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

Should you visit Beijing or Jaco?

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 Jaco 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 fascinating, historic, and massive city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Beijing offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Beijing travel costs.

Jaco

Jaco is a touristy, laid back, and popular town. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Jaco travel costs.

Beijing and Jaco: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Beijing or Jaco?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Beijing. Although Beijing and Jaco are popular destinations, Beijing has more sights and attractions for tourists. Beijing is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Jaco attracts visitors for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Beijing is famous for its rich culture, many historical landmarks, its long running history, and its world class cuisine. It is also well known for The Forbidden City. Jaco is famous for its surfing, nightlife, and beaches.

How is Beijing different from Jaco?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Beijing is a world-class destination for its museums and history. However, Jaco is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Beijing has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Jaco offers a few options for museum-goers. Most people spend their time outside or partying while they're in town.

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

Beijing is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Jaco is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Beijing is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

Jaco offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There's a range of restaurants around town that include hamburger joints, pizza shops, and other casual favorites. You'll find a variety of options along the main strip as well.

Is Beijing or Jaco Better for Nightlife?

Jaco is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

The nightlife in Jaco is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. What was once a quiet surfing town is now one of the most famous party destinations in Costa Rica. There are a constantly growing number of bars and clubs around town and you'll find tons of young tourists and backpackers looking for a party.

The nightlife in Beijing has something for everybody. 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.

Is Beijing or Jaco Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Jaco is a town with good options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Beijing is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Jaco. You can't really snorkel at Jaco Beach because of the waves and water conditions, but there are a number of snorkeling tours that leave from town and take you to better spots.

Beijing is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Beijing or Jaco Better for Beaches?

Jaco is a town with good options for the beach. However, Beijing is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Jaco. Jaco Beach is a great spot for swimming and surfing. It's lost some of its original charm, but there's still golden sand and nearby horseback riding.

Beijing is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Beijing or Jaco?

Beijing is a very popular place for its shopping areas. Also, Jaco is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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.

Jaco is a great destination for shopping. Many of the shops are found along the main street. There are a number of souvenir stores and a few art galleries that are worth checking out.

Is Beijing or Jaco More Beautiful?

Beijing is a nice place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Jaco is not a destination known for its beauty.

Beijing offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The parks, gardens, palaces, and temples all offer a glimpse into the past, while also letting you enjoy the city and culture that exists today.

Jaco is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Beijing or Jaco Better for Families?

Both Beijing and Jaco are nice to visit with kids.

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

Jaco offers lots of family activities. Nearby you'll find horseback riding, monkey tours, and other fun kid-friendly activities. Kids will enjoy the beaches in the area as well.

Is Beijing or Jaco Better for Couples?

Both Beijing and Jaco are nice 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.

Jaco is a nice destination for couples. It's one of the more touristy parts of Costa Rica, but if you enjoy surfing and beach life, then you'll find a lot to do in the area.

Is Beijing or Jaco Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Beijing and Jaco are high quality places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Beijing is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Jaco is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It's a touristy town with a bit of a party reputation. There are plenty of hostels and other backpackers around so you shouldn't have trouble meeting people.

Is Beijing or Jaco Better for Students?

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

Beijing is a great city to visit as a student. 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.

Jaco is not popular with students.

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

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

Many visitors use the public transit system in Beijing. 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.

Public transit is generally limited in Jaco. Most people walk or get around by bicycle.

Is Beijing or Jaco a more walkable city?

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

Jaco is a very walkable destination. The town is compact and walkable. You'll find many of the restaurants and shops along the main street, and it's easy to reach the beach on foot.

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 Jaco Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Jaco or Beijing?

How long in Beijing or Jaco?

It's fun to spend time in either Beijing or Jaco. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Beijing due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Beijing, and 3-4 days is enough time in Jaco.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Beijing than Jaco 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 Jaco?

Beijing is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Jaco, you'll find nightlife and food. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This town 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 Jaco?

Beijing is a fun place to experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Jaco, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Beijing or Jaco?

Beijing is a historic big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Jaco 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 Jaco?

Beijing is a historic city where you can fill many days. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Jaco. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Jaco. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. 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 Budget Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Beijing and Jaco, we can see that Jaco 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 Jaco is in Central 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 Jaco would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Jaco 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 Jaco Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Beijing or Jaco?

Beijing has a larger population, and is about 1830 times larger than the population of Jaco. When comparing the sizes of Beijing and Jaco, 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 Jaco?

Beijing has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Jaco experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Beijing or Jaco in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Beijing as well as Jaco. Most visitors come to Beijing for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Jaco throughout the year.

Beijing is around the same temperature as Jaco in the summer. The daily temperature in Beijing averages around 27°C (80°F) in July, and Jaco fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beijing this time of the year. In the summer, Beijing often gets more sunshine than Jaco. Beijing gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jaco receives 164 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Jaco. Beijing receives a lot of rain in the summer. Beijing usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Jaco. Beijing gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Beijing or Jaco in the Autumn?

Both Jaco and Beijing are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Beijing because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Plenty of visitors come to Jaco because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the autumn, Beijing is much colder than Jaco. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Beijing in October average around 14°C (56°F), and Jaco averages at about 27°C (81°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beijing. Beijing usually receives more sunshine than Jaco during autumn. Beijing gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Jaco receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Jaco. In October, Beijing usually receives less rain than Jaco. Beijing gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Jaco is November to May. June to October in Jaco is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Beijing or Jaco in the Winter?

Both Jaco and Beijing during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Beijing this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Jaco year-round.

It's quite cold in Beijing in the winter. In January, Beijing is generally much colder than Jaco. Daily temperatures in Beijing average around -4°C (26°F), and Jaco fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

In Jaco, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Beijing. In the winter, Beijing often gets less sunshine than Jaco. Beijing gets 201 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jaco receives 264 hours of full sun.

Beijing usually gets less rain in January than Jaco. Beijing gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Beijing or Jaco in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Beijing and Jaco. Many travelers come to Beijing for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Jaco attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Beijing is much colder than Jaco in the spring. The daily temperature in Beijing averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Jaco fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jaco this time of the year. In Beijing, it's very sunny this time of the year. Beijing usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Jaco during spring. Beijing gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Jaco receives 255 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Beijing usually receives around the same amount of rain as Jaco. Beijing gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring. November to May in Jaco is the dry season. The hurricane season in Jaco is June to October.

Typical Weather for Jaco and Beijing