A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Stuttgart vs. Budapest for Backpackers, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Stuttgart or Budapest?

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

Should I visit Stuttgart or Budapest? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Stuttgart

Stuttgart is a modern, authentic, and commercial city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Budapest

Budapest is a bustling, cultural, and artistic 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.

Stuttgart and Budapest: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Stuttgart or Budapest?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Budapest than Stuttgart, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Budapest is more popular for its museums, historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Stuttgart is known for its food. Budapest is more touristy than Stuttgart 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. Stuttgart is popular for its many automobile museums including the Mercedes-Benz Museum and the Porsche Museum.

How is Stuttgart different from Budapest?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Budapest is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Stuttgart is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Budapest offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Famous sights include the Buda Castle and Castle Hill, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and St. Stephen's Basilica.

Stuttgart is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The city's influence over the car industry is reflected in the museums in town. You can visit both the Mercedes-Benz Museum and the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart. Also check out Schlossplatz, the Ludwigsburg Palace, and Altes Schloss and Landesmuseum while you're in town.

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

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

Stuttgart has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city blends traditional German flavors with modern twists. You'll find much more than the standard bratworsts that so many people associate with German cuisine. One favorite dish is maultaschen, which is like a ravioli. Also make sure you try spätzle, zwiebelrostbraten (roast and onions) and flädlesuppe (soup with long pasta).

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 Stuttgart or Budapest Better for Nightlife?

The great nightlife scene is relatively similar in Stuttgart and Budapest.

Stuttgart has a large number of nightlife venues. The nightlife scene stays active late into the evening. You'll find no shortage of clubs, bars, music venues, and beer gardens. You'll meet a combination of locals, tourists, students, and expats at many venues.

Budapest is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city's active nightlife includes dance clubs, local pubs, and cultural festivals throughout the year.

Is Stuttgart or Budapest Better for its Old Town?

Budapest is a very popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Stuttgart does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Budapest. 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.

Stuttgart does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Stuttgart or Budapest?

Shoppers can find a variety of great stores in both Stuttgart and Budapest.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Stuttgart. The city is filled with pedestrian shopping streets as well as flea markets and major shopping malls. The main shopping street in town is Koenigstrasse, where you'll find many upscale boutiques. For a local food market head to Markthalle Stuttgart. The flagship store of the Breuninger chain is also found in Stuttgart.

Budapest is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city has a diverse shopping scene that you can experience by visiting the Central Market or Váci Street.

Is Stuttgart or Budapest Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Stuttgart or Budapest.

Stuttgart is a family-friendly city. Like many German city's, there's a great zoo to explore. There's also some unique museums like the Mercedes-Benz Museum and the Porsche Museum. Kids will also enjoy taking in the view from the top of the Fernsehturm.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Budapest. 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 Stuttgart or Budapest Better for Couples?

Budapest is a very popular place for couples. Also, Stuttgart is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Stuttgart is a nice destination for couples. The city is large enough to have some nice romantic hotels, spas, luxury restaurants, and other activities that make for a great date night.

Is Stuttgart or Budapest Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Budapest is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Stuttgart is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Stuttgart is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's not on the backpacker circuit for most people but there are still plenty of hostels and affordable accommodation options. You'll also find plenty of activities and affordable restaurants to choose from.

Is Stuttgart or Budapest Better for Students?

Budapest is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Stuttgart is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Many students frequent Budapest. The city has a great international vibe with several good universities that are welcoming to international students that are studying abroad.

Stuttgart is very popular with students. It's an international city with great universities and a friendly and central location. There's also a lively nightlife and plenty of things to do.

Is Stuttgart 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. Also, Stuttgart is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

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

Visitors to Stuttgart can move around easily with public transportation. The city's transit system includes buses, the U‑Bahn and the S‑Bahn. The U-Bahn is a denser train system in the city center and the S-Bahn covers more distance and reaches into the suburbs with stops that are more spread out.

Is Stuttgart or Budapest a more walkable city?

Budapest is an amazing city to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Stuttgart is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its 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.

Stuttgart is somewhat walkable. There are parts of the city that are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Budapest or Stuttgart?

How long in Stuttgart or Budapest?

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

Families should spend more time in Budapest than Stuttgart. 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 Stuttgart. 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 Stuttgart 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 Stuttgart or Budapest?

Stuttgart is a big city with plenty to do. 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Budapest. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Stuttgart or Budapest?

Stuttgart 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Stuttgart, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the artistic big city of Budapest. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Stuttgart or Budapest?

Stuttgart 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.

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the historic city of Budapest. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Stuttgart or Budapest?

Stuttgart 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 city offers something for everyone.

Budapest is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin, 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 Stuttgart and Budapest, we can see that Stuttgart 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 Stuttgart would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Stuttgart 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 Stuttgart Expensive? and Is Budapest Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Stuttgart or Budapest?

Budapest has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Stuttgart. When comparing the sizes of Stuttgart 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 Stuttgart 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 Stuttgart or Budapest in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Stuttgart and Budapest. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Stuttgart this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Budapest for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Stuttgart is generally around the same temperature as Budapest. Daily temperatures in Stuttgart average around 22°C (71°F), and Budapest fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Budapest this time of the year. In Stuttgart, it's very sunny this time of the year. Stuttgart usually receives less sunshine than Budapest during summer. Stuttgart gets 238 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 278 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Stuttgart usually receives more rain than Budapest. Stuttgart gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Stuttgart or Budapest in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Stuttgart as well as Budapest. Many travelers come to Stuttgart for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Budapest in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Stuttgart is a little warmer than Budapest in the autumn. The daily temperature in Stuttgart averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Budapest fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Stuttgart often gets less sunshine than Budapest. Stuttgart gets 122 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 152 hours of full sun.

Stuttgart usually gets more rain in October than Budapest. Stuttgart gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Stuttgart or Budapest in the Winter?

Both Budapest and Stuttgart are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Stuttgart in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Budapest for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Budapest can be very cold during winter. Stuttgart can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Stuttgart is much warmer than Budapest. Typically, the winter temperatures in Stuttgart in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Budapest averages at about -1°C (31°F).

Stuttgart usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Budapest during winter. Stuttgart gets 60 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 61 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Stuttgart usually receives around the same amount of rain as Budapest. Stuttgart gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Stuttgart or Budapest in the Spring?

Both Budapest and Stuttgart during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Stuttgart for the activities around the city during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Budapest because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Stuttgart is generally around the same temperature as Budapest. Daily temperatures in Stuttgart average around 11°C (53°F), and Budapest fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the spring, Stuttgart often gets less sunshine than Budapest. Stuttgart gets 154 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 178 hours of full sun.

Stuttgart usually gets more rain in April than Budapest. Stuttgart gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Budapest and Stuttgart