A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tokyo vs. Utrecht for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Tokyo or Utrecht?

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

Should I visit Tokyo or Utrecht? 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.

Tokyo

Tokyo is a cutting edge, high tech, and high energy city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Tokyo is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums. See Tokyo travel costs.

Utrecht

With stunning beauty, Utrecht attracts visitors from all around. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Utrecht travel costs.

Tokyo and Utrecht: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tokyo or Utrecht?

You'll generally find more things to do in Tokyo than Utrecht. Tokyo is bigger than Utrecht, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Tokyo is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Utrecht is more popular for its historical sights and quaint atmosphere. Tokyo is well known for its ultramodern skyscrapers, neon lights, historic temples, lively karaoke bars, and peaceful parks. Also, Tokyo is famous for The Sensō-ji Temple. Utrecht is well known for its beautiful canals, huge number of bikes, and charming old town.

How is Tokyo different from Utrecht?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Tokyo or Utrecht?

Tokyo is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. Also, Utrecht is not as famous, but is still a good to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Tokyo that are not to be missed. This iconic city is filled with recognizable landmarks and world class museums including the Meiji Shrine, the Sensō-ji Temple, and the Tokyo Skytree.

Utrecht offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The Dom Tower and St. Martin's Cathedral is a highlight of the city, but you'll also find smaller, more local museums and several beautiful churches. If you're up for heading out of town, you can visit De Haar Castle, which is most accessible if you have a private vehicle.

Is the Food Better in Tokyo or Utrecht? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Tokyo is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Utrecht is not as famous, but is still a good to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Tokyo is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. With an astonishing number of Michelin star restaurants, this is one of the most interesting and impressive food destinations in the world. Not all restaurants are high end though. You'll find plenty of cheap eateries that offer their own rewarding culinary experience. Must try local dishes include okonomiyaki, ramen, and of course, sushi.

Utrecht has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a number of interesting international restaurants around town including Greek, Italian, and Spanish tapas. It's particularly fun to dine canal-side and sip wine as the boats pass by.

Is Tokyo or Utrecht Better for Nightlife?

Tokyo is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, Utrecht is not as famous, but is still a good to visit for nightlife and partying.

People head to Tokyo just to party. The professional urgency that you feel during the day morphs into a vibrant, laid back city at night. The neon lights turn on and locals head out to destress. There are karaoke bars, casual pubs, high energy nightclubs, and more. Popular areas for nightlife include Roppongi, Shibuya and Shinjuku.

Utrecht has a large number of nightlife venues. The student population keeps the nightlife scene fun and lively. There are plenty of bars in the old town and you'll find tourists and locals hanging out at the same spots.

Is Tokyo or Utrecht Better for Music?

Tokyo is a world-class destination for live music. However, Utrecht is not a live music destination.

Tokyo is a world class music destination. The music scene features both national and international artists and the music style is as eclectic as the city itself. You'll find many underground venues, vintage record stores, and local bars that have each created their own niche.

Utrecht is not a live music destination.

Is Tokyo or Utrecht Better for its Old Town?

Utrecht is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Tokyo does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Utrecht is one of the most recognized in the world. The old town is large, charming, and filled with locals. There are canals that that see a frequent stream of boats and kayakers. There are also historic buildings and cobblestone streets. The city is unique because many cafes offer seating directly next to the canals.

Tokyo does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Tokyo or Utrecht?

Tokyo is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Utrecht is not as famous, but is still a good to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Tokyo is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city is known for its electronics, anime products, and trendy fashion brands. Many neighborhoods are also shopping districts with malls or markets throughout. Prices can be steep, but products are generally high quality. For some of the city's best shopping, head to Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Ginza.

Utrecht is well-known for its shopping. You'll find both local shops and European chains throughout the old town. There's also a large mall right next to the main tourist area.

Is Tokyo or Utrecht More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of high quality scenery and beauty in both Tokyo and Utrecht.

With stunning beauty, Tokyo attracts visitors from all around. It's colorful skyscrapers and historic temples make this a truly one-of-a-kind place to explore.

Utrecht is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The town is filled with beautiful canals and cozy cafes. The lights in the evening are nice and the buildings have a historic charm.

Is Tokyo or Utrecht Better for Families?

Tokyo is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Utrecht is not as famous, but is still a good to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Tokyo is a very family-friendly destination. This is an incredibly kid-friendly city. There's Disneyland, but there are also many other entertainment centers, amusement areas, a zoo, aquarium, and more. Kids will also enjoy experiencing the city's fascinating culture. They can visit temples, museums, and the Tokyo Tower. Another fun local experience is to go to a baseball game.

Utrecht is a family-friendly city. There are a few museums around town that are fun for kids. Make sure you check out the Miffy Museum, which is great for younger kids. The Museum Speelklok is fun for kids and adults alike. Families will also enjoy renting bikes for the day or taking a canal boat tour. Also make sure you try some local pancakes.

Is Tokyo or Utrecht Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Tokyo and Utrecht make for a high quality place to visit.

Tokyo is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. This high tech city offers luxury hotels and spas, award winning restaurants, and unique date night opportunities like karaoke or sushi making classes. The city has many parks and gardens as well as malls, dynamic neighborhoods, and interesting museums.

Utrecht is a very popular place to visit for couples. The charming old town and cozy cafes make for a wonderful date day. You can take a canal boat tour, sip coffee at a cafe by a canal, or explore the city as it lights up at night.

Is Tokyo or Utrecht Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Utrecht is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Tokyo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Utrecht. It's a university city with a young population and plenty to do in the evening. There are also a decent number of hostels to choose from and a lively atmosphere with fun activities and festivals.

Tokyo is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Known for it's high prices, it can be a bit difficult to visit this city on a budget. There are dorm rooms available but they still come with a high price tag. Food is a bit easier as the eateries are diverse with many options on the cheaper side.

Is Tokyo or Utrecht Better for Students?

Tokyo is a world-class destination for students. Also, Utrecht is not as famous, but is still a good to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Many students frequent Tokyo. The city attracts many international students and there are a number of prestigious universities to choose from. Perhaps the biggest challenge is navigating the language difference, but that is all part of the experience when studying abroad.

Utrecht is very popular with students. This is a great university city. The population is young, but housing can be challenging to find and very expensive.

Is Tokyo or Utrecht Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Tokyo is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Utrecht is not as famous, but is still a good to visit for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Tokyo can get you around easily. Trains, subways, and buses make up the complex transportation system and, while it may seem overwhelming at first, the system is actually very clean, efficient, and reliable.

Public transit in Utrecht can get you to some places easily. There are buses around town and two tram lines that travel to the suburbs.

Is Tokyo or Utrecht a more walkable city?

Tokyo and Utrecht are first-rate when it comes to walkability.

Tokyo is a very easy city to get around on foot. Many neighborhoods are very easy to explore on foot, so it's fun to just wander without a plan, seeing where you end up.

It is easy to get around Utrecht on foot. The old town is easy to explore on foot, but don't walk in a bike lane or you'll likely receive a firm scolding from a local. Utrecht is regularly ranked as one of the world's most bike-friendly cities.

For even more information, also check out Is Tokyo Worth Visiting? and Is Utrecht Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Utrecht or Tokyo?

How long in Tokyo or Utrecht?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Tokyo and Utrecht. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Tokyo than in Utrecht. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Tokyo, and 1-3 days is enough time in Utrecht.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Tokyo than Utrecht 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 Tokyo.

One day in Tokyo or Utrecht?

Because Tokyo is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Utrecht, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this charming destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Tokyo or Utrecht?

Because Tokyo 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. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Utrecht. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Tokyo or Utrecht?

Tokyo is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Tokyo has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Utrecht is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the quaint destination of Utrecht. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Tokyo or Utrecht?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tokyo. Because Tokyo is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

You'll find food and shopping around the quaint destination of Utrecht. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan, The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Netherlands, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Netherlands.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Tokyo or Utrecht?

Tokyo has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Utrecht. When comparing the sizes of Tokyo and Utrecht, 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 Tokyo or Utrecht?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Tokyo or Utrecht in the Summer?

Both Utrecht and Tokyo during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Tokyo because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Utrecht this time of year.

In the summer, Tokyo is much warmer than Utrecht. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tokyo in July average around 26°C (78°F), and Utrecht averages at about 17°C (62°F).

In the summer, Tokyo often gets less sunshine than Utrecht. Tokyo gets 137 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Utrecht receives 194 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tokyo. Tokyo usually gets more rain in July than Utrecht. Tokyo gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Utrecht receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tokyo or Utrecht in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Tokyo and Utrecht. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Tokyo this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Utrecht for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Tokyo is generally much warmer than Utrecht. Daily temperatures in Tokyo average around 18°C (64°F), and Utrecht fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Tokyo usually receives more sunshine than Utrecht during autumn. Tokyo gets 129 hours of sunny skies, while Utrecht receives 100 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Tokyo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Tokyo usually receives more rain than Utrecht. Tokyo gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Utrecht receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Tokyo or Utrecht in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Tokyo as well as Utrecht. Many travelers come to Tokyo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Utrecht in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Utrecht can get quite cold in the winter. Tokyo is much warmer than Utrecht in the winter. The daily temperature in Tokyo averages around 5°C (42°F) in January, and Utrecht fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Tokyo often gets more sunshine than Utrecht. Tokyo gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Utrecht receives 38 hours of full sun.

Tokyo usually gets less rain in January than Utrecht. Tokyo gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Utrecht receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tokyo or Utrecht in the Spring?

Both Utrecht and Tokyo are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Tokyo in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Utrecht for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Tokyo is much warmer than Utrecht. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tokyo in April average around 14°C (58°F), and Utrecht averages at about 8°C (46°F).

Tokyo usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Utrecht during spring. Tokyo gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Utrecht receives 156 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Tokyo. In April, Tokyo usually receives more rain than Utrecht. Tokyo gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Utrecht receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Utrecht and Tokyo