A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bucharest vs. Yogyakarta for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Old Town

Should you visit Bucharest or Yogyakarta?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Bucharest and Yogyakarta. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Bucharest

Bucharest is a cultural, charming, and historical city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Bucharest travel costs.

Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta is a colorful, youthful, and cultural city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Yogyakarta travel costs.

Bucharest and Yogyakarta: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Home to Borobudur Temple
Things to Consider
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Bucharest or Yogyakarta?

Both Yogyakarta and Bucharest have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Bucharest is better known for its big city activities, while Yogyakarta is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping. Yogyakarta is more touristy than Bucharest and is popular for its beautiful temples, divine food, and lively dance shows. Bucharest is well known for its wide avenues and longstanding religious institutions.

How is Bucharest different from Yogyakarta?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Yogyakarta and Bucharest. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bucharest or Yogyakarta?

Bucharest
Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta is renowned for its museums and landmarks. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Yogyakarta are among the most recognizable in the world. The city is known for it's cultural sights and temples. Kraton Yogyakarta is the palace where the Sultan lives. You should also visit Taman Sari Water Castle and Prambanan Temple. But for many visitors, Yogyakarta is seen as the gateway to the famed Borobudur Temple. This is the largest Buddhist temple in the world. It offers spectacular views and is best visited at sunrise.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bucharest. The city is rich in landmarks and historical buildings. Popular sights include the Romanian Athenaeum, the Palace of the Parliament, Stavropoleos Church, and Curtea Veche.


Is the Food Better in Bucharest or Yogyakarta? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bucharest
Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Yogyakarta. It's filled with street food stalls and cheap eateries where you can fill up on local Indonesian classics for a cheap price. Gudeg (stewed jackfruit), Satay, and Bakmi Jawa (Javanese noodles) are just some of the dishes that you must try.

Bucharest is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Many Romanian recipes have been passed down through the generations and they still use traditional flavors. You'll see some German or Hungarian influences, but the flavors are still uniquely Romanian. Popular dishes include ciorba (tripe soup), cabbage rolls, and mici (grilled meat rolls).

Is Bucharest or Yogyakarta Better for Nightlife?

Bucharest
Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Yogyakarta is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. With a large student population, you'll find many bars and live music venues around town. You'll also find night markets and plenty of theaters and live shows that you can enjoy.

If you're looking for night time activities Bucharest has a few options to choose from. The city has come to life with its party scene, with many bars and clubs that you can choose from. There are rooftop bars, chic dance clubs, and cozy pubs where you can pass the evening. You'll find most of the upscale clubs in the northern part of the city, with a more casual scene found in the downtown areas around Universitate and Romanā.

Is Bucharest or Yogyakarta Better for its Old Town?

Bucharest
Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta is well known for its old town. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Yogyakarta. Kota Gede is the city's old town. It's filled with silver shops, religious sites, and traditional architecture. You'll also find a traditional market in the heart of the old town where you can buy coconut, dry fish, and tofu, or simply browse the unique items.

Bucharest has an old town worth visiting. The old town dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries, with much of the historical charm seen in the architecture. Many of the buildings have been restored, but others are still awaiting repairs. This gives the area a sense of authenticity that you often miss in other old towns.


Is the Shopping Better in Bucharest or Yogyakarta?

Bucharest
Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Yogyakarta make it a world-class shopping destination. The city is filled with craftsmen and a local art scene that makes it a wonderful shopping destination. There are countless markets and shops where you can pick up local handicrafts that highlight the city's culture.

Bucharest has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The residents love fashion, and you'll find many shopping centers around town where you can find a good deal. In addition to the many malls, there are also antique shops, flea markets and boutique clothing stores where you might find a hidden gem.

Is Bucharest or Yogyakarta Better for Families?

Bucharest
Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta is a good destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Bucharest is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Yogyakarta. It's often overlooked by families, but the temples, culture, art scene, and friendly people all make this a surprisingly fun destination for those traveling with kids. You'll also find a number of adventure activities in the area as well.

For families, Bucharest is not always the best place to visit. Kid-friendly activities include kid's play areas, museums such as the Museum of the Senses, and water centered activities like rowing in the park or visiting the wellness center Therme.

Is Bucharest or Yogyakarta Better for Couples?

Bucharest
Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta is a good destination for its romantic activities. However, Bucharest is not particularly known for couples.

Yogyakarta makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city is filled with fun activities for couples such as a visit to Taman Pelangi at night, taking a walk along Jalan Malioboro, and taking in a traditional dance performance.

Bucharest is not always the best place to visit for a couple. The city has some romantic settings such as wandering down Victory Avenue or exploring the historic Cotroceni Neighbourhood. There are also several gardens and a number of nice cafes to explore.


Is Bucharest or Yogyakarta Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bucharest
Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta is well known for backpackers. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Yogyakarta is a great city to visit for backpackers. Backpackers who want to experience Indonesia's culture and friendly population will love a visit to this lively city. There are plenty of hostels and other travelers to meet, but there's also a uniquely Indonesian vibe to the city.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Bucharest. The city is affordable, but it's often overlooked by backpackers. Part of the charm for many is the sense of authenticity that can often be hard to find in travel these days.

Is Bucharest or Yogyakarta Better for Students?

Bucharest
Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta is a good destination for students. However, Bucharest is not popular with students.

Yogyakarta is popular with students. There's a large number of students in the city, which makes this a fun place to study abroad.

Bucharest is not popular with students.

Is Bucharest or Yogyakarta Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bucharest
Yogyakarta

Bucharest is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Yogyakarta is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Bucharest has some very good public transit options. Public transit options include trams, buses, and trolley buses.

Public transit is generally limited in Yogyakarta. There's a public bus system known as Trans Jogja, which is used by both tourists and locals. You can also hire motorbikes, becak, or Ojek.


Is Bucharest or Yogyakarta a more walkable city?

Bucharest
Yogyakarta

Bucharest and Yogyakarta both are notable when exploring on foot.

Bucharest is a somewhat walkable place. Many of the tourist attractions are within a walkable area.

Yogyakarta is a somewhat walkable city. Many of the main sights are accessible on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Bucharest Worth Visiting? and Is Yogyakarta Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Yogyakarta or Bucharest?

How long in Bucharest or Yogyakarta?

It's fun to spend time in either Bucharest or Yogyakarta. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Yogyakarta due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bucharest, and 2-4 days is enough time in Yogyakarta.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Yogyakarta than Bucharest 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 Yogyakarta.


  • How many days in Bucharest or Yogyakarta? Ideal Length of Stay
    Bucharest 1-3 
    Yogyakarta 2-4

One day in Bucharest or Yogyakarta?

With museums and nightlife around the less touristy city of Bucharest, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bucharest, one day is sufficent for most.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Yogyakarta. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Bucharest or Yogyakarta?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Bucharest, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the colorful destination of Yogyakarta. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.


Five days in Bucharest or Yogyakarta?

Bucharest, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural city of Yogyakarta. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Bucharest or Yogyakarta?

Bucharest is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Yogyakarta is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bucharest, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Romania, The Best Adventure Tours to Indonesia, and The Best Eco Tours in Indonesia.


Which place is cheaper, Yogyakarta or Bucharest?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Bucharest is $175, while the average daily cost in Yogyakarta is $65. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Bucharest and Yogyakarta in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bucharest $61
    Yogyakarta $36
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bucharest $122
    Yogyakarta $72
Compare Hotels in Bucharest and Yogyakarta

Looking for a hotel in Bucharest or Yogyakarta? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Bucharest


Hotels in Yogyakarta


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Bucharest Hotel Prices and Yogyakarta Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bucharest $25
    Yogyakarta $1.31

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bucharest

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bucharest:

  • Transfer from and to Henri Coanda Otopeni Airport(Bucharest only): $31
  • Transfer from Otopeni Henri Coandă Airport to Bucharest or Back: $26
  • Transfer from Otopeni Airport to Bucharest: $42
  • Transfer from Otopeni Airport to Bucharest: $28
  • Transfer from Bucharest to Therme every hour go and back: $63
  • Transfer from Bucharest to Brasov - Hotel Pick-up: $168
  • Transfer from Bucharest to Brasov: $157
  • Transfer and Full Access All Day at Therme Spa Bucharest : $104
  • Transfer Bucharest Airport to Brasov: $278
  • Transfer Airport Otopeni - Bucharest: $42
  • Transfer & Access for 4.5-Hour at Therme Bucuresti: $51
  • Transfer : $36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Yogyakarta

Also for Yogyakarta, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Borobudur Sunrise, Merapi Volcano & Prambanan Day Tour with Guide & Transfer: $85
  • Borobudur and Prambanan: Private Guided Day Trip With Transfer From Yogyakarta: $68
  • From Roundtrip Transfer to Borobudur Temple: $15
  • From/To Yogyakarta Airport Private Transfer: $37
  • Hotel transfer from Yogyakarta Airport/Train Station: $19
  • Indonesia: Yogyakarta Airport Transfer: $13
  • Jepara & One Way Private Transfer: $110
  • Prambanan Cycling and Temple Tour with Transfer: $48
  • Private Transfer Airport Jogyakarta ( Adisucipto ): $25
  • Private Transfer Airport Yogyakarta (JOG) to All City Destination: $7.00
  • Private Transfer From/To Yogyakarta Airport: $27
  • Private Transfer from Banguntapan to Yogyakarta Airport (JOG): $65

Is it cheaper to fly into Bucharest or Yogyakarta?

Prices for flights to both Yogyakarta and Bucharest change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Bucharest $98
    Yogyakarta $20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bucharest

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bucharest.

  • Dinner &tour at Museum of Communism after closing: $49
  • Dinner at the Museum of Communism & tour after closing: $51
  • 5 Premium Wine Tasting with Delightful Dinner,incl Sommelier: $71
  • Bucharest Historical Food Tour in Old Center: $79
  • Bohemian Bucharest Markets and Mahallas Traditional Food Tour: $79
  • Street Food Tour with a Local Guide: $82
  • Unhealthy Food Tour of Bucharest – 4 hours: $83
  • Bucharest Evening Tour and Traditional Dinner: $92
  • Private Bucharest Food Tour with a Local Foodie: $124
  • 4-Hour Walking Food Tour in the Old Town: $195
  • Bucharest City Tour & Traditional Home-made Cooking Experience: $219

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Yogyakarta

For Yogyakarta, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Ramayana Show with Transfer, Entry Fee & Dinner: $13
  • Night Walking & Street Food Tour: $22
  • Morning Walk and Food Tour: $22
  • Guided City Walk and Food Tour: $23
  • 3-hour Cooking Class with Market Tour: $27
  • Ramayana Ballet Performance with Optional Dinner: $29
  • Morning Food Tour in Yogyakarta: $29
  • Yogyakarta Historical Walking and Food Tour: $30
  • Yogyakarta Evening Walking and Food Tour: $30
  • Nighttime Walk and Food Tour: $37
  • Indonesian Cooking Class in Yogyakarta: $38
  • Cooking Class with Traditional Market Tour: $38

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bucharest $14
    Yogyakarta $16

Tours and Activities in Bucharest

Here are a few actual costs in Bucharest for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Bulgaria Private Tour from Bucharest, Veliko Tarnovo Medieval : $177
  • Transylvania Heritage Tour at Peles Bran and Cantacuzino Castles: $135
  • 1 Day Castles Tour - Sinaia and Bran: $132
  • 1-Day Guided Tour: Bucharest-Peles, Dracula Castle & Brasov: $26
  • 10 hours Private Apiary Tour in Romania - From Bucharest: $236
  • 10h Bucharest City Tour & Snagov Monastery (Dracula's Grave): $200
  • 2 Hour Photoshoot Experience Near Bucharest Architectural Charms: $126
  • 2-Day Medieval Transylvania with Brasov,Sibiu and Sighisoara Tour from Bucharest: $104
  • 2-Day Small-Group Tour to Dracula's Castle, Rasnov Fortress, Peles Castle, Sighisoara and Libearty Brown Bear Sanctuary with Overnight in Brasov: $195
  • 2-Hour Private Walking Tour in Bucharest: $21
  • 2h Bucharest Private Tour by Car : $84
  • 3 Hours Guided Bucharest Walking Tour: $43

Tours and Activities in Yogyakarta

For Yogyakarta, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Obelix Hills Entry Ticket: $1.51
  • Chicken Church at Karangrejo Village Admission Ticket: $1.88
  • Yogyakarta Batik Museum - Admission Ticket: $2.50
  • 2-Hour Crash Course City Intro on Walking Tour: $11
  • Jomblang Cave & Pindul Cave Including Guide, Lunch & Ticket: $12
  • Jomblang Cave and Pindul Cave Tour with Lunch: $13
  • Prambanan Temple Afternoon Tour: $13
  • Jomblang Cave & Pindul Cave Private Tour w/Lunch: $13
  • Night Walking Tour of Yogyakarta Cosmological Axis Landmark: $14
  • Yogyakarta:Jomblang cave, pindul cave guided tour with lunch: $14
  • Yogyakarta Merapi Volcano Jeep Adventure with English/France/Italia guide: $14
  • Jomblang Cave and Pindul Cave Daily Tour: $14

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bucharest $8.93
    Yogyakarta $4.87

Sample the Local Flavors in Bucharest

Also in Bucharest, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Weekend Pub Crawl: $23
  • Romanian Wine Tasting Experience at Corks: $31
  • Bachelor Party Custom Bar Crawl: $36
  • Bucharest Guided Pub Crawl: $37
  • Bar Crawling: $42
  • Pub Crawl in the Old CIty and Rooftop Hopping in Bucharest: $45
  • Private Wine Tasting Experience: $54
  • Pub Crawling in Style to the Most Fancy Bars, Drinks Incl.: $57
  • Private Bar Crawling in Bucharest Old City: $58
  • Wine Tasting in Bucharest long version: $65
  • Bucharest City Tour and Wine Tasting: $82
  • Wine Tasting and Cheese Platter, Along with Expert Sommelier: $87


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bucharest and Yogyakarta, we can see that Bucharest is more expensive. And not only is Yogyakarta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bucharest is in Europe and Yogyakarta is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Yogyakarta would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Yogyakarta 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 Bucharest would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bucharest than you might in Yogyakarta.

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


Which is Bigger, Bucharest or Yogyakarta?

Bucharest has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Yogyakarta. When comparing the sizes of Bucharest and Yogyakarta, 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.