A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom York vs. Belfast for Food, Families, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit York or Belfast?

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

Should I visit York or Belfast? 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.

York

York is a historic, medieval, and fanciful city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See York travel costs.

Belfast

Belfast is a affordable, under-rated, and authentic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife and shopping. See Belfast travel costs.

York and Belfast: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in York or Belfast?

Visitors will generally find more to do in York than Belfast. While Belfast is larger than York, York has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. York is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and historical sights, while Belfast is known for its big city activities. York is more touristy than Belfast and is known for its markets, old town, and its many ghost tours. It is also home to The Shambles. Belfast is popular for being the birthplace of the Titanic and the location of the era of the "Troubles".

How is York different from Belfast?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in York or Belfast?

York is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to York can be an interesting and educational experience. Popular museums include the York Castle Museum, the National Railway Museum, Castle Howard, and JORVIK Viking Centre.

Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in York or Belfast? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

York is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Belfast is not a good city for its restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, York is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Meat pies, fudge, and fish and chips are just some of the culinary experiences you'll find here. The Shambles Market has vendors that sell a wide variety of cuisines. There are also food trucks throughout town that offer affordable and delicious meal options.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Belfast. While many restaurants have moved towards more modern cuisines, there are still places that hold tight to the traditions of the area. Traditional dishes include pasties, full Irish breakfasts, and oysters.

Is York or Belfast Better for Nightlife?

York is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

York offers plenty to do in the evening. The young population and thriving tourist scene means there's no shortage of nightlife around town. Check out a pub or music venue to experience everything that city has to offer.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Belfast. The city has a number of bars and clubs with local DJs or musicians.

Is York or Belfast Better for its Old Town?

York is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. However, Belfast does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, York offers plenty to see. The charming old town is filled with shops and restaurants. There are street performers, fudge shops, and all of the Harry Potter merchandise that a person could need.

Belfast does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in York or Belfast?

Both York and Belfast are good shopping destinations.

York is a great destination for shopping. The old town has many great candy stores that sell fudge and other local specialties. There are also Harry Potter stores that sell potions, t-shirts, games, and more.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Belfast. The main shopping areas in the city are Victoria Square Shopping Centre and CastleCourt.

Is York or Belfast Better for Families?

York is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

York is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. The city does an amazing job bringing history to life in a way that kids will enjoy. The JORVIK Viking Centre transports visitors back in time and introduces them to a fully immersive viking experience. The York Dungeon is great for older kids as long as they don't scare easily. Actors and special effects offer a terrifying and entertaining visit through a York dungeon. Harry Potter fans will enjoy exploring the potion shops and broomstick stores along the iconic Shambles, which is said to be an inspiration for J.K. Rowling's Diagon Alley.

Belfast is a family-friendly city. The city has several great kid-friendly museums, a zoo, and a few indoor or outdoor activity centers where you can let kids play and explore.

Is York or Belfast Better for Couples?

York is a well-known place for romance. However, Belfast is not a good city for its romantic activities.

York is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples can explore the history and entertainment venues that make York an enjoyable destination. There are museums, restaurants, and outdoor markets that make this a great weekend getaway.

Most people don't think of Belfast as a couple's destination. There are gardens and parks to explore, several nice hotels with spas, and an Observatory on the 23rd floor of the Grand Central Hotel.

Is York or Belfast Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

York is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Belfast is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit York. There are a few hostels around town as well as nightlife venues and entertainment spots that appeal to backpackers and younger travelers. For great and affordable food, grab a meal at one of the many food trucks around town.

Belfast is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a reasonably affordable destination with a few hostels to choose from, but most backpackers don't make their way to this city.

Is York or Belfast Better for Students?

Belfast is a popular place for students. However, York is not popular with students.

Belfast is a good city to visit for students. The city's affordability has made it a popular option for international students headed to the area.

York is not popular with students.

Is York or Belfast Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

York is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Belfast is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

York has a few public transit options. There is a reliable and efficient bus system around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Belfast. There is a bus service in the city.

Is York or Belfast a more walkable city?

York and Belfast both are good when exploring on foot.

York is somewhat walkable. The old town has many pedestrian streets that are easily explored on food.

Belfast is a somewhat walkable place.

For even more information, also check out Is York Worth Visiting? and Is Belfast Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Belfast or York?

How long in York or Belfast?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both York and Belfast. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in York than in Belfast. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for York, and 1-3 days is enough time in Belfast.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in York than Belfast 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 York.

One day in York or Belfast?

In York, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Belfast. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in York or Belfast?

In York, you'll find food and shopping. 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. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that York has to offer.

Belfast is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in York or Belfast?

York is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the authentic destination of Belfast. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in York or Belfast?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in York. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting York. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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.

The under-rated city of Belfast offers nightlife and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from London, The Best 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 2-Week Tours from London, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between York and Belfast, we can see that Belfast is more expensive. And not only is York much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to York would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in York 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 Belfast would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Belfast than you might in York.

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

Which is Bigger, York or Belfast?

Belfast has a larger population, and is about 91% larger than the population of York. When comparing the sizes of York and Belfast, 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 York or Belfast?

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 York or Belfast in the Summer?

Both Belfast and York are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to York for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Belfast in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

York is around the same temperature as Belfast in the summer. The daily temperature in York averages around 16°C (62°F) in July, and Belfast fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

York usually receives more sunshine than Belfast during summer. York gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Belfast receives 151 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, York usually receives less rain than Belfast. York gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit York or Belfast in the Autumn?

Both Belfast and York during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to York in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Belfast for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, York is a little warmer than Belfast. Typically, the autumn temperatures in York in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Belfast averages at about 9°C (48°F).

In the autumn, York often gets more sunshine than Belfast. York gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Belfast receives 92 hours of full sun.

York usually gets less rain in October than Belfast. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Belfast in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both York and Belfast. Most visitors come to York for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Belfast because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

The weather in Belfast can be very cold. York can be very cold during winter. In January, York is generally around the same temperature as Belfast. Daily temperatures in York average around 4°C (39°F), and Belfast fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

York usually receives more sunshine than Belfast during winter. York gets 61 hours of sunny skies, while Belfast receives 50 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, York usually receives less rain than Belfast. York gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit York or Belfast in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to York as well as Belfast. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Belfast this time of year.

York is around the same temperature as Belfast in the spring. The daily temperature in York averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Belfast fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the spring, York often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Belfast. York gets 151 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Belfast receives 150 hours of full sun.

York usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Belfast. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Belfast and York