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

Should you visit Surabaya or Sapporo?

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

Should I visit Surabaya or Sapporo? 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 undiscovered, authentic, and local city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food. See Surabaya travel costs.

Sapporo

Sapporo is a vibrant, laid-back, and park-filled city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums. See Sapporo travel costs.

Surabaya and Sapporo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Surabaya or Sapporo?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Sapporo than Surabaya. While Surabaya is larger than Sapporo, Sapporo has more sights and attractions for tourists. Sapporo is very popular for its skiing, museums and attractions, food, and nightlife, while Surabaya attracts visitors for its beaches. Sapporo is more touristy than Surabaya and is popular for its skiing, winter activities, and the yearly Sapporo Snow Festival. It is also well known for Odori Park. Surabaya is famous for its role in Indonesia's independence revolution.

How is Surabaya different from Sapporo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Surabaya or Sapporo Better for Skiing?

Sapporo is a great destination for winter skiing. However, Surabaya is not a skiing destination.

Sapporo is a well-known ski destination which attracts visitors from far and wide. There are many great ski areas that are an easy day trip from the center of town. Very close by you'll find Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort and Sapporo Teine is where the 1972 Winter Olympics were held. It's divided into the family-friendly Olympia Zone and the more advanced Highland Zone.

Surabaya is not a skiing destination.

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

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

Sapporo offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are a number of shrines and museums in the city. Make sure you check out Hokkaidō Shrine, Sapporo TV Tower, Sapporo Clock Tower, and the Sapporo Science Center.

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 Sapporo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Sapporo 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 Sapporo is an experience not to be missed. The local cuisine focuses on the world class fishing in the area as well as the great agriculture. Pork is a common meat ingredient and many dishes include ramen, vegetables, or grilled seafood.

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 Sapporo Better for Nightlife?

Sapporo is a great destination for its evening party scene. Also, Surabaya is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

The people in Sapporo know how to have a good time. The city's nightlife scene is laid back and mostly concentrated in the Susukino area. In particular, King Xmhu is famous for its party nights and wild decor.

If you're looking for night time activities Surabaya has a few options to choose from. 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.

Is Surabaya or Sapporo Better for Beaches?

Surabaya is a city with good options for the beach. However, Sapporo is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Surabaya. 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.

Sapporo is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Surabaya or Sapporo?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Sapporo 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 Sapporo. Shopping malls are the most popular places to enjoy browsing the stores. This is particularly nice during the snowy winter months when you can escape into the heated malls.

Is Surabaya or Sapporo Better for Families?

Sapporo is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

Sapporo is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has many activities for families, any time of year. There's skiing and winter sports in the winter and theme parks and camping in the summer. There's also a Puppet Theater and indoor play areas for when the weather is poor.

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 Sapporo Better for Couples?

Sapporo is a great destination for couples. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options for romance.

Couples visit Sapporo frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples will enjoy the parks, gardens, museums, and winter sports in the area. A highlight for everyone is a visit to the famous Sapporo Snow Festival, which features many ice sculptures.

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 Sapporo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sapporo is a great destination for backpackers. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Sapporo is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There are a number of hostels around town and many fun activities that backpackers will enjoy.

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 Sapporo Better for Students?

Sapporo is a great destination for students. However, Surabaya is not popular with students.

Sapporo is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The city is welcoming to international students and many people enjoy studying at Sapporo International University.

Surabaya is not popular with students.

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

Sapporo is a great destination for its public transit. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Sapporo can get you to most places easily. Most visitors use the subway system to get around. There are three lines - the Namboku Line, Tozai Line, and Toho Line- all of which pass through Odori Station. The city also has a streetcar and buses.

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 Sapporo a more walkable city?

Surabaya and Sapporo both are excellent 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.

Sapporo is very walkable. The city center, where you'll find many of the attractions, is walkable. Susukino Station is about a 20 or 30 minute walk from JR Sapporo Station.

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

Should I spend more time in Sapporo or Surabaya?

How long in Surabaya or Sapporo?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Surabaya and Sapporo. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Sapporo than in Surabaya. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Surabaya, and 2-3 days is enough time in Sapporo.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sapporo 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 Sapporo.

One day in Surabaya or Sapporo?

Because Surabaya is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

The city of Sapporo offers museums and skiing. 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 Surabaya or Sapporo?

Because Surabaya is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Surabaya has to offer.

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

Five days in Surabaya or Sapporo?

Surabaya is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Sapporo 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 Sapporo?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Surabaya. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Surabaya. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

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

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Surabaya and Sapporo, we can see that Sapporo 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 Sapporo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sapporo 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 Sapporo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Surabaya or Sapporo?

Surabaya has a larger population, and is about 26% larger than the population of Sapporo. When comparing the sizes of Surabaya and Sapporo, 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.