A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Newcastle upon Tyne vs. Belfast for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne and Belfast can help you decide which place is right for you.

Newcastle upon Tyne

Newcastle upon Tyne is a livable, cultural, and historical port city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

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.

Newcastle upon Tyne and Belfast: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Newcastle upon Tyne or Belfast?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Newcastle upon Tyne than Belfast. While Belfast is larger than Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne has more sights and attractions for tourists. Newcastle upon Tyne is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Belfast is more popular for its big city activities. Newcastle upon Tyne is well known for its compact and livable atmosphere as well as its active nightlife scene. Also, Newcastle upon Tyne is famous for The Tyne Bridge. Belfast is well known for being the birthplace of the Titanic and the location of the era of the "Troubles".

How is Newcastle upon Tyne different from Belfast?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Newcastle upon Tyne or Belfast?

Newcastle upon Tyne is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Newcastle upon Tyne can be an interesting and educational experience. There are many historic and cultural sights around town. Some of the most interesting include the Historic Tyne Bridges, the Millennium Bridge, the Castle, Newcastle Cathedral, and the Great North Museum: Hancock.

Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Newcastle upon Tyne or Belfast? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Newcastle upon Tyne is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Belfast is not a good city for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Newcastle upon Tyne makes for a great culinary experience. The city is known for its food and there are some interesting local flavors that you should try. For something unique, try the singing hinny (sweet bread), pan haggerty (similar to potato gratin), stottie cake (bread) or craster kippers (smoked herring). You'll also find a diversity of cosmopolitan restaurants around town.

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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Belfast Better for Nightlife?

Newcastle upon Tyne 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.

Newcastle upon Tyne offers plenty to do in the evening. Because of the large student population, you'll find a very active nightlife scene. There are several party districts in the city that you should check out including Quayside, the Gate, the Diamond Strip, Bigg Market, and Dean Street.

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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Belfast Better for its Old Town?

Newcastle upon Tyne is a well-known place for its historic old town. However, Belfast does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Newcastle upon Tyne to see the historical old town. Known as Grainger Town, the city's historic commercial center is famous for its Georgian and Victorian buildings.

Belfast does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Newcastle upon Tyne or Belfast?

Newcastle upon Tyne 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.

Newcastle upon Tyne is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city has boutique shops as well as major shopping malls. Some of the best shopping areas include the pedestrian shopping street of Northumberland Street, the historic Grey Street, and Grainger Market.

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

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Belfast Better for Families?

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either Newcastle upon Tyne or Belfast.

Newcastle upon Tyne is a family-friendly port city. Kids will love visiting the Newcastle Castle, but there are also ropes courses and the Victoria Tunnel Tours. Museum lovers will enjoy a visit to Discovery Museum, the Life Science Center, or Beamish, the Living Museum of the North.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Belfast. 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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Belfast Better for Couples?

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

Newcastle upon Tyne is a nice destination for couples. The city boasts many romantic walks as well as fine dining restaurants and interesting entertainment options. It's not hard to enjoy a fun date night out on the town.

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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Belfast Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne. There are a number of hostels to choose from and plenty of entertainment choices so you shouldn't have much trouble meeting other people.

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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Belfast Better for Students?

Newcastle upon Tyne 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.

Newcastle upon Tyne is a great port city to visit as a student. The city has a large student population and a lively nightlife scene, so it's a fun place for students to spend a semester or more.

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

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

Newcastle upon Tyne is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Belfast is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Newcastle upon Tyne. There are bus, ferry, and light rail services in the city.

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

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Belfast a more walkable city?

Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne on foot. The city is one of the most walkable in the UK.

Belfast is a somewhat walkable place.

For even more information, also check out Is Newcastle upon Tyne Worth Visiting? and Is Belfast Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Belfast or Newcastle upon Tyne?

How long in Newcastle upon Tyne or Belfast?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne.

One day in Newcastle upon Tyne or Belfast?

In Newcastle upon Tyne, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This port city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Belfast, many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping that this destination offers. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Newcastle upon Tyne or Belfast?

In Newcastle upon Tyne, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Newcastle upon Tyne has to offer.

Many people visit Belfast for a weekend. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Belfast, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Newcastle upon Tyne or Belfast?

Newcastle upon Tyne is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

The destination of Belfast offers nightlife and shopping. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Newcastle upon Tyne or Belfast?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Newcastle upon Tyne. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Newcastle upon Tyne. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Belfast. This city offers something for everyone. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, and The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom.

When comparing the travel costs between Newcastle upon Tyne and Belfast, we can see that Belfast is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Newcastle upon Tyne or Belfast?

Belfast has a larger population, and is about 43% larger than the population of Newcastle upon Tyne. When comparing the sizes of Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Belfast in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Newcastle upon Tyne as well as Belfast. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Newcastle upon Tyne this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Belfast for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Newcastle upon Tyne is around the same temperature as Belfast. Typically, the summer temperatures in Newcastle upon Tyne in July average around 15°C (59°F), and Belfast averages at about 15°C (59°F).

In the summer, Newcastle upon Tyne often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Belfast. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Belfast receives 151 hours of full sun.

Newcastle upon Tyne usually gets more rain in July than Belfast. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Belfast in the Autumn?

Both Belfast and Newcastle upon Tyne are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Newcastle upon Tyne for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Belfast in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Newcastle upon Tyne is generally around the same temperature as Belfast. Daily temperatures in Newcastle upon Tyne average around 10°C (49°F), and Belfast fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives less sunshine than Belfast during autumn. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 69 hours of sunny skies, while Belfast receives 92 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Newcastle upon Tyne. In October, Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives more rain than Belfast. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Belfast in the Winter?

Both Belfast and Newcastle upon Tyne during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Newcastle upon Tyne in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Belfast for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Belfast can be very cold during winter. Newcastle upon Tyne can get quite cold in the winter. Newcastle upon Tyne is cooler than Belfast in the winter. The daily temperature in Newcastle upon Tyne averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Belfast fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Newcastle upon Tyne often gets less sunshine than Belfast. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 40 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 Newcastle upon Tyne. Newcastle upon Tyne usually gets more rain in January than Belfast. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Belfast in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Newcastle upon Tyne and Belfast. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Belfast because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, Newcastle upon Tyne is around the same temperature as Belfast. Typically, the spring temperatures in Newcastle upon Tyne in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Belfast averages at about 8°C (46°F).

Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives less sunshine than Belfast during spring. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Belfast receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives more rain than Belfast. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Belfast and Newcastle upon Tyne