A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Surabaya vs. Sydney for Attractions, Nightlife, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Surabaya or Sydney?

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

Should I visit Surabaya or Sydney? 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. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and nightlife. See Surabaya travel costs.

Sydney

Sydney is a outdoorsy, adventurous, and glamorous city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, Sydney attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Sydney travel costs.

Surabaya and Sydney: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Surabaya or Sydney?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Sydney than Surabaya. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Sydney is more touristy than Surabaya and is known for its iconic buildings, world-renowned beaches, colorful nightlife, and cosmopolitan restaurants. It is also well known for the Sydney Opera House. Surabaya is famous for its role in Indonesia's independence revolution.

How is Surabaya different from Sydney?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Sydney is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Sydney on the map. The city is filled with iconic and world famous landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. There's also the famous Royal Botanic Garden and the Sydney Tower Eye.

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 Sydney? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Sydney 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 Sydney is an experience not to be missed. There are international restaurants offering impressive dishes from around the world. You'll also find some local Australian favorites around town. Seafood is abundant, as are a number of Asian cuisines. Barramundi is a local fish that you'll find on many menus. Oysters, prawns, and John Dory (a local fish) are also popular.

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 Sydney Better for Nightlife?

Sydney is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Surabaya is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

The nightlife in Sydney is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The city is filled with nightclubs and DJ hosted dance parties. There's a huge young crowd that brings together residents, students, and backpackers in a vibrant nightlife scene. Some of the best areas for nightlife are Kings Cross, Oxford Street, Surry Hills or Darling Harbour.

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 Sydney Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Sydney is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Surabaya is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Sydney has a few good snorkeling spots. There's some good snorkeling and diving nearby with a diversity of marine life and interesting ecosystems. Some of the best snorkeling spots are at Palm Beach, Shelly Beach, and Clifton Gardens.

Surabaya is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Surabaya or Sydney Better for Beaches?

Sydney is an unbeatable place for the beach. Also, Surabaya is still popular, but not quite as popular for its beaches.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Sydney. There are more than 100 beaches near the city with everything from hidden coves to world famous destinations. Bondi Beach is the most famous beach in town and it has all of the tourist sights and activities that you could need. Surfers often head to Bronte Beach, which isn't too far away. Divers and snorkelers love Gordons Bay. Manly is also a nearby suburb with family-friendly beaches that can be reached by ferry.

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.

Is Surabaya or Sydney Better for Hiking?

Sydney is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Surabaya is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Sydney. The city offers a number of coastal and inland trails that are easily accessible from town. There are short paths as well as multi-day routes not far and pass by stunning landscapes and viewpoints.

Surabaya is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Surabaya or Sydney?

Sydney is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Surabaya is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Sydney is a world class destination for shoppers. There's a wonderful mix of shopping streets, modern malls, and boutique vendors who sell local fashions. For souvenirs or local art, go to The Rocks, which is not far from Sydney Opera House. The Queen Victoria Building and Strand Arcade are also popular shopping areas.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Is Surabaya or Sydney More Beautiful?

Sydney is a great destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Surabaya is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Sydney attracts visitors from all around. The waterfront setting and grand buildings make this a truly beautiful city. It also has a lot of natural beauty with impressive beaches and nice green spaces.

Surabaya is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Surabaya or Sydney Better for Families?

Sydney is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Sydney is a very family-friendly destination. The city has great beaches where kids can learn to surf, zoos and aquariums with local wildlife, and outdoor activities that take advantage of the city's waterfront location. There's everything from whale watching to visiting the Olympic Park, all of which will fascinate kids of all ages.

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 Sydney Better for Couples?

Sydney is an unbeatable place for couples. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options for romance.

Sydney makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's a romantic city that's filled with iconic landmarks like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. There are also award winning restaurants and world class beaches. Wander around the botanical gardens or take a sailing cruise on the harbor. There is an endless supply of romantic activities to choose from.

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 Sydney Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sydney is an unbeatable place for backpackers. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Sydney is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. It's popular for its adventure sports, active beaches, and vibrant nightlife. While it's not a particularly cheap city to visit, there are plenty of hostels around town and no shortage of backpackers to hang out with.

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 Sydney Better for Students?

Sydney is an unbeatable place for students. However, Surabaya is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Sydney. Students love the energy and plethora of outdoor activities in this beautiful city. Many international students come not only for the excellent universities but also for the diverse environment and many things to do.

Surabaya is not popular with students.

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

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

Visitors in Sydney can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. There are a variety of types of public transit in town including buses, trains, ferries and light rail.

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 Sydney a more walkable city?

Surabaya and Sydney both are very good 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.

Sydney is very walkable. The city center and nearby suburbs are relatively easy to walk around. On the western side of the city, the suburbs are much less walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Sydney or Surabaya?

How long in Surabaya or Sydney?

Both Surabaya and Sydney have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Sydney than in Surabaya. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Surabaya, and 3-7 days is enough time in Sydney.

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

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

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

One day in Surabaya or Sydney?

Surabaya is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

The beautiful city of Sydney offers museums and nightlife. 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 Surabaya or Sydney?

Surabaya is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Sydney is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Surabaya or Sydney?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Surabaya. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

A week in Surabaya or Sydney?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the authentic big city of Surabaya. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Sydney is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Sydney has to offer. 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 Contiki Tours to Australia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Surabaya and Sydney, we can see that Sydney is more expensive. And not only is Surabaya much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Surabaya is in Asia and Sydney is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Sydney would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sydney 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 Sydney Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Surabaya or Sydney?

Sydney has a larger population, and is about 85% larger than the population of Surabaya. When comparing the sizes of Surabaya and Sydney, 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.