A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bandung vs. Beijing for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Bandung or Beijing?

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

Should I visit Bandung or Beijing? 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.

Bandung

Bandung is a laidback, cultural, and scenic city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and hiking. See Bandung travel costs.

Beijing

Beijing is a jam-packed, cultural, and fascinating city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Beijing is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Beijing travel costs.

Bandung and Beijing: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bandung or Beijing?

You'll generally find more things to do in Beijing than Bandung. Beijing is bigger than Bandung, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Beijing is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Bandung is more popular for its hiking and shopping. Beijing is more touristy than Bandung and is popular for its rich culture, many historical landmarks, its long running history, and its world class cuisine. Also, Beijing is famous for The Forbidden City. Bandung is well known for its fashion and shopping outlets, its local street food, and its cooler temperatures.

How is Bandung different from Beijing?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bandung or Beijing?

Beijing is an unbeatable place for its museums and history. Also, Bandung is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Beijing from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The city is filled with iconic landmarks including the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and The Temple of Heaven. It's also essential that you plan a trip outside of town to the world renowned Great Wall of China. The trip takes about an hour and you can organize a tour through almost any hotel or tour company.

Many visitors head to Bandung specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is filled with museums and landmarks like the Sri Baduga Museum, which displays prehistoric artifacts. There's also the Asian African Conference Museum, a geology museum, and the Indonesia Postal Museum. The Mandala Wangsit Siliwangi Museum shows items relating to Indonesian wars and weapons while the Virajati Seskoad Museum has information on the Indonesian Army school.

Is the Food Better in Bandung or Beijing? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Bandung and Beijing can be an enjoyable experience.

For foodies, Bandung is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city is a wonderful foodie destination with tons of street food and local options. The population is predominantly Sundanese, and the cuisine reflects that. The dishes involve a lot of raw vegetables and fresh ingredients. Make sure you try the batagor (fried tofu), soto Bandung (meat soup), and siomay (fish or chicken dumplings).

Beijing has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city has a number of iconic dishes that have put it on the culinary map. The most notable dish is Peking Duck, which is a delectable crispy roast duck that is usually served with cucumber, scallions, sweet bean sauce and pancakes or other steamed buns. Hot pots are another must-try experience in the city, and, of course, you have to experience the dumplings. A huge part of a visit to Beijing is experiencing its long running culinary history.

Is Bandung or Beijing Better for Nightlife?

Beijing is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. Also, Bandung is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Beijing has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. Live performances are popular in the city, and range from concerts to magic shows and acrobatics. There is also an active bar scene around town. Some of the most popular nightlife areas include Sanlitun and Houhai.

Bandung has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There's a large student population and a number of bars around town. The nightlife has a laidback vibe and many people enjoy hanging out with friends a local pub.

Is Bandung or Beijing Better for Hiking?

Bandung is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Beijing is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Bandung. There are tons of great hiking trails just outside of town. Some are undiscovered while others are more popular. The trails will take you through forests, by volcanoes, and to dramatic craters.

Beijing is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bandung or Beijing?

Bandung is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Bandung is a world class destination for shoppers. This is the ultimate shopping destination in Indonesia. Visitors come from throughout the country and abroad to buy designer goods and name brands, often at a discount price. You'll find both knock-offs and authentic merchandise, so be aware when you're purchasing something, which you might be buying.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Beijing. There are many unique handicrafts that you can purchase around town. Popular souvenirs include silk, pearls, and snuff bottles with pictures inside. The city has many shopping streets as well as markets and shopping malls that are worth visiting.

Is Bandung or Beijing More Beautiful?

Beijing is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Bandung is not a destination known for its beauty.

Beijing is a gorgeous place to visit. The parks, gardens, palaces, and temples all offer a glimpse into the past, while also letting you enjoy the city and culture that exists today.

Bandung is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Bandung or Beijing Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Bandung or Beijing.

Bandung is a family-friendly city. Kids will enjoy taking in a cultural show with traditional dance and music. Near the city you can also get outside and enjoy the stunning scenery at White Crater or Gunung Tangkuban Perahu. There's also the Bandung Geological Museum and Trans Studio amusement park.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Beijing. The city offers a unique cultural immersion that kids and adults can enjoy. Wander through the Forbidden City or watch your kids be mesmerized by a Chinese acrobatics show. It's also fun to get lost in the Hutongs or test their culinary palates by visiting a snack street.

Is Bandung or Beijing Better for Couples?

Bandung is a great destination for couples. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Bandung frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. While most honeymooners make their way to a beautiful Indonesian beach, if you're looking for a break from the heat then this city makes a good stopover. The city is near many beautiful outdoor settings such as the White Crater. There are also many nice luxury resorts and hotels.

Beijing is a nice destination for couples. The culture, history, and food all make this a stunning place to visit. While romance doesn't immediately spring to mind when you think of Beijing, there are shows and fine dining restaurants that couples will enjoy. There are also many luxury hotels with spas and other amenities.

Is Bandung or Beijing Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bandung and Beijing are both excellent destinations for backpackers.

Bandung is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Backpackers love Indonesia and this city is no exception. There are plenty of hostels around town and many great activities to enjoy.

Beijing is a great city to visit for backpackers. The city has many hostels and budget-friendly options. There isn't the backpacker community vibe that you may get in other Asian cities, but if you organize an excursion through your hostel, you're sure to make a few friends along the way.

Is Bandung or Beijing Better for Students?

Beijing is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Bandung is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Beijing is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. Students will enjoy the culture, food, and academic opportunities that the universities offer. There is also a decent nightlife scene and affordable places where students can live.

Bandung is popular with students. Many of the expats in town are students, so you'll have a number of people to hang out with. This is also an affordable town for study abroad.

Is Bandung or Beijing Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Beijing is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Bandung is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Visitors to Beijing can move around easily with public transportation. The system can be crowded and confusing at first, but it's one of the most convenient and affordable ways to get around town. There's a subway system as well as buses, trolleybuses, and suburban rail.

You'll find some public transit in Bandung, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are both public buses and a public van service (Angkutan Kota) that operates on set routes.

Is Bandung or Beijing a more walkable city?

Bandung is a great destination for its ease of walking around. However, Beijing is a city with minimal options for its walkability.

Bandung is a very walkable destination. There are a number of walkable neighborhoods around town.

Beijing is generally not a very walkable city. While parts of the city are fun to explore on foot, the city itself is very large with long blocks that aren't pedestrian-friendly.

For even more information, also check out Is Bandung Worth Visiting? and Is Beijing Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Beijing or Bandung?

How long in Bandung or Beijing?

Both Bandung and Beijing have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Beijing than in Bandung. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Bandung, and 3-7 days is enough time in Beijing.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Beijing than Bandung 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 Beijing.

One day in Bandung or Beijing?

In Bandung, you'll find nightlife and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Because Beijing is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Bandung or Beijing?

In Bandung, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bandung has to offer.

Because Beijing is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Bandung or Beijing?

Bandung is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

Beijing is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Beijing has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Bandung or Beijing?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bandung. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bandung. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Beijing. Because Beijing is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Indonesia, The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Bandung or Beijing?

Beijing has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Bandung. When comparing the sizes of Bandung and Beijing, 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.