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

Should you visit Beijing or Kobe?

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 Kobe 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 massive, jam-packed, and cultural city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Kobe

Kobe is a subdued, under-rated, and multicultural 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 Kobe: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Beijing or Kobe?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Beijing than Kobe. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Beijing is more touristy than Kobe and is popular 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. Kobe is famous for its world renowned Kobe beef and its hot spring resorts.

How is Beijing different from Kobe?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Beijing is an amazing city to visit for its historical sights. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

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.

Kobe is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Check out the view from the top of the Kobe Port Tower and visit the high energy area of Kobe Harborland. The Disaster Reduction Museum and the nearby Human Renovation Museum are both fascinating to visit as well. Also check out the Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art and Rokko Island.

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

Beijing is an amazing city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Eat your way through Beijing, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Kobe makes for a great culinary experience. Most people immediately think of Kobe beef when they think of this city, but there are also many other specialties around town. You'll find good sushi as well as akashiyaki, which are octopus dumplings. The city long served as a major port for Japan, so there is a strong Chinese influence over the cuisine. In particular, you should try the chuka ryori (a Chinese dumpling).

Is Beijing or Kobe Better for Nightlife?

Beijing is great for its evening party scene. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

Many people head to Beijing for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Kobe. The nightlife scene is a bit subdued, but that doesn't mean you won't find local bars, karaoke, and live music venues where you can hang out. Many visitors enjoy having a chill night out with a drink in a laid back setting.

Is the Shopping Better in Beijing or Kobe?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Kobe 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 Kobe. It's fun and convenient to shop here, as the best shopping districts are easy to access from the train stations. Sannomiya is a hub of transportation and shopping in the city, but also check out Kobe Harborland for its diverse stores and high energy.

Is Beijing or Kobe Better for Families?

Both Beijing and Kobe 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.

Kobe offers lots of family activities. There are a number of kid-friendly attractions around Kobe Harborland including a ferris wheel, Anpanman Museum, and the Kobe Maritime Museum. Kids will also enjoy running around Meriken Park or Mount Rokko. Kids who like animals will enjoy a visit to Kobe Animal Kingdom.

Is Beijing or Kobe Better for Couples?

Both Beijing and Kobe 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.

Kobe is a nice destination for couples. There's a romantic view from the top of the Kobe Port Tower. There are also many parks and a waterfront promenade where you can take a stroll. If you enjoy hiking, you can take the Maya View Line Kikuseidai, which is particularly nice in the evening.

Is Beijing or Kobe Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Beijing is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Beijing. 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Kobe. Although many tourists and backpackers don't put Kobe on their itinerary, there are still a handful of hostels around the city.

Is Beijing or Kobe Better for Students?

Beijing is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Kobe is not popular with students.

Many students visit Beijing. 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.

Kobe is not popular with students.

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

Beijing is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Kobe has a few public transit options. While there is a subway system, it's not particularly useful to tourists. There is a bus service that operates a line that targets tourists.

Is Beijing or Kobe a more walkable city?

Kobe is a city with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Beijing is a city with minimal options for its walkability.

Kobe is a somewhat walkable city. It's relatively easy to walk around many parts of the city, although some areas are quite hilly. You can walk from Shin-Kobe Bullet Train Station to the water in about half an hour.

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 Kobe Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kobe or Beijing?

How long in Beijing or Kobe?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Beijing or Kobe to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Beijing than Kobe because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Beijing, and 1-2 days is enough time in Kobe.

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

Couples should spend more time in Beijing than Kobe. 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 Kobe 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 Kobe?

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 Kobe, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Beijing or Kobe?

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 Kobe, 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 Kobe has to offer.

Five days in Beijing or Kobe?

Beijing is a fascinating 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.

Kobe 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 Kobe?

Beijing is a massive 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 Kobe. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Kobe. 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 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Beijing and Kobe, we can see that Kobe is more expensive. And not only is Beijing much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Kobe would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kobe 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 Kobe Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Beijing or Kobe?

Beijing has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Kobe. When comparing the sizes of Beijing and Kobe, 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 Kobe?

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 Beijing or Kobe in the Summer?

Both Kobe and Beijing during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Beijing this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Kobe for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite sunny in Beijing. In the summer, Beijing often gets more sunshine than Kobe. Beijing gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kobe receives 183 hours of full sun.

Kobe gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Beijing. Beijing usually gets more rain in July than Kobe. Beijing gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Beijing or Kobe in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Beijing and Kobe. Many travelers come to Beijing for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Kobe in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Beijing is cooler than Kobe. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Beijing in October average around 14°C (56°F), and Kobe averages at about 18°C (65°F).

In Beijing, it's very sunny this time of the year. Beijing usually receives more sunshine than Kobe during autumn. Beijing gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Kobe receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Kobe receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Beijing usually receives less rain than Kobe. Beijing gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Beijing or Kobe in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Beijing as well as Kobe. Many visitors come to Beijing in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Kobe for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Beijing can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Beijing is generally much colder than Kobe. Daily temperatures in Beijing average around -4°C (26°F), and Kobe fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beijing this time of the year. In the winter, Beijing often gets more sunshine than Kobe. Beijing gets 201 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kobe receives 140 hours of full sun.

Beijing usually gets less rain in January than Kobe. Beijing gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Beijing or Kobe in the Spring?

Both Kobe and Beijing are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Beijing for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Kobe because of the activities around the city.

Beijing is around the same temperature as Kobe in the spring. The daily temperature in Beijing averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Kobe fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beijing. Beijing usually receives more sunshine than Kobe during spring. Beijing gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Kobe receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kobe. In April, Beijing usually receives less rain than Kobe. Beijing gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kobe and Beijing