A Travel Price Comparison for Indonesia Yogyakarta vs. Jakarta for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Backpackers

Should you visit Yogyakarta or Jakarta?

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

Should I visit Yogyakarta or Jakarta? 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 youthful, cultural, and historical city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Yogyakarta travel costs.

Jakarta

Jakarta is a diverse, genuine, and sprawling city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Jakarta travel costs.

Yogyakarta and Jakarta: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Yogyakarta or Jakarta?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Jakarta than Yogyakarta. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Jakarta is very popular for its big city activities, while Yogyakarta attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping. Yogyakarta is more touristy than Jakarta and is known for its beautiful temples, divine food, and lively dance shows. Jakarta is famous for its diversity, culture, cuisine, and mega-malls. It is also well known for Istiqlal Mosque.

How is Yogyakarta different from Jakarta?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Yogyakarta is terrific for its historical sights. Also, Jakarta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

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.

Jakarta offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There's a huge number of museums around town like the National Museum, Museum Layang-Layang, and Museum MACAN. There's also Merdeka Square, which is one of the world's biggest public squares and Istiqlal Mosque, which is the largest mosque in Southeast Asia.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at superb restaurants in both Yogyakarta and Jakarta.

Yogyakarta has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

Dining out in Jakarta is an experience not to be missed. There are so many different cultures represented in Indonesian cuisine, and you'll find them all in Jakarta. The food stalls, restaurants, and casual eateries all have their own flavor and style, which makes dining in this mega-city a true adventure.

Is Yogyakarta or Jakarta Better for Nightlife?

Yogyakarta is a great city for nightlife. Also, Jakarta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Yogyakarta has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Jakarta. It's a huge city, so there's a very active nightlife scene, but it's mostly focused on locals and not tourists like you'll find elsewhere in Indonesia. For the best nightlife district, head to Kemang, which has many bars and clubs.

Is Yogyakarta or Jakarta Better for its Old Town?

Yogyakarta is a great city for its historic old town. However, Jakarta does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of 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.

Jakarta does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Yogyakarta or Jakarta?

Yogyakarta is terrific for shopping. Also, Jakarta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Yogyakarta. 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.

Jakarta is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city is filled with high end luxury malls where you can buy the latest fashions and many international brands. Around town you'll also find everything from local handicrafts to chic boutiques and grand international chains.

Is Yogyakarta or Jakarta Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Yogyakarta or Jakarta.

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 Jakarta. Most visitors skip out on this huge city, and it's definitely not the first place that comes to mind when you think about family-friendly destinations, but there's actually a very fascinating culture that kids and adults alike can enjoy. There's the Kota area, which has colonial architecture. There's also a puppet museum and several history museums. But for most kids, the highlight is a visit to the Taman Impian Jaya Ancol area, which has amusement parks and even SeaWorld.

Is Yogyakarta or Jakarta Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Yogyakarta and Jakarta make for a nice place to visit.

Yogyakarta makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Jakarta is a good city for couples to visit. Most travelers looking for a romantic destination will head to the many famous honeymoon spots in Indonesia. But for those who make their way to Jakarta, there is sure to be a lot of adventure and culture. The city has many great museums as well as nature parks and amusement parks.

Is Yogyakarta or Jakarta Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Yogyakarta is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Jakarta. Visitors often have strong feelings about this city, whether they love it or hate it. For those backpackers who spend some time here, they're sure to be treated to a look at true Indonesian culture, which is hard to find in the more touristy areas.

Is Yogyakarta or Jakarta Better for Students?

Yogyakarta is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Jakarta is not popular with students.

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

Jakarta is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find reasonable public transit in both Yogyakarta and Jakarta.

Public transit is mostly 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.

Public transit is generally limited in Jakarta. Public transportation has improved a lot recently. There's a commuter line as well as buses. The system can be a bit overwhelming and slow though, so tourists often avoid it.

Is Yogyakarta or Jakarta a more walkable city?

Yogyakarta is a good destination for its walkability. However, Jakarta is not known for its high level of walkability.

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

Jakarta is generally not very walkable. Central Jakarta is more walkable than most of the city but, in general, the city has a lot of traffic and isn't the best for exploring on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Jakarta or Yogyakarta?

How long in Yogyakarta or Jakarta?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Yogyakarta and Jakarta. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Yogyakarta than in Jakarta. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Yogyakarta, and 1-3 days is enough time in Jakarta.

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

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

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

One day in Yogyakarta or Jakarta?

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.

When visiting Jakarta, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Jakarta, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Yogyakarta or Jakarta?

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.

When visiting Jakarta, people usually allow for lots of time. 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 Jakarta?

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.

Jakarta, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. 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 Jakarta?

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.

Jakarta 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 comparing the travel costs between Yogyakarta and Jakarta, we can see that Jakarta is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Yogyakarta or Jakarta?

Jakarta has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Yogyakarta. When comparing the sizes of Yogyakarta and Jakarta, 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.