A Travel Price Comparison for Indonesia Yogyakarta vs. Bandung for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Yogyakarta or Bandung?

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

Should I visit Yogyakarta or Bandung? 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.

Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta is a historical, colorful, and youthful city. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Yogyakarta travel costs.

Bandung

Bandung is a scenic, laidback, and cultural city. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Bandung travel costs.

Yogyakarta and Bandung: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Yogyakarta or Bandung?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Yogyakarta than Bandung. While Bandung is larger than Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Yogyakarta is very popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and historical sights, while Bandung attracts visitors for its food and hiking. Yogyakarta is famous for its beautiful temples, divine food, and lively dance shows. It is also well known for Borobudur Temple. Bandung is famous for its fashion and shopping outlets, its local street food, and its cooler temperatures.

How is Yogyakarta different from Bandung?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Yogyakarta or Bandung?

Yogyakarta is an unbeatable place for its museums and history. Also, Bandung is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Yogyakarta from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The city is known for it's cultural sights and temples. Kraton Yogyakarta is the palace where the Sultan lives. You should also visit Taman Sari Water Castle and Prambanan Temple. But for many visitors, Yogyakarta is seen as the gateway to the famed Borobudur Temple. This is the largest Buddhist temple in the world. It offers spectacular views and is best visited at sunrise.

Many visitors head to Bandung specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is filled with museums and landmarks like the Sri Baduga Museum, which displays prehistoric artifacts. There's also the Asian African Conference Museum, a geology museum, and the Indonesia Postal Museum. The Mandala Wangsit Siliwangi Museum shows items relating to Indonesian wars and weapons while the Virajati Seskoad Museum has information on the Indonesian Army school.

Is the Food Better in Yogyakarta or Bandung? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bandung is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Yogyakarta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Bandung is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city is a wonderful foodie destination with tons of street food and local options. The population is predominantly Sundanese, and the cuisine reflects that. The dishes involve a lot of raw vegetables and fresh ingredients. Make sure you try the batagor (fried tofu), soto Bandung (meat soup), and siomay (fish or chicken dumplings).

Dining out in Yogyakarta is an experience not to be missed. It's filled with street food stalls and cheap eateries where you can fill up on local Indonesian classics for a cheap price. Gudeg (stewed jackfruit), Satay, and Bakmi Jawa (Javanese noodles) are just some of the dishes that you must try.

Is Yogyakarta or Bandung Better for Nightlife?

Yogyakarta is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. Also, Bandung is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Yogyakarta has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. With a large student population, you'll find many bars and live music venues around town. You'll also find night markets and plenty of theaters and live shows that you can enjoy.

Bandung has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There's a large student population and a number of bars around town. The nightlife has a laidback vibe and many people enjoy hanging out with friends a local pub.

Is Yogyakarta or Bandung Better for its Old Town?

Yogyakarta is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town. However, Bandung does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Yogyakarta. Kota Gede is the city's old town. It's filled with silver shops, religious sites, and traditional architecture. You'll also find a traditional market in the heart of the old town where you can buy coconut, dry fish, and tofu, or simply browse the unique items.

Bandung does not have a historic old town.

Is Yogyakarta or Bandung Better for Hiking?

Bandung is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Yogyakarta is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Bandung. There are tons of great hiking trails just outside of town. Some are undiscovered while others are more popular. The trails will take you through forests, by volcanoes, and to dramatic craters.

Yogyakarta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Yogyakarta or Bandung?

Shoppers can find a variety of first-rate stores in both Yogyakarta and Bandung.

Known for shopping, Yogyakarta draws large crowds to its stores. The city is filled with craftsmen and a local art scene that makes it a wonderful shopping destination. There are countless markets and shops where you can pick up local handicrafts that highlight the city's culture.

Bandung is a world class destination for shoppers. This is the ultimate shopping destination in Indonesia. Visitors come from throughout the country and abroad to buy designer goods and name brands, often at a discount price. You'll find both knock-offs and authentic merchandise, so be aware when you're purchasing something, which you might be buying.

Is Yogyakarta or Bandung Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Yogyakarta or Bandung.

Yogyakarta is a family-friendly city. It's often overlooked by families, but the temples, culture, art scene, and friendly people all make this a surprisingly fun destination for those traveling with kids. You'll also find a number of adventure activities in the area as well.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Bandung. Kids will enjoy taking in a cultural show with traditional dance and music. Near the city you can also get outside and enjoy the stunning scenery at White Crater or Gunung Tangkuban Perahu. There's also the Bandung Geological Museum and Trans Studio amusement park.

Is Yogyakarta or Bandung Better for Couples?

Bandung is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Yogyakarta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Bandung makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. While most honeymooners make their way to a beautiful Indonesian beach, if you're looking for a break from the heat then this city makes a good stopover. The city is near many beautiful outdoor settings such as the White Crater. There are also many nice luxury resorts and hotels.

Yogyakarta is a good city for couples to visit. The city is filled with fun activities for couples such as a visit to Taman Pelangi at night, taking a walk along Jalan Malioboro, and taking in a traditional dance performance.

Is Yogyakarta or Bandung Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Yogyakarta and Bandung are both high quality destinations for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Yogyakarta. Backpackers who want to experience Indonesia's culture and friendly population will love a visit to this lively city. There are plenty of hostels and other travelers to meet, but there's also a uniquely Indonesian vibe to the city.

Bandung is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. Backpackers love Indonesia and this city is no exception. There are plenty of hostels around town and many great activities to enjoy.

Is Yogyakarta or Bandung Better for Students?

Both Yogyakarta and Bandung are nice destinations for students.

Plenty of students visit Yogyakarta. There's a large number of students in the city, which makes this a fun place to study abroad.

Bandung is popular with students. Many of the expats in town are students, so you'll have a number of people to hang out with. This is also an affordable town for study abroad.

Is Yogyakarta or Bandung Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bandung is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Yogyakarta is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Bandung has some public transit options. There are both public buses and a public van service (Angkutan Kota) that operates on set routes.

Public transit is generally limited in Yogyakarta. There's a public bus system known as Trans Jogja, which is used by both tourists and locals. You can also hire motorbikes, becak, or Ojek.

Is Yogyakarta or Bandung a more walkable city?

Bandung is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Yogyakarta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

Bandung is a very walkable city. There are a number of walkable neighborhoods around town.

Yogyakarta is a somewhat walkable city. Many of the main sights are accessible on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Yogyakarta Worth Visiting? and Is Bandung Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bandung or Yogyakarta?

How long in Yogyakarta or Bandung?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Yogyakarta and Bandung. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Yogyakarta than in Bandung. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Yogyakarta, and 2-3 days is enough time in Bandung.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bandung than Yogyakarta 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 Bandung.

One day in Yogyakarta or Bandung?

In Yogyakarta, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With museums and nightlife around the cultural city of Bandung, there's plenty to do. 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.

A weekend in Yogyakarta or Bandung?

In Yogyakarta, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Yogyakarta has to offer.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Bandung, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Yogyakarta or Bandung?

Yogyakarta is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

Bandung, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Yogyakarta or Bandung?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Yogyakarta. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Yogyakarta. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Bandung is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Indonesia, The Best Eco Tours in Indonesia, The Best Cultural Tours in Indonesia, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Indonesia.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Yogyakarta or Bandung?

Bandung has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Yogyakarta. When comparing the sizes of Yogyakarta and Bandung, 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.