A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Strasbourg vs. Budapest for Old Town, Backpackers, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Strasbourg or Budapest?

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 Strasbourg and Budapest can help you decide which place is right for you.

Strasbourg

Strasbourg is a impressive, quaint, and historic city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Budapest

Budapest is a cultural, artistic, and historic 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.

Strasbourg and Budapest: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Strasbourg or Budapest?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Budapest than Strasbourg. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Budapest is very popular for its nightlife and big city activities, while Strasbourg attracts visitors for its food and historical sights. Strasbourg is famous for its charming beauty, its impressive cathedral, and its quaint houses. 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 Strasbourg different from Budapest?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Spend time exploring the very good sights and museums in either Strasbourg or Budapest.

Many visitors head to Strasbourg specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. It is filled with grand monuments and historic landmarks. Many are concentrated in La Petite France and highlights include Strasbourg Cathedral, Barrage Vauban, Ponts Couverts, and Église Saint-Thomas.

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.

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

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

Strasbourg has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The cuisine combines French and German flavors for rich and hearty flavors. Popular dishes include Tarte Flambée, Alsatian Sausages, and Baeckeoffe (meat and vegetable stew). Also make sure you sample the Sauerkraut, munster cheese, and Reisling wine.

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 Strasbourg or Budapest Better for Nightlife?

Budapest is a great city for nightlife. Also, Strasbourg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Budapest has something for everybody. The city's active nightlife includes dance clubs, local pubs, and cultural festivals throughout the year.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Strasbourg. It's most famous for its monuments and charm, but the city also has plenty to do at night. The liveliest areas are The Krutenau (for students and tourists alike), The Grande-île, and La Petite France.

Is Strasbourg or Budapest Better for its Old Town?

Strasbourg is terrific for its old town. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its historic old town charm.

Strasbourg has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. Known as La Petite France, the old town is filled with charming squares, historic monuments, and beautiful architecture.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Strasbourg or Budapest?

If you're looking to go shopping, Strasbourg and Budapest both offer plenty of very good spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Strasbourg. The city center is filled with pedestrian shopping streets and boutique stores. For some of the best shopping make sure you check out the main thoroughfare of Grand'Rue. If you want to pick up some trinkets or souvenirs, head to Place de la Cathédrale, and for department store shopping head to Galeries Lafayette Strasbourg.

Budapest is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has a diverse shopping scene that you can experience by visiting the Central Market or Váci Street.

Is Strasbourg or Budapest Better for Families?

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either Strasbourg or Budapest.

Strasbourg offers lots of family activities. Kids who love animals will enjoy a visit to Zoo de l’Orangerie or La Montagne des Singes. If the kids need to stretch their legs you can head to Deux-Rives Garden or on a rainy day check out Planetarium De Strasbourg or the Historical Museum of the City of Strasbourg.

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 Strasbourg or Budapest Better for Couples?

Both Strasbourg and Budapest are very good destinations to visit as a couple.

Strasbourg is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. It's arguably one of the most beautiful cities in the region and it is filled with romance. There is beautiful architecture, romantic restaurants, wine tours, and flower filled parks. The scenic squares and grand cathedrals offer a truly perfect couples getaway.

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 Strasbourg or Budapest Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Budapest is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Strasbourg is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Strasbourg. The city has a handful of hostels that offer affordable accommodation for those on a shoestring budget.

Is Strasbourg or Budapest Better for Students?

Budapest is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Strasbourg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Budapest. The city has a great international vibe with several good universities that are welcoming to international students that are studying abroad.

Strasbourg is a good city to visit for students. Students appreciate the mix of traditional culture and international opportunities.

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

Budapest is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Strasbourg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

With a huge network, the transit system in Budapest can get you around easily. The metro, trams, and buses make it easy to get around town.

Public transit in Strasbourg can get you to some places easily. The city has six tramlines and a number of bus routes.

Is Strasbourg or Budapest a more walkable city?

Budapest is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, Strasbourg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of 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.

Strasbourg is a very walkable city. One of the best ways to explore the city is on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Budapest or Strasbourg?

How long in Strasbourg or Budapest?

In either Strasbourg or Budapest, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Budapest than Strasbourg because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Strasbourg, and 2-5 days is enough time in Budapest.

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

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

The beautiful city of Strasbourg offers food and shopping. 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.

When visiting Budapest, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Strasbourg or Budapest?

Strasbourg 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 Strasbourg, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

When visiting Budapest, people usually allow for lots of time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Strasbourg or Budapest?

Strasbourg 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, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Strasbourg or Budapest?

Strasbourg 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.

Budapest is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris, 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 Strasbourg and Budapest, we can see that Strasbourg 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 Strasbourg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Strasbourg 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 Strasbourg Expensive? and Is Budapest Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Strasbourg or Budapest?

Budapest has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Strasbourg. When comparing the sizes of Strasbourg 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 Strasbourg 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 Strasbourg or Budapest in the Summer?

Both Budapest and Strasbourg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Strasbourg because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Budapest this time of year.

In the summer, Strasbourg is around the same temperature as Budapest. Typically, the summer temperatures in Strasbourg in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Budapest averages at about 21°C (70°F).

It's quite sunny in Budapest. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Strasbourg. Strasbourg usually receives less sunshine than Budapest during summer. Strasbourg gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 278 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Strasbourg usually receives more rain than Budapest. Strasbourg gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Strasbourg or Budapest in the Autumn?

Both Budapest and Strasbourg during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Strasbourg this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Budapest for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Strasbourg is generally around the same temperature as Budapest. Daily temperatures in Strasbourg average around 12°C (53°F), and Budapest fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

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

Strasbourg usually gets more rain in October than Budapest. Strasbourg gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Strasbourg or Budapest in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Strasbourg and Budapest. Many travelers come to Strasbourg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Budapest in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Budapest can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Strasbourg. Strasbourg is much warmer than Budapest in the winter. The daily temperature in Strasbourg averages around 2°C (35°F) in January, and Budapest fluctuates around -1°C (31°F).

Strasbourg usually receives less sunshine than Budapest during winter. Strasbourg gets 42 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 61 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Strasbourg usually receives less rain than Budapest. Strasbourg gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Strasbourg or Budapest in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Strasbourg as well as Budapest. Many visitors come to Strasbourg in the spring for the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Budapest for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Strasbourg is around the same temperature as Budapest. Typically, the spring temperatures in Strasbourg in April average around 11°C (51°F), and Budapest averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In the spring, Strasbourg often gets less sunshine than Budapest. Strasbourg gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 178 hours of full sun.

Strasbourg usually gets more rain in April than Budapest. Strasbourg gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Budapest and Strasbourg