A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Orkney Islands vs. Belfast for Food, Couples, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands and Belfast can help you decide which place is right for you.

Orkney Islands

Orkney Islands is a remote, serene, and tranquil archipelago. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, beaches, and hiking.

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.

Orkney Islands and Belfast: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Orkney Islands or Belfast?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Belfast than Orkney Islands, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Belfast is better known for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Orkney Islands is more popular for its museums, food, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Belfast is more touristy than Orkney Islands and is popular for being the birthplace of the Titanic and the location of the era of the "Troubles". Also, Belfast is famous for Belfast Castle. Orkney Islands is well known for its sandy beaches, serene landscape, and well-preserved Neolithic sights.

How is Orkney Islands different from Belfast?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Orkney Islands or Belfast?

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

Orkney Islands is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The islands is home to a number of archaeological ruins including the stone age village of Skara Brae and the neolithic chambered cairn of Maes Howee. Also check out impressive Ring of Brodgar stone circle as well as the oldest dwelling in the UK, the Knap of Howar on Papa Westray.

Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Orkney Islands 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, Orkney Islands makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find so many local products on the islands. It's famous for its local beef, lamb, salmon, and seafood, but you'll also find cheeses and produce. There are two breweries on the island as well. Many people pick up some items that they take home with them.

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 Orkney Islands or Belfast Better for Nightlife?

Belfast is very good for its evening party scene. However, Orkney Islands is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Belfast has a few options to choose from. The city has a number of bars and clubs with local DJs or musicians.

Orkney Islands is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Orkney Islands or Belfast Better for Beaches?

Orkney Islands is a well-known place for its beaches. However, Belfast is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Orkney Islands. The archipelago has hundreds of miles of beaches that feel serene and remote. If you're looking for a tranquil setting that is natural and untouched, you'll have many to choose from. Some of the best beaches on the islands include Tresness Beach, Grobust Beach, and Sands of Evie Beach.

Belfast is not a beach destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Belfast Better for Hiking?

Orkney Islands is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Belfast is not a hiking destination.

Orkney Islands is a popular spot for hiking. Rolling hills and rugged landscapes make for relaxing and beautiful walks. There are also many archaeological ruins that you can explore. Favorite hikes in the area include Balfour Village and Mill Dam, Birsay Whalebone, and Birwick to Barth Head.

Belfast is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Orkney Islands or Belfast?

Belfast is very good for its shopping areas. However, Orkney Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Belfast has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The main shopping areas in the city are Victoria Square Shopping Centre and CastleCourt.

Orkney Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Belfast Better for Families?

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either Orkney Islands or Belfast.

Orkney Islands offers lots of family activities. Exploring the beaches is one of the best way to spend your days with kids. There are also several places you can take the kids like Barony Mill, Skate Rumple Alpaca Farm, Corrigall Farm Museum, and Kirbuster Farm Museum.

Belfast is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Orkney Islands or Belfast Better for Couples?

Orkney Islands is a well-known place for romance. However, Belfast is not a good city for its romantic activities.

Orkney Islands is a very popular place to visit for couples. Nature lovers will enjoy the stunning beaches and beautiful natural setting. There are also some great restaurants and even live music performances that make for a fun date night.

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 Orkney Islands or Belfast Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Orkney Islands is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Belfast is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Orkney Islands. If camping is your style, you'll find some great campgrounds and campsites that make the most of this beautiful natural setting.

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 Orkney Islands or Belfast Better for Students?

Belfast is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Orkney Islands is not popular with students.

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

Orkney Islands is not popular with students.

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

Orkney Islands 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.

Orkney Islands has a few public transit options. Buses travel to many parts of the islands and many islands are connected by ferries.

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

Is Orkney Islands or Belfast a more walkable city?

Belfast is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.

Belfast is a somewhat walkable city.

Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.

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

Should I spend more time in Belfast or Orkney Islands?

How long in Orkney Islands or Belfast?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Orkney Islands and Belfast. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Orkney Islands than in Belfast. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Orkney Islands, and 1-3 days is enough time in Belfast.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands.

One day in Orkney Islands or Belfast?

In Orkney Islands, you'll find food and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This archipelago offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Belfast, you'll find shopping and nightlife. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Orkney Islands or Belfast?

In Orkney Islands, you'll find museums and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Belfast is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Orkney Islands or Belfast?

Orkney Islands is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Orkney Islands has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Belfast. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Orkney Islands or Belfast?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Orkney Islands. In Orkney Islands, you'll find museums and food. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the city of Belfast. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United Kingdom, and The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom.

When comparing the travel costs between Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands Expensive? and Is Belfast Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands or Belfast in the Summer?

Both Belfast and Orkney Islands during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Orkney Islands this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Belfast for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Orkney Islands is cooler than Belfast. Typically, the summer temperatures in Orkney Islands in July average around 12°C (54°F), and Belfast averages at about 15°C (59°F).

In the summer, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than Belfast. Orkney Islands gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Belfast receives 151 hours of full sun.

Orkney Islands usually gets less rain in July than Belfast. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Belfast in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Orkney Islands and Belfast. Many travelers come to Orkney Islands for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Belfast in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Orkney Islands is generally around the same temperature as Belfast. Daily temperatures in Orkney Islands average around 9°C (48°F), and Belfast fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than Belfast during autumn. Orkney Islands gets 73 hours of sunny skies, while Belfast receives 92 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Orkney Islands gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Orkney Islands usually receives more rain than Belfast. Orkney Islands gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Belfast in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Orkney Islands as well as Belfast. Many visitors come to Orkney Islands in the winter for the museums and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Belfast for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Belfast can be very cold during winter. Orkney Islands can get quite cold in the winter. Orkney Islands is around the same temperature as Belfast in the winter. The daily temperature in Orkney Islands averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Belfast fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than Belfast. Orkney Islands gets 29 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Belfast receives 50 hours of full sun.

Orkney Islands receives a lot of rain in the winter. Orkney Islands usually gets more rain in January than Belfast. Orkney Islands gets 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Belfast in the Spring?

Both Belfast and Orkney Islands are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Orkney Islands for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Belfast because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, Orkney Islands is cooler than Belfast. Typically, the spring temperatures in Orkney Islands in April average around 6°C (43°F), and Belfast averages at about 8°C (46°F).

Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than Belfast during spring. Orkney Islands gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Belfast receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Orkney Islands usually receives more rain than Belfast. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Belfast and Orkney Islands