A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers York vs. Budapest for Food, Old Town, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit York or Budapest?

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

Should I visit York 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.

York

York is a medieval, fanciful, and historic city. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Budapest

Budapest is a bustling, cultural, and artistic city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums.

York and Budapest: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in York or Budapest?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Budapest than York. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Budapest is very popular for its shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while York attracts visitors for its food and historical sights. York is famous for its markets, old town, and its many ghost tours. Budapest is famous for its thermal hot springs, European spas, rich culture, and wild nightlife scene. It is also well known for The Hungarian Parliament Building.

How is York different from Budapest?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Budapest 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 Budapest?

Both York and Budapest have great landmarks and museums for visitors.

York offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Popular museums include the York Castle Museum, the National Railway Museum, Castle Howard, and JORVIK Viking Centre.

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 York or Budapest? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

York has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

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 York or Budapest Better for Nightlife?

Both York and Budapest are great when it comes to 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.

Budapest has a large number of nightlife venues. The city's active nightlife includes dance clubs, local pubs, and cultural festivals throughout the year.

Is York or Budapest Better for its Old Town?

York is terrific for its old town. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its historic old town charm.

York has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. 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.

Many visitors go to Budapest to see the historical old town. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in York or Budapest?

Budapest is a well-known place for shopping. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting York. 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.

Is York or Budapest Better for Families?

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

York is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

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 York or Budapest Better for Couples?

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

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.

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.

Is York or Budapest Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Budapest is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Budapest is a mecca for backpackers and 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.

Many backpackers 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.

Is York or Budapest Better for Students?

Budapest is a world-class destination for students. However, York 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.

York is not popular with students.

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

Budapest is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

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

Is York or Budapest a more walkable city?

Budapest is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

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

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

Should I spend more time in Budapest or York?

How long in York or Budapest?

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

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

The city of York offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

Budapest is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in York or Budapest?

York 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. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in York, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Budapest is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Budapest?

York is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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 artistic big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in York or Budapest?

York is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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.

The artistic city of Budapest offers museums and nightlife. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 10-Day Tours from Budapest, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Budapest.

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

Which is Bigger, York or Budapest?

Budapest has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of York. When comparing the sizes of York 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 York 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 York or Budapest in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to York as well as Budapest. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to York this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Budapest for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, York is cooler than Budapest. Typically, the summer temperatures in York in July average around 16°C (62°F), and Budapest averages at about 21°C (70°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Budapest. In the summer, York often gets less sunshine than Budapest. York gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 278 hours of full sun.

York usually gets more rain in July than Budapest. York gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Budapest in the Autumn?

Both Budapest and York are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to York for 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 October, York is generally around the same temperature as Budapest. Daily temperatures in York average around 11°C (52°F), and Budapest fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

York usually receives less sunshine than Budapest during autumn. York gets 112 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, York usually receives more rain than Budapest. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit York or Budapest in the Winter?

Both Budapest and York during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to York in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Budapest for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Budapest can be very cold during winter. York can get quite cold in the winter. York is much warmer than Budapest in the winter. The daily temperature in York averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Budapest fluctuates around -1°C (31°F).

In the winter, York often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Budapest. York gets 61 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 61 hours of full sun.

York usually gets more rain in January than Budapest. York gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Budapest in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both York and Budapest. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Budapest because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, York is cooler than Budapest. Typically, the spring temperatures in York in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Budapest averages at about 12°C (53°F).

York usually receives less sunshine than Budapest during spring. York gets 151 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, York usually receives more rain than Budapest. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Budapest and York