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

Should you visit Tokyo or Budapest?

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

Should I visit Tokyo 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.

Tokyo

Tokyo is a high tech, high energy, and vibrant city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

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.

Tokyo and Budapest: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tokyo or Budapest?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Tokyo than Budapest, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Tokyo is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, and shopping, while Budapest is known for its historical sights. Tokyo is popular for its ultramodern skyscrapers, neon lights, historic temples, lively karaoke bars, and peaceful parks. It is also home to The Sensō-ji Temple. Budapest is popular for its thermal hot springs, European spas, rich culture, and wild nightlife scene.

How is Tokyo different from Budapest?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Tokyo is terrific for its historical sights. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Tokyo are world-renowned. This iconic city is filled with recognizable landmarks and world class museums including the Meiji Shrine, the Sensō-ji Temple, and the Tokyo Skytree.

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 Tokyo or Budapest? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Tokyo has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. With an astonishing number of Michelin star restaurants, this is one of the most interesting and impressive food destinations in the world. Not all restaurants are high end though. You'll find plenty of cheap eateries that offer their own rewarding culinary experience. Must try local dishes include okonomiyaki, ramen, and of course, sushi.

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 Tokyo or Budapest Better for Nightlife?

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

Tokyo is a must-see party destination. The professional urgency that you feel during the day morphs into a vibrant, laid back city at night. The neon lights turn on and locals head out to destress. There are karaoke bars, casual pubs, high energy nightclubs, and more. Popular areas for nightlife include Roppongi, Shibuya and Shinjuku.

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 Tokyo or Budapest Better for Music?

Tokyo is terrific for its live music scene. However, Budapest is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Tokyo. The music scene features both national and international artists and the music style is as eclectic as the city itself. You'll find many underground venues, vintage record stores, and local bars that have each created their own niche.

Budapest is not a live music destination.

Is Tokyo or Budapest Better for its Old Town?

Budapest is great for its historic old town charm. However, Tokyo 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.

Tokyo does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Tokyo or Budapest?

Tokyo is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Tokyo draws large crowds to its stores. The city is known for its electronics, anime products, and trendy fashion brands. Many neighborhoods are also shopping districts with malls or markets throughout. Prices can be steep, but products are generally high quality. For some of the city's best shopping, head to Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Ginza.

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

Is Tokyo or Budapest Better for Families?

Tokyo is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Tokyo is one of the most popular family destinations. This is an incredibly kid-friendly city. There's Disneyland, but there are also many other entertainment centers, amusement areas, a zoo, aquarium, and more. Kids will also enjoy experiencing the city's fascinating culture. They can visit temples, museums, and the Tokyo Tower. Another fun local experience is to go to a baseball game.

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 Tokyo or Budapest Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Tokyo and Budapest make for a great place to visit.

Tokyo is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. This high tech city offers luxury hotels and spas, award winning restaurants, and unique date night opportunities like karaoke or sushi making classes. The city has many parks and gardens as well as malls, dynamic neighborhoods, and interesting museums.

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 Tokyo or Budapest Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Budapest is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Tokyo is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Tokyo is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Known for it's high prices, it can be a bit difficult to visit this city on a budget. There are dorm rooms available but they still come with a high price tag. Food is a bit easier as the eateries are diverse with many options on the cheaper side.

Is Tokyo or Budapest Better for Students?

For students, both Tokyo and Budapest are world-class places to visit.

Many students frequent Tokyo. The city attracts many international students and there are a number of prestigious universities to choose from. Perhaps the biggest challenge is navigating the language difference, but that is all part of the experience when studying abroad.

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.

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

Tokyo and Budapest both offer world-class public transit to get you around.

Tokyo has a great public transit system. Trains, subways, and buses make up the complex transportation system and, while it may seem overwhelming at first, the system is actually very clean, efficient, and reliable.

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

Is Tokyo or Budapest a more walkable city?

Tokyo and Budapest are world-class when it comes to walkability.

Tokyo is a very easy city to get around on foot. Many neighborhoods are very easy to explore on foot, so it's fun to just wander without a plan, seeing where you end up.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Budapest or Tokyo?

How long in Tokyo or Budapest?

In either Tokyo or Budapest, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Tokyo than Budapest because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Tokyo, and 2-5 days is enough time in Budapest.

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

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

One day in Tokyo or Budapest?

Tokyo 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.

In Budapest, many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping that this historic big city offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Tokyo or Budapest?

Tokyo is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Budapest. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Tokyo or Budapest?

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

Budapest is a fun place to experience. In Budapest, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this big city destination offers. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Tokyo or Budapest?

Tokyo is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Tokyo has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the cultural big city of Budapest. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan, The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan, 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 Tokyo and Budapest, we can see that Tokyo is more expensive. And not only is Budapest much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tokyo is in Asia and Budapest is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Tokyo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tokyo 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 Tokyo Expensive? and Is Budapest Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Tokyo or Budapest?

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

Both Budapest and Tokyo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tokyo this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Budapest for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Tokyo is generally a little warmer than Budapest. Daily temperatures in Tokyo average around 26°C (78°F), and Budapest fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

It's quite sunny in Budapest. Tokyo usually receives less sunshine than Budapest during summer. Tokyo gets 137 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 278 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Tokyo. In July, Tokyo usually receives more rain than Budapest. Tokyo gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tokyo or Budapest in the Autumn?

Both Budapest and Tokyo during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Tokyo for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. 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.

Tokyo is much warmer than Budapest in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tokyo averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Budapest fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Tokyo often gets less sunshine than Budapest. Tokyo gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 152 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tokyo. Tokyo usually gets more rain in October than Budapest. Tokyo gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tokyo or Budapest in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tokyo and Budapest. Many visitors come to Tokyo 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. In the winter, Tokyo is much warmer than Budapest. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tokyo in January average around 5°C (42°F), and Budapest averages at about -1°C (31°F).

Tokyo usually receives more sunshine than Budapest during winter. Tokyo gets 175 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 61 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tokyo usually receives around the same amount of rain as Budapest. Tokyo gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tokyo or Budapest in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tokyo as well as Budapest. Most visitors come to Tokyo for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Budapest because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Tokyo is generally a little warmer than Budapest. Daily temperatures in Tokyo average around 14°C (58°F), and Budapest fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

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

Tokyo receives a lot of rain in the spring. Tokyo usually gets more rain in April than Budapest. Tokyo gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Budapest and Tokyo