A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nara vs. Torquay for Attractions, Nightlife, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Nara or Torquay?

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

Should I visit Nara or Torquay? 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 natural, historic, and cultural city. Nara is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Nara travel costs.

Torquay

Torquay is a casual, laid back, and hip surf town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. Torquay is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Torquay travel costs.

Nara and Torquay: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nara or Torquay?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Nara than Torquay, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Nara is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Torquay is more popular for its beaches and small town charm. Nara is well known for its many temples and shrines, its beautiful natural areas, and its free roaming deer. Also, Nara is famous for Nara Park. Torquay is well known for its world renowned surfing scene and its relaxed atmosphere.

How is Nara different from Torquay?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Torquay 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 Torquay?

Nara is great for its historical sights. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for its sights and museums.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Nara can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Torquay. Surfing enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the Australian National Surfing Museum, which goes into the sports history and influence on the region.

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

Both Nara and Torquay offer a number of notable restaurants to choose from.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Nara. 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).

Torquay is becoming an appealing option for foodies. You'll find all of the classic beach town options. There are pizza places, international restaurants, and seafood. All kinds of styles are available ranging from modern, upscale, and trendy to casual and affordable.

Is Nara or Torquay Better for Nightlife?

Nara is great for nightlife and partying. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for its evening party scene.

Many people head to Nara for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Torquay. There's a laid back vibe with several great pubs, breweries, and clubs where people hang out.

Is Nara or Torquay Better for Beaches?

Torquay is a must-visit destination for the beach. However, Nara is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Torquay. The town is along the Great Ocean Road, and there are a huge number of beaches that are popular for surfing. There are also nudist beaches as well as family-friendly areas. The most convenient beach is Torquay Surf Beach, which is popular with surfers. For calmer water, check out Torquay Front Beach, and for the most iconic surfing beach in the area, visit Bells Beach.

Nara is not a beach destination.

Is Nara or Torquay Better for its Old Town?

Nara is a nice place to visit for its old town. However, Torquay 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.

Torquay does not have a historic old town.

Is Nara or Torquay Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Nara and Torquay both have very good trails.

Nara is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Torquay. There are many coastal walks in the area that range from a few hours to several days. One of the more well known ones is the Surf Coast Walk, which goes on for days and passes by stunning viewpoints and beautiful landscapes.

Is the Shopping Better in Nara or Torquay?

Nara is great for its shopping opportunities. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for its shopping areas.

Nara is well-known for its shopping. 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 go to Torquay to go shopping. You'll find the standard shopping centers with everything from boutiques to major brands.

Is Nara or Torquay More Beautiful?

Nara and Torquay are somewhat similar when it comes to the notable scenery.

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.

Torquay offers plenty of beauty for visitors. There's a beautiful coastline with sandy beaches and nice coastal walks.

Is Nara or Torquay Better for Families?

Nara is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Nara is very family-friendly. 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.

Torquay is a family-friendly place to visit. Most people think of great surf when they think of this town, but there are some secluded places like Cozy Corner, which is good for kids. There are also many outdoor activities like walks and snorkeling at Point Danger Marine Sanctuary.

Is Nara or Torquay Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Nara and Torquay make for a very good place to visit.

Nara is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Torquay makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With its amazing beaches, popular surfing, and countless outdoor activities, there's plenty for couples to enjoy around town. You can also head to the vineyards at Bellbrae Estate, check out the local breweries, or take a long walk along the coast.

Is Nara or Torquay Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Nara and Torquay 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.

Torquay is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Surfing is the big draw for backpackers to the area. There are a handful of hostels and excellent beaches that make this a great stop off for anyone in the area.

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

Nara is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for its public transit.

Nara has some very good public transit options. There are city buses that will take you through town and to the many tourist spots.

Torquay has a few public transit options. There are buses that travel to town from the surrounding areas.

Is Nara or Torquay a more walkable city?

Nara and Torquay both are very good 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.

Torquay is a very walkable destination. The Torquay Promenade Walk offers a great place to stroll along the waterfront. You'll pass by view points and many restaurants and cafes.

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

Should I spend more time in Torquay or Nara?

How long in Nara or Torquay?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Nara and Torquay. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Torquay than in Nara. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Nara, and 2-3 days is enough time in Torquay.

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

Couples should spend more time in Nara than Torquay. 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 Nara than Torquay 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 Nara.

One day in Nara or Torquay?

In Nara, you'll find nightlife and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Torquay. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Torquay?

In Nara, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nara has to offer.

Torquay is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the beaches. 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 Torquay?

Nara is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the laid back destination of Torquay. This surf town offers something for everyone. 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.

A week in Nara or Torquay?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nara. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Nara. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

The laid back surf town of Torquay offers nightlife and food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 10-Day Tours in Australia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Australia.

When comparing the travel costs between Nara and Torquay, we can see that Nara is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Nara is in Asia and Torquay is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Nara or Torquay?

Nara has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Torquay. When comparing the sizes of Nara and Torquay, 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 Torquay?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Torquay 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 Torquay in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nara as well as Torquay. Many travelers come to Nara for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Torquay in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Nara is around the same temperature as Torquay in the summer. The daily temperature in Nara averages around 27°C (80°F) in July, and Torquay fluctuates around 26°C (78°F)in January.

It's quite rainy in Torquay. Nara receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nara usually gets more rain in July than Torquayin January. Nara gets 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nara or Torquay in the Autumn?

Both Torquay and Nara are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Nara in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Torquay for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Nara is cooler than Torquay. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nara in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Torquay averages at about 22°C (72°F)in April.

It's quite rainy in Nara. In October, Nara usually receives more rain than Torquayin April. Nara gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nara or Torquay in the Winter?

Both Torquay and Nara during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Nara for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Torquay because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Nara can be very cold during winter. In January, Nara is generally much colder than Torquayin July. Daily temperatures in Nara average around 4°C (40°F), and Torquay fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

Nara usually gets less rain in January than Torquayin July. Nara gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nara or Torquay in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nara and Torquay. The spring months attract visitors to Nara because of the natural beauty. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Torquay this time of year.

Nara is much colder than Torquay in the spring. The daily temperature in Nara averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Torquay fluctuates around 21°C (71°F)in October.

Nara gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Nara usually receives more rain than Torquayin October. Nara gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Torquay and Nara