A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kos vs. Belfast for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Kos or Belfast?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Kos and Belfast can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Kos

Kos is a beautiful, ancient, and cultural island. You'll find world class beauty in Kos as well. It's also known for scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Kos 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. Other reasons to visit include nightlife and shopping. See Belfast travel costs.

Kos and Belfast: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kos or Belfast?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kos. Although Kos and Belfast are both popular with visitors, Kos has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Kos is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Belfast is known for its big city activities. Kos is popular for its sandy beaches and crystal clear blue water. It is also home to Asklepieion Archeological Site. Belfast is popular for being the birthplace of the Titanic and the location of the era of the "Troubles".

How is Kos different from Belfast?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Kos is an unbeatable place for its sights and museums. However, Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Kos that are not to be missed. The small island is packed with archaeological sites and interesting history. Famous places worth visiting include the ruins of Asklepion, the ancient Agora, Roman Odeon, Neratzia Castle, and so many more!

Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Kos 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, Kos is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The cuisine relies heavily on locally harvested ingredients with many dishes featuring cheese, seafood, vegetables, olive oil, and potatoes. The dishes are influenced by Italian and Turkish cuisines and common dishes include moussaka, souvlaki and tzatziki. Popular seafood options are prawns, squid, lobster and octopus. A great way to enjoy a sampling of local dishes is to visit an ouzeri, which is a Greek taverna that serves mezza style meals with small dishes that you can share.

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 Kos or Belfast Better for Nightlife?

Kos 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.

Kos offers plenty to do in the evening. For such a small island you'll find a huge party scene during the peak summer months. There are almost nightly parties, beach raves, and late night clubs throughout the summer months. The bars and clubs are mostly concentrated around a couple of streets in the center of Kos Town, but Kardamena is also a lively party area. It's popular with British tourists who head here for the all-night clubs.

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 Kos or Belfast Better for Resorts?

Kos is a nice place to visit for its resorts. However, Belfast is not a resort destination.

Kos has a handful of resorts to choose from. It's a smaller island and there aren't as many resorts here as there are on some of the larger Greek islands. Some of the best resort areas include Lamp and Psalidi to the northwest, Tigaki on the west coast (a good option for families), as well as Mastihari and Marmari which both have relaxed atmospheres. The younger crowd often hangs out around Kardemena on the east coast.

Belfast is not a resort destination.

Is Kos or Belfast Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kos is an unbeatable place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Belfast is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel to Kos specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. There are countless snorkeling sports around the island where you can immerse yourself in the undersea world. Popular snorkeling areas include Camel Beach and Limnionas Beach. Make sure you understand the water conditions before heading into the water.

Belfast is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Kos or Belfast Better for Beaches?

Kos is an unbeatable place for its beaches. However, Belfast is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Kos are among the best in the world. The island is famous for its beautiful beaches, many of which are sandy with various shades of color. There are touristy beaches with plenty of amenities as well as less frequented beaches that offer a quieter and more remote atmosphere. Some of the most visited beaches on the island include Agios Stefanos, Kardamena, Kefalos and Lambi while some of the more peaceful areas are Cavo Paradiso and Helona Beach.

Belfast is not a beach destination.

Is Kos or Belfast Better for Hiking?

Kos is a nice place to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Belfast is not a hiking destination.

Kos has hiking trails worth exploring. This is a great walking island with a number of easy walks or hikes that take you along the coastline or through interesting landscapes.

Belfast is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kos or Belfast?

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Kos and Belfast.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Kos. There are a number of traditional items that you can pick up while you're in town. Fun souvenirs include jewelry, leather items, and perfumes.

Belfast offers some nice shopping areas. The main shopping areas in the city are Victoria Square Shopping Centre and CastleCourt.

Is Kos or Belfast More Beautiful?

Kos is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. However, Belfast is not a destination known for its beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Kos as well. With it's beautiful coves and ancient ruins, this small island packs a lot of activity into a small space.

Belfast is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Kos or Belfast Better for Families?

Both Kos and Belfast are good to visit with kids.

Kos is a family-friendly island. It's comparable to other Greek islands when it comes to kids' activities. Kos Town can get a bit lively at night so if you want to avoid the party crowds, then those areas are easily avoided. Popular activities include exploring ancient ruins, going to the Kos Archaeological Museum, visiting The Castle of the Knights, and of course, hanging out at the beach. One of the best family-friendly resort areas is Tigaki along the west coast.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Belfast. 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 Kos or Belfast Better for Couples?

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

Kos is a very popular place to visit for couples. This small island offers beautiful beaches and plenty of ancient ruins to explore. Kos Town is where you'll find the liveliest atmosphere but for some of the best resorts you'll want to stay in one of the resort suburbs like Lampi or Psalidi.

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 Kos or Belfast Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kos 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 Kos. It's a small island but has a few hostels and a variety of apartments available for rent. Despite its small size, there are areas where you'll want to have a car if you wish to explore, but if you stay in town you'll find getting around fairly easy. The island attracts its share of young travelers and you'll find plenty of people to hang out with.

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 Kos or Belfast Better for Students?

Belfast is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Kos is not popular with students.

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

Kos is not popular with students.

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

Kos is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Belfast is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Kos. Buses connect many of the tourist destinations including beaches, cultural sights, are resort areas.

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

Is Kos or Belfast a more walkable city?

Kos is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

Kos is very walkable. It's small size means it's possible to explore parts of the island on foot or bicycle. There are some beautiful walks on the island, but some areas will require a car or bus.

Belfast is a somewhat walkable place.

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

Should I spend more time in Belfast or Kos?

How long in Kos or Belfast?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Kos and Belfast. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Kos than in Belfast. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Kos, and 1-3 days is enough time in Belfast.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kos 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 Kos.

One day in Kos or Belfast?

In Kos, you'll find shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With nightlife and shopping around the authentic destination of Belfast, there's plenty to do. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A weekend in Kos or Belfast?

In Kos, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kos has to offer.

Many people visit Belfast for a weekend. With shopping and nightlife around the under-rated city of Belfast, there's plenty to do. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Kos or Belfast?

Kos is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kos has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

The destination of Belfast offers nightlife and shopping. It offers something for everyone. 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.

A week in Kos or Belfast?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kos. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Kos. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Belfast, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Athens, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Greece, The Best Budget Tours to United Kingdom, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kos and Belfast, we can see that Belfast is more expensive. And not only is Kos much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kos would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kos 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 Kos.

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

Which is Bigger, Kos or Belfast?

Belfast has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Kos. When comparing the sizes of Kos 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.