A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Manila vs. Belfast for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Manila or Belfast?

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 Manila and Belfast can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Manila or Belfast?

Manila

A sprawling metropolis that is home to more than 12 million people, Manila is one huge, misunderstood concrete jungle, full of diverse cultures, traffic, pollution, restaurants, shopping malls, noise and nightlife. If you're looking to soak in culture and feel the vibe of a place rather than seeking a city that specifically caters to tourists, Manila is the place to be. Capital of the Philippines, Manila is also the center for education, business, and transportation.

Belfast

Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland and the second largest city on the island of Ireland after Dublin. It has a population of about 270,000 and almost 500,000 in the metropolitan area. It's located on the mouth of the River Lagan and is set between many low hills that rise up around it.

One of the most famous, and tragic times in Belfast's history is referred to as "The Troubles." During this time, between 1969 and 1997, there were many bomb and gun attacks throughout the city. This left many areas as essentially no-go zones. Neighborhoods became completely lawless do to the lack of security and the damage is still visible today in some areas. In 1998 the Good Friday Agreement was signed and much of the politically motivated violence ended. The city actually received praise recently as the safest city in the UK based on crime rate. Tourism is growing and many visitors enjoy seeing this less popular travel destination. The city has a lot of character and will give you an interesting take on Irish and British history.

Belfast has a temperate climate and temperature and precipitation have little variation throughout the year. The climate is influenced by the warming effects of the Gulf Stream, making it warmer than many cities that are found at the same latitude. Rain is common with precipitation falling an average of 157 days a year. Snow is much less common, although it does happen about ten days a year. The warmest days during the summer may reach a temperature around 25 degrees Celsius and the coldest days have lows that drop just below freezing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Philippines, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Philippines, The Best Budget Tours to United Kingdom, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom.


Which place is cheaper, Belfast or Manila?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Manila is $93, while the average daily cost in Belfast is $167. 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 Manila and Belfast in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Manila $54
    Belfast $86
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Manila $108
    Belfast $172
Compare Hotels in Manila and Belfast

Looking for a hotel in Manila 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 Manila


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: Manila Hotel Prices and Belfast Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Manila $14
    Belfast $18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manila

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Manila:

  • Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport Private Transfer: $9.80
  • Private Transfer from Manila Airport (MNL) to Manila Cruise Port: $22
  • Private Departure Airport Transfer in Manila Bay and Makati Area: $23
  • Puerto Princesa Airport to El Nido Transfer: $25
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Manila APT-HTL (MNL) : $30
  • Round-trip Coron Airport Transfer + Town Tour (Shared): $31
  • Manila International Airport Private Transfer To & From City: $35
  • Manila Airport Transfer: $37
  • Private Arrival Airport Transfer: All Hotels in Ortigas: $41
  • Private Transfer from Clark Airport (CRK) to Subic Bay Port: $46
  • Manila Airport (MNL): One-way Private Transfers: $57
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Ninoy Aquino International Airport to Manila: $68

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Belfast

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Belfast:

  • Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Belfast Accommodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $23
  • Belfast Accommodation to Belfast City Airport (BHD) - Departure Private Transfer: $23
  • Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Holywood Accommodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $23
  • Belfast City to Belfast International Airport (BFS) - Departure Private Transfer: $27
  • Belfast International Airport (BFS) to Lisburn City - Arrival Private Transfer: $27
  • Private Belfast Arrival Transfer- Belfast City Airport to Belfast Hotel / Accomm: $44
  • Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Belfast Airport: $44
  • Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Belfast Accommodation - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $46
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Dundonald : $46
  • Private Transfer from Belfast Central to Belfast City Airport (BHD): $50
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Bangor : $50
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Comber: $50

Is it cheaper to fly into Manila or Belfast?

Prices for flights to both Belfast and Manila 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
    Manila $18
    Belfast $64

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Manila

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

  • Manila Night Market and food tour Experience: $58
  • ⭐ Manila Street Food Tour in the Downtown, Eat and Drink⭐: $64
  • Manila Food Tour: Explore World's Oldest Chinatown: $65
  • Manila Food Tour: Introduction to Philippine Street Food: $65
  • Makati Street Food Tour Experience: $69
  • Food Tour at the World's Oldest Chinatown: $75
  • Manila Chinatown Food Tour Experience with Mari: $82
  • Cultural Dance Show with Dinner in Manila: $120
  • Cultural Dinner and Show in Manila: $145

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: $82
  • Belfast Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $108

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Manila $19
    Belfast $23

Tours and Activities in Manila

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

  • Guided Tour of the Historic San Sebastian Basilica (Manila): $6.42
  • Historical Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros: $18
  • Skip the Line: Hike Eat Swim at Mount Purro Nature Reserve Ticket: $22
  • ⭐ Makati Bar Hopping Tour with Venus ⭐: $27
  • Intramuros Historical Walk Tour: $27
  • Old Manila Intramuros Area Walking Tour: $33
  • Guided Sunset Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros: $35
  • Experience Intramuros with Bamboo Bicycle - Ecotours: $37
  • Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide: $43
  • ⭐ Intramuros The Walled City Walking Tour ⭐: $46
  • ⭐ Authentic Manila Chinatown Experience ⭐: $46
  • Manila One-on-One Walking Tour with Mobile Photography: $50

Typical Entertainment Prices in Belfast

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


  • Movie Tickets
    $10

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: $6.93
  • Hillsborough Castle Gardens Entrance Ticket: $13
  • 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
    Manila $9.88
    Belfast $9.86

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
  • 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 Manila and Belfast, we can see that Belfast is more expensive. And not only is Manila much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Manila is in Asia and Belfast is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Manila would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Manila 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 Manila.

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


Which is Bigger, Manila or Belfast?

Manila has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Belfast. When comparing the sizes of Manila 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 Manila or Belfast?

Belfast has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Manila experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Manila or Belfast in the Summer?

Both Belfast and Manila are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Manila throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Belfast for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Manila is much warmer than Belfast. Typically, the summer temperatures in Manila in July average around 27°C (80°F), and Belfast averages at about 15°C (59°F).

It's quite rainy in Manila. In July, Manila usually receives more rain than Belfast. Manila gets 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Manila 27°C (80°F) 
    Belfast 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Manila or Belfast in the Autumn?

Both Belfast and Manila during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Manila because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many visitors come to Belfast in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Manila is generally much warmer than Belfast. Daily temperatures in Manila average around 26°C (79°F), and Belfast fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Manila. Manila usually gets more rain in October than Belfast. Manila gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Manila 26°C (79°F) 
    Belfast 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Manila or Belfast in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Manila and Belfast. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Manila year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Belfast for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Belfast can be very cold during winter. Manila is much warmer than Belfast in the winter. The daily temperature in Manila averages around 24°C (76°F) in January, and Belfast fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In January, Manila usually receives less rain than Belfast. Manila gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Manila 24°C (76°F) 
    Belfast 4°C (39°F)

Should I visit Manila or Belfast in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Manila as well as Belfast. Manila attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Belfast because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, Manila is much warmer than Belfast. Typically, the spring temperatures in Manila in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Belfast averages at about 8°C (46°F).

Manila usually gets less rain in April than Belfast. Manila gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Manila 29°C (84°F) 
    Belfast 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Belfast and Manila

Manila Belfast
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (76°F) 17 mm (0.7 in) 4°C (39°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 4°C (39°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 27°C (80°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 6°C (43°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 29°C (83°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 303 mm (11.9 in) 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 27°C (80°F) 408 mm (16.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 27°C (80°F) 452 mm (17.8 in) 15°C (59°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 27°C (80°F) 357 mm (14.1 in) 12°C (54°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 240 mm (9.4 in) 9°C (48°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 121 mm (4.8 in) 7°C (45°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 23°C (73°F) 50 mm (2 in) 5°C (41°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)