A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Shanghai vs. Byron Bay for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Shanghai or Byron Bay?

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 Shanghai and Byron Bay. 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.

Shanghai

Shanghai is a trendy, modern, and cosmopolitan port city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of Shanghai is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Shanghai travel costs.

Byron Bay

Byron Bay is a relaxed, mellow, and vegan-friendly town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. The beauty of Byron Bay is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and hiking. See Byron Bay travel costs.

Shanghai and Byron Bay: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Shanghai or Byron Bay?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Shanghai than Byron Bay, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Shanghai is better known for its museums and attractions, food, shopping, and big city activities, while Byron Bay is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, hiking, and small town charm. Shanghai is well known for its historical landmarks, local street food, vibrant markets, and waterfront promenade. Also, Shanghai is famous for The Bund. Byron Bay is well known for its community spirit, undeveloped beaches, and world renowned festivals.

How is Shanghai different from Byron Bay?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Shanghai or Byron Bay?

Shanghai is a must-visit destination for its sights and museums. However, Byron Bay is not a good town for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Shanghai are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

While most people don't head to Byron Bay specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. It's a small town that's all about the laid back beach scene so you won't find many museums or iconic buildings in town. Do check out the Cape Byron Lighthouse if you get the chance.

Is the Food Better in Shanghai or Byron Bay? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Shanghai is a must-visit destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Byron Bay is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Many restaurants in Shanghai have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

Byron Bay has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The restaurant scene is just starting to gain momentum. There are a growing number of trendy bistros and international flavors around town. You'll find plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, as well as smoothies and brunch cafes.

Is Shanghai or Byron Bay Better for Nightlife?

Byron Bay is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, Shanghai is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its evening party scene.

Byron Bay has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The nightlife scene is all about relaxed luxury. There are high end cocktail bars, piano bars, live music venues, and DJ led parties. You can head to a bistro on the beach or dance the night away at one of the nightclubs.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Shanghai. 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.

Is Shanghai or Byron Bay Better for Resorts?

Byron Bay is notable for its resorts. However, Shanghai is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Byron Bay to choose from. There are luxury resorts, family-friendly villas, and contemporary apartments that offer great accommodation in a good environment.

Shanghai is not a resort destination.

Is Shanghai or Byron Bay Better for Beaches?

Byron Bay is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Shanghai is not a beach destination.

Byron Bay offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The pristine beaches are at the heart of the appeal in this town. Main Beach is, as the name implies, right in the heart of town. Many beaches are lined with forest and there are waves that are great for surfing. At its heart, this town will always be a surfer's town.

Shanghai is not a beach destination.

Is Shanghai or Byron Bay Better for Hiking?

Byron Bay is a good destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Shanghai is not a hiking destination.

Byron Bay offers some nice hiking trails. There are many walking trails that make nature accessible. Whether you want to walk along the coastline or into the hills, there are many places to enjoy a peaceful stroll.

Shanghai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Shanghai or Byron Bay?

Shanghai is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Byron Bay is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Shanghai make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Byron Bay. In the past, this was never a shopping town, but in recent years it has attracted fashion icons and free spirits. There are many boutique shops on the main streets in town and there are still quirky stores that offer the unexpected.

Is Shanghai or Byron Bay More Beautiful?

Shanghai and Byron Bay are somewhat similar when it comes to the very good scenery.

The beauty of Shanghai is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Its distinct, futuristic skyline and scenic waterside strolls make this city a beautiful place to explore.

With stunning beauty, Byron Bay attracts visitors from all around. It's pristine beaches and laid back style make it a beautiful and relaxing place to visit.

Is Shanghai or Byron Bay Better for Families?

Shanghai is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Byron Bay is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Shanghai is a very kid-friendly port city. 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.

Byron Bay is a family-friendly port city. It's laid back vibe and beautiful beaches offer a great place for families to vacation. There are plenty of family-friendly accommodation options and, while there aren't the theme parks and kid-centered activities of some places, there is still plenty to enjoy in the area.

Is Shanghai or Byron Bay Better for Couples?

Shanghai is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Byron Bay is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for couples.

Shanghai is a great port city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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.

Byron Bay makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's known for its instagram-worthy settings and its popularity with influencers. Couples will appreciate the laid back vibe and chill beach scene. There are great restaurants and plenty of nice hotels and resorts to choose from.

Is Shanghai or Byron Bay Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Shanghai and Byron Bay are very good destinations for backpackers.

Shanghai is a great port city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Byron Bay. It's lost some of its original hippie surf town vibe, but there is still a great backpacker scene. Now it's more popular with the influencer crowd, but the party scene and beautiful beaches attract backpackers as well.

Is Shanghai or Byron Bay Better for Students?

Shanghai is a well-known place for students. However, Byron Bay is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Shanghai. 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.

Byron Bay is not popular with students.

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

Shanghai is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Byron Bay is not a good town for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Shanghai can get you around easily. There is a metro system as well as buses and taxis which are relatively affordable.

Public transit is mostly limited in Byron Bay. There is a bus service that is provided by Blanch's Bus Company.

Is Shanghai or Byron Bay a more walkable city?

Shanghai is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. Also, Byron Bay is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its ease of walking around.

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

Byron Bay is a somewhat walkable port city. The town itself is compact and it's possible to explore on foot, but if you want to go further you'll need to have access to a vehicle.

For even more information, also check out Is Shanghai Worth Visiting? and Is Byron Bay Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Byron Bay or Shanghai?

How long in Shanghai or Byron Bay?

Both Shanghai and Byron Bay have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Byron Bay than in Shanghai. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Shanghai, and 3-7 days is enough time in Byron Bay.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Shanghai than Byron Bay 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 Shanghai or Byron Bay?

People visit Shanghai because there is so much to do. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The beautiful town of Byron Bay offers nightlife and food. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Shanghai or Byron Bay?

People visit Shanghai because there is so much to do. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this port city has to offer. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Byron Bay is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Shanghai or Byron Bay?

People visit Shanghai because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this port city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this port city has to offer.

Byron Bay is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Byron Bay, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Shanghai or Byron Bay?

Shanghai is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

Byron Bay is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Byron Bay has to offer. This town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best Walking Tours in Australia, and The Best Eco Tours in Australia.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Shanghai or Byron Bay?

Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 2160 times larger than the population of Byron Bay. When comparing the sizes of Shanghai and Byron Bay, 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 Shanghai or Byron Bay?

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

Should I visit Shanghai or Byron Bay in the Summer?

Both Byron Bay and Shanghai are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Shanghai for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Byron Bay because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Shanghai is a little warmer than Byron Bay in the summer. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Byron Bay fluctuates around 23°C (74°F)in January.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Byron Bay. It's quite rainy in Shanghai. In July, Shanghai usually receives less rain than Byron Bayin January. Shanghai gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Shanghai or Byron Bay in the Autumn?

Both Byron Bay and Shanghai during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Shanghai because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Byron Bay this time of year.

In the autumn, Shanghai is around the same temperature as Byron Bay. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Shanghai in October average around 19°C (65°F), and Byron Bay averages at about 20°C (69°F)in April.

Byron Bay gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Shanghai usually gets less rain in October than Byron Bayin April. Shanghai gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Shanghai or Byron Bay in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Shanghai and Byron Bay. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Shanghai this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Byron Bay for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Shanghai in the winter. In January, Shanghai is generally much colder than Byron Bayin July. Daily temperatures in Shanghai average around 4°C (39°F), and Byron Bay fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In January, Shanghai usually receives less rain than Byron Bayin July. Shanghai gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Shanghai or Byron Bay in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Shanghai as well as Byron Bay. Many travelers come to Shanghai for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to Byron Bay in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Shanghai is cooler than Byron Bay in the spring. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Byron Bay fluctuates around 19°C (67°F)in October.

Shanghai receives a lot of rain in the spring. Shanghai usually gets more rain in April than Byron Bayin October. Shanghai gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Byron Bay and Shanghai