A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Yogyakarta vs. Nara for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Old Town

Should you visit Yogyakarta or Nara?

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

Should I visit Yogyakarta or Nara? 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 cultural, historical, and colorful city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Yogyakarta travel costs.

Nara

Nara is a traditional, tranquil, and natural city. Nara is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Nara travel costs.

Yogyakarta and Nara: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Yogyakarta or Nara?

You'll generally find more things to do in Yogyakarta than Nara. Yogyakarta is bigger than Nara, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Yogyakarta is better known for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, and shopping, while Nara is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Yogyakarta is more touristy than Nara and is popular for its beautiful temples, divine food, and lively dance shows. Also, Yogyakarta is famous for Borobudur Temple. Nara is well known for its many temples and shrines, its beautiful natural areas, and its free roaming deer.

How is Yogyakarta different from Nara?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Yogyakarta is a must-visit destination for its sights and museums. Also, Nara is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Yogyakarta are among the most recognizable in the world. 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 Nara specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is filled with history. There are many ancient temples such as Tōdai-ji Temple, Kofuku-ji Temple, Yakushi-ji Temple, and Tōshōdai-ji Temple. You can also visit the Nara National Museum as well as the many parks and gardens.

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

Yogyakarta is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Nara is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

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

Nara is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The cuisine is simple and traditional with its roots in the history of the area. Many residents start their morning with a simple rice porridge. The area is also known for its persimmon leaf sushi and miwa somen (a thin, chewy noodle).

Is Yogyakarta or Nara Better for Nightlife?

The high quality nightlife scene is relatively similar in Yogyakarta and Nara.

Yogyakarta has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Nara is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The town offers a serene and relaxed atmosphere at night. There are plenty of bars around town that are known for their friendly bartenders and you'll find many of the bars in Naramachi, which is the old town area.

Is Yogyakarta or Nara Better for its Old Town?

Yogyakarta is notable for its old town. Also, Nara is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town charm.

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.

Nara has an old town worth visiting. Naramachi is the old town of Nara. This is the old merchant district and today you'll find several traditional residential buildings and warehouses that are open to the public.

Is Yogyakarta or Nara Better for Hiking?

Nara 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 Nara. The city is all about its surrounding nature. There are historic pilgrim routes that pass through the hills and mountains, taking you by sacred sights and ancient forests. In the area you'll find some of Japan's most ancient byways.

Yogyakarta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Yogyakarta or Nara?

Yogyakarta is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Nara is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Nara. Sanjo-dori is the main street through town. This is where you'll find many souvenir shops that sell local items and traditional food. Mochiido Center Town is the oldest shopping arcade in town and it is filled with history.

Is Yogyakarta or Nara More Beautiful?

Nara is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Yogyakarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Nara is a beautiful place to visit, too. The city is filled with green space, parks, and natural areas. You'll find deer roaming freely and tranquil lawns where you can relax.

Yogyakarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Yogyakarta or Nara Better for Families?

Nara is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Yogyakarta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Nara is very family-friendly. Head to Nara Park for a bit of nature in the city. Deer roam freely in the park, which is filled with pine trees and beautiful lawns. Kids will also appreciate a visit to Ikomasanjo Amusement Park or the NARAMACHI-KARAKURI Toy Museum. You can also take a ride on the Ikoma Cable Line or spend some time at the Tennenyamato Hot Spring Nara Kenko Land.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Yogyakarta. 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.

Is Yogyakarta or Nara Better for Couples?

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

Nara makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city is smaller than you might expect, and it's filled with green space and parks. You can wander through Nara Park, see the deer, and soak up the romantic atmosphere. You can also visit one of the beautiful temples such as Todaiji Temple. Many couples also enjoy exploring Yoshikien Garden.

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 Nara Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Yogyakarta is notable for backpackers. Also, Nara is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Yogyakarta is a great city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Nara is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels in the area that cater to backpackers and the budget travel crowd.

Is Yogyakarta or Nara Better for Students?

Yogyakarta is a popular place for students. However, Nara is not popular with students.

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

Nara is not popular with students.

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

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

Nara has some very good public transit options. There are city buses that will take you through town and to the many tourist spots.

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 Nara a more walkable city?

Nara 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.

Nara is a very walkable city. Many of the sights are within walking distance of each other, so many visitors enjoy exploring on foot.

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 Nara Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nara or Yogyakarta?

How long in Yogyakarta or Nara?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Yogyakarta or Nara to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Yogyakarta than Nara because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Yogyakarta, and 1-2 days is enough time in Nara.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Yogyakarta than Nara 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 Nara?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Yogyakarta. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

With museums and nightlife around the cultural city of Nara, 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Nara, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Yogyakarta or Nara?

Yogyakarta is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Nara, 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 Nara?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the youthful destination of Yogyakarta. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Nara, 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 Nara?

The colorful city of Yogyakarta offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Nara 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 Sightseeing Tours in Japan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Japan.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Yogyakarta or Nara?

Yogyakarta has a larger population, and is about 73% larger than the population of Nara. When comparing the sizes of Yogyakarta and Nara, 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.