A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Surabaya vs. Kanazawa for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Surabaya or Kanazawa?

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

Should I visit Surabaya or Kanazawa? 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.

Surabaya

Surabaya is a authentic, local, and undiscovered city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include shopping, nightlife, and food. See Surabaya travel costs.

Kanazawa

Kanazawa is a well-preserved, historic, and cultural city. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Kanazawa travel costs.

Surabaya and Kanazawa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Surabaya or Kanazawa?

You'll generally find more things to do in Surabaya than Kanazawa. Surabaya is bigger than Kanazawa, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Surabaya is better known for its beaches and big city activities, while Kanazawa is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, and historical sights. Kanazawa is more touristy than Surabaya and is popular for its history, preserved architecture, and classically landscaped gardens. Surabaya is well known for its role in Indonesia's independence revolution. Also, Surabaya is famous for the Submarine Monument.

How is Surabaya different from Kanazawa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Surabaya or Kanazawa?

Kanazawa is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options for its historical sights.

Kanazawa offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is filled with history and you can visit the Kanazawa Castle, the Higashi Chaya Area with preserved Geisha houses, and the Nagamachi Samurai House Area. There are also museums such as the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art and the D.T. Suzuki Museum.

While most people don't head to Surabaya specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. You'll likely pass through town on your way somewhere else, but if you have some time to kill, check out Suramadu Bridge, the House of Sampoerna, Cheng Hoo Mosque, Sanggar Agung Temple, and Ampel Mosque. It's also worth a visit to the Submarine Museum and the Heroes Monument.

Is the Food Better in Surabaya or Kanazawa? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kanazawa is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Surabaya is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Kanazawa is an experience not to be missed. There's a long history to the city's cuisine and you'll find many diverse dishes that combine traditional ingredients with international fusion. The cuisine uses a lot of seafood, but you'll also find the one pot meal of Hanton Rice, Oden (hot pot), and Jibu-ni (made with duck and vegetables).

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Surabaya. It's a port city, and the cuisine reflexs this. You'll find a mix of different flavors that combine Javanese, Chinese, Arabic, Dutch, and Indian cuisines. Dishes include a lot of vegetables as well as tofu and tempeh. Many dishes are also sweet in flavor or incredibly spicy.

Is Surabaya or Kanazawa Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Surabaya or Kanazawa has a better nightlife scene.

Surabaya has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Like the rest of the city, the nightlife scene has a local vibe. There are night markets, fascinating neighborhoods, and some lively clubs and bars.

If you're looking for night time activities Kanazawa has a few options to choose from. The town has everything from international style bars to local theaters that let you experience the traditional Japanese culture.

Is Surabaya or Kanazawa Better for Beaches?

Surabaya is very good for its beaches. However, Kanazawa is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Surabaya to enjoy the beach. You'll find a few beaches within a short drive of the city center. Some of the popular ones include Ria Kenjeran Beach, Bentar Beach, and Delegan Beach.

Kanazawa is not a beach destination.

Is Surabaya or Kanazawa Better for its Old Town?

Kanazawa is a popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Surabaya does not have a historic old town.

Kanazawa offers a nice historic old town area. It's fascinating to visit both the Higashi Chaya Area with preserved Geisha houses and the Nagamachi Samurai House Area which has preserved samurai houses that line two canals. You can enter a few of the houses to see the traditional way of life.

Surabaya does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Surabaya or Kanazawa?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Kanazawa and Surabaya.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Surabaya. The city has a great mix of air-conditioned mega-malls and colorful street markets. Bratang Market has become a favorite but it's also worth checking out Tugu Pahlawan Market and Ampel Market.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Kanazawa. The city has many shopping districts that include department stores, traditional stores, and large markets. This is a great place to do some souvenir shopping.

Is Surabaya or Kanazawa Better for Families?

Kanazawa is a popular place for its family-friendly activities. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Kanazawa. Myouryuji Temple is a fun temple for kids where they can play ninja and discover the hidden spaces. When the kids are burned out of history, head to Tedori Fish Land which is a theme park in the area or check out the slides at Kenmin Seaside Park. There's also the Dolls Museum and the beautiful coastline.

For families, Surabaya is not always the best place to visit. You'll like be passing through this city enroute to somewhere else, but if you have some time to kill, check out the Submarine Museum. You can also wander through the market area of Qubah or explore Chinatown.

Is Surabaya or Kanazawa Better for Couples?

Kanazawa is a popular place for couples. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options for romance.

Kanazawa is a good city for couples to visit. The city has markets, museums, and gardens that are fun to explore as a couple. You can visit the Kanazawa Castle or sample one of the many restaurants around town.

Surabaya is not the best destination for a couple to visit. There are some sights an museums that you can visit while you're in town.

Is Surabaya or Kanazawa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kanazawa is a popular place for backpackers. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Kanazawa. There are a handful of hostels and affordable accommodation options that backpackers can choose from.

Surabaya is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels around town but most backpackers don't spend more than a night in town.

Is Surabaya or Kanazawa Better for Students?

Kanazawa is a popular place for students. However, Surabaya is not popular with students.

Kanazawa is popular with students. It has a good educational environment with high quality educational institutions that appeal to international students.

Surabaya is not popular with students.

Is Surabaya or Kanazawa Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Kanazawa is a popular place for its public transit. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Kanazawa, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are two main buses that tourists use in town. The Kenrokuen Shuttle goes between the Kanazawa Station and Kenrokuen Gardens and the Kanazawa Loop Bus runs from Kanazawa Station via the Teramachi area, the Higashi Chaya District, and Omicho Market.

Public transit is mostly limited in Surabaya. There's a bus system, but it's mostly used by locals. There are two types of buses - normal buses and patas buses, which are express.

Is Surabaya or Kanazawa a more walkable city?

Surabaya and Kanazawa both are great when exploring on foot.

Surabaya is a very walkable destination. It's one of the more walkable cities in Indonesia and it has the feel of a bunch of neighborhoods combined together.

Kanazawa is very walkable. The city is relatively walkable with some rolling hills. It's possible to walk to Kanazawa Castle from Kanazawa Station in about 35 minutes.

For even more information, also check out Is Surabaya Worth Visiting? and Is Kanazawa Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kanazawa or Surabaya?

How long in Surabaya or Kanazawa?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Surabaya or Kanazawa to fill your time. In our opinion, Kanazawa has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Kanazawa than Surabaya. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Kanazawa than Surabaya. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Kanazawa that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kanazawa than Surabaya 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 Kanazawa.

One day in Surabaya or Kanazawa?

Surabaya is a big city with plenty to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The city of Kanazawa offers food and shopping. 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 Surabaya or Kanazawa?

Surabaya 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 Surabaya, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Surabaya or Kanazawa?

Surabaya 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.

Kanazawa 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 Surabaya or Kanazawa?

Surabaya 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.

Kanazawa 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in Indonesia, The Best 10-Day Tours in Indonesia, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Surabaya or Kanazawa?

Surabaya has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Kanazawa. When comparing the sizes of Surabaya and Kanazawa, 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.