A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Christchurch vs. Paris for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Christchurch or Paris?

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

Should I visit Christchurch or Paris? 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.

Christchurch

Christchurch is a cultural, outdoorsy, and adventure-filled city. Christchurch is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Christchurch travel costs.

Paris

Paris is a beautiful, iconic, and bustling city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The famous beauty of Paris is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the museums, theater, and nightlife. See Paris travel costs.

Christchurch and Paris: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Christchurch or Paris?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Paris than Christchurch. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Paris is very popular for its museums and attractions, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Christchurch attracts visitors for its beaches and hiking. Paris is more touristy than Christchurch and is popular for its world-renowned cuisine, iconic landmarks, trendsetting fashion, and dynamic markets. It is also well known for The Eiffel Tower. Christchurch is famous for its outdoor beauty and relaxing, scenic atmosphere.

The Eiffel Tower

How is Christchurch different from Paris?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Christchurch or Paris?

Paris is terrific for its museums and landmarks. Also, Christchurch is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Paris are among the most recognizable in the world. One of the most world famous landmarks is the Eiffel Tower. The city is also home to the world renowned Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Palais Garnier Opera House. In addition to the many iconic sights, there are beautiful buildings and hidden gems throughout the city.

Many visitors head to Christchurch specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is filled with street art and local galleries. There's also Canterbury Museum, the International Antarctic Centre, the Arts Centre, and the Riccarton House & Bush.

Is Christchurch or Paris Better for Theater?

Paris is terrific for its theatre productions. However, Christchurch is not a theatre destination.

The theater and performance venues in Paris draw crowds from around the world. There are world class theaters as well as smaller local venues where you can enjoy a show.

Christchurch is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Christchurch or Paris? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Paris is terrific for its restaurant scene. Also, Christchurch is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Paris is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. There are countless local restaurants, markets, and patisseries to explore. Make sure you try the steak tartare, pate, and macarons.

Christchurch has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There's a mix of cozy cafes and casual eateries around town. You'll also find some fine dining restaurants as well as international flavors.

Is Christchurch or Paris Better for Nightlife?

Paris is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Christchurch is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Paris is a must-see party destination. Head to Pigalle or the Latin Quarter for some of the city's best nightlife. There are all-night parties, cabarets, and exclusive night clubs that you can experience.

Many people head to Christchurch for the nightlife scene. The city has its share of dance clubs, live music venues, and laid back bars. You'll find a number of popular hangout spots around Oxford Terrace or on the historic New Regent Street.

Is Christchurch or Paris Better for Music?

Paris is terrific for its live music scene. However, Christchurch is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Paris Some of the most famous music venues include Le Pop In, La Mécanique Ondulatoire, and Les Disquaires. You'll also find many small bars where you can enjoy live music in a quaint setting.

Christchurch is not a live music destination.

Is Christchurch or Paris Better for Beaches?

Christchurch is great for its beaches. However, Paris is not a beach destination.

Christchurch is considered a top beach destination. There are sandy beaches in the area with water sports and various amenities. The summer months are the most popular time for hanging out at the beach, and you'll find local families playing in the sun or enjoying a picnic.

Paris is not a beach destination.

Is Christchurch or Paris Better for Hiking?

Christchurch is great for hiking. However, Paris is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Christchurch for the hiking trails. There are many beautiful hikes in the area that take you along the coastline or past local historic sights. The landscape is diverse and you'll find many amazing parks in the area. Hooker Valley Track is one of the best hiking routes nearby.

Paris is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Christchurch or Paris?

Paris is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Christchurch is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Paris make it a world-class shopping destination. Some of the best areas for shopping are Boulevard Haussmann and the Grands Boulevards, the Marais, and Avenue Montaigne and the Champs-Elysées. The city is iconic for its fashion scene and world class shopping venues.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Christchurch. There's a mix of boutique shops, outlet malls, and open air markets. Some of the best shopping places include the Tannery and the Colombo.

Is Christchurch or Paris More Beautiful?

Paris is terrific for its scenery and beauty. Also, Christchurch is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The famous beauty of Paris is one of the main draws. It is famous for it's beautiful buildings, grand avenues, and impressive gardens. Many consider it among the most romantic and beautiful cities in the world.

Christchurch offers plenty of beauty for visitors. With its many beautiful parks, gardens, and outdoor spaces, this is a very scenic city.

Is Christchurch or Paris Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Christchurch or Paris.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Christchurch is a very family-friendly destination. The International Antarctic Centre is a thrilling and fun experience. There's also the Orana Wildlife Park or Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. For adrenaline junkies there are the ropes courses at the Adrenalin Forest. There are also many indoor playgrounds and rock climbing facilities.

Paris is one of the most popular family destinations. Check out Jardin du Luxembourg, or one of the city's many playgrounds. Also grab a treat at one of the city's many patisseries. And of course, there's Disneyland Paris.

Is Christchurch or Paris Better for Couples?

Paris is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Christchurch is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Paris makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. A city filled with romance, you really can't find a more ideal destination for a European honeymoon or a couple's getaway.

Christchurch is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Punting on the Avon River is one of the most romantic activities in the city. There are also botanical gardens, parks, and natural areas that are fun to explore. Nearby, you can do a wine tour, or there are cocktail bars and charming restaurants in town. The city also has a nice theater and many other date night activities.

Is Christchurch or Paris Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paris is terrific for backpackers. Also, Christchurch is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Paris. It's a big city, so it's easy to get lost in the chaos, but there are many hostels and other backpacker hangouts around town.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Christchurch. There's no shortage of hostels around town, and many backpackers pass through Christchurch on their epic New Zealand adventure.

Is Christchurch or Paris Better for Students?

Paris is terrific for students. Also, Christchurch is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Many students frequent Paris. The city is one of the most popular destinations for international and study abroad students.

Christchurch is very popular with students. It's the largest city on the South Island and there are plenty of activities and nearby trips that you can enjoy.

Is Christchurch or Paris Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Paris is terrific for its public transit. Also, Christchurch is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Paris can take you anywhere. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.

While Christchurch offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. While it's not a diverse transit system, the buses are well connected and offer the cheapest way to get around town.

Is Christchurch or Paris a more walkable city?

Christchurch and Paris both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Christchurch is a very walkable city. The city center is relatively flat and easy to explore on foot.

Paris is a very walkable destination. Some streets can feel a bit overwhelming, but there are many parts of the city that are easily explored on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Christchurch Worth Visiting? and Is Paris Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Paris or Christchurch?

How long in Christchurch or Paris?

Both Christchurch and Paris have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Paris than in Christchurch. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Christchurch, and 3-7 days is enough time in Paris.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Paris than Christchurch 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 Paris.

One day in Christchurch or Paris?

In Christchurch, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this cultural destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Each neighborhood in Paris has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Christchurch or Paris?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Christchurch. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Paris is a fun place to experience. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Christchurch or Paris?

Christchurch is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Christchurch. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Each neighborhood in Paris has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Christchurch or Paris?

You'll find food and shopping around the outdoorsy destination of Christchurch. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Paris is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland, The Best Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Christchurch and Paris, we can see that Paris is more expensive. And not only is Christchurch much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Christchurch is in Pacific and Paris is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Christchurch would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Christchurch 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 Paris would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Paris than you might in Christchurch.

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

Which is Bigger, Christchurch or Paris?

Paris has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Christchurch. When comparing the sizes of Christchurch and Paris, 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 Christchurch or Paris?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Christchurch is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Paris has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Christchurch or Paris in the Summer?

Both Paris and Christchurch during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Christchurch because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Paris this time of year.

In January, Christchurch is generally cooler than Parisin July. Daily temperatures in Christchurch average around 18°C (64°F), and Paris fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In Paris, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Christchurch. In the summer, Christchurch often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Parisin July. Christchurch gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Paris receives 241 hours of full sun.

Christchurch usually gets less rain in January than Parisin July. Christchurch gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Paris receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Christchurch or Paris in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Christchurch and Paris. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Christchurch this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Paris for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Christchurch is around the same temperature as Paris in the autumn. The daily temperature in Christchurch averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and Paris fluctuates around 13°C (56°F)in October.

Christchurch usually receives more sunshine than Paris during autumn. Christchurch gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Paris receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In April, Christchurch usually receives around the same amount of rain as Parisin October. Christchurch gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Paris receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Christchurch or Paris in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Christchurch as well as Paris. Many travelers come to Christchurch for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Paris in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Paris can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Christchurch is a little warmer than Paris. Typically, the winter temperatures in Christchurch in July average around 6°C (43°F), and Paris averages at about 5°C (40°F)in January.

In the winter, Christchurch often gets more sunshine than Parisin January. Christchurch gets 122 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Paris receives 62 hours of full sun.

Christchurch usually gets more rain in July than Parisin January. Christchurch gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Paris receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Christchurch or Paris in the Spring?

Both Paris and Christchurch are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Christchurch in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Paris for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In October, Christchurch is generally around the same temperature as Parisin April. Daily temperatures in Christchurch average around 12°C (54°F), and Paris fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Christchurch. Christchurch usually receives more sunshine than Paris during spring. Christchurch gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Paris receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

In October, Christchurch usually receives less rain than Parisin April. Christchurch gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Paris receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Paris and Christchurch