A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lombok vs. Rio de Janeiro for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Beaches

Should you visit Lombok or Rio de Janeiro?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Lombok and Rio de Janeiro. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Lombok

Lombok is a laid back, cultural, and stunning island. The famous beauty of Lombok is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Lombok travel costs.

Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is a multicultural, festive, and diverse city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Many visitors also come to Rio de Janeiro because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking. See Rio de Janeiro travel costs.

Lombok and Rio de Janeiro: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lombok or Rio de Janeiro?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Rio de Janeiro. Although Lombok and Rio de Janeiro are both popular with visitors, Rio de Janeiro has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Rio de Janeiro is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Lombok is known for its resorts and scuba diving & snorkeling. Rio de Janeiro is more touristy than Lombok and is popular for its samba dancing, sandy beaches, and Carnival. It is also home to Christ the Redeemer. Lombok is popular for its striking natural beauty, pristine beaches, and local culture.

How is Lombok different from Rio de Janeiro?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Lombok or Rio de Janeiro?

Rio de Janeiro is a world-class destination for its historical sights. Also, Lombok is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Rio de Janeiro are world-renowned. Looking out over the city is the world famous landmark of Christ the Redeemer. It sits on top of Corcovado Mountain and it is a must-see destination for visitors to the city. Other sights around town include the church and monastery of São Bento, the stunning church of São Francisco da Penitência, the imperial palaces of São Cristóvão, and the baroque church of Nossa Senhora do Carmo.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Lombok. The island has many traditional villages that let you glimpse the fascinating Sasak Tribe's culture. This is the largest tribe on the island and it makes up about 85% of the island's population. Sasak Sade Village is large and popular to visit. A visit offers a unique experience and helps you understand more about the island's culture.

Is the Food Better in Lombok or Rio de Janeiro? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Rio de Janeiro is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Lombok is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Eat your way through Rio de Janeiro, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The cuisine around town mixes African and European cooking styles to give it a unique taste. The city is a mix of cultures and flavors and you'll find restaurants that integrate traditional Brazilian dishes with international influences. You'll find a wonderful street food scene, but also fine dining, and everything in between. Some of the most popular dishes include feijoada (beef and bean stew), churrasco (Brazilian barbecue), and pão de queijo (baked dough and cheese).

Dining out in Lombok is an experience not to be missed. The island is considered world renowned for its Halal cuisine, and there are many popular local dishes that you should try. Ayam Taliwang is a grilled chicken dish, Satay Rembiga is grilled meat served over rice, and Bebalung is a soup that's made with goat or cow ribs.

Is Lombok or Rio de Janeiro Better for Nightlife?

Rio de Janeiro is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Lombok is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its evening party scene.

People head to Rio de Janeiro just to party. It has a world famous nightlife scene, and the most popular party neighborhood is Lapa. While the biggest crowds are on the weekends, weeknights stay busy as well. Every weekend in Lapa there's a huge street party, but there are also bars and dance clubs nearby. A more local neighborhood is Botafogo, which is a great area to grab a beer and enjoy a relaxed night out. If you want a beachside bar, check out the touristy neighborhoods of Ipanema and Copacabana.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Lombok. While the island is quieter than nearby Bali, it does still have an active nightlife scene. In particular, head to the areas around Senggigi Beach and Kuta Lombok for the most active bars and live music. With the more populated tourist areas and hotels come the more active clubs, bars, and evening entertainment.

Is Lombok or Rio de Janeiro Better for Resorts?

Lombok is a great destination for its resorts. However, Rio de Janeiro is not a resort destination.

In Lombok, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. The island is filled with luxury resorts, villas, and hotels. You'll want to think about your priorities before booking your hotel. There areas that are better for beaches, hiking, culture or sightseeing, and each has its own personality and style.

Rio de Janeiro is not a resort destination.

Is Lombok or Rio de Janeiro Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Lombok is a world-class destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Rio de Janeiro is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Lombok is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. The island is surrounded by clear waters and colorful coral, making it a superb snorkeling and diving destination. For some of the best dive spots head to the Gili Islands. Around the island you'll find places where you can see turtles, colorful fish, and possibly even Hammerhead Sharks.

Rio de Janeiro is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Lombok or Rio de Janeiro Better for Beaches?

Lombok and Rio de Janeiro both offer fantastic beaches.

Lombok offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. Kuta, Senggigi, and the Gili Islands offer some of the area's best beaches. Many beaches have white sand, clear water, beautiful snorkeling, or fun surfing. Mawun Beach and Pandanan Beach are among the most beautiful beaches, while Selong Belanak Beach is very photogenic with its water buffalo. Tanjung Aan Beach has surfing and Kuta Beach Lombok is the most popular beach, but not among the best.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Rio de Janeiro. The beaches have long been written about and made iconic by songs and literary works. Copacabana and Ipanema are world renowned, and the sandy stretches and vibrant waterfront promenades will not disappoint. There are plenty of recreational activities as well as a striking blue water backdrop. You'll find beach parties, waterside bars, and pickup games of football or volleyball. In addition to these iconic beaches, there are several lesser known places to visit like Joatinga and Barra da Tijuca.

Is Lombok or Rio de Janeiro Better for Hiking?

Rio de Janeiro is a world-class destination for hiking. Also, Lombok is not as popular, but is still a nice island for the nearby hiking options.

Rio de Janeiro is well-known for its hiking and trekking. Although it is a bustling megacity, it also offers access to world class hikes. The city is filled with mountains and dramatic peaks, so many hikes take you to spectacular views of the city. There are also jungle hikes and even opportunities to see local wildlife. There's a combination of iconic trails and lesser known strolls that will let you truly absorb what this city has to offer. Some of the best hikes include Pedra Bonita, Dois Irmaos, and Pedra da Gávea.

Lombok is a popular spot for hiking. There are many walking and hiking trails around the island, but the most well known is the three day hike to the peak of Mount Rinjani. This is the large and active volcano on the island. The hike is truly beautiful and spectacular, but it's also a challenging climb and the difficulty level should not be underestimated.

Is the Shopping Better in Lombok or Rio de Janeiro?

Rio de Janeiro is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Lombok is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Rio de Janeiro draws large crowds to its stores. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. Whatever your budget, there are options for you. There are wonderful street markets for those on a budget and grand shopping malls if you're looking for something a bit higher end. Some of the best places for shopping include Rio Sul, Barra Shopping, and SAARA Market.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Lombok. There are many traditional markets and villages around the island where you can buy Sasak crafts. These items are characterized by bright colors and elaborate patterns. You'll find pottery, fabrics, clothing, and hand-woven baskets.

Is Lombok or Rio de Janeiro More Beautiful?

Lombok and Rio de Janeiro are somewhat similar when it comes to the fantastic scenery.

Many visitors also come to Lombok because of it's amazing beauty. The island is filled with stunning beaches, beautiful waterfalls, and colorful marine environments.

You'll find world class beauty in Rio de Janeiro as well. The city's mountainous landscapes and striking beaches make it, arguably, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. There are many mountaintop views of the city as well as city hikes and iconic neighborhoods.

Is Lombok or Rio de Janeiro Better for Families?

Both Lombok and Rio de Janeiro are very good family-friendly destinations.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Lombok is very family-friendly. The island is filled with natural beauty, waterfalls, beaches, swimming spots, traditional villages and wildlife. This makes it an idyllic destination for families, whether you're traveling with toddlers or older kids.

Rio de Janeiro is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the beaches. It's easy to spend days by the water soaking up the sun. Another must-do is a trip up Sugarloaf Mountain. The cable cars are fun and there are jungle walks and spectacular views. If you need to escape the rain or heat, spend the day at the Museum of Tomorrow.

Is Lombok or Rio de Janeiro Better for Couples?

Lombok is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Rio de Janeiro is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Lombok is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The island has grown into a world renowned honeymoon destination. It has a more laid back vibe than nearby Bali, and you'll find pristine beaches and a tropical paradise. There are luxury hotels, stunning natural settings, and plenty of romantic or adventurous activities.

Rio de Janeiro is a great island if you're traveling as a couple. There are many parks and gardens around town that are perfect for a stroll. Nature lovers will enjoy the many hikes in the area, many which go through the jungle, visit waterfalls, or offer spectacular views. And, of course, Sugarloaf Mountain is a must-see destination, as are the many beaches in the area.

Is Lombok or Rio de Janeiro Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Lombok and Rio de Janeiro are fantastic places to visit.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Lombok is extremely popular for backpackers. This island is often compared to Bali 30 years ago. It's a much quieter island, but there are still bars and towns that attract a crowd. If you're looking for a party, then you'll likely still be able to find one, but if you want a laid back retreat, that's available as well.

Rio de Janeiro is a very popular island to visit for backpackers. Backpackers flock to the city for its wild nightlife scene and beautiful beaches. There's a huge backpacker culture here and many hostels around town that offer a social setting and plenty of activities for guests.

Is Lombok or Rio de Janeiro Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Rio de Janeiro is great for times when you don't have a car. However, Lombok is not a good destination for its public transit.

The public transit in Rio de Janeiro can get you around easily. The city has a subway system, MetroRio, that is relatively reliable and convenient. There are also city buses, trams, and commuter trains.

Public transit is generally limited in Lombok. The island is spread out, so many visitors prefer to hire a car of motorbike. There are also public buses, minibuses, and taxis available.

Is Lombok or Rio de Janeiro a more walkable city?

Rio de Janeiro is great for its high level of walkability. However, Lombok is not a good destination for its ease of walking around.

Rio de Janeiro is a very walkable city. Most of the areas where tourists spend their time are relatively walkable. Centro is compact and many tourists choose to explore areas on foot. As always, remember to take the appropriate safety precautions and always be aware of your surroundings.

Lombok is generally not very walkable. There are towns on the island that are relatively walkable and there are hiking and walking paths in different places.

For even more information, also check out Is Lombok Worth Visiting? and Is Rio de Janeiro Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rio de Janeiro or Lombok?

How long in Lombok or Rio de Janeiro?

Lombok and Rio de Janeiro both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Lombok than Rio de Janeiro because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 10-14 days is a good amount of time for Lombok, and 4-6 days is enough time in Rio de Janeiro.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Rio de Janeiro than Lombok 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 Rio de Janeiro.

One day in Lombok or Rio de Janeiro?

In Lombok, you'll find nightlife and food. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Rio de Janeiro is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Lombok or Rio de Janeiro?

Lombok is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Anyone can find something fun to do here. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Rio de Janeiro is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Lombok or Rio de Janeiro?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lombok. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, five days is probably not enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Rio de Janeiro. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Lombok or Rio de Janeiro?

In Lombok, you'll find shopping and museums. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the colorful big city of Rio de Janeiro. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to Indonesia, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Indonesia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Brazil, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rio de Janeiro.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Lombok or Rio de Janeiro?

Rio de Janeiro has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Lombok experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Lombok or Rio de Janeiro in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Lombok as well as Rio de Janeiro. Lombok attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Rio de Janeiro because of the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Lombok is around the same temperature as Rio de Janeiro. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lombok in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Rio de Janeiro averages at about 26°C (79°F)in January.

It's quite rainy in Rio de Janeiro. Lombok usually gets less rain in July than Rio de Janeiroin January. Lombok gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, May to September in Lombok is the dry season.

Should I visit Lombok or Rio de Janeiro in the Autumn?

Both Rio de Janeiro and Lombok are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lombok throughout the year. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Rio de Janeiro this time of year.

In October, Lombok is generally a little warmer than Rio de Janeiroin April. Daily temperatures in Lombok average around 28°C (82°F), and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Rio de Janeiro. It's quite rainy in Lombok. In October, Lombok usually receives less rain than Rio de Janeiroin April. Lombok gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The rainy season in Lombok is November to April. The dry season in Rio de Janeiro is May to November. The rainy season in Rio de Janeiro is December to April.

Should I visit Lombok or Rio de Janeiro in the Winter?

Both Rio de Janeiro and Lombok during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Lombok because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Rio de Janeiro for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Lombok is a little warmer than Rio de Janeiro in the winter. The daily temperature in Lombok averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 21°C (70°F)in July.

Lombok usually gets more rain in January than Rio de Janeiroin July. Lombok gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lombok or Rio de Janeiro in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Lombok and Rio de Janeiro. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Lombok year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Rio de Janeiro in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Lombok is a little warmer than Rio de Janeiro. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lombok in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Rio de Janeiro averages at about 23°C (73°F)in October.

In April, Lombok usually receives around the same amount of rain as Rio de Janeiroin October. Lombok gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the spring. May to September in Lombok is the dry season. Also, November to April is the rainy season in Lombok. May to November in Rio de Janeiro is the dry season. Also, December to April is the rainy season in Rio de Janeiro.

Typical Weather for Rio de Janeiro and Lombok