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

Should you visit Beijing or Kyoto?

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 Kyoto 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 historic, massive, and jam-packed 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.

Kyoto

Kyoto is a fascinating, traditional, and historic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Beijing and Kyoto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Beijing or Kyoto?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Beijing than Kyoto, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Beijing is more popular for its food, nightlife, and big city activities, while Kyoto is known for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Beijing is more touristy than Kyoto 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. Kyoto is popular for its Buddhist temples, cultural activities, and rich history.

How is Beijing different from Kyoto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Beijing or Kyoto.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Beijing on the map. 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.

Travelers visit Kyoto from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. With its long-running history, there are many traditional buildings and temples in town. Nijo Castle is stunning to explore, but also make sure you visit the Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine, the Golden Pavilion, and Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

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

Beijing is renowned for its restaurant scene. Also, Kyoto is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Many restaurants in Beijing have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

Kyoto has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The local cuisine is as beautiful as it is delicious. There is a long running history to many of the dishes, and the recipes are expertly prepared by world class chefs at many of the restaurants. You can enjoy everything from a tea ceremony to multi-course meals, referred to as kyo kaiseki.

Is Beijing or Kyoto Better for Nightlife?

Beijing is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Kyoto is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Kyoto has a few options to choose from. While it isn't known for its wild nightlife scene, there is a relaxed and active energy in the evenings here. You can visit the beautiful Arashiyama Kimono Forest or explore some of the riverfront areas such as Kamo Riverside.

Is Beijing or Kyoto Better for its Old Town?

Kyoto is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. However, Beijing does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Kyoto offers plenty to see. This is among the most historic cities in Japan and there are many traditional buildings and temples. Higashiyama is filled with interesting districts and it has many UNESCO World Heritage temples.

Beijing does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Beijing or Kyoto?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Kyoto 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 Kyoto. There's a mix of modern shopping venues and traditional boutiques. Shijo Street is a popular shopping area, as is the area around JR Kyoto Station.

Is Beijing or Kyoto Better for Families?

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

Kyoto is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy exploring Nijo Castle as much as adults. If the weather isn't great, you can head to the Kyoto International Manga Museum which is a bit like a library and is perfect for Manga fans. There are also markets to explore such as the Nishiki Markets, which are lined with shops and restaurants.

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 Kyoto Better for Couples?

Kyoto is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Kyoto is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. This is one of the most historic cities in Japan, and it has many romantic neighborhoods where you can enjoy the atmosphere. Visit Sanneizaka Slope for its traditional shops and restaurants or take a ride on the Sagano Romantic Train. Other romantic highlights include Kimono Forest, which is an art exhibit, and Suzumushidera Temple.

Beijing is a nice destination for couples. 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.

Is Beijing or Kyoto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Beijing and Kyoto are great 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.

Kyoto is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It's a popular destination in Japan and there are plenty of hostels and free activities that backpackers can enjoy.

Is Beijing or Kyoto Better for Students?

Beijing and Kyoto are great places to visit for students.

Students come from all over to stay in 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.

Many students visit Kyoto. It's a great student city with world class universities and a large student population.

Is Beijing or Kyoto 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 Kyoto.

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 Kyoto. The city has an extensive system of trains, subways, and buses that make it easy to get around.

Is Beijing or Kyoto a more walkable city?

Kyoto is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. However, Beijing is a city with minimal options for its walkability.

Getting around Kyoto on foot is easy. It's one of the most walkable cities in Japan and there are many sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly areas.

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 Kyoto Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kyoto or Beijing?

How long in Beijing or Kyoto?

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

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

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

One day in Beijing or Kyoto?

Each neighborhood in Beijing has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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.

In Kyoto, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. 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 Kyoto?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Beijing. 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.

In Kyoto, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kyoto has to offer.

Five days in Beijing or Kyoto?

Beijing is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Beijing has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Kyoto is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Kyoto?

Each neighborhood in Beijing has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kyoto. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Kyoto. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Shanghai, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Japan.

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

Which is Bigger, Beijing or Kyoto?

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

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 Kyoto in the Summer?

Both Kyoto and Beijing are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Beijing because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kyoto this time of year.

In July, Beijing is generally around the same temperature as Kyoto. Daily temperatures in Beijing average around 27°C (80°F), and Kyoto fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beijing. Beijing usually receives more sunshine than Kyoto during summer. Beijing gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Kyoto receives 183 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kyoto. It's quite rainy in Beijing. In July, Beijing usually receives less rain than Kyoto. Beijing gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Beijing or Kyoto in the Autumn?

Both Kyoto and Beijing during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Beijing this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kyoto for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Beijing is cooler than Kyoto in the autumn. The daily temperature in Beijing averages around 14°C (56°F) in October, and Kyoto fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Beijing. In the autumn, Beijing often gets more sunshine than Kyoto. Beijing gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kyoto receives 159 hours of full sun.

Kyoto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Beijing usually gets less rain in October than Kyoto. Beijing gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Beijing or Kyoto in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Beijing and Kyoto. Many travelers come to Beijing for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Kyoto in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Kyoto can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Beijing. In the winter, Beijing is much colder than Kyoto. Typically, the winter temperatures in Beijing in January average around -4°C (26°F), and Kyoto averages at about 5°C (40°F).

In Beijing, it's very sunny this time of the year. Beijing usually receives more sunshine than Kyoto during winter. Beijing gets 201 hours of sunny skies, while Kyoto receives 140 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Beijing usually receives less rain than Kyoto. Beijing gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Beijing or Kyoto in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Beijing as well as Kyoto. Many visitors come to Beijing in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Kyoto for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Beijing is generally around the same temperature as Kyoto. Daily temperatures in Beijing average around 14°C (57°F), and Kyoto fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beijing this time of the year. In the spring, Beijing often gets more sunshine than Kyoto. Beijing gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kyoto receives 176 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kyoto. Beijing usually gets less rain in April than Kyoto. Beijing gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kyoto and Beijing