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

Should you visit Wellington or Budapest?

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

Should I visit Wellington 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.

Wellington

Wellington is a compact, laid-back, and funky city. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Budapest

Budapest is a bustling, cultural, and artistic 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.

Wellington and Budapest: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Wellington or Budapest?

You'll generally find more things to do in Budapest than Wellington. Budapest is bigger than Wellington, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Budapest is better known for its museums, historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Wellington is more popular for its food, beaches, and hiking. Wellington is well known for its waterfront promenade, quirky cafe culture, and relaxing beaches. Budapest is well known for its thermal hot springs, European spas, rich culture, and wild nightlife scene. Also, Budapest is famous for The Hungarian Parliament Building.

How is Wellington different from Budapest?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Budapest is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Wellington 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Wellington. As the capital city, you'll find a number of museums and sights around town. Check out the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, the Beehive, the Wellington Museum, and the City Gallery.

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

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

Wellington has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There are waterfront restaurants and a vibrant cafe scene around town. You'll also find local markets and many diverse eateries that you can explore.

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 Wellington or Budapest Better for Nightlife?

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

Wellington has a large number of nightlife venues. The best nightlife scene is found along Courtenay Place. There you'll find nightclubs, pubs, and cocktail bars. Cuba Street is another fun area with a bit more of a local vibe, and the waterfront is another great nightlife district in the city.

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 Wellington or Budapest Better for Beaches?

Wellington is great for the beache. However, Budapest is not a beach destination.

Wellington is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are nice beaches within walking distance of the city center. There are also beaches that are well worth the drive if you're looking to get a bit out of town. In the summer months, there are swimming beaches, and year around they have nice views and a good atmosphere.

Budapest is not a beach destination.

Is Wellington or Budapest Better for its Old Town?

Budapest is a very popular place for its old town. However, Wellington 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.

Wellington does not have a historic old town.

Is Wellington or Budapest Better for Hiking?

Wellington is very good for hiking. However, Budapest is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Wellington. The area has rolling hills and beautiful coastlines that are filled with walking trails and scenic views. Some of the more popular trails in the area are the Red Rocks walk and the City-to-Sea walk.

Budapest is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Wellington or Budapest?

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

Wellington is well-known for its shopping. For the city's best shopping, head to the "Golden Mile". This is the area defined by Lambton Quay, Willis Street, Manners Street and Courtenay Place. There are boutique designers and high end fashion outlets throughout the area. The city also has many great markets and local shopping areas.

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 Wellington or Budapest Better for Families?

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

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Wellington is very family-friendly. There's the Wellington Zoo as well as Island Bay Marine Education Centre, both of which are great for animal-lovers. Waitangi Park is a nice park where kids can run around and play, and if you're looking for something indoors, head to the Space Place at Carter Observatory. If everyone needs some down time, there's always the beach with is fun to hang out at.

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 Wellington or Budapest Better for Couples?

Budapest is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

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.

Wellington is a good city for couples to visit. The botanical gardens are beautiful to explore, and there is also a bird sanctuary in the area as well. Couple's will also enjoy the many nice restaurants and beautiful outdoor space around town.

Is Wellington or Budapest Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Budapest is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Budapest is extremely popular for backpackers. 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.

Wellington is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. Located on the south side of the North Island, many backpackers use this city as a gateway to the South Island. There are many hostels around town and other fellow backpackers to hang out with.

Is Wellington or Budapest Better for Students?

Budapest is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Wellington 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.

Wellington is popular with students. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and the atmosphere is a nice setting for students.

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

Budapest is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Budapest has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The metro, trams, and buses make it easy to get around town.

The public transit in Wellington can get you to most places easily. There are city buses, trains, and ferries that are popular with tourists and locals alike.

Is Wellington or Budapest a more walkable city?

Budapest is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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.

Wellington is a very walkable destination. This is one of New Zealand's most walkable cities and it has a compact city center.

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

Should I spend more time in Budapest or Wellington?

How long in Wellington or Budapest?

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

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

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

The city of Wellington offers food and shopping. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Wellington or Budapest?

Wellington 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. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Wellington, 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 Wellington or Budapest?

Wellington 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 Wellington or Budapest?

Wellington is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand, The Best 10-Day Tours from Budapest, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Budapest.

When comparing the travel costs between Wellington and Budapest, we can see that Wellington is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Wellington is in Pacific and Budapest is in Europe, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Wellington or Budapest?

Budapest has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Wellington. When comparing the sizes of Wellington 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 Wellington or Budapest?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Wellington is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Budapest has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Wellington or Budapest in the Summer?

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

Wellington is cooler than Budapest in the summer. The daily temperature in Wellington averages around 18°C (64°F) in January, and Budapest fluctuates around 21°C (70°F)in July.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Budapest this time of the year. In Wellington, it's very sunny this time of the year. Wellington usually receives less sunshine than Budapest during summer. Wellington gets 242 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 278 hours of full sun in the summer.

In January, Wellington usually receives more rain than Budapestin July. Wellington gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Wellington or Budapest in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Wellington as well as Budapest. Many travelers come to Wellington for the hiking trails 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.

In the autumn, Wellington is a little warmer than Budapest. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Wellington in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Budapest averages at about 12°C (53°F)in October.

In the autumn, Wellington often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Budapestin October. Wellington gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 152 hours of full sun.

Wellington usually gets more rain in April than Budapestin October. Wellington gets 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Wellington or Budapest in the Winter?

Both Budapest and Wellington are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Wellington 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 July, Wellington is generally much warmer than Budapestin January. Daily temperatures in Wellington average around 10°C (49°F), and Budapest fluctuates around -1°C (31°F).

Wellington usually receives more sunshine than Budapest during winter. Wellington gets 122 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 61 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Wellington. In July, Wellington usually receives more rain than Budapestin January. Wellington gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Wellington or Budapest in the Spring?

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

Wellington is a little warmer than Budapest in the spring. The daily temperature in Wellington averages around 13°C (55°F) in October, and Budapest fluctuates around 12°C (53°F)in April.

In the spring, Wellington often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Budapestin April. Wellington gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 178 hours of full sun.

Wellington usually gets more rain in October than Budapestin April. Wellington gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Budapest and Wellington