A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sydney vs. Rio de Janeiro for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Beaches

Should you visit Sydney or Rio de Janeiro?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sydney or Rio de Janeiro, 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 diverse, energetic, and outdoorsy 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 food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Sydney travel costs.

Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is a high energy, colorful, and multicultural city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. The famous beauty of Rio de Janeiro is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Rio de Janeiro travel costs.

Sydney and Rio de Janeiro: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sydney or Rio de Janeiro?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Rio de Janeiro than Sydney. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Rio de Janeiro is very popular for its food, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Sydney attracts visitors for its scuba diving & snorkeling. Rio de Janeiro is more touristy than Sydney and is known for its samba dancing, sandy beaches, and Carnival. It is also well known for Christ the Redeemer. Sydney is famous for its iconic buildings, world-renowned beaches, colorful nightlife, and cosmopolitan restaurants.

How is Sydney different from Rio de Janeiro?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro?

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Sydney or Rio de Janeiro.

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.

Travelers visit Rio de Janeiro from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. Looking out over the city is the world famous landmark of Christ the Redeemer. It sits on top of Corcovado Mountain and it is a must-see destination for visitors to the city. Other sights around town include the church and monastery of São Bento, the stunning church of São Francisco da Penitência, the imperial palaces of São Cristóvão, and the baroque church of Nossa Senhora do Carmo.

Is the Food Better in Sydney or Rio de Janeiro? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Rio de Janeiro is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Sydney is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Rio de Janeiro is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The cuisine around town mixes African and European cooking styles to give it a unique taste. The city is a mix of cultures and flavors and you'll find restaurants that integrate traditional Brazilian dishes with international influences. You'll find a wonderful street food scene, but also fine dining, and everything in between. Some of the most popular dishes include feijoada (beef and bean stew), churrasco (Brazilian barbecue), and pão de queijo (baked dough and cheese).

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

Is Sydney or Rio de Janeiro Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Sydney and Rio de Janeiro.

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.

Rio de Janeiro is a world class party destination. It has a world famous nightlife scene, and the most popular party neighborhood is Lapa. While the biggest crowds are on the weekends, weeknights stay busy as well. Every weekend in Lapa there's a huge street party, but there are also bars and dance clubs nearby. A more local neighborhood is Botafogo, which is a great area to grab a beer and enjoy a relaxed night out. If you want a beachside bar, check out the touristy neighborhoods of Ipanema and Copacabana.

Is Sydney or Rio de Janeiro Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Sydney is a city with good options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Rio de Janeiro is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life 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.

Rio de Janeiro is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Sydney or Rio de Janeiro Better for Beaches?

Both Sydney and Rio de Janeiro have first-rate beaches worth visiting.

The beaches in Sydney are among the best in 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.

Rio de Janeiro is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The beaches have long been written about and made iconic by songs and literary works. Copacabana and Ipanema are world renowned, and the sandy stretches and vibrant waterfront promenades will not disappoint. There are plenty of recreational activities as well as a striking blue water backdrop. You'll find beach parties, waterside bars, and pickup games of football or volleyball. In addition to these iconic beaches, there are several lesser known places to visit like Joatinga and Barra da Tijuca.

Is Sydney or Rio de Janeiro Better for Hiking?

Rio de Janeiro is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. Also, Sydney is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

Known for its hiking, Rio de Janeiro draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. Although it is a bustling megacity, it also offers access to world class hikes. The city is filled with mountains and dramatic peaks, so many hikes take you to spectacular views of the city. There are also jungle hikes and even opportunities to see local wildlife. There's a combination of iconic trails and lesser known strolls that will let you truly absorb what this city has to offer. Some of the best hikes include Pedra Bonita, Dois Irmaos, and Pedra da Gávea.

Many visitors go to Sydney for the hiking trails. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Sydney or Rio de Janeiro?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Rio de Janeiro and Sydney.

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.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Rio de Janeiro. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. Whatever your budget, there are options for you. There are wonderful street markets for those on a budget and grand shopping malls if you're looking for something a bit higher end. Some of the best places for shopping include Rio Sul, Barra Shopping, and SAARA Market.

Is Sydney or Rio de Janeiro More Beautiful?

Rio de Janeiro is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. Also, Sydney is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The famous beauty of Rio de Janeiro is one of the main draws. The city's mountainous landscapes and striking beaches make it, arguably, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. There are many mountaintop views of the city as well as city hikes and iconic neighborhoods.

Sydney is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. 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.

Is Sydney or Rio de Janeiro Better for Families?

Sydney is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Rio de Janeiro is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Sydney is an extremely popular city to visit for families. 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.

Rio de Janeiro is a very family-friendly destination. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the beaches. It's easy to spend days by the water soaking up the sun. Another must-do is a trip up Sugarloaf Mountain. The cable cars are fun and there are jungle walks and spectacular views. If you need to escape the rain or heat, spend the day at the Museum of Tomorrow.

Is Sydney or Rio de Janeiro Better for Couples?

Sydney is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Rio de Janeiro is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Sydney is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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.

Rio de Janeiro is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. There are many parks and gardens around town that are perfect for a stroll. Nature lovers will enjoy the many hikes in the area, many which go through the jungle, visit waterfalls, or offer spectacular views. And, of course, Sugarloaf Mountain is a must-see destination, as are the many beaches in the area.

Is Sydney or Rio de Janeiro Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sydney and Rio de Janeiro are first-rate places to visit 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.

Many backpackers frequent Rio de Janeiro. Backpackers flock to the city for its wild nightlife scene and beautiful beaches. There's a huge backpacker culture here and many hostels around town that offer a social setting and plenty of activities for guests.

Is Sydney or Rio de Janeiro Better for Students?

Sydney is a world-class destination for students. However, Rio de Janeiro is not popular with students.

Sydney is a very popular city 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.

Rio de Janeiro is not popular with students.

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

Sydney is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Rio de Janeiro is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Sydney can get you around easily. There are a variety of types of public transit in town including buses, trains, ferries and light rail.

Public transit in Rio de Janeiro is fairly effecient and thorough. The city has a subway system, MetroRio, that is relatively reliable and convenient. There are also city buses, trams, and commuter trains.

Is Sydney or Rio de Janeiro a more walkable city?

Sydney and Rio de Janeiro both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Sydney is a very walkable destination. 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.

Rio de Janeiro is very walkable. Most of the areas where tourists spend their time are relatively walkable. Centro is compact and many tourists choose to explore areas on foot. As always, remember to take the appropriate safety precautions and always be aware of your surroundings.

For even more information, also check out Is Sydney Worth Visiting? and Is Rio de Janeiro Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rio de Janeiro or Sydney?

How long in Sydney or Rio de Janeiro?

Sydney and Rio de Janeiro both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Sydney than Rio de Janeiro because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Sydney, and 4-6 days is enough time in Rio de Janeiro.

Families should spend more time in Sydney than Rio de Janeiro. 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 Rio de Janeiro. 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 Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro?

Because Sydney is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the big city destination of Rio de Janeiro. 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 Rio de Janeiro?

Sydney is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Rio de Janeiro is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Sydney or Rio de Janeiro?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sydney. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Rio de Janeiro. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Sydney or Rio de Janeiro?

Because Sydney is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the diverse big city of Rio de Janeiro. This city 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 G Adventures Tours to Brazil, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rio de Janeiro.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Sydney or Rio de Janeiro?

Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 37% larger than the population of Sydney. When comparing the sizes of Sydney and Rio de Janeiro, 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 Rio de Janeiro?

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

Should I visit Sydney or Rio de Janeiro in the Summer?

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

Sydney is cooler than Rio de Janeiro in the summer. The daily temperature in Sydney averages around 23°C (73°F) in January, and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Rio de Janeiro. It's quite rainy in Sydney. In January, Sydney usually receives around the same amount of rain as Rio de Janeiro. Sydney gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Sydney or Rio de Janeiro in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Sydney is cooler than Rio de Janeiro. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sydney in April average around 19°C (65°F), and Rio de Janeiro averages at about 25°C (77°F).

Rio de Janeiro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Sydney. Sydney usually gets less rain in April than Rio de Janeiro. Sydney gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year. May to November is the dry season in Rio de Janeiro. December to April is the rainy season in Rio de Janeiro.

Should I visit Sydney or Rio de Janeiro in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sydney and Rio de Janeiro. Many visitors come to Sydney in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Rio de Janeiro for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In July, Sydney is generally much colder than Rio de Janeiro. Daily temperatures in Sydney average around 12°C (53°F), and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

In July, Sydney usually receives around the same amount of rain as Rio de Janeiro. Sydney gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Sydney or Rio de Janeiro in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Sydney as well as Rio de Janeiro. Most visitors come to Sydney for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Rio de Janeiro because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

Sydney is cooler than Rio de Janeiro in the spring. The daily temperature in Sydney averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Sydney usually gets less rain in October than Rio de Janeiro. Sydney gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, May to November in Rio de Janeiro is the dry season. December to April in Rio de Janeiro is the rainy season.

Typical Weather for Rio de Janeiro and Sydney