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

Should you visit Beijing or Nagoya?

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 Nagoya 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.

Nagoya

Nagoya is a often overlooked, under-the-radar, and under-rated city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Beijing and Nagoya: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Beijing or Nagoya?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Beijing than Nagoya. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Beijing is more touristy than Nagoya 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. Nagoya is famous for its local cuisine, historic shrines, and long running shipping industry.

How is Beijing different from Nagoya?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Beijing is very popular for its museums and history. Also, Nagoya 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 Nagoya specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are shrines, temples, and other interesting sights in the city. Atsuta Jingu is an important Shinto shrine. Nagoya Castle is another interesting place to visit. If you're willing to head out of the city center a bit, the Meiji-mura Village Museum is an open air museum that has interesting Japanese architecture. There are also interesting museums in town such as the Nagoya City Art Museums and the Toyota Techno and Toyota Automobile Museums.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Beijing and Nagoya can be an enjoyable experience.

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.

Eat your way through Nagoya, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The city has a strong food culture that's referred to as Nagoya meshi. It's a popular destination for foodies to Japan, even though the city itself is often overlooked by tourists. The city's food uses a lot of local vegetables and its influenced by several international flavors. Important ingredients in the dishes include unagi (freshwater eel), Nagoya cochin (chicken), tamari (soy sauce), and mame miso.

Is Beijing or Nagoya Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Beijing or Nagoya 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 Nagoya has something for everybody. There are many bars around town, many of which have an international theme. Later in the evening, many people head out to a nightclubs, most of which are concentrated in either Sakae and Shin-sakae.

Is the Shopping Better in Beijing or Nagoya?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Nagoya 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 Nagoya. You'll find everything from large shopping malls to street markets and local vendors. Many people head to Nagoya Station for shopping, but Osu Shotengai is another interesting shopping area in the city's old town.

Is Beijing or Nagoya Better for Families?

Nagoya is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Nagoya is an extremely popular city to visit for families. There are a large number of attractions for families in the area. This city is where you'll find Legoland Japan, which is one of the most popular activities to do with kids. The city also has the Sea Life Aquarium, which is located in the Legoland Hotel. Next to Legoland you'll find the SCMaglev and Railway Park. Another great activity is a visit to the Nagoya Public Aquarium, which is one of the biggest aquariums in Japan. There are dolphins, orcas, and many different ecosystems to explore. Nearby is the Sea Train Land amusement park.

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 Nagoya Better for Couples?

Both Beijing and Nagoya 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.

Nagoya is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy visiting the Nagoya Castle or checking out the dolphin and orca shows at the Nagoya Public Aquarium. Noritake Garden is a nice place to explore. There are also many coffee shops in town as well as museums and temples.

Is Beijing or Nagoya Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Beijing is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Nagoya 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.

Nagoya is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Although the city is often overlooked by tourists, there are a limited number of hostels in town, so they fill up quickly. You should make reservations well in advance if budget is a priority.

Is Beijing or Nagoya Better for Students?

Beijing is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Nagoya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for 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.

Nagoya is popular with students. Nagoya University has been working to grow its international population. This is a fun and dynamic city that makes a great place to study.

Is Beijing or Nagoya 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 Nagoya.

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 Nagoya. The city has both a subway and public buses. The main bus stations are at Nagoya Station and Sakae Station and there are six subway lines throughout the city.

Is Beijing or Nagoya a more walkable city?

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

Nagoya is a very walkable destination. The downtown area, where you'll find many of the sights, is walkable. The distances vary, but many sights can be reached 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 Nagoya Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nagoya or Beijing?

How long in Beijing or Nagoya?

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

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

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

Beijing is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

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

Beijing is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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

Five days in Beijing or Nagoya?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Beijing. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Nagoya 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 Nagoya?

Beijing is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nagoya. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Nagoya. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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 Luxury Tours to Japan, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Japan.

When comparing the travel costs between Beijing and Nagoya, we can see that Nagoya is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Beijing or Nagoya?

Beijing has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Nagoya. When comparing the sizes of Beijing and Nagoya, 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 Nagoya?

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 Nagoya in the Summer?

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

Beijing is around the same temperature as Nagoya in the summer. The daily temperature in Beijing averages around 27°C (80°F) in July, and Nagoya fluctuates around 27°C (80°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 Nagoya. Beijing gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagoya receives 170 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Nagoya. Beijing receives a lot of rain in the summer. Beijing usually gets less rain in July than Nagoya. Beijing gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Nagoya receives 213 mm (8.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Beijing or Nagoya in the Autumn?

Both Nagoya 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 Nagoya for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Beijing is cooler than Nagoya. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Beijing in October average around 14°C (56°F), and Nagoya averages at about 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beijing. Beijing usually receives more sunshine than Nagoya during autumn. Beijing gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Nagoya receives 176 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nagoya. In October, Beijing usually receives less rain than Nagoya. Beijing gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Nagoya receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Beijing or Nagoya in the Winter?

Both Nagoya 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 Nagoya because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Nagoya can be very cold. Beijing can be very cold during winter. In January, Beijing is generally much colder than Nagoya. Daily temperatures in Beijing average around -4°C (26°F), and Nagoya fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

It's quite sunny in Beijing. In the winter, Beijing often gets more sunshine than Nagoya. Beijing gets 201 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagoya receives 180 hours of full sun.

Beijing usually gets less rain in January than Nagoya. Beijing gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Nagoya receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Beijing or Nagoya in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Beijing and Nagoya. 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 Nagoya this time of year.

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

In Beijing, it's very sunny this time of the year. Beijing usually receives more sunshine than Nagoya during spring. Beijing gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Nagoya receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

Nagoya receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Beijing usually receives less rain than Nagoya. Beijing gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Nagoya receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Nagoya and Beijing