A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Palma de Mallorca vs. Budapest for Nightlife, Backpackers, Food, and Old Town

Should you visit Palma de Mallorca or Budapest?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Palma de Mallorca or Budapest, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Palma de Mallorca

Palma de Mallorca is a historic, beautiful, and stunning island. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Budapest

Budapest is a artistic, historic, and authentic 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.

Palma de Mallorca and Budapest: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Palma de Mallorca or Budapest?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Budapest than Palma de Mallorca. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Budapest is very popular for its museums, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Palma de Mallorca attracts visitors for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. Palma de Mallorca is more touristy than Budapest and is known for its strikingly blue waters, sandy beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant towns. Budapest is famous for its thermal hot springs, European spas, rich culture, and wild nightlife scene. It is also well known for The Hungarian Parliament Building.

How is Palma de Mallorca different from Budapest?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Palma de Mallorca or Budapest?

Budapest is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Palma de Mallorca does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Palma de Mallorca does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Palma de Mallorca or Budapest? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Palma de Mallorca has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Food here is centered around pork, fish, and vegetables. It is flavored with garlic and olive oil and it offers that feeling of comfort that comes with home cooking.

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 Palma de Mallorca or Budapest Better for Nightlife?

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

Palma de Mallorca is a must-see party destination. Head to Magaluf and Palma for the most popular places.

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 Palma de Mallorca or Budapest Better for Music?

Palma de Mallorca is great for its live music scene. However, Budapest is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Palma de Mallorca draws a good crowd. Live concerts, international DJs, and a diverse range of styles have put the island's music scene on the map.

Budapest is not a live music destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Budapest Better for Resorts?

Palma de Mallorca is great for its luxury resorts. However, Budapest is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Palma de Mallorca. Top resorts on the island include The St Regis Mardavall, Viva Cala Mesquida Resort and Spa, and Nixe Palace Hotel.

Budapest is not a resort destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Budapest Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Palma de Mallorca is very good for its diving and snorkeling. However, Budapest is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Palma de Mallorca. Head to Cala Santanyi on the south side of the island for the best snorkeling. For scuba diving, National Park of Cabrera is one of the most popular spots.

Budapest is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Budapest Better for Beaches?

Palma de Mallorca is terrific for the beache. However, Budapest is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Palma de Mallorca is a very popular vacation destination. The island is lined with sandy beaches and rocky coves, which have contributed to it becoming one of Europe's most popular beach destinations.

Budapest is not a beach destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Budapest Better for its Old Town?

Budapest is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its old town.

Many visitors go to Budapest to see the historical old town. 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.

Many people head to Palma de Mallorca to see the old town. Alcudia is the best old town on the island. It has cobblestone streets and historic walls that give it charm and history.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Budapest Better for Hiking?

Palma de Mallorca is very good for hiking. However, Budapest is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Palma de Mallorca. There are many beautiful hikes along the water and through the countryside that offer beautiful views and pass by quaint towns.

Budapest is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Palma de Mallorca or Budapest?

Budapest is an excellent place to visit for shopping. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

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

Palma de Mallorca offers some nice shopping areas. Head to Palma for some of the areas best shopping.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Budapest Better for Families?

Palma de Mallorca 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, Palma de Mallorca is very family-friendly. The beaches are large and sandy with beautiful blue waters. There's also many activities that both adults and kids can enjoy around the island including waterparks, aquariums, and amusement areas.

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 Palma de Mallorca or Budapest Better for Couples?

Budapest is an excellent place to visit for romance. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Budapest makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Palma de Mallorca makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With beautiful beaches and a fun Spanish flare, Mallorca makes for a memorable honeymoon.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Budapest Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Budapest is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Palma de Mallorca is a great island to visit for backpackers. There is no shortage of hostels in Mallorca so it's easy to find an affordable place to stay and a young crowd to hang out with.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Budapest Better for Students?

Budapest is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Palma de Mallorca is not popular with students.

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.

Palma de Mallorca is not popular with students.

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

Budapest is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Budapest has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The metro, trams, and buses make it easy to get around town.

You'll find some public transit in Palma de Mallorca, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is an efficient bus system that can get you around the island, but trips are less frequent on weekends. Pick up the Intermodal Card which can get you from town to town.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Budapest a more walkable city?

Budapest is a must-visit destination for its walkability. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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

Palma de Mallorca is a somewhat walkable place. It is a larger island that is not walkable, but Palma is generally a walkable area. If you stay in the central area you should be fine to explore on foot but if you want to get out into more rural areas, you'll need access to some type of transportation.

For even more information, also check out Is Palma de Mallorca Worth Visiting? and Is Budapest Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Budapest or Palma de Mallorca?

How long in Palma de Mallorca or Budapest?

In either Palma de Mallorca or Budapest, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. You can fill a similar amount of time in either place. In general, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Palma de Mallorca, and 2-5 days is enough time in Budapest.

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

Couples should spend more time in Budapest than Palma de Mallorca. 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 Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca or Budapest?

The beautiful island of Palma de Mallorca offers shopping and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

When visiting Budapest, people usually allow for lots of time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

A weekend in Palma de Mallorca or Budapest?

Palma de Mallorca is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

When visiting Budapest, people usually allow for lots of time. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Visiting the old town is also a must. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Five days in Palma de Mallorca or Budapest?

Palma de Mallorca is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Palma de Mallorca, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

When visiting Budapest, people usually allow for lots of time. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here.

A week in Palma de Mallorca or Budapest?

Palma de Mallorca is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This island offers something for everyone.

Budapest is a popular choice for travelers. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Spain, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, 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 Palma de Mallorca and Budapest, we can see that Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca Expensive? and Is Budapest Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Palma de Mallorca or Budapest?

Budapest has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Palma de Mallorca. When comparing the sizes of Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca or Budapest in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Palma de Mallorca and Budapest. Most visitors come to Palma de Mallorca for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Budapest because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Palma de Mallorca is a little warmer than Budapest. Typically, the summer temperatures in Palma de Mallorca in July average around 24°C (76°F), and Budapest averages at about 21°C (70°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Budapest this time of the year. In Palma de Mallorca, it's very sunny this time of the year. Palma de Mallorca usually receives more sunshine than Budapest during summer. Palma de Mallorca gets 334 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 278 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Palma de Mallorca usually receives less rain than Budapest. Palma de Mallorca gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Palma de Mallorca or Budapest in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Palma de Mallorca as well as Budapest. The autumn months attract visitors to Palma de Mallorca because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Budapest this time of year.

In October, Palma de Mallorca is generally much warmer than Budapest. Daily temperatures in Palma de Mallorca average around 19°C (66°F), and Budapest fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Palma de Mallorca this time of the year. In the autumn, Palma de Mallorca often gets more sunshine than Budapest. Palma de Mallorca gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 152 hours of full sun.

Palma de Mallorca usually gets more rain in October than Budapest. Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca or Budapest in the Winter?

Both Budapest and Palma de Mallorca are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Palma de Mallorca this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Budapest for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Budapest. Palma de Mallorca is much warmer than Budapest in the winter. The daily temperature in Palma de Mallorca averages around 11°C (52°F) in January, and Budapest fluctuates around -1°C (31°F).

Palma de Mallorca usually receives more sunshine than Budapest during winter. Palma de Mallorca gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 61 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Palma de Mallorca usually receives around the same amount of rain as Budapest. Palma de Mallorca gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Palma de Mallorca or Budapest in the Spring?

Both Budapest and Palma de Mallorca during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Palma de Mallorca for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Budapest in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Palma de Mallorca is a little warmer than Budapest. Typically, the spring temperatures in Palma de Mallorca in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Budapest averages at about 12°C (53°F).

It's quite sunny in Palma de Mallorca. In the spring, Palma de Mallorca often gets more sunshine than Budapest. Palma de Mallorca gets 210 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 178 hours of full sun.

Palma de Mallorca usually gets more rain in April than Budapest. Palma de Mallorca gets 46 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 Palma de Mallorca