Comparison · Belgrade vs Budapest · Serbia / Hungary
Belgrade vs Budapest
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: ZlatanJovanovic, CC BY 3.0
Quick answer
Choose Belgrade for Belgrade Fortress, Kalemegdan Park and lower day-to-day costs; choose Budapest for Thermal baths and Hungarian Parliament. Belgrade is generally less expensive, and the two are about 320 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 320 km
- Less expensive
- Belgrade
- Best time for Belgrade
- May–June and September–October
- Best time for Budapest
- April–May and September–October
Side by side
| Belgrade | Budapest | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Serbia | Hungary |
| Known for | Belgrade Fortress, Kalemegdan Park and Nightlife and river clubs | Thermal baths, Hungarian Parliament and Danube views |
| Best time to visit | May–June and September–October | April–May and September–October |
| Ideal stay | 3 days | 4 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $90–$160 | $110–$210 |
| Cost level | Affordable | Affordable |
| Warmest month | July, 30°C (86°F) | July, 28°C (82°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 5°C (41°F) | January, 3°C (37°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 8 | 7 |
| Day trips in our guide | 6 | 6 |
| Beaches | — | — |
| Airports | BEG | BUD |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Belgrade for…
Belgrade Fortress, Kalemegdan Park and lower day-to-day costs. Serbia's capital stands on a ridge where the Sava flows into the Danube, crowned by the Belgrade Fortress and Kalemegdan Park. From there the pedestrian Knez Mihailova street leads to Republic Square, the bohemian kafanas of Skadarlija and the huge domed…
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Choose Budapest for…
Thermal baths and Hungarian Parliament. Budapest straddles the Danube: hilly Buda on the west bank has the Castle District and Fisherman's Bastion, while flat Pest on the east holds the Parliament, St Stephen's Basilica, the old Jewish Quarter and most hotels, restaurants and bars. The city sits…
Top sights compared
| # | Belgrade | Budapest |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Belgrade Fortress and Kalemegdan Park | Hungarian Parliament Building |
| 2 | Knez Mihailova Street and Republic Square | Buda Castle |
| 3 | Skadarlija | Fisherman's Bastion |
| 4 | Church of Saint Sava | Matthias Church |
| 5 | Nikola Tesla Museum | Széchenyi Thermal Bath |
Food compared
| Belgrade | Budapest |
|---|---|
| Ćevapi | Goulash soup |
| Pljeskavica | Chicken paprikash |
| Burek with yogurt | Lángos |
| Kajmak | Chimney cake |
Which is cheaper?
Belgrade is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $90–$160 per person there, against $110–$210 in Budapest (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Belgrade on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Belgrade and Budapest are about 320 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 3 days in Belgrade and 4 in Budapest.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Belgrade or Budapest cheaper?
Belgrade is usually less expensive: about $90–$160 a day mid-range against $110–$210 (estimates).
+Is Belgrade or Budapest better for a first trip?
Pick Belgrade for Belgrade Fortress, Kalemegdan Park and lower day-to-day costs, or Budapest for Thermal baths and Hungarian Parliament.
+How far is Belgrade from Budapest?
About 320 km in a straight line.