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

Should you visit Windsor or Budapest?

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

Should I visit Windsor 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.

Windsor

Windsor is a touristy, beautiful, and royal town. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the food, museums, and nightlife.

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. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Windsor and Budapest: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Windsor Castle
Things to Consider
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Windsor or Budapest?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Budapest than Windsor, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Budapest is better known for its nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Windsor is more popular for its food, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Windsor is well known for being home to the largest and oldest operating castle in the world. 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 Windsor different from Budapest?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Windsor
Budapest

Plenty of people visit the great sights and museums in both Windsor and Budapest.

Windsor offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The main draw is the Windsor Castle, which many people explore in a few hours. Then you can pass some time wandering around the town.

Many visitors head to Budapest specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Famous sights include the Buda Castle and Castle Hill, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and St. Stephen's Basilica.


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

Windsor
Budapest

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

Windsor has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are cafes, pubs, and local restaurants that let you sample regional dishes. There are also chain restaurants and international options including Japanese and Thai food.

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 Windsor or Budapest Better for Nightlife?

Windsor
Budapest

Budapest is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Windsor has a few options to choose from. There's a low key nightlife scene with local pubs and a theater. Dinner cruises are also a fun activity.

Is Windsor or Budapest Better for its Old Town?

Windsor
Budapest

Budapest is well known for its old town. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

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.

Windsor has an old town worth visiting. The old town is opposite the castle and caters specifically to tourists with its restaurants, pubs, and a few shops.


Is the Shopping Better in Windsor or Budapest?

Windsor
Budapest

Budapest is well known for its shopping opportunities. However, Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Windsor or Budapest Better for Families?

Windsor
Budapest

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Windsor or Budapest.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Windsor. Kids will enjoy seeing a working castle when they visit Windsor Castle. While a visit to Windsor Castle is the obvious draw to the town, there are also river cruises, parks, and even the Royal Windsor Maze at the Goswells Park that the whole family will enjoy. There is also a Legoland in the area for those who have more time.

Budapest offers lots of family activities. 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 Windsor or Budapest Better for Couples?

Windsor
Budapest

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

Couples visit Windsor frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Exploring the Windsor Castle, taking a river cruise, and wandering the parks and gardens hand in hand make this a great place for a couples retreat.

Budapest is a great town if you're traveling as 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.


Is Windsor or Budapest Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Windsor
Budapest

Budapest is a world-class destination for backpackers. However, Windsor is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit 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.

Windsor is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Windsor or Budapest Better for Students?

Windsor
Budapest

Budapest is a world-class destination for students. However, Windsor is not popular with 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.

Windsor is not popular with students.

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

Windsor
Budapest

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

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.

While Windsor offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a bus system around town.


Is Windsor or Budapest a more walkable city?

Windsor
Budapest

Budapest is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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

Windsor is a very walkable destination. The town is compact and relatively easy to walk around. There are also several walking routes in the area.

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

Should I spend more time in Budapest or Windsor?

How long in Windsor or Budapest?

In either Windsor or Budapest, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Budapest than Windsor because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Windsor, and 2-5 days is enough time in Budapest.

Families should spend more time in Budapest than Windsor. 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 Windsor. 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 Windsor 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.


  • How many days in Windsor or Budapest? Ideal Length of Stay
    Windsor 1-2 
    Budapest 2-5

One day in Windsor or Budapest?

Windsor is a small town where visitors enjoy the nightlife and food. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Because Budapest is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Windsor or Budapest?

Windsor is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Windsor, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Because Budapest is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Budapest has to offer.


Five days in Windsor or Budapest?

Windsor 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 is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Budapest has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Windsor or Budapest?

Windsor 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 town offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Budapest. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Budapest. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 10-Day Tours from Budapest, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Budapest.


Which place is cheaper, Budapest or Windsor?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Windsor is £150, while the average daily cost in Budapest is £72. 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 Windsor and Budapest in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Windsor £70
    Budapest £39
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Windsor £140
    Budapest £78
Compare Hotels in Windsor and Budapest

Looking for a hotel in Windsor or Budapest? 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 Windsor


Hotels in Budapest


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: Windsor Hotel Prices and Budapest Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Windsor £66
    Budapest £8.44

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Windsor

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Windsor:

  • London: Windsor Castle Private Tour with Hotel Transfers: $562
  • Windsor Castle Ticket & Private Transfer: $319
  • London: Transfer to Southampton with Windsor Castle Visit: $161
  • "Private Transfer: From London Heathrow Airport to Windsor": $56

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Budapest

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Budapest:


  • Short Taxi Ride
    £5.57
  • Metro Pass
    £3.06

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Budapest

Also for Budapest, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Bucharest - Romania to Budapest - Hungary /Private Transfer: $1,181
  • Budapest - Bük Transfer: $153
  • Budapest - Bratislava Transfer: $199
  • Budapest - Debrecen Transfer: $168
  • Budapest - Hungary to Bucharest - Romania /Private Transfer: $1,289
  • Budapest - Pécs Transfer: $149
  • Budapest - Szeged Transfer: $134
  • Budapest Airport BUD Arrival Private Transfer to Budapest City: $89
  • Budapest Airport Private Departure Transfer : City to Airport: $16
  • Budapest Airport Private Luxury Transfer by a Mercedes Benz S Class: $120
  • Budapest Airport Transfer: $55
  • Budapest Airport Transfer - Round trip to and from Liszt Ferenc Airport: $78

Is it cheaper to fly into Windsor or Budapest?

Prices for flights to both Budapest and Windsor 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
    Windsor £39
    Budapest £19
Typical Food Prices in Windsor

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Windsor:


  • Morning Tea
    £2.50

Typical Food Prices in Budapest

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Budapest:


  • Lunch
    £2.72

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Budapest

For Budapest, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Traveling Spoon Hungarian Goulash Private Online Cooking Class: $40
  • Downtown Budapest Cruise with Pizza and Beer: $45
  • Pizza & Beer Downtown Budapest Cruise: $46
  • Vegan Hungarian Food Tour (full meals): $51
  • Medieval Dinner Show with Drinks: $52
  • Private Street Food Tour: $59
  • Danube Cruise with Hungarian Dinner and Live Music: $74
  • Budapest Danube Cruise with Buffet Dinner, Performances and Music: $75
  • Evening Cruise and Dinner with Champagne: $86
  • Lángos (Hungary’s nr1 streetfood) cooking class: $87
  • Candlelit Dinner River Cruise with Live Music: $91
  • Budapest Danube River Candlelit Dinner Cruise with Live Music: $93

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Windsor £26
    Budapest £17

Tours and Activities in Windsor

Here are a few actual costs in Windsor for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 1,000 Years of Royal History from Windsor to Eton: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • 3 Hour Private Tour in Windsor Old Town and Castle: $191
  • From London: Half-Day Trip to Windsor with Castle Tickets: $111
  • From Southampton: Bath and Windsor Tour with London Drop-Off: $230
  • LEGOLAND Windsor Resort 2 Day Admission Ticket: $66
  • LEGOLAND Windsor Resort: Entrance Ticket: $44
  • Private Tour Windsor, Eton & Hampton Court: $650
  • Private Windsor Town & Guided Castle Walking Tour: $350
  • Private Windsor Walking Tour: $146
  • Royal Windsor & Stonehenge Private Tour: $1,998
  • Royal Windsor Castle Tour Private including tickets: $362
  • Stonehenge and Windsor Castle Tour from London With Entry Tickets: $126

Typical Entertainment Prices in Budapest

For Budapest, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Entrance to the Baths for Two
    £5.46

Tours and Activities in Budapest

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Budapest.

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Free Tour Budapest Essential in Spanish: $3.26
  • Budapest Historical Sightseeing - Walking Tour: $3.27
  • Free walking tour in the Buda Castle incl. Fisherman's Bastion: $3.27
  • Free Walking Tour Budapest incl. the Shoes on the Danube Bank: $3.27
  • Communist History Evening Walking Tour of Budapest: $3.27
  • Past and Present of Budapest Jewish District Tour: $3.27
  • Self Guided City Audio Tour in Buda Castle: $5.45
  • Escape Game and Tour: $5.88
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $5.88
  • Historical Heroes & Hot Spa Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • TOP 10 Budapest- City Tour : $6.00

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Windsor £7.55
    Budapest £14

Sample the Local Flavors in Budapest

Also in Budapest, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • The Original Budapest Pub Crawl - One Hour Open Bar + Free Shots: $17
  • 5-Hour Pub Crawl through Ruin Bars: $21
  • Ultimate Budapest Pub Crawl: $23
  • Ultimate Budapest Pub Crawl: $23
  • Bingo Bar Crawl: $25
  • Budapest Original Ruin Pub Crawl Including 5 Shots: $28
  • Ruin Bar Pub Crawl with Entry Tickets: $29
  • Detective Pub Crawl Game by App: $38
  • 8-Tier Hungarian Wine Tasting in a Cozy Downtown Wine Bar: $38
  • Tipsy Tour Fun Bar Crawl with a Local Guide: $42
  • Drunken History Bar Crawl Tour with Local Drinks: $42
  • Hungarian Wine Tasting (with Cheese and Charcuterie) in Budapest: $50


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Windsor and Budapest, we can see that Windsor 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 Windsor would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Windsor 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 Windsor Expensive? and Is Budapest Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Windsor or Budapest?

Budapest has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Windsor. When comparing the sizes of Windsor 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 Windsor or Budapest?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Windsor or Budapest in the Summer?

Both Budapest and Windsor during the summer are popular places to visit. The small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Windsor this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Budapest for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

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

In Budapest, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Windsor often gets less sunshine than Budapest. Windsor gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 278 hours of full sun.

Windsor usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Budapest. Windsor gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Windsor 18°C (64°F) 
    Budapest 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Windsor or Budapest in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Windsor and Budapest. Many travelers come to Windsor for the small town atmosphere 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.

In the autumn, Windsor is around the same temperature as Budapest. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Windsor in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Budapest averages at about 12°C (53°F).

Windsor usually receives less sunshine than Budapest during autumn. Windsor gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Windsor usually receives more rain than Budapest. Windsor gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Windsor 12°C (53°F) 
    Budapest 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Windsor or Budapest in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Windsor as well as Budapest. Many visitors come to Windsor in the winter for the museums 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. Windsor can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Windsor is generally much warmer than Budapest. Daily temperatures in Windsor average around 4°C (40°F), and Budapest fluctuates around -1°C (31°F).

In the winter, Windsor often gets less sunshine than Budapest. Windsor gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 61 hours of full sun.

Windsor usually gets more rain in January than Budapest. Windsor gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Windsor 4°C (40°F) 
    Budapest -1°C (31°F)

Should I visit Windsor or Budapest in the Spring?

Both Budapest and Windsor are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Windsor for the small town charm 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.

Windsor is cooler than Budapest in the spring. The daily temperature in Windsor averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Budapest fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Windsor usually receives less sunshine than Budapest during spring. Windsor gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

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


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Windsor 9°C (48°F) 
    Budapest 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Budapest and Windsor

Windsor Budapest
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (40°F) 52 mm (2 in) -1°C (31°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 2°C (35°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 7°C (44°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 12°C (53°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
May 13°C (55°F) 51 mm (2 in) 16°C (62°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 16°C (61°F) 51 mm (2 in) 20°C (67°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 21°C (70°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 51 mm (2 in) 21°C (69°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 51 mm (2 in) 17°C (63°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 12°C (53°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 6°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 5°C (42°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 1°C (34°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)