A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Antalya vs. Shanghai for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Antalya or Shanghai?

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

Should I visit Antalya or Shanghai? 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.

Antalya

Antalya is a vibrant, high energy, and relaxing vacation spot. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Shanghai

Shanghai is a modern, cosmopolitan, and professional port city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Antalya and Shanghai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Antalya or Shanghai?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Antalya than Shanghai. While Shanghai is larger than Antalya, Antalya has more sights and attractions for tourists. Antalya is more popular for its nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, and quaint atmosphere, while Shanghai is known for its museums, food, and big city activities. Antalya is more touristy than Shanghai and is popular for its turquoise waters, hotel lined beaches, and nearby archeological sights. It is also home to Hadrian's Gate. Shanghai is popular for its historical landmarks, local street food, vibrant markets, and waterfront promenade.

How is Antalya different from Shanghai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Antalya or Shanghai?

Shanghai is an amazing port city to visit for its museums and history. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Shanghai has many famous sights for visitors. The city's sights mix culture with modern innovation. From the futuristic skyline and the iconic waterfront area known as the Bund, to the classic Yu Garden, there are a diversity of sights around the city. There are also museums like the Shanghai Museum, which educate visitors on Chinese culture.

Many visitors head to Antalya specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city combines history with a relaxing resort vacation. Sights in the area include the Antalya Museum and the Yivli Minare.

Is the Food Better in Antalya or Shanghai? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Shanghai is an amazing port city to visit for its restaurants. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Shanghai is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city's cuisine has a long history with many distinct traditional dishes. The foods incorporate a lot of soy sauce and sugar and you'll find most dishes are rice based as opposed to using wheat products. Popular local dishes include the famous Shanghai soup dumplings, steamed crab, and braised pork. The city is also famous for its snacks, which can be purchased at one of the many snack houses or street stalls.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Antalya makes for a great culinary experience. Food is excellent throughout Turkey and this city is no exception. The local cuisine offers a combination of fresh caught seafood as well as various grilled meats. Local specialties include meatball skewers, kulakli soup, and even lentil ice cream. The traditional Turkish breakfast is also popular, which usually includes hard boiled eggs, cheese, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and Turkish breads or pastries. It's almost always served with Turkish tea.

Is Antalya or Shanghai Better for Nightlife?

Antalya is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, Shanghai is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its evening party scene.

Antalya has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city has an insane nightlife scene with huge glamorous dance clubs that fill to the brink as well as low key bars and pubs that everyone can enjoy.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Shanghai. A night out can quickly become very expensive. Many of the venues are spread out so you'll likely spend at least some of the time in a taxi. The Bund is one of the most popular areas for nightlife, but this area also has the most expensive bars and clubs. They often offer impressive views of Pudong and the Huangpu River though.

Is Antalya or Shanghai Better for Music?

Antalya is a good destination for its live music scene. However, Shanghai is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Antalya. Live music ranges from rock concerts to symphonies as well as a number of local music venues.

Shanghai is not a live music destination.

Is Antalya or Shanghai Better for Resorts?

Antalya is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Shanghai is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Antalya for its luxury resorts. The city is famous for its resorts that range from luxury to family-friendly. Some of the most popular resorts in the area include Xanadu Resort Hotel, Susesi, and Lara Barut, but there are many more.

Shanghai is not a resort destination.

Is Antalya or Shanghai Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Antalya is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Shanghai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Antalya. Outside of town, in the region of Antalya, you'll find some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in Turkey.

Shanghai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Antalya or Shanghai Better for Beaches?

Antalya is a world-class destination for the beache. However, Shanghai is not a beach destination.

Antalya offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. Beaches in Antalya are among the best in Turkey. They are sandy with warm water and a number of resorts nearby.

Shanghai is not a beach destination.

Is Antalya or Shanghai Better for its Old Town?

Antalya is notable for its old town. However, Shanghai does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Antalya. The city has a beautiful old town area, Kaleiçi, that is known for its narrow streets and historic buildings. The area has many sights including Hadrian's Gate.

Shanghai does not have a historic old town.

Is Antalya or Shanghai Better for Hiking?

Antalya is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Shanghai is not a hiking destination.

Antalya is a popular spot for hiking. Outside of town you'll find coastal hikes with scenic views as well as trails that wander through historic ruins.

Shanghai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Antalya or Shanghai?

Shoppers can find a variety of amazing stores in both Antalya and Shanghai.

Many people travel to Antalya specifically to go shopping. Antalya combines modern high end malls with more traditional bazaars. From luxury fashion brands to souvenirs and local trinkets, the area has everything.

Shanghai is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has many large shopping malls with department stores, name brand fashion, and trendy shops. It is also known for its cheap electronics and tailor-made clothes.

Is Antalya or Shanghai Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Antalya or Shanghai.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Antalya. The city has beautiful beaches, historic ruins, and resorts that cater specifically to families. It's a popular family-friendly destination in Turkey.

Shanghai is a very family-friendly place to visit. Of course there's Disneyland, but kids will also enjoy soaking up the city's culture, trying fun new snacks, and exploring the many science and kid-friendly museums. There are also parks and outdoor spaces as well as skyscrapers and towers that offer incredible views of the city.

Is Antalya or Shanghai Better for Couples?

Shanghai is an amazing port city to visit for couples. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Shanghai makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. With its east meets west personality, couples will be able to enjoy an amazing culinary experience, beautiful gardens, and luxury hotels and spas. There are many romantic areas around this bustling city, making it the perfect place for a romantic city getaway.

Couples visit Antalya frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Antalya is a top-rated honeymoon destination in Turkey. It's beautiful beaches, romantic resorts, and great shopping put it at the top of many couples' list.

Is Antalya or Shanghai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Antalya and Shanghai are both superb destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Antalya. Despite the many resorts in town, there are also budget accommodation options available including hostels. Backpackers appreciate Antalya's impressive old town as well as the area's stunning beaches.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Shanghai. The city is expensive, but there are hostels and cheap eateries that make it accessible even for the budget conscious. Business travelers and local workers give the city a more professional vibe during the day, but if you find the right place to stay you'll quickly be able to meet likeminded travelers.

Is Antalya or Shanghai Better for Students?

Shanghai is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Antalya is not popular with students.

Shanghai is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. The city attracts international and study abroad students who enjoy its long history and fascinating culture. It's a world financial capital with many businesses headquartered here, so employment opportunities are abundant.

Antalya is not popular with students.

Is Antalya or Shanghai Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find superb public transit in both Antalya and Shanghai.

Antalya offers a very effecient public transportation network. Buses and minibuses will help you get around town.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Shanghai. There is a metro system as well as buses and taxis which are relatively affordable.

Is Antalya or Shanghai a more walkable city?

Shanghai is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

Shanghai is a very walkable destination. It's possible to explore the major tourist areas on foot but it can be very hot and humid during the summer months.

Antalya is somewhat walkable. The historic area in particular is compact, filled with historic sights, and easy to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Antalya Worth Visiting? and Is Shanghai Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Shanghai or Antalya?

How long in Antalya or Shanghai?

In either Antalya or Shanghai, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Antalya has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Antalya than Shanghai. However, 2-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Antalya than Shanghai 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 Antalya.

One day in Antalya or Shanghai?

The beautiful vacation spot of Antalya offers scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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

A weekend in Antalya or Shanghai?

Antalya is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this vacation spot makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Antalya, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Because Shanghai 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. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Shanghai has to offer.

Five days in Antalya or Shanghai?

Antalya is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Antalya, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Shanghai 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 Shanghai has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Antalya or Shanghai?

Antalya is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This vacation spot offers something for everyone.

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

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, The Best Anzac Day Tours in Turkey, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Antalya or Shanghai?

Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Antalya. When comparing the sizes of Antalya and Shanghai, 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 Antalya or Shanghai?

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 Antalya or Shanghai in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Antalya as well as Shanghai. Most visitors come to Antalya for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Shanghai because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Antalya is generally around the same temperature as Shanghai. Daily temperatures in Antalya average around 28°C (83°F), and Shanghai fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Shanghai. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Antalya this time of the year. In the summer, Antalya often gets more sunshine than Shanghai. Antalya gets 376 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shanghai receives 232 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Shanghai. Antalya usually gets less rain in July than Shanghai. Antalya gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Antalya or Shanghai in the Autumn?

Both Shanghai and Antalya are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Antalya because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Shanghai this time of year.

Antalya is a little warmer than Shanghai in the autumn. The daily temperature in Antalya averages around 21°C (69°F) in October, and Shanghai fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Antalya. Antalya usually receives more sunshine than Shanghai during autumn. Antalya gets 251 hours of sunny skies, while Shanghai receives 162 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Antalya usually receives more rain than Shanghai. Antalya gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Antalya or Shanghai in the Winter?

Both Shanghai and Antalya during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Antalya this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Shanghai for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Shanghai. In the winter, Antalya is much warmer than Shanghai. Typically, the winter temperatures in Antalya in January average around 11°C (51°F), and Shanghai averages at about 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Antalya often gets more sunshine than Shanghai. Antalya gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shanghai receives 135 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Antalya. Antalya usually gets more rain in January than Shanghai. Antalya gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Antalya or Shanghai in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Antalya and Shanghai. Many travelers come to Antalya for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Shanghai in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Antalya is generally a little warmer than Shanghai. Daily temperatures in Antalya average around 16°C (62°F), and Shanghai fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In Antalya, it's very sunny this time of the year. Antalya usually receives more sunshine than Shanghai during spring. Antalya gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Shanghai receives 153 hours of full sun in the spring.

Shanghai receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Antalya usually receives less rain than Shanghai. Antalya gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Shanghai and Antalya