A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Saaremaa vs. Budapest for Backpackers, Food, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Saaremaa or Budapest?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saaremaa 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.

Saaremaa

Saaremaa is a quiet, calm, and peaceful island. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food and beaches.

Budapest

Budapest is a artistic, historic, and authentic city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Saaremaa and Budapest: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saaremaa or Budapest?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Budapest. Although Saaremaa and Budapest are both popular with visitors, Budapest has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Budapest is more popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Saaremaa is known for its food, beaches, and small town charm. Budapest is more touristy than Saaremaa and is known for its thermal hot springs, European spas, rich culture, and wild nightlife scene. It is also home to The Hungarian Parliament Building. Saaremaa is popular for its untouched, undiscovered rural setting.

How is Saaremaa different from Budapest?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Budapest is great for its historical sights. However, Saaremaa 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.

Saaremaa does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Saaremaa has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Like most things on the island, traditional local food is still the norm here. The island is known for its smoked fish, homemade bread, and locally brewed beers. Popular fishes include garfish, herring, and flatfish, which you can enjoy at a local restaurant or one of the pop-up cafes that are popular during the summer months. You'll find the highest concentration of restaurants in Kuressaare, but there are still many options further out. It's also fun to visit during September during the Saaremaa Food Festival.

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 Saaremaa or Budapest Better for Nightlife?

Budapest is great for its evening party scene. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to Budapest for the nightlife scene. The city's active nightlife includes dance clubs, local pubs, and cultural festivals throughout the year.

People don't go to Saaremaa for the nightlife. The island is known for it's quiet, laid-back atmosphere, so you'll be hard pressed to find a party or active club, even during the more popular summer months.

Is Saaremaa or Budapest Better for Beaches?

Saaremaa is very good for the beache. However, Budapest is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Saaremaa to enjoy the beach. The beaches are quiet and relaxed, even during the summer months. In town, the best beach is Kuressaare Beach. Outside of town you'll find other nice beaches such as the sandy beaches between Mändjala and Järve. The beaches in Tuhkana and Jõiste villages are also well known. For swimming, most people prefer to visit Lake Karujärv.

Budapest is not a beach destination.

Is Saaremaa or Budapest Better for its Old Town?

Budapest is great for its historic old town charm. However, Saaremaa does not have a historic 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.

Saaremaa does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Saaremaa or Budapest?

Budapest is great for its shopping areas. However, Saaremaa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Budapest. The city has a diverse shopping scene that you can experience by visiting the Central Market or Váci Street.

Saaremaa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Saaremaa or Budapest Better for Families?

Saaremaa and Budapest are both good destinations for the whole family.

Saaremaa offers lots of family activities. While the island is known for its slow pace, there are still a number of fun activities where the kids can run and jump. There are several outdoor adventure parks and playgrounds that are great for young legs. Check out the playgrounds in Kuressaare or head out of town for more outdoor activities. When the weather's nice you can head to Kuressaare Beach or check out the ostrich farm in Muhu.

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 Saaremaa or Budapest Better for Couples?

Saaremaa and Budapest are both excellent to visit as a couple.

Saaremaa is a great island if you're traveling as a couple. The peace and quiet of the island make for a relaxing couple's getaway. You can enjoy the outdoors and feel like you've stepped back in time as you explore the laid back island in the Baltics.

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 Saaremaa or Budapest Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Budapest is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Saaremaa is not as popular, but is still a nice island for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Budapest, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. 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.

Saaremaa is a good island to visit for backpackers. While prices are cheap, transportation isn't great so you'll likely want to rent a car if you want to really explore the island. There are a number of rooms available for rent at an affordable price, particularly in the shoulder season, but you'll you'll only find a handful of hostels on the island.

Is Saaremaa or Budapest Better for Students?

Budapest is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Saaremaa 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.

Saaremaa is not popular with students.

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

Budapest is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination for its public transit.

Public transit in Budapest is top-notch. The metro, trams, and buses make it easy to get around town.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Saaremaa. Most people arrive on the island by ferry. There are buses on the island but they cater mostly to locals. To really explore, you'll want to have access to a car.

Is Saaremaa or Budapest a more walkable city?

Budapest is an amazing city to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination for its 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.

Saaremaa is not a walkable island. While their are some walking trails, you really need a car to explore the island in depth.

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

Should I spend more time in Budapest or Saaremaa?

How long in Saaremaa or Budapest?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Budapest than Saaremaa. 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 Saaremaa 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 Saaremaa or Budapest?

Saaremaa is a small town where visitors enjoy the food. 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.

Budapest is a big city with plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

A weekend in Saaremaa or Budapest?

Saaremaa is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Saaremaa, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Budapest 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. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Budapest, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Saaremaa or Budapest?

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

A week in Saaremaa or Budapest?

Saaremaa 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 island offers something for everyone.

Budapest is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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.

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

Which is Bigger, Saaremaa or Budapest?

Budapest has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Saaremaa. When comparing the sizes of Saaremaa 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 Saaremaa 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 Saaremaa or Budapest in the Summer?

Both Budapest and Saaremaa are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Saaremaa for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Budapest because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Saaremaa is generally cooler than Budapest. Daily temperatures in Saaremaa average around 17°C (62°F), and Budapest fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

It's quite sunny in Budapest. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saaremaa. Saaremaa usually receives more sunshine than Budapest during summer. Saaremaa gets 302 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 278 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Saaremaa usually receives more rain than Budapest. Saaremaa gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Budapest in the Autumn?

Both Budapest and Saaremaa during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Saaremaa because of the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area. Also, 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.

Saaremaa is cooler than Budapest in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saaremaa averages around 8°C (47°F) in October, and Budapest fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Saaremaa often gets less sunshine than Budapest. Saaremaa gets 101 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 152 hours of full sun.

Saaremaa usually gets more rain in October than Budapest. Saaremaa gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Budapest in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saaremaa and Budapest. The cuisine are the main draw to Saaremaa 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. It's quite cold in Saaremaa in the winter. In the winter, Saaremaa is much colder than Budapest. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saaremaa in January average around -3°C (27°F), and Budapest averages at about -1°C (31°F).

Saaremaa usually receives less sunshine than Budapest during winter. Saaremaa gets 33 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 61 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saaremaa usually receives around the same amount of rain as Budapest. Saaremaa 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 Saaremaa or Budapest in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Saaremaa as well as Budapest. Many travelers come to Saaremaa for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Budapest in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Saaremaa. In April, Saaremaa is generally much colder than Budapest. Daily temperatures in Saaremaa average around 4°C (38°F), and Budapest fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the spring, Saaremaa often gets more sunshine than Budapest. Saaremaa gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 178 hours of full sun.

Saaremaa usually gets less rain in April than Budapest. Saaremaa gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Budapest and Saaremaa