A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dubai vs. Brisbane for Nightlife, Attractions, Food, and Beaches

Should you visit Dubai or Brisbane?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Dubai and Brisbane can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dubai

Dubai is a opulent, modern, and glamorous city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Brisbane

Brisbane is a diverse, cultural, and active coastal city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Dubai and Brisbane: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dubai or Brisbane?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Dubai than Brisbane. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Dubai is very popular for its skiing, food, nightlife, music, resorts, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Brisbane attracts visitors for its beaches and hiking. Dubai is more touristy than Brisbane and is known for its luxury shopping, glamorous resorts, city beaches, and ultramodern development style. It is also well known for Burj Khalifa. Brisbane is famous for its sports culture, beautiful weather, and outdoor areas.

Burj Khalifa

How is Dubai different from Brisbane?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Dubai or Brisbane Better for Skiing?

Dubai is adequate for skiing. However, Brisbane is not a skiing destination.

While in the area, visitors like to go to Dubai for snow skiing. Despite being a desert city, Dubai became famous for its massive indoor ski complex that covers 22,500 square meters. It is located in the Mall of the Emirates.

Brisbane is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Dubai or Brisbane?

You'll find a number of very good museums and attractions in both Brisbane and Dubai.

Many visitors head to Dubai specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city's most famous landmark is the Burj Khalifa, which is the tallest building in the world. Head to the observation deck for stunning views.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Brisbane can be an interesting and educational experience. The Cultural Centre is where you'll find many of the city's museums. It sits on the banks of the Brisbane River and is home to the State Library of Queensland, the Queensland Museum and Sciencentre, and Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art. This is also where you'll find the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. Also popular is the Brisbane Botanic Gardens and the Wheel of Brisbane.

Is the Food Better in Dubai or Brisbane? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dubai is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Dubai has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The national dish in the area is khuzi, or ghuzi, which is a meal of roasted lamb or mutton, prepared with rice vegetables and nuts.

Brisbane offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find all of the standard eateries around town, with casual cafes, family-friendly restaurants, and some fine dining experiences to choose from.

Is Dubai or Brisbane Better for Nightlife?

Dubai is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for nightlife.

Dubai has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. Frequented by the wealthy and opulent, the city has world class night clubs and DJs that travel from around to world to perform.

Brisbane has plenty to do after the sun goes down. Fortitude Valley is the entertainment district in the city, and it really comes to life at night. There are also many venues that take advantage of the beautiful weather with outdoor and rooftop bars.

Is Dubai or Brisbane Better for Music?

Dubai is an amazing city to visit for its music scene. However, Brisbane is not a live music destination.

Dubai has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city attracts world famous international DJs and musicians giving it one of the world's best music scenes.

Brisbane is not a live music destination.

Is Dubai or Brisbane Better for Resorts?

Dubai is an amazing city to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Brisbane is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Dubai is a perfect choice. Some of the most famous include Atlantis - The Palm, The Four Seasons, and Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.

Brisbane is not a resort destination.

Is Dubai or Brisbane Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Dubai and Brisbane both offer nice scuba diving or snorkeling spots.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Dubai. One of the best scuba diving spots is Jumeirah Beach.

Brisbane has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are some good snorkeling and diving spots near the city. One of the best is the Tangalooma Wrecks off Moreton Island.

Is Dubai or Brisbane Better for Beaches?

Brisbane is a great coastal city for the beach. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its beaches.

Brisbane is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. For the best beaches, you'll want to take a day trip out of town, but there are also some nice beaches right by the city. About 30 minutes from town is family-friend Suttons Beach, or you can stay in the city center and check out the man-made Streets Beach. Shorncliffe Beach is another option that's less than a half hour from town.

Dubai has a beach worth visiting. There are a number of both private and public beaches in the city. They are almost all man-made, so they are large, flat, and have soft sand. It's also generally safe to swim at most beaches.

Is Dubai or Brisbane Better for Hiking?

Brisbane is very good for hiking. However, Dubai is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Brisbane. There are a number of hikes outside of town that you can enjoy as a day trip. Check out the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, Keperra Bushland Reserve, or D'Aguilar National Park to the north of town. To the south is Toohey Forest Park, Springwood Conservation Park , and Venmans Bushland National Park.

Dubai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dubai or Brisbane?

Dubai is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for shopping.

Many people travel to Dubai specifically to go shopping. With its many malls, souks, and shopping areas, this is the place to go for luxury shopping. Popular items to purchase include gold and diamond jewelry, shawls, and Persian rugs.

Brisbane is an extremely popular place for shoppers. It's one of the most popular cities for retail therapy in Queensland. Queen Street Mall is an open air shopping mall and James Street is a favorite shopping street in town.

Is Dubai or Brisbane Better for Families?

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Dubai or Brisbane.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Dubai. This city has family-friendly resorts, skyscrapers with spectacular views, and amusement parks that are fun for the whole family. There are also plenty of fountains that the kids can splash around in.

Brisbane is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love a visit to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary or White Ridge Farm. And, of course, you should take a ride on the iconic Wheel of Brisbane. If you're willing to head out of town you can visit the fun Tangalooma Island Resort. Streets Beach is also fun to visit.

Is Dubai or Brisbane Better for Couples?

Both Dubai and Brisbane are nice destinations to visit as a couple.

Dubai is a good city for couples to visit. From the spectacular views to the high end resorts, couples can enjoy a romantic retreat to the city.

Brisbane is a nice destination for couples. The waterfront setting and romantic restaurants offer a nice getaway for couples. There are many outdoor spaces that are fun to explore as well.

Is Dubai or Brisbane Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brisbane is a great coastal city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Dubai is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Brisbane. Many backpackers breeze through Brisbane in favor of other nearby destinations, but there are actually a number of hostels in town and some interesting things to do.

Dubai is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It is known to be an expensive and not so backpacker friendly city, but there are some hostels around that you can stay at.

Is Dubai or Brisbane Better for Students?

Dubai is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Dubai. Many major universities from around the world have campuses in this city, making this a top destination for international students.

Brisbane is a great city to visit as a student. Many students appreciate the local vibe, warm weather, and excellent education opportunities that the city offers.

Is Dubai or Brisbane Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Dubai and Brisbane both offer nice public transit to get you around.

While Dubai offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The city's public transportation system includes buses, water buses, a monorail system, and a metro.

Brisbane has a few public transit options. There are buses, trains, and ferries around town, but many people prefer to have their own vehicle. Ferries are the most fun and scenic way to get around.

Is Dubai or Brisbane a more walkable city?

Brisbane is a great coastal city for its ease of walking around. However, Dubai is not known for its walkability.

Brisbane is a very walkable destination. There's a good network of paths that make parts of the city walkable.

Dubai is generally not very walkable. It is one of the less pedestrian-friendly cities around the world. There is lots of road work, even in the more walkable areas, so getting around on foot can be challenging.

For even more information, also check out Is Dubai Worth Visiting? and Is Brisbane Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Brisbane or Dubai?

How long in Dubai or Brisbane?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Brisbane than Dubai 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 Brisbane.

One day in Dubai or Brisbane?

Dubai is a big city with plenty to do. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 Brisbane, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this diverse destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This coastal 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.

A weekend in Dubai or Brisbane?

Dubai is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Brisbane. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Dubai or Brisbane?

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

Brisbane is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Brisbane. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Dubai or Brisbane?

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

You'll find museums and nightlife around the diverse destination of Brisbane. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Dubai, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Arab Emirates, The Best Luxury Tours to Australia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Australia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dubai and Brisbane, we can see that Dubai is more expensive. And not only is Brisbane much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dubai is in Middle East and Brisbane is in Pacific, 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 Brisbane would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Brisbane 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 Dubai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dubai than you might in Brisbane.

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

Which is Bigger, Dubai or Brisbane?

Dubai has a larger population, and is about 19% larger than the population of Brisbane. When comparing the sizes of Dubai and Brisbane, 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 Dubai or Brisbane?

Brisbane has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Dubai experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Dubai or Brisbane in the Summer?

Both Brisbane and Dubai are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dubai throughout the year. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Brisbane this time of year.

It's very hot in Dubai this time of the year. Dubai is a little warmer than Brisbane in the summer. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 35°C (95°F) in July, and Brisbane fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in January.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Brisbane. In July, Dubai usually receives less rain than Brisbanein January. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 169 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer. The dry season in Dubai is June to August.

Should I visit Dubai or Brisbane in the Autumn?

Both Brisbane and Dubai during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Dubai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Brisbane for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Dubai is a little warmer than Brisbane. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dubai in October average around 29°C (84°F), and Brisbane averages at about 22°C (71°F)in April.

Brisbane gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Dubai usually gets less rain in October than Brisbanein April. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dubai or Brisbane in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dubai and Brisbane. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dubai year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Brisbane in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Dubai is generally a little warmer than Brisbanein July. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 19°C (66°F), and Brisbane fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In January, Dubai usually receives less rain than Brisbanein July. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter. Also, January to March is the rainy season in Dubai.

Should I visit Dubai or Brisbane in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Dubai as well as Brisbane. Dubai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Brisbane for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

Dubai is a little warmer than Brisbane in the spring. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 26°C (79°F) in April, and Brisbane fluctuates around 21°C (69°F)in October.

Dubai usually gets less rain in April than Brisbanein October. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to August in Dubai is the dry season.

Typical Weather for Brisbane and Dubai