A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sydney vs. La Fortuna for Attractions, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Sydney or La Fortuna?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sydney or La Fortuna, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Sydney

Sydney is a energetic, outdoorsy, and adventurous city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of Sydney is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Sydney travel costs.

La Fortuna

La Fortuna is a popular, stunning, and scenic town. With stunning beauty, La Fortuna attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include hiking, nightlife, and food. See La Fortuna travel costs.

Sydney and La Fortuna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sydney or La Fortuna?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Sydney. Although Sydney and La Fortuna are both popular with visitors, Sydney has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Sydney is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while La Fortuna is known for its resorts. La Fortuna is more touristy than Sydney and is known for its hot springs, luxury resorts, and volcanic views. Sydney is popular for its iconic buildings, world-renowned beaches, colorful nightlife, and cosmopolitan restaurants. It is also home to the Sydney Opera House.

How is Sydney different from La Fortuna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Sydney or La Fortuna?

Sydney is renowned for its sights and museums. However, La Fortuna is a mediocre town for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Sydney are among the most recognizable in the world. 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 La Fortuna specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Most people spend their time outdoors exploring the area, but there are also some museums that highlight local art and culture.

Is the Food Better in Sydney or La Fortuna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Sydney is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, La Fortuna is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Sydney. 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.

La Fortuna is becoming an appealing option for foodies. It's a touristy mecca, and there are a number of decent restaurants around town. The area has some of the freshest local ingredients and the food reflects that. You'll find restaurants both in the center of town and along the road between the town and the hot springs.

Is Sydney or La Fortuna Better for Nightlife?

Sydney is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, La Fortuna is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its evening party scene.

Sydney is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in La Fortuna. The larger resorts usually have a couple of bars onsite. There are also local bars and pubs throughout the town. While things often quiet down by 9:00, you will probably be able to find a laid back place to enjoy a drink with friends.

Is Sydney or La Fortuna Better for Resorts?

La Fortuna is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Sydney is not a resort destination.

La Fortuna offers an unforgettable resort vacation. There are many larger international resorts in the area. Many offer spectacular views, spas, and beautifully maintained pools that take advantage of the area's hot springs.

Sydney is not a resort destination.

Is Sydney or La Fortuna Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Sydney is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, La Fortuna is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Sydney. 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.

La Fortuna is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Sydney or La Fortuna Better for Beaches?

Sydney is renowned for the beach. However, La Fortuna is not a beach destination.

Sydney offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. 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.

La Fortuna is not a beach destination.

Is Sydney or La Fortuna Better for Hiking?

Sydney and La Fortuna are both places where visitors can find great hiking trails.

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.

Many visitors go to La Fortuna for the hiking trails. The area is filled with stunning hikes that take you through different landscapes and ecosystems. You'll likely see some wildlife, visit spectacular waterfalls, and, of course, catch views of the impressive Arenal Volcano.

Is the Shopping Better in Sydney or La Fortuna?

Sydney is renowned for its shopping opportunities. However, La Fortuna is a mediocre town for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Sydney make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

La Fortuna has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. You'll find a couple of good souvenir shops around town where you can pick up some locally made items.

Is Sydney or La Fortuna More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of great scenery and beauty in both Sydney and La Fortuna.

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.

La Fortuna is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The town is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, lush rainforests, and dramatic views of the volcano. There are countless hikes and a plenty of opportunities to soak up the natural setting.

Is Sydney or La Fortuna Better for Families?

Sydney is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, La Fortuna is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Sydney is very family-friendly. 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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in La Fortuna. Kids will love exploring the outdoors and seeing some of Costa Rica's best environments. There are plenty of hiking trails, but if you're looking for short and simple, head to Ecocentro Danaus, which has a half mile flat walking loop and a butterfly garden. Another good option is Bogarin Trail, where you might see a sloth. And of course you have to check out Arenal Volcano National Park.

Is Sydney or La Fortuna Better for Couples?

Sydney and La Fortuna are both world-class to visit as a couple.

Sydney has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

La Fortuna is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. There are amazing resorts and spas in the area that make for a truly luxurious and romantic holiday. Many couples visit for their honeymoon, and whether you enjoy exploring nature or pampering yourself in a five star setting, there really is something for everyone.

Is Sydney or La Fortuna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sydney is renowned for backpackers. Also, La Fortuna is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Sydney. 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.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit La Fortuna. As one of the top places to visit in Costa Rica, this town has a number of hostels that cater to the backpacker crowds.

Is Sydney or La Fortuna Better for Students?

Sydney is renowned for students. However, La Fortuna is not popular with students.

Sydney is a very popular place to visit for students. 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.

La Fortuna is not popular with students.

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

Sydney is renowned for its public transit. Also, La Fortuna is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Sydney has a great public transit system. There are a variety of types of public transit in town including buses, trains, ferries and light rail.

La Fortuna has some public transit options. There are public buses throughout the area as well as private transportation services, taxis, and car sharing.

Is Sydney or La Fortuna a more walkable city?

Sydney is notable for its high level of walkability. Also, La Fortuna is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its ease of walking around.

Sydney is a very walkable city. 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.

La Fortuna is a somewhat walkable city. While the town itself is very walkable, many of the area's attractions can only be reached by car.

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

Should I spend more time in La Fortuna or Sydney?

How long in Sydney or La Fortuna?

It's fun to spend time in either Sydney or La Fortuna. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Sydney due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Sydney, and 2-4 days is enough time in La Fortuna.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sydney than La Fortuna 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 Sydney or La Fortuna?

When visiting Sydney, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting the destination of La Fortuna. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Sydney or La Fortuna?

When visiting Sydney, people usually allow for lots of time. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

La Fortuna 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.

Five days in Sydney or La Fortuna?

Sydney, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in La Fortuna. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

A week in Sydney or La Fortuna?

Sydney is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this city makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the popular destination of La Fortuna. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Australia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia, The Best Adventure Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Eco Tours in Costa Rica.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sydney and La Fortuna, we can see that Sydney is more expensive. And not only is La Fortuna much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Sydney is in Pacific and La Fortuna is in Central America, 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 La Fortuna would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in La Fortuna 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 La Fortuna.

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

Which is Bigger, Sydney or La Fortuna?

Sydney has a larger population, and is about 1460 times larger than the population of La Fortuna. When comparing the sizes of Sydney and La Fortuna, 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 Sydney or La Fortuna?

Sydney has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but La Fortuna experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Sydney or La Fortuna in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Sydney and La Fortuna. Many travelers come to Sydney for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. La Fortuna attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In January, Sydney is generally cooler than La Fortunain July. Daily temperatures in Sydney average around 23°C (73°F), and La Fortuna fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

In Sydney, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sydney usually receives more sunshine than La Fortuna during summer. Sydney gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while La Fortuna receives 164 hours of full sun in the summer.

La Fortuna receives a lot of rain in the summer. Sydney gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Sydney usually receives less rain than La Fortunain July. Sydney gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Sydney or La Fortuna in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Sydney as well as La Fortuna. Many visitors come to Sydney in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. The warm climate attracts visitors to La Fortuna throughout the year.

Sydney is cooler than La Fortuna in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sydney averages around 19°C (65°F) in April, and La Fortuna fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in October.

In the autumn, Sydney often gets more sunshine than La Fortunain October. Sydney gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Fortuna receives 169 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in La Fortuna. Sydney receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Sydney usually gets less rain in April than La Fortunain October. Sydney gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to April in La Fortuna is the dry season. Keep in mind that May to November is the hurricane season in La Fortuna.

Should I visit Sydney or La Fortuna in the Winter?

Both La Fortuna and Sydney are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Sydney for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Plenty of visitors come to La Fortuna because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the winter, Sydney is much colder than La Fortuna. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sydney in July average around 12°C (53°F), and La Fortuna averages at about 27°C (81°F)in January.

It's quite sunny in La Fortuna. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sydney. Sydney usually receives less sunshine than La Fortuna during winter. Sydney gets 208 hours of sunny skies, while La Fortuna receives 264 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Sydney usually receives more rain than La Fortunain January. Sydney gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Sydney or La Fortuna in the Spring?

Both La Fortuna and Sydney during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Sydney because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to La Fortuna year-round.

In October, Sydney is generally much colder than La Fortunain April. Daily temperatures in Sydney average around 18°C (64°F), and La Fortuna fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).

In La Fortuna, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Sydney. In the spring, Sydney often gets around the same amount of sunshine as La Fortunain April. Sydney gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Fortuna receives 255 hours of full sun.

Sydney usually gets more rain in October than La Fortunain April. Sydney gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year. December to April is the dry season in La Fortuna. Also, May to November in La Fortuna is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for La Fortuna and Sydney