A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dubai vs. Jakarta for Nightlife, Attractions, Food, and Families

Should you visit Dubai or Jakarta?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Dubai and Jakarta can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dubai

Dubai is a modern, glamorous, and opulent city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Dubai is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums. See Dubai travel costs.

Jakarta

Jakarta is a sprawling, friendly, and diverse city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Jakarta travel costs.

Dubai and Jakarta: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dubai or Jakarta?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Dubai than Jakarta. While Jakarta is larger than Dubai, Dubai has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Dubai is more touristy than Jakarta and is known for its luxury shopping, glamorous resorts, city beaches, and ultramodern development style. Also, Dubai is famous for Burj Khalifa. Jakarta is well known for its diversity, culture, cuisine, and mega-malls.

Burj Khalifa

How is Dubai different from Jakarta?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Dubai or Jakarta Better for Skiing?

Dubai is adequate for skiing. However, Jakarta is not a skiing destination.

Locals like to visit Dubai to take advantage of their winter sports. Despite being a desert city, Dubai became famous for its massive indoor ski complex that covers 22,500 square meters. It is located in the Mall of the Emirates.

Jakarta is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Dubai or Jakarta?

You'll find a number of high quality museums and attractions in both Jakarta and Dubai.

Many visitors head to Dubai specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city's most famous landmark is the Burj Khalifa, which is the tallest building in the world. Head to the observation deck for stunning views.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Jakarta can be an interesting and educational experience. There's a huge number of museums around town like the National Museum, Museum Layang-Layang, and Museum MACAN. There's also Merdeka Square, which is one of the world's biggest public squares and Istiqlal Mosque, which is the largest mosque in Southeast Asia.

Is the Food Better in Dubai or Jakarta? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Dubai and Jakarta both to be high quality destinations.

Dubai has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The national dish in the area is khuzi, or ghuzi, which is a meal of roasted lamb or mutton, prepared with rice vegetables and nuts.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Jakarta makes for a great culinary experience. There are so many different cultures represented in Indonesian cuisine, and you'll find them all in Jakarta. The food stalls, restaurants, and casual eateries all have their own flavor and style, which makes dining in this mega-city a true adventure.

Is Dubai or Jakarta Better for Nightlife?

Dubai is terrific for nightlife. Also, Jakarta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Dubai is a must-see party destination. Frequented by the wealthy and opulent, the city has world class night clubs and DJs that travel from around to world to perform.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Jakarta. It's a huge city, so there's a very active nightlife scene, but it's mostly focused on locals and not tourists like you'll find elsewhere in Indonesia. For the best nightlife district, head to Kemang, which has many bars and clubs.

Is Dubai or Jakarta Better for Music?

Dubai is terrific for live music. However, Jakarta is not a live music destination.

Dubai is known as a music capital around the world. The city attracts world famous international DJs and musicians giving it one of the world's best music scenes.

Jakarta is not a live music destination.

Is Dubai or Jakarta Better for Resorts?

Dubai is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Jakarta is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Dubai for its luxury resorts. Some of the most famous include Atlantis - The Palm, The Four Seasons, and Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.

Jakarta is not a resort destination.

Is Dubai or Jakarta Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Dubai is a good destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Jakarta is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Dubai. One of the best scuba diving spots is Jumeirah Beach.

Jakarta is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Dubai or Jakarta Better for Beaches?

Dubai is a good destination for its beaches. However, Jakarta is not a beach destination.

Dubai offers a nice beach destination. There are a number of both private and public beaches in the city. They are almost all man-made, so they are large, flat, and have soft sand. It's also generally safe to swim at most beaches.

Jakarta is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dubai or Jakarta?

Dubai is terrific for shopping. Also, Jakarta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Dubai. With its many malls, souks, and shopping areas, this is the place to go for luxury shopping. Popular items to purchase include gold and diamond jewelry, shawls, and Persian rugs.

Jakarta is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city is filled with high end luxury malls where you can buy the latest fashions and many international brands. Around town you'll also find everything from local handicrafts to chic boutiques and grand international chains.

Is Dubai or Jakarta More Beautiful?

Dubai is a great city for its scenery and beauty. However, Jakarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Dubai is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. With its many skyscrapers and high end resorts, this is a beautiful city to visit.

Jakarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Dubai or Jakarta Better for Families?

Dubai is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Jakarta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Dubai is a very family-friendly destination. This city has family-friendly resorts, skyscrapers with spectacular views, and amusement parks that are fun for the whole family. There are also plenty of fountains that the kids can splash around in.

Jakarta is a family-friendly place to visit. Most visitors skip out on this huge city, and it's definitely not the first place that comes to mind when you think about family-friendly destinations, but there's actually a very fascinating culture that kids and adults alike can enjoy. There's the Kota area, which has colonial architecture. There's also a puppet museum and several history museums. But for most kids, the highlight is a visit to the Taman Impian Jaya Ancol area, which has amusement parks and even SeaWorld.

Is Dubai or Jakarta Better for Couples?

Both Dubai and Jakarta are notable destinations to visit as a couple.

Dubai is a good city for couples to visit. From the spectacular views to the high end resorts, couples can enjoy a romantic retreat to the city.

Jakarta is a nice destination for couples. Most travelers looking for a romantic destination will head to the many famous honeymoon spots in Indonesia. But for those who make their way to Jakarta, there is sure to be a lot of adventure and culture. The city has many great museums as well as nature parks and amusement parks.

Is Dubai or Jakarta Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Jakarta is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Dubai is not known for backpackers.

Jakarta is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Visitors often have strong feelings about this city, whether they love it or hate it. For those backpackers who spend some time here, they're sure to be treated to a look at true Indonesian culture, which is hard to find in the more touristy areas.

Dubai is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It is known to be an expensive and not so backpacker friendly city, but there are some hostels around that you can stay at.

Is Dubai or Jakarta Better for Students?

Dubai is terrific for its student-friendly activities. However, Jakarta is not popular with students.

Dubai is a very popular place to visit for students. Many major universities from around the world have campuses in this city, making this a top destination for international students.

Jakarta is not popular with students.

Is Dubai or Jakarta Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Dubai is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Jakarta is not known for its public transit.

While Dubai offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The city's public transportation system includes buses, water buses, a monorail system, and a metro.

Public transit is generally limited in Jakarta. Public transportation has improved a lot recently. There's a commuter line as well as buses. The system can be a bit overwhelming and slow though, so tourists often avoid it.

Is Dubai or Jakarta a more walkable city?

Dubai and Jakarta are respectable when it comes to walkability.

Dubai is generally not a very walkable city. It is one of the less pedestrian-friendly cities around the world. There is lots of road work, even in the more walkable areas, so getting around on foot can be challenging.

Jakarta is generally not very walkable. Central Jakarta is more walkable than most of the city but, in general, the city has a lot of traffic and isn't the best for exploring on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Dubai Worth Visiting? and Is Jakarta Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Jakarta or Dubai?

How long in Dubai or Jakarta?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Dubai and Jakarta. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Dubai than in Jakarta. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Dubai, and 1-3 days is enough time in Jakarta.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Dubai than Jakarta 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 Dubai.

One day in Dubai or Jakarta?

Because Dubai is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Jakarta, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this friendly big city offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Dubai or Jakarta?

Because Dubai 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. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Jakarta. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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.

Five days in Dubai or Jakarta?

Dubai 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 Dubai has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Jakarta is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the big city destination of Jakarta. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Dubai or Jakarta?

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

You'll find food and shopping around the diverse big city of Jakarta. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United Arab Emirates, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Arab Emirates, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Indonesia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Indonesia.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Dubai or Jakarta?

Jakarta has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Dubai. When comparing the sizes of Dubai and Jakarta, 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.