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

Should you visit Paphos or Belfast?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Paphos or Belfast, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Paphos

Paphos is a ancient, beautiful, and cultural town. Paphos is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Paphos 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.

Paphos and Belfast: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Paphos or Belfast?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Paphos. Although Paphos and Belfast are both popular with visitors, Paphos has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Paphos is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Belfast is known for its big city activities. Paphos is more touristy than Belfast and is known for its historical sights, rich culture, and beautiful churches. It is also home to Paphos Archaeological Park. Belfast is popular for being the birthplace of the Titanic and the location of the era of the "Troubles".

How is Paphos different from Belfast?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Paphos 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 Paphos that are not to be missed. The area is well known for its impressive archeological ruins, many of which are found at Paphos Archaeological Site. Other impressive sights include the Tombs of the Kings, the Chrysopolitissa Basilica & St. Paul's Pillar, Agia Paraskevi, and Paphos Fort.

Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Paphos 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, Paphos is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Food is a huge part of the culture and family life in the area. The cuisine is influenced by the surrounding areas and you'll see similarities to Greek, Turkish, and Middle Eastern cuisines. Popular dishes include koupepia (vine leaves stuffed with a filling called gemista), souvlaki (a meat and salad filled pita), and makaronia tou fournou (a pasta dish made with halloumi and béchamel sauce).

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 Paphos or Belfast Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Paphos or Belfast has a better nightlife scene.

Paphos has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Most people think of history, culture, beaches, and wine, but the city also has its share of clubs and bars. It's not the party-hard beach destination that you'll find at some Mediterranean tourist areas, but there are still plenty of bars and clubs with atmosphere and style. Head to Agiou Antoniou Street for the most action.

If you're looking for night time activities Belfast has a few options to choose from. The city has a number of bars and clubs with local DJs or musicians.

Is Paphos or Belfast Better for Resorts?

Paphos is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Belfast is not a resort destination.

Paphos offers an unforgettable resort vacation. The area is filled with all types of resorts. There are many all-inclusive resorts that cater to families, honeymooners, or luxury vacationers. If you want to experience more of the local culture, there are also smaller boutique hotels or local apartments available.

Belfast is not a resort destination.

Is Paphos or Belfast Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Paphos is a nice place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Belfast is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Paphos has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are many snorkeling and dive spots that aren't far away. You'll also find a number of scuba or snorkeling excursions that you can join. The water conditions for snorkeling and diving are best during the summer months.

Belfast is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Paphos or Belfast Better for Beaches?

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

The beaches in Paphos are among the best in the world. Many people head to the area specifically for the beaches. This region has the longest coastline of any region in Cyprus, but keep in mind that some of the best beaches are found outside of the main tourist areas. However, they most are usually accessible by city bus with many remote stretches found along the Akamas Peninsula. Within town the beaches are often rocky and pebbly.

Belfast is not a beach destination.

Is Paphos or Belfast Better for its Old Town?

Paphos is a nice place to visit for its historic old town. However, Belfast does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Paphos to see the historical old town. The old town is a pleasant area to walk around with a number of interesting buildings. The area was revitalized in 2017 and there are many historical sites. It's also fun to go shopping at Kennedy Square and Makariou Avenue.

Belfast does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Paphos or Belfast?

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

Paphos is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are outdoor markets, major shopping streets, and international fashion brands. You can pick up local souvenirs or beach gear that you may have forgotten.

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

Is Paphos or Belfast More Beautiful?

Paphos is a well-known place for its scenery and beauty. However, Belfast is not a destination known for its beauty.

Paphos is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The area is known for its world-renowned archeological ruins, stunning beaches, and beautiful outdoor setting.

Belfast is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Paphos or Belfast Better for Families?

Paphos is a well-known 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.

Paphos is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are plenty of outdoor activities that kids will enjoy. Head to the beach or take a walk along the coastline. Animal lovers will appreciate a visit to the zoo, bird park, or aquarium and young thrill seekers will enjoy a day at the Aqua-park of Aphrodite. And, of course, there's also the ruins that kids can have fun exploring.

Belfast is a family-friendly town. 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 Paphos or Belfast Better for Couples?

Paphos is an unbeatable place for romance. However, Belfast is not a good city for its romantic activities.

Paphos has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Honeymooners who enjoy history, nature, beaches, and culture will find it all in the area. There are stunning beaches where you can relax in the sun, world renowned archeological ruins where you can immerse yourself in a historical world, and beautiful views around every corner. There are also excellent restaurants and wine tasting opportunities that will make for a memorable trip.

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 Paphos or Belfast Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paphos 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 Paphos. The area is generally accessible with a few good hostels and budget accommodation options sprinkled about. There are great beaches and restaurants as well as plenty of beautiful places to enjoy a walk.

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 Paphos or Belfast Better for Students?

Belfast is a nice place to visit for students. However, Paphos is not popular with students.

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

Paphos is not popular with students.

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

Paphos 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 Paphos. It's possible to get around by city bus to most places. Buses connect many touristy areas such as Kato Paphos, Tombs of the Kings, Chloraka, Kissonerga, Coral Bay and Paphos Center.

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

Is Paphos or Belfast a more walkable city?

Paphos and Belfast both are good when exploring on foot.

Paphos is somewhat walkable. The main tourist area is Kato Paphos which is small, compact and easy to walk around, but if you want to head to areas further away then you likely won't be able to travel on foot. It's important to understand where your hotel is located if you're planning to explore on foot.

Belfast is a somewhat walkable place.

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

Should I spend more time in Belfast or Paphos?

How long in Paphos or Belfast?

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

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

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

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

One day in Paphos or Belfast?

In Paphos, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Belfast. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Paphos or Belfast?

In Paphos, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Belfast is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Paphos or Belfast?

Paphos is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Paphos has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Belfast. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Paphos or Belfast?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Paphos. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Paphos. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the authentic destination of Belfast. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Cyprus, The Best Tours for Seniors to Cyprus, 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 Paphos and Belfast, we can see that Belfast is more expensive. And not only is Paphos much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Paphos would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Paphos 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 Paphos.

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

Which is Bigger, Paphos or Belfast?

Belfast has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Paphos. When comparing the sizes of Paphos 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 Paphos 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 Paphos or Belfast in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Paphos and Belfast. The summer months attract visitors to Paphos because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Belfast this time of year.

Paphos is much warmer than Belfast in the summer. The daily temperature in Paphos averages around 27°C (80°F) in July, and Belfast fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In Paphos, it's very sunny this time of the year. Paphos usually receives more sunshine than Belfast during summer. Paphos gets 388 hours of sunny skies, while Belfast receives 151 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Paphos usually receives less rain than Belfast. Paphos gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Paphos or Belfast in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Paphos as well as Belfast. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Paphos this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Belfast for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Paphos is much warmer than Belfast. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Paphos in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Belfast averages at about 9°C (48°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Paphos this time of the year. In the autumn, Paphos often gets more sunshine than Belfast. Paphos gets 270 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Belfast receives 92 hours of full sun.

Paphos usually gets less rain in October than Belfast. Paphos gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Paphos or Belfast in the Winter?

Both Belfast and Paphos are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Paphos for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Belfast in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Belfast can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Paphos is generally much warmer than Belfast. Daily temperatures in Paphos average around 12°C (53°F), and Belfast fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Paphos usually receives more sunshine than Belfast during winter. Paphos gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Belfast receives 50 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Paphos usually receives less rain than Belfast. Paphos gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Paphos or Belfast in the Spring?

Both Belfast and Paphos during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Paphos in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Belfast for the activities around the city during these months.

Paphos is much warmer than Belfast in the spring. The daily temperature in Paphos averages around 17°C (62°F) in April, and Belfast fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

It's quite sunny in Paphos. In the spring, Paphos often gets more sunshine than Belfast. Paphos gets 270 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Belfast receives 150 hours of full sun.

Paphos usually gets less rain in April than Belfast. Paphos gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Belfast and Paphos