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

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

Manchester

Manchester is a vibrant, dynamic, and diverse city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Budapest

Budapest is a cultural, artistic, and historic city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Manchester and Budapest: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Manchester or Budapest?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Budapest than Manchester. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Budapest is very popular for its historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Manchester attracts visitors for its food and music. Budapest is more touristy than Manchester and is known for its thermal hot springs, European spas, rich culture, and wild nightlife scene. It is also well known for The Hungarian Parliament Building. Manchester is famous for its strong music culture as well as being home to the world-renowned Manchester United Football Club.

How is Manchester different from Budapest?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Spend time exploring the very good sights and museums in either Manchester or Budapest.

Many visitors head to Manchester specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Head to the Science and Industry Museum, the Imperial War Museum North, Manchester Cathedral, or John Rylands Library & Manchester Central Library to see some of the cities most interesting sights.

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

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

Manchester has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find a great food scene with diverse restaurant options that include international flavors, vegetarian options, and more. There are also many great places to try craft beer.

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 Manchester or Budapest Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is very good in both Manchester and Budapest.

Many people head to Manchester for the nightlife scene. The nightlife scene is diverse and high energy. Head to Deansgate or the Northern Quarter for some of the best nightlife venues. You'll also find a huge rave scene in town.

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 Manchester or Budapest Better for Music?

Manchester is great for its live music scene. However, Budapest is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Manchester draws a good crowd. There's a long running music reputation here. Some of the iconic bands that began here include Oasis and Stone Roses.

Budapest is not a live music destination.

Is Manchester or Budapest Better for its Old Town?

Budapest is great for its historic old town. However, Manchester 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.

Manchester does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Manchester or Budapest?

If you're looking to go shopping, Manchester and Budapest both offer plenty of very good spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Manchester. From jewelry to boutique clothing outlets, there are many places to shop around town. Head to Manchester Arndale, Trafford Centre, or Market Street for some of the best shopping.

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.

Is Manchester or Budapest Better for Families?

Manchester 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, Manchester is very family-friendly. You'll find a number of kid-friendly activities around town including the popular Legoland Discovery Center. Another fun activity is taking a behind the scenes CBBC interactive tour at MediaCityUK. Animal lovers will enjoy visiting the SeaLife Aquarium or the Chester Zoo and sports enthusiasts will not want to miss a visit to the National Football Museum or doing a tour of Old Trafford where you can also visit the Manchester United Museum.

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 Manchester or Budapest Better for Couples?

Both Manchester and Budapest are very good destinations to visit as a couple.

Manchester is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Couples can enjoy a visit to a spa, a nice meal out, or simply wandering down the canal. For a unique experience, you can hit to slopes at Chill Factore.

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 Manchester or Budapest Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Budapest is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Manchester. You'll find hostels around town and a number of visitors, particularly during the sports season.

Is Manchester or Budapest Better for Students?

Budapest is very popular for its student-friendly activities. Also, Manchester 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.

Manchester is a great city to visit as a student. There's a large number of students as well as a great music scene and tons of festivals that make this a great city to do your studies.

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

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

Budapest has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. The metro, trams, and buses make it easy to get around town.

Public transit in Manchester can get you to some places easily. The city has bus, train, and tram options for travel.

Is Manchester or Budapest a more walkable city?

Budapest is very popular for its walkability. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of 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.

Manchester is a somewhat walkable place. Some neighborhoods are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Budapest or Manchester?

How long in Manchester or Budapest?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Budapest than Manchester. 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 Manchester 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.

One day in Manchester or Budapest?

Manchester 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.

With museums and nightlife around the authentic city of Budapest, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Manchester or Budapest?

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

With nightlife and shopping around the big city destination of Budapest, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Manchester or Budapest?

Manchester 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, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Manchester or Budapest?

Manchester 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly 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 Manchester and Budapest, we can see that Manchester 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 Manchester would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Manchester 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 Manchester Expensive? and Is Budapest Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Manchester or Budapest?

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

Both Budapest and Manchester are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Manchester 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 the summer, Manchester is cooler than Budapest. Typically, the summer temperatures in Manchester in July average around 16°C (62°F), and Budapest averages at about 21°C (70°F).

It's quite sunny in Budapest. Manchester usually receives less sunshine than Budapest during summer. Manchester gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 278 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Manchester usually receives more rain than Budapest. Manchester gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Manchester or Budapest in the Autumn?

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

In October, Manchester is generally around the same temperature as Budapest. Daily temperatures in Manchester average around 11°C (52°F), and Budapest fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Manchester often gets less sunshine than Budapest. Manchester gets 97 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 152 hours of full sun.

Manchester usually gets more rain in October than Budapest. Manchester gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Manchester or Budapest in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Manchester and Budapest. Many travelers come to Manchester for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, 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 Manchester. Manchester is much warmer than Budapest in the winter. The daily temperature in Manchester averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Budapest fluctuates around -1°C (31°F).

Manchester usually receives less sunshine than Budapest during winter. Manchester gets 53 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 61 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Manchester usually receives more rain than Budapest. Manchester gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Manchester or Budapest in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Manchester is cooler than Budapest. Typically, the spring temperatures in Manchester in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Budapest averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In the spring, Manchester often gets less sunshine than Budapest. Manchester gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 178 hours of full sun.

Manchester usually gets more rain in April than Budapest. Manchester gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Budapest and Manchester