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

Should you visit Beijing or Nagasaki?

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 Nagasaki 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 jam-packed, cultural, and fascinating 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 food, shopping, and museums.

Nagasaki

Nagasaki is a authentic, welcoming, and interesting 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 Nagasaki: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Beijing or Nagasaki?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Beijing than Nagasaki. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Beijing is more touristy than Nagasaki 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. Nagasaki is famous for its history, hot spring spas, and local cuisine.

How is Beijing different from Nagasaki?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Beijing is a world-class destination for its museums and history. Also, Nagasaki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Many visitors head to Nagasaki specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Nagasaki Peace Park is a moving tribute to those lost during the atomic bomb attack. Other sights around town include the Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown, Kofukuji Temple, and Huis Ten Bosch.

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

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

For foodies, Beijing is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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, Nagasaki makes for a great culinary experience. The city has a cosmopolitan cuisine which has been influenced by China and several Western cuisines. Popular local dishes include Chanpon (a noodle dish), Sara Udon (meat, vegetables, and noodles), and Kakuni Manju (pork belly on a dough bun).

Is Beijing or Nagasaki Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Beijing or Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki has something for everybody. The best areas for nightlife are the Doza-machi and Shianbashi districts. Shinanbashi is filled with narrow alleys and its easy to get lost.

Is the Shopping Better in Beijing or Nagasaki?

Beijing is a very popular place for its shopping areas. Also, Nagasaki 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.

Nagasaki is a great destination for shopping. Head to the waterfront for the best shopping opportunities. You'll find everything from malls to souvenir shops around town. You'll also find traditional market streets which are known as shōtengai.

Is Beijing or Nagasaki Better for Families?

Both Beijing and Nagasaki 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.

Nagasaki offers lots of family activities. Check out Agiruno Oka Park, which has a small farm and other recreational activities. There are also several kid-friendly museums like the Nagasaki City Science Museum and the Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium. There are also many parks and playgrounds as well as the Nagasaki Seaside Park.

Is Beijing or Nagasaki Better for Couples?

Both Beijing and Nagasaki 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.

Nagasaki is a nice destination for couples. There's a unique cuisine with good restaurants. There are also many parks where couples can take a stroll, as well as relaxing hot springs nearby.

Is Beijing or Nagasaki Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Beijing is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Nagasaki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Nagasaki is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a number of hostels in the city, but you really should make reservations in advance as they tend to fill up.

Is Beijing or Nagasaki Better for Students?

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

Beijing is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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.

Nagasaki is not popular with students.

Is Beijing or Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki.

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 Nagasaki. The city has four tram lines as well as city buses.

Is Beijing or Nagasaki a more walkable city?

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

Nagasaki is a somewhat walkable city. Many parts of the city can be explored by foot. The downtown is about a kilometer from Nagasaki Station and the Peace Park is several kilometers in the other direction from the station.

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 Nagasaki Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nagasaki or Beijing?

How long in Beijing or Nagasaki?

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

Families should spend more time in Beijing than Nagasaki. 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 Nagasaki. 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 Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki?

Beijing is a big city with plenty to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Nagasaki, 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 Nagasaki?

Beijing is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Nagasaki, 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 Nagasaki has to offer.

Five days in Beijing or Nagasaki?

Beijing is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Beijing, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki?

Beijing is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Beijing has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nagasaki. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Nagasaki. 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 Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.

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

Which is Bigger, Beijing or Nagasaki?

Beijing has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Nagasaki. When comparing the sizes of Beijing and Nagasaki, 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 Nagasaki?

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 Nagasaki in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Beijing as well as Nagasaki. Many travelers come to Beijing for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Nagasaki in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Beijing is around the same temperature as Nagasaki in the summer. The daily temperature in Beijing averages around 27°C (80°F) in July, and Nagasaki fluctuates around 27°C (81°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 Nagasaki. Beijing gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagasaki receives 197 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Nagasaki. Beijing receives a lot of rain in the summer. Beijing usually gets less rain in July than Nagasaki. Beijing gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Nagasaki receives 334 mm (13.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Beijing or Nagasaki in the Autumn?

Both Nagasaki and Beijing are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Beijing in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Nagasaki for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Beijing is cooler than Nagasaki. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Beijing in October average around 14°C (56°F), and Nagasaki averages at about 20°C (67°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beijing. Beijing usually receives more sunshine than Nagasaki during autumn. Beijing gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Nagasaki receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nagasaki. In October, Beijing usually receives less rain than Nagasaki. Beijing gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Nagasaki receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Beijing or Nagasaki in the Winter?

Both Nagasaki and Beijing during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Beijing for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Nagasaki because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Beijing can be very cold during winter. In January, Beijing is generally much colder than Nagasaki. Daily temperatures in Beijing average around -4°C (26°F), and Nagasaki fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

It's quite sunny in Beijing. In the winter, Beijing often gets more sunshine than Nagasaki. Beijing gets 201 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagasaki receives 112 hours of full sun.

Beijing usually gets less rain in January than Nagasaki. Beijing gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Nagasaki receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Beijing or Nagasaki in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Beijing and Nagasaki. The spring months attract visitors to Beijing because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the activities around the city are the main draw to Nagasaki this time of year.

Beijing is cooler than Nagasaki in the spring. The daily temperature in Beijing averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Nagasaki fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In Beijing, it's very sunny this time of the year. Beijing usually receives more sunshine than Nagasaki during spring. Beijing gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Nagasaki receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

Nagasaki receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Beijing usually receives less rain than Nagasaki. Beijing gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Nagasaki receives 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Nagasaki and Beijing