A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Snowdonia National Park vs. Belfast for Couples, Families, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Snowdonia National Park 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 Snowdonia National Park and Belfast can help you decide which place is right for you.

Snowdonia National Park

Snowdonia National Park is a rugged, stunning, and natural national park. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for food, beaches, and hiking.

Belfast

Belfast is a under-rated, authentic, and affordable city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife and shopping.

Snowdonia National Park and Belfast: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Snowdonia National Park or Belfast?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Belfast. Although Snowdonia National Park and Belfast are popular destinations, Belfast has more sights and attractions for tourists. Belfast is very popular for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Snowdonia National Park attracts visitors for its skiing, food, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Snowdonia National Park is famous for its beautiful mountain landscape. Belfast is famous for being the birthplace of the Titanic and the location of the era of the "Troubles". It is also well known for Belfast Castle.

How is Snowdonia National Park different from Belfast?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Snowdonia National Park or Belfast Better for Skiing?

Snowdonia National Park
Belfast

Snowdonia National Park is a moderate national park for snow skiing. However, Belfast is not a skiing destination.

Locals like to visit Snowdonia National Park to take advantage of their winter sports. The mountains in the area are a bit rugged and coastal, making them not ideal for skiing. But if the weather's right and you are up for the steep terrain, there may be opportunities to ski at times between the months of November and April.

Belfast is not a skiing destination.


Is the Food Better in Snowdonia National Park or Belfast? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Snowdonia National Park
Belfast

Snowdonia National Park is a nice place to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Belfast is not a good city for its restaurants.

Snowdonia National Park offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are a variety of restaurants in the area that serve up local Welsh flavors. You'll build up your appetite hiking and then head into town to enjoy a quick bite at a cafe or a nice meal at a 5 star hotel.

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 Snowdonia National Park or Belfast Better for Nightlife?

Snowdonia National Park
Belfast

Belfast is very good for nightlife and partying. However, Snowdonia National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Belfast. The city has a number of bars and clubs with local DJs or musicians.

Snowdonia National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Snowdonia National Park or Belfast Better for Beaches?

Snowdonia National Park
Belfast

Snowdonia National Park is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Belfast is not a beach destination.

Snowdonia National Park has a beach worth visiting. The white sandy beaches offer spectacular views of the mountains. There are holiday cottages near the beaches that make it a nice vacation spot between the months of September and April. Several of the best beaches in the area include Porthdinllaen, Porth O'er, Llanbedrog, and Harlech Beach.

Belfast is not a beach destination.


Is Snowdonia National Park or Belfast Better for Hiking?

Snowdonia National Park
Belfast

Snowdonia National Park is an unbeatable place for the nearby hiking options. However, Belfast is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Snowdonia National Park draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. There are approximately 1,500 miles of walking paths and hiking trails in the area. You can hike to waterfalls, along beaches, or to the top of Mt. Snowden. Aber Falls is a popular trail or you could explore lakes and try to see wild ponies along the Llyn Idwal Trail. For a particularly strenuous and adventurous trail, head to Glyder Fawr or The Snowdon Horseshoe Circular Walk.

Belfast is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Snowdonia National Park or Belfast?

Snowdonia National Park
Belfast

Belfast is very good for its shopping opportunities. However, Snowdonia National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Belfast offers some nice shopping areas. The main shopping areas in the city are Victoria Square Shopping Centre and CastleCourt.

Snowdonia National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Snowdonia National Park or Belfast Better for Families?

Snowdonia National Park
Belfast

Snowdonia National Park is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Snowdonia National Park is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy exploring the outdoors. You can also check out Conwy Castle or wander the medieval walls around Conwy. If you're interested in taking a walk, you wander along Newborough Beach or head to the top of Mount Snowdon and enjoy the beautiful outdoor scenery. Llechwedd Slate Caverns is also particularly fun for kids.

Belfast is a family-friendly national park. 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 Snowdonia National Park or Belfast Better for Couples?

Snowdonia National Park
Belfast

Snowdonia National Park is an unbeatable place for romance. However, Belfast is not a good city for its romantic activities.

Snowdonia National Park has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Explore the beautiful outdoor scenery by taking one of the many hikes in the park. There are many diverse walking routes or you can head to the top of Mt. Snowden. There are also waterfalls and castles that couples can explore.

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 Snowdonia National Park or Belfast Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Snowdonia National Park
Belfast

Snowdonia National Park 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 Snowdonia National Park. Camping and hiking is the best way to experience this park. You can explore the stunning natural beauty without spending a fortune on a hotel.

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 Snowdonia National Park or Belfast Better for Students?

Snowdonia National Park
Belfast

Belfast is very good for students. However, Snowdonia National Park is not popular with students.

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

Snowdonia National Park is not popular with students.


Is Snowdonia National Park or Belfast Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Snowdonia National Park
Belfast

Snowdonia National Park 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.

Snowdonia National Park has a few public transit options. During the peak season you can travel to some areas by bus. Sherpa’r Wyddfa bus operates in part of the park. Train options include The Cambrian and Conwy Valley train lines as well as the Welsh Highland Railway and the Ffestiniog Railway.

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

Is Snowdonia National Park or Belfast a more walkable city?

Snowdonia National Park
Belfast

Belfast is very good for its high level of walkability. However, Snowdonia National Park is not a walkable destination.

Belfast is a somewhat walkable place.

Snowdonia National Park is not a walkable destination.

For even more information, also check out Is Snowdonia National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Belfast Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Belfast or Snowdonia National Park?

How long in Snowdonia National Park or Belfast?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Snowdonia National Park 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 Snowdonia National Park.


  • How many days in Snowdonia National Park or Belfast? Ideal Length of Stay
    Snowdonia National Park 3-7 
    Belfast 1-3

One day in Snowdonia National Park or Belfast?

In Snowdonia National Park, you'll find food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This national park offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the authentic city of Belfast. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.


A weekend in Snowdonia National Park or Belfast?

In Snowdonia National Park, you'll find 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. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Belfast is a popular choice for travelers. A weekend here is typical. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Five days in Snowdonia National Park or Belfast?

Snowdonia National Park is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Snowdonia National Park has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Belfast is a great place to explore. 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. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

A week in Snowdonia National Park or Belfast?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Snowdonia National Park. In Snowdonia National Park, you'll find food. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Belfast. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


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


Which place is cheaper, Belfast or Snowdonia National Park?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Snowdonia National Park is £75, while the average daily cost in Belfast is £133. 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 Snowdonia National Park and Belfast in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Snowdonia National Park £29
    Belfast £68
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Snowdonia National Park £58
    Belfast £136
Compare Hotels in Snowdonia National Park and Belfast

Looking for a hotel in Snowdonia National Park 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 Snowdonia National Park


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: Belfast Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Snowdonia National Park £46
    Belfast £14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Snowdonia National Park

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Snowdonia National Park:

  • Private Transfer from Caernarfon to Manchester Airport (MAN): $250

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Belfast

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Belfast:

  • Belfast Accommodation to Belfast City Airport (BHD) - Departure Private Transfer: $23
  • Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Holywood Accommodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $23
  • Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Bangor Accommodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $27
  • Belfast International Airport (BFS) to Belfast City - Arrival Private Transfer: $27
  • Belfast City to Belfast International Airport (BFS) - Departure Private Transfer: $27
  • Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Lisburn Accommodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $27
  • Private Belfast Arrival Transfer- Belfast City Airport to Belfast Hotel / Accomm: $44
  • Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Belfast Airport: $44
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Crawfordsburn: $50
  • Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Bangor Accommodation - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $54
  • Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Lisburn Accommodation - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $55
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Groomsport: $57

Is it cheaper to fly into Snowdonia National Park or Belfast?

Prices for flights to both Belfast and Snowdonia National Park 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
    Snowdonia National Park £19
    Belfast £51

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: $81
  • Belfast Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $108

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Snowdonia National Park £18
    Belfast £18

Tours and Activities in Snowdonia National Park

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Snowdonia National Park are as follows:

  • Anglesey Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (7 Day Pass) UK: $32
  • 2 Hours Historical Tour of Caernarfon: $33
  • Snowdon Kayak Adventure on Llyn Padarn: $56

Typical Entertainment Prices in Belfast

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


  • Movie Tickets
    £8.00

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: $6.90
  • Hillsborough Castle Gardens Entrance Ticket: $12
  • 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
    Snowdonia National Park £4.86
    Belfast £7.86

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
  • Belfast Pub Crawl: $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 Snowdonia National Park and Belfast, we can see that Belfast is more expensive. And not only is Snowdonia National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Snowdonia National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Snowdonia National Park 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 Snowdonia National Park.

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



When is the best time to visit Snowdonia National Park or Belfast?

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 Snowdonia National Park or Belfast in the Summer?

Both Belfast and Snowdonia National Park are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Snowdonia National Park this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Belfast for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Snowdonia National Park is generally around the same temperature as Belfast. Daily temperatures in Snowdonia National Park average around 15°C (60°F), and Belfast fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Snowdonia National Park. Snowdonia National Park usually receives more sunshine than Belfast during summer. Snowdonia National Park gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Belfast receives 151 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Snowdonia National Park usually receives less rain than Belfast. Snowdonia National Park gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Snowdonia National Park 15°C (60°F) 
    Belfast 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Snowdonia National Park or Belfast in the Autumn?

Both Belfast and Snowdonia National Park during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Snowdonia National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Belfast in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Snowdonia National Park is a little warmer than Belfast in the autumn. The daily temperature in Snowdonia National Park averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Belfast fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the autumn, Snowdonia National Park often gets more sunshine than Belfast. Snowdonia National Park gets 101 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Belfast receives 92 hours of full sun.

Snowdonia National Park usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Belfast. Snowdonia National Park gets 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Snowdonia National Park 12°C (53°F) 
    Belfast 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Snowdonia National Park or Belfast in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Snowdonia National Park and Belfast. Many visitors come to Snowdonia National Park in the winter for the skiing 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. In the winter, Snowdonia National Park is a little warmer than Belfast. Typically, the winter temperatures in Snowdonia National Park in January average around 5°C (42°F), and Belfast averages at about 4°C (39°F).

Snowdonia National Park usually receives more sunshine than Belfast during winter. Snowdonia National Park gets 63 hours of sunny skies, while Belfast receives 50 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Snowdonia National Park usually receives around the same amount of rain as Belfast. Snowdonia National Park gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Snowdonia National Park 5°C (42°F) 
    Belfast 4°C (39°F)

Should I visit Snowdonia National Park or Belfast in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Snowdonia National Park as well as Belfast. Most visitors come to Snowdonia National Park 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 April, Snowdonia National Park is generally around the same temperature as Belfast. Daily temperatures in Snowdonia National Park average around 8°C (47°F), and Belfast fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the spring, Snowdonia National Park often gets more sunshine than Belfast. Snowdonia National Park gets 179 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Belfast receives 150 hours of full sun.

Snowdonia National Park usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Belfast. Snowdonia National Park gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Snowdonia National Park 8°C (47°F) 
    Belfast 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Belfast and Snowdonia National Park

Snowdonia National Park Belfast
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (42°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 4°C (39°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Feb 5°C (41°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 4°C (39°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 6°C (44°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 6°C (43°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Apr 8°C (47°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jun 14°C (56°F) 52 mm (2 in) 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 15°C (60°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 15°C (60°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 9°C (48°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 8°C (47°F) 101 mm (4 in) 7°C (45°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 6°C (44°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 5°C (41°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)