A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Shanghai vs. Katoomba for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Shanghai or Katoomba?

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 Katoomba. 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 cosmopolitan, professional, and diverse 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. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Shanghai travel costs.

Katoomba

Katoomba is a relaxing, breathtaking , and stunning town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. You'll find world class beauty in Katoomba as well. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and shopping. See Katoomba travel costs.

Shanghai and Katoomba: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Shanghai or Katoomba?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Shanghai. Although Shanghai and Katoomba are popular destinations, Shanghai has more sights and attractions for tourists. Shanghai is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, shopping, and big city activities, while Katoomba attracts visitors for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Shanghai is famous for its historical landmarks, local street food, vibrant markets, and waterfront promenade. It is also well known for The Bund. Katoomba is famous for its natural scenery, beautiful hikes, and its location in the Blue Mountains.

How is Shanghai different from Katoomba?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Shanghai is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. Also, Katoomba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Shanghai that are not to be missed. 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.

Katoomba offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. For many, the town is used as a base for exploring the Blue Mountains. Scenic World is a great way to take in the highlights. It's also fun to check out the local street art.

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

Shanghai is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Katoomba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Eat your way through Shanghai, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Katoomba has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Many of the restaurants work hard to support local farmers and suppliers. You'll find local ingredients and homemade meals. The restaurant scene is growing, but many restaurants are still affiliated with hotels and tourist attractions.

Is Shanghai or Katoomba Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are nice in both Shanghai and Katoomba.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Katoomba. It's not known for its nightlife scene, but there are some relaxed places where you can enjoy craft beer or see a show. Katoomba is the hub of nightlife in the Blue Mountains.

Is Shanghai or Katoomba Better for Hiking?

Katoomba is a world-class destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Shanghai is not a hiking destination.

Katoomba is well-known for its hiking and trekking. Surrounded by the Blue Mountains, this town offers access to some of the area's best hikes. You'll see waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and lush landscapes.

Shanghai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Shanghai or Katoomba?

Shanghai is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Katoomba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Shanghai is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Katoomba. There are local markets and boutiques where you can pick up local items and handicrafts.

Is Shanghai or Katoomba More Beautiful?

Katoomba 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 Katoomba as well. It's a town surrounded by natural beauty. It offers easy access to breathtaking views and impressive hikes through the Blue Mountains.

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 Shanghai or Katoomba Better for Families?

Katoomba is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Shanghai is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Katoomba is very family-friendly. The surrounding Blue Mountains are filled with activities for the whole family. Scenic World is a highlight with its cable cars and skyway. There are also gardens, hiking trails, and cultural centers. Kids who love trains will enjoy Valley Heights Locomotive Depot Heritage Museum.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Shanghai. 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.

Is Shanghai or Katoomba Better for Couples?

Shanghai is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Katoomba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its romantic activities.

Shanghai is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Katoomba makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are world class gardens like the Everglades Gardens, restaurants where you can enjoy high tea with a view, as well as hikes that will take your breath away. For the truly adventurous, there are also helicopter tours.

Is Shanghai or Katoomba Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Shanghai and Katoomba are excellent 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 Katoomba. There are hostels in the area, as well as camping opportunities. Backpackers will appreciate the scenic beauty and natural setting.

Is Shanghai or Katoomba Better for Students?

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

Many students visit 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.

Katoomba is not popular with students.

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

Shanghai is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Katoomba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Katoomba has some public transit options. There are public buses through the Blue Mountains but it's easier to explore in depth if you have your own car.

Is Shanghai or Katoomba a more walkable city?

Shanghai is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, Katoomba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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.

Katoomba is a somewhat walkable place. The town itself is relatively walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Katoomba or Shanghai?

How long in Shanghai or Katoomba?

It's fun to spend time in either Shanghai or Katoomba. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Shanghai due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Shanghai, and 2-4 days is enough time in Katoomba.

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

Couples should spend more time in Shanghai than Katoomba. 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 Katoomba 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 Katoomba?

Shanghai is a big city with plenty to do. 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.

Katoomba is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Katoomba?

Shanghai is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this port city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Shanghai, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Katoomba is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town 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 Katoomba, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Shanghai or Katoomba?

Shanghai is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Shanghai, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Katoomba is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. 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.

A week in Shanghai or Katoomba?

Shanghai is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This port city offers something for everyone.

Katoomba is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. 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 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Australia, and The Best Scuba Diving Tours in Australia.

When comparing the travel costs between Shanghai and Katoomba, we can see that Katoomba 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 Shanghai is in Asia and Katoomba 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 Shanghai Expensive? and Is Katoomba Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Shanghai or Katoomba?

Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 790 times larger than the population of Katoomba. When comparing the sizes of Shanghai and Katoomba, 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 Katoomba?

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

Both Katoomba and Shanghai are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Shanghai because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Katoomba this time of year.

In July, Shanghai is generally a little warmer than Katoombain January. Daily temperatures in Shanghai average around 28°C (83°F), and Katoomba fluctuates around 24°C (74°F).

It's quite sunny in Katoomba. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Shanghai. Shanghai usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Katoomba during summer. Shanghai gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Katoomba receives 236 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Katoomba. It's quite rainy in Shanghai. In July, Shanghai usually receives more rain than Katoombain January. Shanghai gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Shanghai or Katoomba in the Autumn?

Both Katoomba and Shanghai during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Shanghai this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Katoomba for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Shanghai is around the same temperature as Katoomba in the autumn. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 19°C (65°F) in October, and Katoomba fluctuates around 18°C (65°F)in April.

In the autumn, Shanghai often gets less sunshine than Katoombain April. Shanghai gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Katoomba receives 195 hours of full sun.

Shanghai usually gets less rain in October than Katoombain April. Shanghai gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Shanghai or Katoomba in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Shanghai and Katoomba. Many travelers come to Shanghai for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Katoomba in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Shanghai. In the winter, Shanghai is much colder than Katoomba. Typically, the winter temperatures in Shanghai in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Katoomba averages at about 11°C (51°F)in July.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Katoomba this time of the year. Shanghai usually receives less sunshine than Katoomba during winter. Shanghai gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Katoomba receives 208 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Shanghai usually receives more rain than Katoombain July. Shanghai gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Shanghai or Katoomba in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Shanghai as well as Katoomba. Many visitors come to Shanghai in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Katoomba for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Shanghai is generally cooler than Katoombain October. Daily temperatures in Shanghai average around 15°C (58°F), and Katoomba fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Katoomba. In the spring, Shanghai often gets less sunshine than Katoombain October. Shanghai gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Katoomba receives 240 hours of full sun.

Shanghai receives a lot of rain in the spring. Shanghai usually gets more rain in April than Katoombain October. Shanghai gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Katoomba and Shanghai