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

Should you visit Shanghai or Nagasaki?

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 Nagasaki. 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 modern, cosmopolitan, and professional port city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, Shanghai attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Shanghai travel costs.

Nagasaki

Nagasaki is a interesting, authentic, and welcoming city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Nagasaki travel costs.

Shanghai and Nagasaki: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Shanghai or Nagasaki?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Shanghai than Nagasaki, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Shanghai is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Nagasaki is known for its nightlife. Shanghai is popular for its historical landmarks, local street food, vibrant markets, and waterfront promenade. It is also home to The Bund. Nagasaki is popular for its history, hot spring spas, and local cuisine.

How is Shanghai different from Nagasaki?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Shanghai is a world-class destination for its museums and history. Also, Nagasaki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Shanghai has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Many visitors head to Nagasaki specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Nagasaki Peace Park is a moving tribute to those lost during the atomic bomb attack. Other sights around town include the Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown, Kofukuji Temple, and Huis Ten Bosch.

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

Shanghai is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Nagasaki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Nagasaki makes for a great culinary experience. The city has a cosmopolitan cuisine which has been influenced by China and several Western cuisines. Popular local dishes include Chanpon (a noodle dish), Sara Udon (meat, vegetables, and noodles), and Kakuni Manju (pork belly on a dough bun).

Is Shanghai or Nagasaki Better for Nightlife?

Nagasaki 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.

Nagasaki has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The best areas for nightlife are the Doza-machi and Shianbashi districts. Shinanbashi is filled with narrow alleys and its easy to get lost.

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 the Shopping Better in Shanghai or Nagasaki?

Shanghai is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Nagasaki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Shanghai specifically to go shopping. 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.

Nagasaki is a great destination for shopping. Head to the waterfront for the best shopping opportunities. You'll find everything from malls to souvenir shops around town. You'll also find traditional market streets which are known as shōtengai.

Is Shanghai or Nagasaki More Beautiful?

Shanghai is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Nagasaki is not a destination known for its beauty.

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.

Nagasaki is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Shanghai or Nagasaki Better for Families?

Shanghai is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Nagasaki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Nagasaki. Check out Agiruno Oka Park, which has a small farm and other recreational activities. There are also several kid-friendly museums like the Nagasaki City Science Museum and the Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium. There are also many parks and playgrounds as well as the Nagasaki Seaside Park.

Is Shanghai or Nagasaki Better for Couples?

Shanghai is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Nagasaki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Nagasaki is a nice destination for couples. There's a unique cuisine with good restaurants. There are also many parks where couples can take a stroll, as well as relaxing hot springs nearby.

Is Shanghai or Nagasaki Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Shanghai is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Nagasaki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Shanghai. 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.

Nagasaki is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a number of hostels in the city, but you really should make reservations in advance as they tend to fill up.

Is Shanghai or Nagasaki Better for Students?

Shanghai is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Nagasaki 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.

Nagasaki is not popular with students.

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

Both Shanghai and Nagasaki offer superb public transit options.

Shanghai has some very good public transit options. There is a metro system as well as buses and taxis which are relatively affordable.

The public transit in Nagasaki can get you to most places easily. The city has four tram lines as well as city buses.

Is Shanghai or Nagasaki a more walkable city?

Shanghai is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. Also, Nagasaki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

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

Nagasaki is somewhat walkable. Many parts of the city can be explored by foot. The downtown is about a kilometer from Nagasaki Station and the Peace Park is several kilometers in the other direction from the station.

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

Should I spend more time in Nagasaki or Shanghai?

How long in Shanghai or Nagasaki?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Shanghai and Nagasaki. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Shanghai than in Nagasaki. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Shanghai, and 2-3 days is enough time in Nagasaki.

Families should spend more time in Shanghai than Nagasaki. 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 Nagasaki. 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 Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki?

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.

The city of Nagasaki offers food and shopping. 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 Nagasaki?

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.

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

Five days in Shanghai or Nagasaki?

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.

Nagasaki 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.

A week in Shanghai or Nagasaki?

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.

Nagasaki 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 city 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 Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Shanghai and Nagasaki, we can see that Shanghai is more expensive. And not only is Nagasaki much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nagasaki would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki.

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

Which is Bigger, Shanghai or Nagasaki?

Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Nagasaki. When comparing the sizes of Shanghai and Nagasaki, 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 Nagasaki?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Shanghai or Nagasaki in the Summer?

Both Nagasaki and Shanghai during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Shanghai this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Nagasaki for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Shanghai is around the same temperature as Nagasaki. Typically, the summer temperatures in Shanghai in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Nagasaki averages at about 27°C (81°F).

It's quite sunny in Shanghai. In the summer, Shanghai often gets more sunshine than Nagasaki. Shanghai gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagasaki receives 197 hours of full sun.

Nagasaki gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Shanghai. Shanghai usually gets less rain in July than Nagasaki. Shanghai gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Nagasaki receives 334 mm (13.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Shanghai or Nagasaki in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Shanghai and Nagasaki. Many travelers come to Shanghai for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Nagasaki in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Shanghai is generally around the same temperature as Nagasaki. Daily temperatures in Shanghai average around 19°C (65°F), and Nagasaki fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).

Shanghai usually receives less sunshine than Nagasaki during autumn. Shanghai gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Nagasaki receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Nagasaki receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Shanghai usually receives less rain than Nagasaki. Shanghai gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Nagasaki receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Shanghai or Nagasaki in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Shanghai as well as Nagasaki. Many visitors come to Shanghai in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Nagasaki for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Shanghai can get quite cold in the winter. Shanghai is much colder than Nagasaki in the winter. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Nagasaki fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Shanghai often gets more sunshine than Nagasaki. Shanghai gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagasaki receives 112 hours of full sun.

Shanghai usually gets less rain in January than Nagasaki. Shanghai gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Nagasaki receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Shanghai or Nagasaki in the Spring?

Both Nagasaki and Shanghai are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Shanghai for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Nagasaki because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, Shanghai is around the same temperature as Nagasaki. Typically, the spring temperatures in Shanghai in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Nagasaki averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Shanghai usually receives less sunshine than Nagasaki during spring. Shanghai gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Nagasaki receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nagasaki. It's quite rainy in Shanghai. In April, Shanghai usually receives less rain than Nagasaki. Shanghai gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Nagasaki receives 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Nagasaki and Shanghai