A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kyoto vs. New York City for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Kyoto or New York City?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Kyoto and New York City can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Kyoto

Kyoto is a cultural, fascinating, and traditional city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Kyoto is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Kyoto travel costs.

New York City

New York City is a vibrant, energetic, and cosmopolitan city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. New York City is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the museums, theater, and nightlife. See New York City travel costs.

Kyoto and New York City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kyoto or New York City?

Tourists will generally find more to do in New York City than Kyoto. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. New York City is very popular for its theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Kyoto attracts visitors for its historical sights and impressive beauty. New York City is more touristy than Kyoto and is popular for its high-reaching skyscrapers, iconic landmarks, world-class theater scene, and endless energy. It is also well known for The Statue of Liberty. Kyoto is famous for its Buddhist temples, cultural activities, and rich history.

How is Kyoto different from New York City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Kyoto or New York City?

Plenty of people visit the fantastic sights and museums in both Kyoto and New York City.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Kyoto are among the most recognizable in the world. With its long-running history, there are many traditional buildings and temples in town. Nijo Castle is stunning to explore, but also make sure you visit the Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine, the Golden Pavilion, and Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, New York City has many famous sights for visitors. The sights and museums around the city are too numerous to list, but some of the most famous include the Statue of Liberty, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, Central Park, and the Empire State Building. This is a city that is filled with iconic landmarks and you could spend weeks here and still not see it all.

Is Kyoto or New York City Better for Theater?

New York City is renowned for its theatre productions. However, Kyoto is not a theatre destination.

Visitors will find world class theater shows, plays, and musicals in New York City that are not to be missed. Visiting Broadway is a quintessential NYC experience. Whether you enjoy the theater or simply want to experience something new, seeing a Broadway show is a true bucket list activity.

Kyoto is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Kyoto or New York City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

New York City is renowned for its restaurant scene. Also, Kyoto is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Many restaurants in New York City have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city has a diverse variety of restaurants, with everything from local dives to Michelin star options. There are many neighborhoods that are notable for their ethnic cuisine, particularly Little Italy and Chinatown. Quintessential NYC dishes include NYC pizza, NYC hot dogs, bagels, and Chinese dim sum.

Kyoto has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The local cuisine is as beautiful as it is delicious. There is a long running history to many of the dishes, and the recipes are expertly prepared by world class chefs at many of the restaurants. You can enjoy everything from a tea ceremony to multi-course meals, referred to as kyo kaiseki.

Is Kyoto or New York City Better for Nightlife?

New York City is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, Kyoto is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

New York City is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. Known as the city that never sleeps, you can be assured that NYC has some of the best nightlife in the world. There are world class bars and clubs, but also local venues that have a more relaxed atmosphere. Several famous clubs include Paul's Cocktail Lounge, Le Bain, and Avant Gardner.

If you're looking for night time activities Kyoto has a few options to choose from. While it isn't known for its wild nightlife scene, there is a relaxed and active energy in the evenings here. You can visit the beautiful Arashiyama Kimono Forest or explore some of the riverfront areas such as Kamo Riverside.

Is Kyoto or New York City Better for Music?

New York City is renowned for its live music scene. However, Kyoto is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in New York City Popular music venues include Music Hall of Williamsburg, Radio City Music Hall, Beacon Theatre, and Forest Hills Stadium.

Kyoto is not a live music destination.

Is Kyoto or New York City Better for its Old Town?

Kyoto is a must-visit destination for its historic old town. However, New York City does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Kyoto can be explored in its historical center. This is among the most historic cities in Japan and there are many traditional buildings and temples. Higashiyama is filled with interesting districts and it has many UNESCO World Heritage temples.

New York City does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Kyoto or New York City?

New York City is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kyoto is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in New York City make it a world-class shopping destination. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. Head for Fifth Avenue for high end shopping or check out any of the many street markets for local items. New York is known for its many flea markets where you can find vintage items at a good price. And if you're looking to pick up a souvenir shirt or knick knack, there are plenty of souvenir shops around town as well.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Kyoto. There's a mix of modern shopping venues and traditional boutiques. Shijo Street is a popular shopping area, as is the area around JR Kyoto Station.

Is Kyoto or New York City More Beautiful?

Kyoto is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, New York City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its scenery and beauty.

Kyoto is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's one of the most historical cities in Japan and it has many beautiful Buddhist temples, gardens, and imperial palaces. It's particularly striking during the cherry blossom season.

New York City is a beautiful place to visit, too. The beauty of the skyline at night or the views from the top of the Empire State Building will take your breath away.

Is Kyoto or New York City Better for Families?

Both Kyoto and New York City are very good to visit with kids.

Kyoto is a very kid-friendly city. Kids will enjoy exploring Nijo Castle as much as adults. If the weather isn't great, you can head to the Kyoto International Manga Museum which is a bit like a library and is perfect for Manga fans. There are also markets to explore such as the Nishiki Markets, which are lined with shops and restaurants.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in New York City. The city has many activities for kids of all ages including world class museums, beautifully designed playgrounds, and theater shows designed just for young ones. There are many kid-friendly restaurants as well and older kids will enjoy visiting the iconic landmarks in this world-class city.

Is Kyoto or New York City Better for Couples?

Both Kyoto and New York City are fantastic destinations for a couple's getaway.

Kyoto is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. This is one of the most historic cities in Japan, and it has many romantic neighborhoods where you can enjoy the atmosphere. Visit Sanneizaka Slope for its traditional shops and restaurants or take a ride on the Sagano Romantic Train. Other romantic highlights include Kimono Forest, which is an art exhibit, and Suzumushidera Temple.

New York City is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. From a beautiful carriage ride through Central Park, to a romantic river cruise at night, there is an endless list of unique activities that couples can enjoy in the city. Whether you're interested in theater, the arts, music, or nightlife, this city has it all.

Is Kyoto or New York City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kyoto and New York City are very good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Kyoto is a great city to visit for backpackers. It's a popular destination in Japan and there are plenty of hostels and free activities that backpackers can enjoy.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit New York City. It isn't a particularly budget-friendly destination, but it does get its share of backpackers, so you'll find a nice list of hostels and affordable hangouts that are perfect for the backpacker crowd. This is probably one of the most popular cities for backpackers in the entire United States.

Is Kyoto or New York City Better for Students?

New York City is renowned for students. Also, Kyoto is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

New York City is a very popular city for students. The city has a diverse population, and international students will feel right at home here exploring the city. There are also plenty of major universities including NYU, Columbia University, and Cornell University.

Many students visit Kyoto. It's a great student city with world class universities and a large student population.

Is Kyoto or New York City Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

New York City is renowned for its public transit. Also, Kyoto is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

New York City has a great public transit system. The city has one of the largest subway systems in the world. There's also an elaborate bus system, ferry system, and yellow taxis all around town.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Kyoto. The city has an extensive system of trains, subways, and buses that make it easy to get around.

Is Kyoto or New York City a more walkable city?

Kyoto and New York City both are fantastic when exploring on foot.

Getting around Kyoto on foot is easy. It's one of the most walkable cities in Japan and there are many sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly areas.

New York City is a very easy city to get around on foot. The majority of the neighborhoods in Manhattan are very walkable and easy to explore on foot. Most people prefer not to drive here as it can be overwhelming and chaotic.

For even more information, also check out Is Kyoto Worth Visiting? and Is New York City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in New York City or Kyoto?

How long in Kyoto or New York City?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in New York City than Kyoto 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 New York City.

One day in Kyoto or New York City?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the fascinating destination of Kyoto. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Each neighborhood in New York City has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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.

A weekend in Kyoto or New York City?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kyoto. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in New York City. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Kyoto or New York City?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic destination of Kyoto. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

New York City is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in New York City has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Kyoto or New York City?

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful city of Kyoto. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Each neighborhood in New York City has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Kyoto or New York City?

New York City has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Kyoto. When comparing the sizes of Kyoto and New York City, 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 Kyoto or New York City?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Kyoto or New York City in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Kyoto as well as New York City. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kyoto this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to New York City for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Kyoto is generally around the same temperature as New York City. Daily temperatures in Kyoto average around 27°C (81°F), and New York City fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

It's quite rainy in New York City. Kyoto receives a lot of rain in the summer. Kyoto usually gets more rain in July than New York City. Kyoto gets 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while New York City receives 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kyoto or New York City in the Autumn?

Both New York City and Kyoto are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Kyoto for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to New York City in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Kyoto is a little warmer than New York City in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kyoto averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and New York City fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

It's quite rainy in Kyoto. In October, Kyoto usually receives more rain than New York City. Kyoto gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while New York City receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Kyoto or New York City in the Winter?

Both New York City and Kyoto during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Kyoto in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to New York City for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.

New York City can be very cold during winter. Kyoto can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Kyoto is much warmer than New York City. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kyoto in January average around 5°C (40°F), and New York City averages at about 31°F (-1°C).

Kyoto usually gets less rain in January than New York City. Kyoto gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while New York City receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kyoto or New York City in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kyoto and New York City. Most visitors come to Kyoto for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to New York City because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Kyoto is generally a little warmer than New York City. Daily temperatures in Kyoto average around 14°C (58°F), and New York City fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

Kyoto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Kyoto usually receives more rain than New York City. Kyoto gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while New York City receives 3.8 inches (98 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for New York City and Kyoto