A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mount Bromo vs. Shanghai for Food, Couples, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Mount Bromo or Shanghai?

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

Should I visit Mount Bromo or Shanghai? 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.

Mount Bromo

Mount Bromo is a spectacular, breathtaking, and scenic volcano. You'll find world class beauty in Mount Bromo as well. And you can't forget about the hiking. See Mount Bromo travel costs.

Shanghai

Shanghai is a bustling, trendy, and modern port city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Shanghai is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Shanghai travel costs.

Mount Bromo and Shanghai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mount Bromo or Shanghai?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Shanghai. Although Mount Bromo and Shanghai are popular destinations, Shanghai has more sights and attractions for tourists. Shanghai is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Mount Bromo attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Mount Bromo is famous for its sunrise views and scenic setting. Shanghai is famous for its historical landmarks, local street food, vibrant markets, and waterfront promenade. It is also well known for The Bund.

How is Mount Bromo different from Shanghai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Mount Bromo or Shanghai?

Shanghai is an unbeatable place for its historical sights. However, Mount Bromo does not have museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Shanghai from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The city's sights mix culture with modern innovation. From the futuristic skyline and the iconic waterfront area known as the Bund, to the classic Yu Garden, there are a diversity of sights around the city. There are also museums like the Shanghai Museum, which educate visitors on Chinese culture.

Mount Bromo does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Mount Bromo or Shanghai? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Shanghai is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Mount Bromo is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

For foodies, Shanghai is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city's cuisine has a long history with many distinct traditional dishes. The foods incorporate a lot of soy sauce and sugar and you'll find most dishes are rice based as opposed to using wheat products. Popular local dishes include the famous Shanghai soup dumplings, steamed crab, and braised pork. The city is also famous for its snacks, which can be purchased at one of the many snack houses or street stalls.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Mount Bromo. You'll find cheap noodle and rice dishes at the warungs in Cemoro Lawang. Some hotels have breakfast and you should pick up some food and water for the hike at a grocery store in town. There are also some stalls along the route, some that are open even at 3am to accommodate early hikers.

Is Mount Bromo or Shanghai Better for Nightlife?

Shanghai is a popular place for nightlife. However, Mount Bromo is not known for nightlife and partying.

If you're looking for night time activities Shanghai has a few options to choose from. A night out can quickly become very expensive. Many of the venues are spread out so you'll likely spend at least some of the time in a taxi. The Bund is one of the most popular areas for nightlife, but this area also has the most expensive bars and clubs. They often offer impressive views of Pudong and the Huangpu River though.

People don't go to Mount Bromo for the nightlife. The stars and the early morning hike are the only nightlife you'll find here.

Is Mount Bromo or Shanghai Better for Hiking?

Mount Bromo is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Shanghai is not a hiking destination.

Mount Bromo is a popular spot for hiking. The setting is beautiful, and best experienced at sunrise, which means most people hike through the night. Some people take horses and most people organized guided tours.

Shanghai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Mount Bromo or Shanghai?

Shanghai is an unbeatable place for shopping. However, Mount Bromo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Shanghai. The city has many large shopping malls with department stores, name brand fashion, and trendy shops. It is also known for its cheap electronics and tailor-made clothes.

Mount Bromo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Mount Bromo or Shanghai More Beautiful?

Mount Bromo is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Shanghai is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its scenery and beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Mount Bromo as well. The setting and landscapes are spectacular, particularly at sunrise when most visitors make the trip.

With stunning beauty, Shanghai attracts visitors from all around. Its distinct, futuristic skyline and scenic waterside strolls make this city a beautiful place to explore.

Is Mount Bromo or Shanghai Better for Families?

Shanghai is a great port city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Mount Bromo is not as popular, but is still a nice volcano for its family-friendly activities.

Shanghai is a very family-friendly destination. Of course there's Disneyland, but kids will also enjoy soaking up the city's culture, trying fun new snacks, and exploring the many science and kid-friendly museums. There are also parks and outdoor spaces as well as skyscrapers and towers that offer incredible views of the city.

Mount Bromo is a family-friendly place to visit. It really depends on the age of your kids and their personality and adaptability as to whether this is a good trip for them. Many of the tours start in the middle of the night so you can see the spectacular sunrise. The trip can be a bit uncomfortable, but everyone is guaranteed an adventure!

Is Mount Bromo or Shanghai Better for Couples?

Shanghai is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Mount Bromo is not as popular, but is still a nice volcano for its romantic activities.

Shanghai makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. With its east meets west personality, couples will be able to enjoy an amazing culinary experience, beautiful gardens, and luxury hotels and spas. There are many romantic areas around this bustling city, making it the perfect place for a romantic city getaway.

Mount Bromo is a very popular place to visit for couples. Romantic sunrises and stunning views make this a wonderful destination for couples. The surroundings are surreal and you will long remember the experience.

Is Mount Bromo or Shanghai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Shanghai is a great port city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Mount Bromo is not as popular, but is still a nice volcano for backpackers.

Shanghai is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The city is expensive, but there are hostels and cheap eateries that make it accessible even for the budget conscious. Business travelers and local workers give the city a more professional vibe during the day, but if you find the right place to stay you'll quickly be able to meet likeminded travelers.

Mount Bromo is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Some backpackers choose to go without a guided tour, and this will let you save money. Cemoro Lawang is the closest town to the volcano.

Is Mount Bromo or Shanghai Better for Students?

Shanghai is a great port city for its student-friendly activities. However, Mount Bromo is not popular with students.

Shanghai is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. The city attracts international and study abroad students who enjoy its long history and fascinating culture. It's a world financial capital with many businesses headquartered here, so employment opportunities are abundant.

Mount Bromo is not popular with students.

Is Mount Bromo or Shanghai Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Shanghai is a great port city for times when you don't have a car. However, Mount Bromo is not known for its public transit.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Shanghai. There is a metro system as well as buses and taxis which are relatively affordable.

Public transit is generally limited in Mount Bromo. Most people visit with a guided tour because this saves a lot of time and allows you to see the sunrise.

Is Mount Bromo or Shanghai a more walkable city?

Shanghai is a great port city for its walkability. Also, Mount Bromo is not as popular, but is still a nice volcano for its high level of walkability.

Shanghai is very walkable. It's possible to explore the major tourist areas on foot but it can be very hot and humid during the summer months.

Mount Bromo is a somewhat walkable place. The walk takes you across the sand and up some stairs. It's usually less than an hour.

For even more information, also check out Is Mount Bromo Worth Visiting? and Is Shanghai Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Shanghai or Mount Bromo?

How long in Mount Bromo or Shanghai?

In either Mount Bromo or Shanghai, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Shanghai than Mount Bromo because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Mount Bromo, and 2-5 days is enough time in Shanghai.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Shanghai than Mount Bromo 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 Shanghai.

One day in Mount Bromo or Shanghai?

The beautiful volcano of Mount Bromo offers . Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Shanghai is a modern port city where you can fill many days. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Mount Bromo or Shanghai?

Mount Bromo is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this volcano makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Mount Bromo, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Shanghai is a modern big city where you can fill many days. This port city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Mount Bromo or Shanghai?

Mount Bromo is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Shanghai is a trendy port city where you can fill many days. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Mount Bromo or Shanghai?

Mount Bromo is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This volcano offers something for everyone.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Shanghai. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Indonesia, The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.

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

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