A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Beijing vs. Baltimore for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Beijing or Baltimore?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Beijing and Baltimore 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.

Beijing

Beijing is a cultural, fascinating, and historic city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Baltimore

Baltimore is a colorful, historic, and vibrant city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Beijing and Baltimore: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Beijing or Baltimore?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Beijing than Baltimore, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Beijing is more touristy than Baltimore and is known for its rich culture, many historical landmarks, its long running history, and its world class cuisine. It is also home to The Forbidden City. Baltimore is popular for the Inner Harbor and its many water based activities.

How is Beijing different from Baltimore?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Beijing or Baltimore?

Beijing is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Beijing are among the most recognizable in the world. The city is filled with iconic landmarks including the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and The Temple of Heaven. It's also essential that you plan a trip outside of town to the world renowned Great Wall of China. The trip takes about an hour and you can organize a tour through almost any hotel or tour company.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Baltimore can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is known for its historic ships that are found in the Inner Harbor. There are many other museums around town as well like the American Visionary Art Museum, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, and the Baltimore Museum of Art. Many days can be filled exploring the many art, history, or science museums in the area.

Is the Food Better in Beijing or Baltimore? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Beijing is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Beijing has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city has a number of iconic dishes that have put it on the culinary map. The most notable dish is Peking Duck, which is a delectable crispy roast duck that is usually served with cucumber, scallions, sweet bean sauce and pancakes or other steamed buns. Hot pots are another must-try experience in the city, and, of course, you have to experience the dumplings. A huge part of a visit to Beijing is experiencing its long running culinary history.

Baltimore has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city's location near the Chesapeake Bay means that there are many great local seafood dishes. Blue crab is a regional favorite and is often served as crab soup, crab dip, or crab cakes. You'll find many famous restaurants in the Inner Harbor, but if you want something more local you should check out Little Italy or Fells Point.

Is Beijing or Baltimore Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Beijing or Baltimore has a better nightlife scene.

The people in Beijing know how to have a good time. Live performances are popular in the city, and range from concerts to magic shows and acrobatics. There is also an active bar scene around town. Some of the most popular nightlife areas include Sanlitun and Houhai.

The nightlife in Baltimore has something for everybody. It's a vibrant city with many night time activities like breweries, night clubs, and cocktail bars. There's even outside the box activities like ballroom dancing or arcade bars.

Is the Shopping Better in Beijing or Baltimore?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Baltimore and Beijing.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Beijing. There are many unique handicrafts that you can purchase around town. Popular souvenirs include silk, pearls, and snuff bottles with pictures inside. The city has many shopping streets as well as markets and shopping malls that are worth visiting.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Baltimore. Shopping is a great way to experience the different neighborhoods around town. For high end shopping head to Harbor East. For a bit more history check out Federal Hill. Hampden is known for its quirky style and Fell's Point is particularly popular with tourists.

Is Beijing or Baltimore Better for Families?

Baltimore is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Baltimore is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The National Aquarium is a highlight for many families. It's an impressive aquarium with dolphins, sharks, puffins, and fish. Also in town is the Port Discovery Children’s Museum which has many interactive exhibits. The Maryland Science Center, the Maryland Zoo, and the many historic ships in the harbor also offer educational opportunities for kids. For something a bit different, check out Urban Pirates in the Inner Harbor.

Beijing offers lots of family activities. The city offers a unique cultural immersion that kids and adults can enjoy. Wander through the Forbidden City or watch your kids be mesmerized by a Chinese acrobatics show. It's also fun to get lost in the Hutongs or test their culinary palates by visiting a snack street.

Is Beijing or Baltimore Better for Couples?

Both Beijing and Baltimore are good destinations for a couple's getaway.

Beijing is a good city for couples to visit. The culture, history, and food all make this a stunning place to visit. While romance doesn't immediately spring to mind when you think of Beijing, there are shows and fine dining restaurants that couples will enjoy. There are also many luxury hotels with spas and other amenities.

Baltimore is a nice destination for couples. Most visitors spend the majority of their time around the Inner Harbor. There are restaurants and romantic hotels that are perfect for couples. The city also has many entertainment options and other activities that make for a great date night.

Is Beijing or Baltimore Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Beijing is well known for backpackers. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Beijing is a great city to visit for backpackers. The city has many hostels and budget-friendly options. There isn't the backpacker community vibe that you may get in other Asian cities, but if you organize an excursion through your hostel, you're sure to make a few friends along the way.

It's common for backpackers to visit Baltimore. There are a couple of hostels around town, but most international travelers overlook this city.

Is Beijing or Baltimore Better for Students?

Beijing is well known for students. However, Baltimore is not popular with students.

Beijing is very popular with students. Students will enjoy the culture, food, and academic opportunities that the universities offer. There is also a decent nightlife scene and affordable places where students can live.

Baltimore is not popular with students.

Is Beijing or Baltimore Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Beijing and Baltimore.

Beijing offers a very effecient public transportation network. The system can be crowded and confusing at first, but it's one of the most convenient and affordable ways to get around town. There's a subway system as well as buses, trolleybuses, and suburban rail.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Baltimore. There are water taxis and a free downtown bus service that's called the Charm City Circulator. MTA also operates a metro and a light rail system.

Is Beijing or Baltimore a more walkable city?

Baltimore is a great destination for its ease of walking around. However, Beijing is a city with minimal options for its walkability.

Baltimore is a very walkable destination. The downtown area is the most walkable part of the city. In particular, the Inner Harbor and Fells Point are particularly walkable.

Beijing is generally not a very walkable city. While parts of the city are fun to explore on foot, the city itself is very large with long blocks that aren't pedestrian-friendly.

For even more information, also check out Is Beijing Worth Visiting? and Is Baltimore Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Baltimore or Beijing?

How long in Beijing or Baltimore?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Beijing and Baltimore. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Beijing than in Baltimore. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Beijing, and 2-3 days is enough time in Baltimore.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Beijing than Baltimore 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 Beijing.

One day in Beijing or Baltimore?

People visit Beijing because there is so much to do. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Baltimore, you'll find nightlife and food. This 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 Beijing or Baltimore?

People visit Beijing because there is so much to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Baltimore, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Baltimore has to offer.

Five days in Beijing or Baltimore?

People visit Beijing because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Baltimore is a great place to explore. 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.

A week in Beijing or Baltimore?

Beijing is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Beijing, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Beijing or Baltimore?

Beijing has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Baltimore. When comparing the sizes of Beijing and Baltimore, 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 Beijing or Baltimore?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Beijing or Baltimore in the Summer?

Both Baltimore and Beijing are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Beijing in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Baltimore for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Beijing is generally around the same temperature as Baltimore. Daily temperatures in Beijing average around 27°C (80°F), and Baltimore fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).

It's quite sunny in Baltimore. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beijing. Beijing usually receives less sunshine than Baltimore during summer. Beijing gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Baltimore receives 283 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Baltimore. It's quite rainy in Beijing. In July, Beijing usually receives more rain than Baltimore. Beijing gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Baltimore receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Beijing or Baltimore in the Autumn?

Both Baltimore and Beijing during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Beijing for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Baltimore because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Beijing is around the same temperature as Baltimore in the autumn. The daily temperature in Beijing averages around 14°C (56°F) in October, and Baltimore fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

It's quite sunny in Beijing. In the autumn, Beijing often gets more sunshine than Baltimore. Beijing gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Baltimore receives 196 hours of full sun.

Beijing usually gets less rain in October than Baltimore. Beijing gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Baltimore receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Beijing or Baltimore in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Beijing and Baltimore. The winter months attract visitors to Beijing because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Baltimore this time of year.

It's quite cold in Baltimore in the winter. The weather in Beijing can be very cold. In the winter, Beijing is much colder than Baltimore. Typically, the winter temperatures in Beijing in January average around -4°C (26°F), and Baltimore averages at about 32°F (0°C).

In Beijing, it's very sunny this time of the year. Beijing usually receives more sunshine than Baltimore during winter. Beijing gets 201 hours of sunny skies, while Baltimore receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Beijing usually receives less rain than Baltimore. Beijing gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Baltimore receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Beijing or Baltimore in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Beijing as well as Baltimore. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Beijing this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Baltimore for the activities around the city.

In April, Beijing is generally a little warmer than Baltimore. Daily temperatures in Beijing average around 14°C (57°F), and Baltimore fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Baltimore. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beijing this time of the year. In the spring, Beijing often gets more sunshine than Baltimore. Beijing gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Baltimore receives 225 hours of full sun.

Beijing usually gets less rain in April than Baltimore. Beijing gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Baltimore receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Baltimore and Beijing