for kids with early bedtimes.

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 London or Budapest Better for Couples?

London 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, London has plenty to offer. With every type of entertainment that you can imagine, this city is the ultimate couple's getaway. There are world class musicals, evening concerts, and restaurants of every style, cuisine, and budget. It's easy for couples to fill days in this vibrant city.

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 London or Budapest Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both London and Budapest are fantastic places to visit.

A large number of backpackers visit London, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. Although the city is very expensive, it has tons of hostels, affordable restaurant options, and great public transit. There's a huge backpacker network here and it's easy to meet other travelers. The nightlife scene is also second to none.

Budapest is a mecca for backpackers and 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.

Is London or Budapest Better for Students?

For students, both London and Budapest are fantastic places to visit.

Students come from all over the world to visit London. The city has a number of universities and is a popular study abroad destination. It's also a very diverse city, so international students will feel right at home.

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

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

London and Budapest both offer fantastic public transit to get you around.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of London can take you anywhere. From the iconic double decker buses to the Tube, there are plenty of options throughout the city.

Budapest has a great public transit system. The metro, trams, and buses make it easy to get around town.

Is London or Budapest a more walkable city?

London and Budapest are fantastic when it comes to walkability.

London is a very easy city to get around on foot. With many walkable areas, it is considered to be one of the world's most walkable major cities.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Budapest or London?

How long in London or Budapest?

In either London or Budapest, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in London than Budapest because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for London, and 2-5 days is enough time in Budapest.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in London than Budapest 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 London.

One day in London or Budapest?

London is a big city with plenty to do. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the big city destination of Budapest. 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 London or Budapest?

London is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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.

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 London or Budapest?

London is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in London, five days is sufficent for most. 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 London or Budapest?

London is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that London has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic 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 Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Adventure Tours to United Kingdom, 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 London and Budapest, we can see that London 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 London would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in London 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 London Expensive? and Is Budapest Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, London or Budapest?

London has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Budapest. When comparing the sizes of London 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 London 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 London or Budapest in the Summer?

Both Budapest and London are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to London because of the city activities, the music scene, and 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, London is generally cooler than Budapest. Daily temperatures in London average around 18°C (64°F), and Budapest fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

It's quite sunny in Budapest. London usually receives less sunshine than Budapest during summer. London gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 278 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, London usually receives around the same amount of rain as Budapest. London gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit London or Budapest in the Autumn?

Both Budapest and London during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to London 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.

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

In the autumn, London often gets less sunshine than Budapest. London gets 107 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 152 hours of full sun.

London usually gets more rain in October than Budapest. London gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit London or Budapest in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both London and Budapest. Many travelers come to London for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, 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. Be prepared for some very cold days in London. In the winter, London is much warmer than Budapest. Typically, the winter temperatures in London in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Budapest averages at about -1°C (31°F).

London usually receives less sunshine than Budapest during winter. London gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 61 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, London usually receives more rain than Budapest. London gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit London or Budapest in the Spring?

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

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

In the spring, London often gets less sunshine than Budapest. London gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 178 hours of full sun.

London usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Budapest. London gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Budapest and London