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

Should you visit Dubai or Canberra?

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 Canberra can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dubai

Dubai is a glamorous, opulent, and modern city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Canberra

Canberra is a diverse, under-rated, and cultural city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Dubai and Canberra: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dubai or Canberra?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Dubai than Canberra, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Dubai is more popular for its skiing, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Canberra is known for its hiking. Dubai is more touristy than Canberra and is known for its luxury shopping, glamorous resorts, city beaches, and ultramodern development style. It is also home to Burj Khalifa. Canberra is popular for its educational museums and the nearby nature reserves.

Burj Khalifa

How is Dubai different from Canberra?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Dubai or Canberra Better for Skiing?

Dubai is a decent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Canberra is not a skiing destination.

Dubai is a fun local destination for snow skiers. 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.

Canberra is not a skiing destination.

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

You'll find a number of great museums and attractions in both Canberra 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 Canberra can be an interesting and educational experience. As Australia's capital, there are a large number of museums around town that focus on everything from history and culture to science and nature. Some of the most interesting are the Australian War Memorial, the New Parliament House, the Museum of Australian Democracy, the National Gallery of Australia, and the National Science and Technology Centre, but there are many more.

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

Foodies will find both Dubai and Canberra both to be great destinations.

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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Canberra makes for a great culinary experience. There's a trendy culinary scene as well as nearby vineyards that provide great wine. You'll find everything from family-friendly and casual to upscale and fine dining.

Is Dubai or Canberra Better for Nightlife?

Dubai is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Dubai is a must-see party destination. Frequented by the wealthy and opulent, the city has world class night clubs and DJs that travel from around to world to perform.

Canberra has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are local pubs and music venues that offer fun entertainment in the evening. You can sip wine or practice your dance moves at one of the city's clubs.

Is Dubai or Canberra Better for Music?

Dubai is terrific for its live music scene. However, Canberra is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Dubai. The city attracts world famous international DJs and musicians giving it one of the world's best music scenes.

Canberra is not a live music destination.

Is Dubai or Canberra Better for Resorts?

Dubai is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Canberra is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Dubai is a great choice. Some of the most famous include Atlantis - The Palm, The Four Seasons, and Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.

Canberra is not a resort destination.

Is Dubai or Canberra Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Dubai is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Canberra is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Dubai has a few good snorkeling spots. One of the best scuba diving spots is Jumeirah Beach.

Canberra is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Dubai or Canberra Better for Beaches?

Dubai is a popular place for the beache. However, Canberra is not a beach destination.

Dubai is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Canberra is not a beach destination.

Is Dubai or Canberra Better for Hiking?

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

Many people include a hike when visiting Canberra. There's one national park - Namadgi, as well as green space, rolling hills, and hiking trails just outside of town.

Dubai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dubai or Canberra?

Dubai is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Dubai draws large crowds to its stores. 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.

Many visitors go to Canberra to go shopping. Caberra Centre is the city's largest shopping centre and it has all of the usual international brands.

Is Dubai or Canberra Better for Families?

You'll find great kid-friendly activities in either Dubai or Canberra.

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.

Canberra is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are interactive museums and science centers such as Questacon, the National Dinosaur Museum, and the National Zoo and Aquarium. There are also cultural and historical museums such as the Australian War Memorial, the Museum of Australian Democracy, and the National Museum of Australia. The city also has plenty of outdoor space and hands on crafts that kids will enjoy.

Is Dubai or Canberra Better for Couples?

Both Dubai and Canberra are good 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.

Canberra is a nice destination for couples. As the city has plenty of date night activities like nice restaurants, interesting shows, and trendy wineries. During the day you can explore the outdoor setting, have a picnic, or visit a vineyard.

Is Dubai or Canberra Better for Students?

Dubai is terrific for its student-friendly activities. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Many students frequent Dubai. Many major universities from around the world have campuses in this city, making this a top destination for international students.

Canberra is very popular with students. It's a welcoming city that is a fairly popular study abroad destination. Many students appreciate the friendly atmosphere, safe environment, and great economic setting.

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

Dubai and Canberra both offer good 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.

Canberra has a few public transit options. There are public buses as well as a light rail system. The Red Explorer Loop bus goes by many of the city's sights.

Is Dubai or Canberra a more walkable city?

Canberra is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Dubai is not known for its walkability.

Canberra is a somewhat walkable city. There are parts of the city that are walkable and possible to explore on foot, but in general this is a very car-centered city.

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 Canberra Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Canberra or Dubai?

How long in Dubai or Canberra?

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

Families should spend more time in Dubai than Canberra. 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 Canberra. 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 Dubai than Canberra 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 Dubai.

One day in Dubai or Canberra?

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 Canberra, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this diverse destination offers. This 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 Canberra?

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 Canberra. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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 Canberra?

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.

Canberra is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Canberra. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Dubai or Canberra?

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 food and shopping around the cultural destination of Canberra. 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 Walking Tours in Australia, and The Best Eco Tours in Australia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dubai and Canberra, we can see that Dubai is more expensive. And not only is Canberra much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dubai is in Middle East and Canberra 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 Canberra would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Canberra 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 Canberra.

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

Which is Bigger, Dubai or Canberra?

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

Canberra 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 Canberra in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dubai and Canberra. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dubai year-round. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Canberra because of the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Dubai can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Dubai is generally much warmer than Canberrain January. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 35°C (95°F), and Canberra fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In July, Dubai usually receives less rain than Canberrain January. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer. June to August in Dubai is the dry season.

Should I visit Dubai or Canberra in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Dubai as well as Canberra. Dubai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene are the main draw to Canberra this time of year.

Dubai is much warmer than Canberra in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 29°C (84°F) in October, and Canberra fluctuates around 17°C (63°F)in April.

It's quite rainy in Canberra. Dubai usually gets less rain in October than Canberrain April. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dubai or Canberra in the Winter?

Both Canberra and Dubai are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dubai throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Canberra for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Dubai is much warmer than Canberra. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dubai in January average around 19°C (66°F), and Canberra averages at about 11°C (52°F)in July.

In January, Dubai usually receives less rain than Canberrain July. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter. The rainy season in Dubai is January to March.

Should I visit Dubai or Canberra in the Spring?

Both Canberra and Dubai during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Dubai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Canberra in the spring for the activities around the city.

In April, Dubai is generally much warmer than Canberrain October. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 26°C (79°F), and Canberra fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

Dubai usually gets less rain in April than Canberrain October. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year. June to August is the dry season in Dubai.

Typical Weather for Canberra and Dubai