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

Should you visit Beijing or Nara?

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 Nara 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. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Beijing is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Beijing travel costs.

Nara

Nara is a historic, cultural, and traditional city. Nara offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and hiking. See Nara travel costs.

Beijing and Nara: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Beijing or Nara?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Beijing than Nara, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Beijing is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, and big city activities, while Nara is known for its historical sights and hiking. Beijing is more touristy than Nara 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. Nara is popular for its many temples and shrines, its beautiful natural areas, and its free roaming deer.

How is Beijing different from Nara?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Beijing is a must-visit destination for its sights and museums. Also, Nara is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Beijing are among the most recognizable in the world. 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 Nara specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is filled with history. There are many ancient temples such as Tōdai-ji Temple, Kofuku-ji Temple, Yakushi-ji Temple, and Tōshōdai-ji Temple. You can also visit the Nara National Museum as well as the many parks and gardens.

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

Beijing is a must-visit destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Nara is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Nara is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The cuisine is simple and traditional with its roots in the history of the area. Many residents start their morning with a simple rice porridge. The area is also known for its persimmon leaf sushi and miwa somen (a thin, chewy noodle).

Is Beijing or Nara Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Beijing or Nara 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 Nara has something for everybody. The town offers a serene and relaxed atmosphere at night. There are plenty of bars around town that are known for their friendly bartenders and you'll find many of the bars in Naramachi, which is the old town area.

Is Beijing or Nara Better for its Old Town?

Nara is a city with good options for its historic old town charm. However, Beijing does not have a historic old town.

Nara offers a nice historic old town area. Naramachi is the old town of Nara. This is the old merchant district and today you'll find several traditional residential buildings and warehouses that are open to the public.

Beijing does not have a historic old town.

Is Beijing or Nara Better for Hiking?

Nara is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Beijing is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Nara. The city is all about its surrounding nature. There are historic pilgrim routes that pass through the hills and mountains, taking you by sacred sights and ancient forests. In the area you'll find some of Japan's most ancient byways.

Beijing is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Beijing or Nara?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Nara 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 Nara. Sanjo-dori is the main street through town. This is where you'll find many souvenir shops that sell local items and traditional food. Mochiido Center Town is the oldest shopping arcade in town and it is filled with history.

Is Beijing or Nara More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of good scenery and beauty in both Beijing and Nara.

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.

Nara is a gorgeous place to visit. The city is filled with green space, parks, and natural areas. You'll find deer roaming freely and tranquil lawns where you can relax.

Is Beijing or Nara Better for Families?

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

Nara is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Head to Nara Park for a bit of nature in the city. Deer roam freely in the park, which is filled with pine trees and beautiful lawns. Kids will also appreciate a visit to Ikomasanjo Amusement Park or the NARAMACHI-KARAKURI Toy Museum. You can also take a ride on the Ikoma Cable Line or spend some time at the Tennenyamato Hot Spring Nara Kenko Land.

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 Nara Better for Couples?

Nara is a great destination for couples. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Nara frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The city is smaller than you might expect, and it's filled with green space and parks. You can wander through Nara Park, see the deer, and soak up the romantic atmosphere. You can also visit one of the beautiful temples such as Todaiji Temple. Many couples also enjoy exploring Yoshikien Garden.

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 Nara Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Beijing is notable for backpackers. Also, Nara is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Beijing is a great city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Nara is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels in the area that cater to backpackers and the budget travel crowd.

Is Beijing or Nara Better for Students?

Beijing is notable for students. However, Nara 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.

Nara is not popular with students.

Is Beijing or Nara 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 Nara.

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 Nara. There are city buses that will take you through town and to the many tourist spots.

Is Beijing or Nara a more walkable city?

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

Nara is a very walkable destination. Many of the sights are within walking distance of each other, so many visitors enjoy exploring 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 Nara Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nara or Beijing?

How long in Beijing or Nara?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Beijing or Nara to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Beijing than Nara 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 Nara.

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

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

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

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 Nara, you'll find nightlife and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Nara?

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 Nara, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nara has to offer.

Five days in Beijing or Nara?

Beijing is a massive 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.

Nara is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Nara?

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 Nara. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Nara. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Japan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Japan.

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

Which is Bigger, Beijing or Nara?

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

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 Nara in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Beijing and Nara. Many travelers come to Beijing for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Nara in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

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

In Beijing, it's very sunny this time of the year. Beijing usually receives more sunshine than Nara during summer. Beijing gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Nara receives 183 hours of full sun in the summer.

Nara receives a lot of rain in the summer. Beijing gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Beijing usually receives around the same amount of rain as Nara. Beijing gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Nara receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Beijing or Nara in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Beijing as well as Nara. 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. Additionally, most visitors come to Nara for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Beijing is cooler than Nara in the autumn. The daily temperature in Beijing averages around 14°C (56°F) in October, and Nara fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beijing this time of the year. In the autumn, Beijing often gets more sunshine than Nara. Beijing gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nara receives 159 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Nara. Beijing usually gets less rain in October than Nara. Beijing gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Nara receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Beijing or Nara in the Winter?

Both Nara and Beijing are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Beijing for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Nara because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Nara can be very cold. Beijing can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Beijing is much colder than Nara. Typically, the winter temperatures in Beijing in January average around -4°C (26°F), and Nara averages at about 4°C (40°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beijing. Beijing usually receives more sunshine than Nara during winter. Beijing gets 201 hours of sunny skies, while Nara receives 140 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Beijing usually receives less rain than Nara. Beijing gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Nara receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Beijing or Nara in the Spring?

Both Nara and Beijing during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Beijing because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Nara this time of year.

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

It's quite sunny in Beijing. In the spring, Beijing often gets more sunshine than Nara. Beijing gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nara receives 176 hours of full sun.

Nara gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Beijing usually gets less rain in April than Nara. Beijing gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Nara receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Nara and Beijing