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

Should you visit Dubai or Surabaya?

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 Surabaya can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dubai

Dubai is a opulent, modern, and glamorous city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, Dubai attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Dubai travel costs.

Surabaya

Surabaya is a undiscovered, authentic, and local city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food. See Surabaya travel costs.

Dubai and Surabaya: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dubai or Surabaya?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Dubai than Surabaya. While Surabaya is larger than Dubai, Dubai has more sights and attractions for tourists. Dubai is more touristy than Surabaya and is popular for its luxury shopping, glamorous resorts, city beaches, and ultramodern development style. It is also well known for Burj Khalifa. Surabaya is famous for its role in Indonesia's independence revolution.

Burj Khalifa

How is Dubai different from Surabaya?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Dubai or Surabaya Better for Skiing?

Dubai is a city with a few options for winter skiing. However, Surabaya is not a skiing destination.

While in the area, visitors like to go to Dubai for snow skiing. 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.

Surabaya is not a skiing destination.

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

Dubai is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options for its historical sights.

Dubai offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

While most people don't head to Surabaya specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. You'll likely pass through town on your way somewhere else, but if you have some time to kill, check out Suramadu Bridge, the House of Sampoerna, Cheng Hoo Mosque, Sanggar Agung Temple, and Ampel Mosque. It's also worth a visit to the Submarine Museum and the Heroes Monument.

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

Dubai is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Surabaya is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Dubai is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Surabaya. It's a port city, and the cuisine reflexs this. You'll find a mix of different flavors that combine Javanese, Chinese, Arabic, Dutch, and Indian cuisines. Dishes include a lot of vegetables as well as tofu and tempeh. Many dishes are also sweet in flavor or incredibly spicy.

Is Dubai or Surabaya Better for Nightlife?

Dubai is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Surabaya is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

The nightlife in Dubai is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. Frequented by the wealthy and opulent, the city has world class night clubs and DJs that travel from around to world to perform.

If you're looking for night time activities Surabaya has a few options to choose from. Like the rest of the city, the nightlife scene has a local vibe. There are night markets, fascinating neighborhoods, and some lively clubs and bars.

Is Dubai or Surabaya Better for Music?

Dubai is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Surabaya is not a live music destination.

In Dubai you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. The city attracts world famous international DJs and musicians giving it one of the world's best music scenes.

Surabaya is not a live music destination.

Is Dubai or Surabaya Better for Resorts?

Dubai is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Surabaya is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Dubai is a great choice. Some of the most famous include Atlantis - The Palm, The Four Seasons, and Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.

Surabaya is not a resort destination.

Is Dubai or Surabaya Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Dubai is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Surabaya is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Dubai has a few good snorkeling spots. One of the best scuba diving spots is Jumeirah Beach.

Surabaya is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Dubai or Surabaya Better for Beaches?

Dubai and Surabaya are nice choices for a beach vacation.

Many people head to Dubai to enjoy the beach. 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.

Surabaya has a beach worth visiting. You'll find a few beaches within a short drive of the city center. Some of the popular ones include Ria Kenjeran Beach, Bentar Beach, and Delegan Beach.

Is the Shopping Better in Dubai or Surabaya?

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

Dubai is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Surabaya. The city has a great mix of air-conditioned mega-malls and colorful street markets. Bratang Market has become a favorite but it's also worth checking out Tugu Pahlawan Market and Ampel Market.

Is Dubai or Surabaya More Beautiful?

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

With stunning beauty, Dubai attracts visitors from all around. With its many skyscrapers and high end resorts, this is a beautiful city to visit.

Surabaya is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Dubai or Surabaya Better for Families?

Dubai is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

Dubai is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

For families, Surabaya is not always the best place to visit. You'll like be passing through this city enroute to somewhere else, but if you have some time to kill, check out the Submarine Museum. You can also wander through the market area of Qubah or explore Chinatown.

Is Dubai or Surabaya Better for Couples?

Dubai is a popular place for couples. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options for romance.

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.

Surabaya is not the best destination for a couple to visit. There are some sights an museums that you can visit while you're in town.

Is Dubai or Surabaya Better for Students?

Dubai is an unbeatable place for students. However, Surabaya is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Dubai. Many major universities from around the world have campuses in this city, making this a top destination for international students.

Surabaya is not popular with students.

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

Dubai is a popular place for its public transit. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Dubai, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The city's public transportation system includes buses, water buses, a monorail system, and a metro.

Public transit is mostly limited in Surabaya. There's a bus system, but it's mostly used by locals. There are two types of buses - normal buses and patas buses, which are express.

Is Dubai or Surabaya a more walkable city?

Surabaya is a great city for its ease of walking around. However, Dubai is not known for its walkability.

Surabaya is a very walkable destination. It's one of the more walkable cities in Indonesia and it has the feel of a bunch of neighborhoods combined together.

Dubai is generally not very walkable. 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.

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

Should I spend more time in Surabaya or Dubai?

How long in Dubai or Surabaya?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Dubai or Surabaya to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Dubai than Surabaya because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Dubai, and 1-2 days is enough time in Surabaya.

Families should spend more time in Dubai than Surabaya. 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 Surabaya. 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 Surabaya 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 Surabaya?

Dubai is a big city with plenty to do. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Surabaya, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this local 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 Surabaya?

Dubai is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Surabaya. 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 Surabaya?

Dubai is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Dubai, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

A week in Dubai or Surabaya?

Dubai is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Dubai has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

You'll find nightlife and food around the authentic big city of Surabaya. 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, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Indonesia, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Indonesia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dubai and Surabaya, we can see that Dubai is more expensive. And not only is Surabaya much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dubai is in Middle East and Surabaya 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 Surabaya would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Surabaya 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 Surabaya.

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

Which is Bigger, Dubai or Surabaya?

Surabaya has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Dubai. When comparing the sizes of Dubai and Surabaya, 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.