A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Atami vs. Surfers Paradise for Nightlife, Beaches, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Atami or Surfers Paradise?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Atami and Surfers Paradise can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Atami

Atami is a authentic, overlooked, and nostalgic town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise is a high energy, thrilling, and active city. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Atami and Surfers Paradise: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Atami or Surfers Paradise?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Surfers Paradise. Although Atami and Surfers Paradise are both popular with visitors, Surfers Paradise has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Surfers Paradise is more touristy than Atami and is known for its long sandy beaches, glamourous party scene, colorful amusement parks, and active water sports. It is also home to the SkyPoint Observation Deck. Atami is popular for its onsen (hot springs) and sandy beaches.

How is Atami different from Surfers Paradise?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Atami or Surfers Paradise?

Surfers Paradise is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Surfers Paradise. For the best views of the coastline head to the SkyPoint Observation Deck at the Q1 Resort and Spa. It's in Australia's tallest residential tower. You can also visit the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, or the Sea World Marine Park, as well as countless other amusement parks or entertainment centers.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Atami. The onsen, or hot springs, have historically been a big draw to this town. Places to experience them include Oedo Onsen Monogatari Atami, Otsuki Hotel Wafukan, and Myoraku-Yu. Other sights around town include Kaminiya Shrine and the MOA Museum of Art.

Is the Food Better in Atami or Surfers Paradise? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Surfers Paradise is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Surfers Paradise has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's a trendy food scene with a number of award winning restaurants in the area. There are high end seafood restaurants, modern international eateries, and niche food bars that all cater to the tourist crowd.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Atami area. You'll find an authentic Japanese dining experience here, with a lot of seafood due to the city's coastal location. Popular dishes include sushi, dried fish, and fish boiled in broth.

Is Atami or Surfers Paradise Better for Nightlife?

Surfers Paradise is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Surfers Paradise is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. This high energy area is filled with glitzy nightclubs and trendy cocktail bars. There are parties that last until the early morning hours and you'll find the most active nightlife scene along the famous Surfers Paradise glitter strip.

Atami has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The town was once a place to escape the city and enjoy a fun night out, but these days it's a bit quieter and has more of a nostalgic vibe. Head to Yushima Yugijo Yushima Amusement Center for some of the best nightlife in town.

Is Atami or Surfers Paradise Better for Resorts?

Surfers Paradise is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Atami is not a resort destination.

Surfers Paradise is a world class resort vacation destination. The high-rise skyline is filled with luxury resorts and trendy hotels. Fancy pools and rooftop views make this is a glitzy and lively place to stay.

Atami is not a resort destination.

Is Atami or Surfers Paradise Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Surfers Paradise is a very popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Atami is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Surfers Paradise is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. There's no shortage of scuba diving and snorkeling excursions that leave from the area. You'll see a diversity of marine life and interesting undersea reefs.

Atami is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Atami or Surfers Paradise Better for Beaches?

Surfers Paradise is renowned for the beache. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beach.

Surfers Paradise is considered to be a world-class beach destination. It's at the heart of the Gold Coast, and you'll enjoy two kilometers of golden sand and beautiful surf. The beaches are lined with high rise buildings and there's plenty of energy and amenities for visitors. This is a popular tourist destination and there is no shortage of water sports and other activities along the beaches.

Atami offers a nice beach destination. The most popular beach in the city is Atami Sun Beach, which is right in town. It's a place to relax in the sun, and there are sometimes fireworks throughout the year.

Is Atami or Surfers Paradise Better for Hiking?

Surfers Paradise is a city with good options for its hiking trails. However, Atami is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Surfers Paradise. Outside of town you'll find many coastal hikes and inland trails. You can see waterfalls or breathtaking views of the water.

Atami is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Atami or Surfers Paradise?

Surfers Paradise is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Surfers Paradise draws large crowds to its stores. Beachside markets sell local items. There are also large shopping malls that are filled with international fashion brands and boutique shops that sell unique items.

Many visitors go to Atami to go shopping. You'll find a couple of retro shopping streets in town such as Atami Ekimae Shopping Street, Nakamise Shopping Street, and Heiwadori Shopping Street. There are arcades and food stalls where you can sample local dishes.

Is Atami or Surfers Paradise Better for Families?

Surfers Paradise is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Surfers Paradise is an extremely popular city to visit for families. It's filled with activities that kids and adults will enjoy. There's everything from sandy beaches to amusement park rides and entertainment centers. Check out Infinity, Ripley's Believe It Or Not, or the view from Q1 SkyPoint. There's also countless minigolf places, kayaking, and other water sports.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Atami. The city is a hot springs area, but you can also head to the nearby beaches and other family-friendly activities.

Is Atami or Surfers Paradise Better for Couples?

Surfers Paradise is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Surfers Paradise makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Walk along the beach or take in the view from Q1 SkyPoint. There are also many fun-filled adventure activities as well as restaurants and a lively party scene.

Atami is a good town for couples to visit. This is a beach and hot springs resort area, and in historic times it was a honeymoon destination. Today you'll find beaches, hot springs, shopping, and museums to explore, but most visitors use it as a base to explore the nearby areas, as the town itself doesn't have a lot to offer.

Is Atami or Surfers Paradise Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Surfers Paradise is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Surfers Paradise is extremely popular for backpackers. Backpackers who want fun entertainment, a lively beach scene, and water sports will find their place here. There are also hostels with reasonable rates and plenty of backpackers to hang out with.

Plenty of backpackers visit Atami. While there aren't a huge number of hostels in the area, and backpackers often skip over this town, prices aren't particularly high so you should be able to find something affordable.

Is Atami or Surfers Paradise Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find good public transit in both Atami and Surfers Paradise.

Atami has some public transit options. There are public buses, such as the YuYu Bus, which has two routes and passes by many of the town's attractions.

You'll find some public transit in Surfers Paradise, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Without a car, you can use the shuttle buses, public buses, and light rail to get around.

Is Atami or Surfers Paradise a more walkable city?

Atami and Surfers Paradise are good when it comes to walkability.

Atami is a somewhat walkable place. Some parts of the city are more walkable than others.

Surfers Paradise is a somewhat walkable town. There are walking and bike paths around town.

For even more information, also check out Is Atami Worth Visiting? and Is Surfers Paradise Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Surfers Paradise or Atami?

How long in Atami or Surfers Paradise?

Both Atami and Surfers Paradise have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Surfers Paradise than in Atami. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Atami, and 3-7 days is enough time in Surfers Paradise.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Surfers Paradise than Atami 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 Surfers Paradise.

One day in Atami or Surfers Paradise?

You'll find food and shopping around the nostalgic destination of Atami. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Surfers Paradise, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this ritzy destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Atami or Surfers Paradise?

You'll find shopping and museums around the overlooked town of Atami. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Surfers Paradise. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Atami or Surfers Paradise?

Atami is a popular choice for travelers. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Surfers Paradise is a fun place to experience. In Surfers Paradise, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Atami or Surfers Paradise?

Atami is a great place to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

In Surfers Paradise, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this active destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, The Best Luxury Tours to Australia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Australia.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Atami or Surfers Paradise?

Atami has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Surfers Paradise. When comparing the sizes of Atami and Surfers Paradise, 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 Atami or Surfers Paradise?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Surfers Paradise is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Atami has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Atami or Surfers Paradise in the Summer?

Both Surfers Paradise and Atami are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Atami for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Surfers Paradise because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Atami is around the same temperature as Surfers Paradise. Typically, the summer temperatures in Atami in July average around 26°C (78°F), and Surfers Paradise averages at about 25°C (77°F)in January.

It's quite sunny in Surfers Paradise. Atami usually receives less sunshine than Surfers Paradise during summer. Atami gets 140 hours of sunny skies, while Surfers Paradise receives 256 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Surfers Paradise. It's quite rainy in Atami. In July, Atami usually receives more rain than Surfers Paradisein January. Atami gets 202 mm (8 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Atami or Surfers Paradise in the Autumn?

Both Surfers Paradise and Atami during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Atami because of the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Surfers Paradise this time of year.

In October, Atami is generally cooler than Surfers Paradisein April. Daily temperatures in Atami average around 18°C (64°F), and Surfers Paradise fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

In Surfers Paradise, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Atami often gets less sunshine than Surfers Paradisein April. Atami gets 130 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Surfers Paradise receives 214 hours of full sun.

Surfers Paradise gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Atami. Atami usually gets more rain in October than Surfers Paradisein April. Atami gets 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atami or Surfers Paradise in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Atami and Surfers Paradise. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Atami this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Surfers Paradise for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Atami is much colder than Surfers Paradise in the winter. The daily temperature in Atami averages around 5°C (42°F) in January, and Surfers Paradise fluctuates around 15°C (59°F)in July.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Surfers Paradise this time of the year. Atami usually receives less sunshine than Surfers Paradise during winter. Atami gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Surfers Paradise receives 226 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Atami usually receives around the same amount of rain as Surfers Paradisein July. Atami gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Atami or Surfers Paradise in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Atami as well as Surfers Paradise. Many travelers come to Atami for the beaches. Also, many visitors come to Surfers Paradise in the spring for the beaches.

In the spring, Atami is cooler than Surfers Paradise. Typically, the spring temperatures in Atami in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Surfers Paradise averages at about 21°C (69°F)in October.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Surfers Paradise. In the spring, Atami often gets less sunshine than Surfers Paradisein October. Atami gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Surfers Paradise receives 259 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Surfers Paradise. Atami receives a lot of rain in the spring. Atami usually gets more rain in April than Surfers Paradisein October. Atami gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Surfers Paradise and Atami