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

Should you visit Shanghai or Nara?

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 Nara. 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.

Nara

Nara is a cultural, traditional, and tranquil city. Nara is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and shopping. See Nara travel costs.

Shanghai and Nara: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Shanghai or Nara?

You'll generally find more things to do in Shanghai than Nara. Shanghai is bigger than Nara, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Shanghai is better known for its museums and attractions, food, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Nara is more popular for its nightlife, historical sights, and hiking. Shanghai is more touristy than Nara and is known for its historical landmarks, local street food, vibrant markets, and waterfront promenade. Also, Shanghai is famous for The Bund. Nara is well known for its many temples and shrines, its beautiful natural areas, and its free roaming deer.

How is Shanghai different from Nara?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Shanghai is a must-visit destination for its sights and museums. Also, Nara is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Many visitors head to Nara specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

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

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

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.

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 Shanghai or Nara Better for Nightlife?

Nara 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.

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.

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 Nara Better for its Old Town?

Nara is a good destination for its old town. However, Shanghai does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Nara to see the old town. 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.

Shanghai does not have a historic old town.

Is Shanghai or Nara Better for Hiking?

Nara is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Shanghai is not a hiking destination.

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.

Shanghai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Shanghai or Nara?

Shanghai is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Nara is not as famous, but is still a good city 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 Nara. 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.

Is Shanghai or Nara More Beautiful?

Shanghai is notable for its scenery and beauty. Also, Nara is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its scenery and beauty.

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.

Nara offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The city is filled with green space, parks, and natural areas. You'll find deer roaming freely and tranquil lawns where you can relax.

Is Shanghai or Nara Better for Families?

Both Shanghai and Nara are superb family-friendly destinations.

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.

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

Is Shanghai or Nara Better for Couples?

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

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.

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.

Is Shanghai or Nara Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Shanghai is notable for backpackers. Also, Nara is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

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

Is Shanghai or Nara Better for Students?

Shanghai is notable for students. However, Nara 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.

Nara is not popular with students.

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

Both Shanghai and Nara 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 Nara can get you to most places easily. There are city buses that will take you through town and to the many tourist spots.

Is Shanghai or Nara a more walkable city?

Shanghai and Nara both are superb when exploring on foot.

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.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Nara or Shanghai?

How long in Shanghai or Nara?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Shanghai or Nara to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Shanghai than Nara because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Shanghai, and 1-2 days is enough time in Nara.

Families should spend more time in Shanghai than Nara. 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 Nara. 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 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 Shanghai.

One day in Shanghai or Nara?

Shanghai is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

The city of Nara offers food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Shanghai or Nara?

Shanghai is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. 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.

Nara 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. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Nara, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Shanghai or Nara?

Shanghai is a modern big city where you can fill many days. This port city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Nara 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 Nara?

The bustling port city of Shanghai offers nightlife and food. 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.

Nara is a great place to explore. 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 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 Sightseeing Tours in Japan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Shanghai and Nara, we can see that Shanghai is more expensive. And not only is Nara much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 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 Nara.

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

Which is Bigger, Shanghai or Nara?

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

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Shanghai or Nara in the Summer?

Both Nara and Shanghai are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Shanghai this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Nara for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Shanghai is around the same temperature as Nara in the summer. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Nara fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Shanghai. Shanghai usually receives more sunshine than Nara during summer. Shanghai gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Nara receives 183 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nara. It's quite rainy in Shanghai. In July, Shanghai usually receives less rain than Nara. Shanghai gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Nara receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Shanghai or Nara in the Autumn?

Both Nara and Shanghai during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Shanghai for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Nara in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Shanghai is around the same temperature as Nara. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Shanghai in October average around 19°C (65°F), and Nara averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Shanghai often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Nara. Shanghai gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nara receives 159 hours of full sun.

Nara gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Shanghai usually gets less rain in October than Nara. Shanghai gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Nara receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Shanghai or Nara in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Shanghai and Nara. Many visitors come to Shanghai in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Nara for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Nara can be very cold during winter. Shanghai can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Shanghai is generally around the same temperature as Nara. Daily temperatures in Shanghai average around 4°C (39°F), and Nara fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

Shanghai usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Nara during winter. Shanghai gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Nara receives 140 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Shanghai usually receives less rain than Nara. Shanghai gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Nara receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Shanghai or Nara in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Shanghai as well as Nara. 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 Nara because of the natural beauty.

Shanghai is around the same temperature as Nara in the spring. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Nara fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In the spring, Shanghai often gets less sunshine than Nara. Shanghai gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nara receives 176 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Nara. Shanghai receives a lot of rain in the spring. Shanghai usually gets less rain in April than Nara. Shanghai gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Nara receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Nara and Shanghai