A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nara vs. Melbourne for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Nara or Melbourne?

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

Should I visit Nara or Melbourne? 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.

Nara

Nara is a traditional, tranquil, and natural city. Nara is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Nara travel costs.

Melbourne

Melbourne is a livable, friendly, and cultural city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and museums. See Melbourne travel costs.

Nara and Melbourne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nara or Melbourne?

You'll generally find more things to do in Melbourne than Nara. Melbourne is bigger than Nara, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Melbourne is better known for its food, beaches, and big city activities, while Nara is more popular for its historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty. Nara is well known for its many temples and shrines, its beautiful natural areas, and its free roaming deer. Melbourne is well known for its art and cultural scene, its sports history, and its friendly and welcoming population. Also, Melbourne is famous for the Royal Botanic Gardens.

How is Nara different from Melbourne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Nara or Melbourne?

Plenty of people visit the high quality sights and museums in both Nara and Melbourne.

Nara offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is filled with history. There are many ancient temples such as Tōdai-ji Temple, Kofuku-ji Temple, Yakushi-ji Temple, and Tōshōdai-ji Temple. You can also visit the Nara National Museum as well as the many parks and gardens.

Many visitors head to Melbourne specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Many of the city's sights center around the art and cultural scene. There's the the National Gallery of Victoria and the Performing Arts Centre Melbourne. There's also Federation Square. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the National Sports Museum and for great views, check out Melbourne Skydeck at Eureka Tower.

Is the Food Better in Nara or Melbourne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Melbourne is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Nara is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Melbourne. There's an eclectic mix of international restaurants that offer everything from Szechuan dishes to Spanish tapas. You'll find bistros and bars that have a fun and relaxed vibe and locals and tourists alike enjoy dining out.

Nara is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The cuisine is simple and traditional with its roots in the history of the area. Many residents start their morning with a simple rice porridge. The area is also known for its persimmon leaf sushi and miwa somen (a thin, chewy noodle).

Is Nara or Melbourne Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are high quality in both Nara and Melbourne.

Nara has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The town offers a serene and relaxed atmosphere at night. There are plenty of bars around town that are known for their friendly bartenders and you'll find many of the bars in Naramachi, which is the old town area.

Melbourne has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. There are bars and clubs that have a laid back and relaxed atmosphere as well as more party focused nightclubs that stay open late into the night. Whether you're interested in dancing and listening to live music, or chatting with friends at a local brewery, there really is something for everyone.

Is Nara or Melbourne Better for Beaches?

Melbourne is notable for the beach. However, Nara is not a beach destination.

Melbourne is considered a top beach destination. There are laid back beaches near town that attract locals and tourists alike. You can enjoy coastal trails and great natural beauty. St Kilda Beach and Elwood Beach are among the most popular beaches near the city. Brighton Beach is known for its colorful bathing boxes and Williamstown Beach is very family-friendly.

Nara is not a beach destination.

Is Nara or Melbourne Better for its Old Town?

Nara is a popular place for its old town. However, Melbourne does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Nara. Naramachi is the old town of Nara. This is the old merchant district and today you'll find several traditional residential buildings and warehouses that are open to the public.

Melbourne does not have a historic old town.

Is Nara or Melbourne Better for Hiking?

Nara is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Melbourne is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Nara. The city is all about its surrounding nature. There are historic pilgrim routes that pass through the hills and mountains, taking you by sacred sights and ancient forests. In the area you'll find some of Japan's most ancient byways.

Melbourne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nara or Melbourne?

Both Nara and Melbourne are high quality shopping destinations.

Nara is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Sanjo-dori is the main street through town. This is where you'll find many souvenir shops that sell local items and traditional food. Mochiido Center Town is the oldest shopping arcade in town and it is filled with history.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Melbourne. The city has tons of retail options that range from trendy fashion boutiques to outdoor markets. There are local venders that highlight the city's art and cultural scene, but there are also suburban malls with all of the major brands.

Is Nara or Melbourne More Beautiful?

Nara is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Melbourne is not a destination known for its beauty.

Nara is a beautiful place to visit, too. The city is filled with green space, parks, and natural areas. You'll find deer roaming freely and tranquil lawns where you can relax.

Melbourne is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Nara or Melbourne Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Nara or Melbourne.

Nara is a very kid-friendly city. Head to Nara Park for a bit of nature in the city. Deer roam freely in the park, which is filled with pine trees and beautiful lawns. Kids will also appreciate a visit to Ikomasanjo Amusement Park or the NARAMACHI-KARAKURI Toy Museum. You can also take a ride on the Ikoma Cable Line or spend some time at the Tennenyamato Hot Spring Nara Kenko Land.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Melbourne. The city has kids museums like the Museum of Play and Art or the Polly Woodside Tall Ship and Museum. There's also the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium and the Scienceworks Museums. If you like quirky, check out the ArtVo 3D Immersive Art Gallery. There's also Legoland, which has a lot for younger children.

Is Nara or Melbourne Better for Couples?

Nara is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Nara makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city is smaller than you might expect, and it's filled with green space and parks. You can wander through Nara Park, see the deer, and soak up the romantic atmosphere. You can also visit one of the beautiful temples such as Todaiji Temple. Many couples also enjoy exploring Yoshikien Garden.

Melbourne is a good city for couples to visit. It's a very livable city with romantic viewpoints like SkyHigh Mount Dandenong. There are also nice gardens to explore such as the Carlton Gardens and the Rippon Lea House and Gardens. Or you could go for a ride on the Melbourne Star or dine at one of the many great restaurants.

Is Nara or Melbourne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Nara and Melbourne are notable destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Nara. There are a couple of hostels in the area that cater to backpackers and the budget travel crowd.

Melbourne is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Many backpackers breeze through the city, but there is a great music and art scene as well as a number of good restaurants. You'll also find a couple of good hostels in town.

Is Nara or Melbourne Better for Students?

Melbourne is a must-visit destination for students. However, Nara is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Melbourne. Many students think this is among the best student cities in Australia. There's a great creative culture with a good music and art scene. The population is diverse and the restaurants a great.

Nara is not popular with students.

Is Nara or Melbourne Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Nara and Melbourne offer high quality public transit options.

The public transit in Nara can get you around easily. There are city buses that will take you through town and to the many tourist spots.

Melbourne offers a very effecient public transportation network. The public transit system is among the best in Australia. There are public buses, trains, and trams (also called trolleys or streetcars).

Is Nara or Melbourne a more walkable city?

Nara and Melbourne both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Nara is a very walkable city. Many of the sights are within walking distance of each other, so many visitors enjoy exploring on foot.

Melbourne is a very walkable destination. The city center is very walkable with a compact and grid-like layout.

For even more information, also check out Is Nara Worth Visiting? and Is Melbourne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Melbourne or Nara?

How long in Nara or Melbourne?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Melbourne than Nara 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 Melbourne.

One day in Nara or Melbourne?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Nara. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nara has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Melbourne is a big city destination where you can fill many days. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Nara or Melbourne?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the traditional destination of Nara. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Melbourne is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Nara or Melbourne?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic city of Nara. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Melbourne is a cultural big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Nara or Melbourne?

Nara is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The livable city of Melbourne offers nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan, The Best Cultural Tours in Japan, The Best Scuba Diving Tours in Australia, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Australia.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Nara or Melbourne?

Melbourne has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Nara. When comparing the sizes of Nara and Melbourne, 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 Nara or Melbourne?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Melbourne is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Nara has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Nara or Melbourne in the Summer?

Both Melbourne and Nara during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Nara because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Melbourne this time of year.

Nara is a little warmer than Melbourne in the summer. The daily temperature in Nara averages around 27°C (80°F) in July, and Melbourne fluctuates around 20°C (68°F)in January.

In Melbourne, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Nara often gets less sunshine than Melbournein January. Nara gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Melbourne receives 271 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nara. Nara usually gets more rain in July than Melbournein January. Nara gets 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nara or Melbourne in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nara and Melbourne. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Nara this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Melbourne for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Nara is a little warmer than Melbourne. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nara in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Melbourne averages at about 15°C (60°F)in April.

Nara usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Melbourne during autumn. Nara gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Melbourne receives 170 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Nara gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Nara usually receives more rain than Melbournein April. Nara gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nara or Melbourne in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Nara as well as Melbourne. Many travelers come to Nara for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Melbourne in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Nara. In January, Nara is generally much colder than Melbournein July. Daily temperatures in Nara average around 4°C (40°F), and Melbourne fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

In the winter, Nara often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Melbournein July. Nara gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Melbourne receives 139 hours of full sun.

Nara usually gets more rain in January than Melbournein July. Nara gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nara or Melbourne in the Spring?

Both Melbourne and Nara are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Nara in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Melbourne for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

Nara is around the same temperature as Melbourne in the spring. The daily temperature in Nara averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Melbourne fluctuates around 14°C (57°F)in October.

It's quite sunny in Melbourne. Nara usually receives less sunshine than Melbourne during spring. Nara gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Melbourne receives 216 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Nara. In April, Nara usually receives more rain than Melbournein October. Nara gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Melbourne and Nara