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

Should you visit Dubai or Nara?

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 Nara 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. And you can't forget about the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Nara

Nara is a tranquil, natural, and historic city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Dubai and Nara: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dubai or Nara?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Dubai than Nara, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Dubai is more popular for its skiing, food, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Nara is known for its historical sights and hiking. Dubai is more touristy than Nara and is popular for its luxury shopping, glamorous resorts, city beaches, and ultramodern development style. It is also home to Burj Khalifa. Nara is popular for its many temples and shrines, its beautiful natural areas, and its free roaming deer.

Burj Khalifa

How is Dubai different from Nara?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Dubai or Nara Better for Skiing?

Dubai is a moderate city for snow skiing. However, Nara 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.

Nara is not a skiing destination.

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

You'll find a number of great museums and attractions in both Nara 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 Nara can be an interesting and educational experience. 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 Dubai or Nara? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dubai is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Nara is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Dubai. 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.

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 Dubai or Nara Better for Nightlife?

Dubai is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Nara is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Dubai is a world class 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.

Nara has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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 Dubai or Nara Better for Music?

Dubai is a must-visit destination for its live music scene. However, Nara is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Dubai The city attracts world famous international DJs and musicians giving it one of the world's best music scenes.

Nara is not a live music destination.

Is Dubai or Nara Better for Resorts?

Dubai is a must-visit destination for its resorts. However, Nara 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.

Nara is not a resort destination.

Is Dubai or Nara Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

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

Nara is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Dubai or Nara Better for Beaches?

Dubai is a popular place for the beache. However, Nara 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.

Nara is not a beach destination.

Is Dubai or Nara Better for its Old Town?

Nara is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Dubai does not have a historic old town.

Nara has an old town worth visiting. 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.

Dubai does not have a historic old town.

Is Dubai or Nara Better for Hiking?

Nara is a great city for hiking. However, Dubai is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Nara for the hiking trails. 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.

Dubai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dubai or Nara?

Dubai is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Nara is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Dubai make it a world-class shopping destination. 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 explore the shopping areas in 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 Dubai or Nara Better for Families?

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

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.

Nara is 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.

Is Dubai or Nara Better for Couples?

Nara is a great city for couples. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Nara is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

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

Is Dubai or Nara Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nara is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Dubai is not known for backpackers.

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.

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 Nara Better for Students?

Dubai is a must-visit destination for students. However, Nara is not popular with 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.

Nara is not popular with students.

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

Nara is a great city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Nara offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are city buses that will take you through town and to the many tourist spots.

Dubai has a few public transit options. The city's public transportation system includes buses, water buses, a monorail system, and a metro.

Is Dubai or Nara a more walkable city?

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

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 Nara Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nara or Dubai?

How long in Dubai or Nara?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Dubai or Nara to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Dubai 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 Dubai, and 1-2 days is enough time in Nara.

Families should spend more time in Dubai than Nara. 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.

One day in Dubai or Nara?

Dubai is a big city destination where you can fill many days. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this tranquil destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Dubai or Nara?

Dubai is a fun place to experience. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nara. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Nara?

Dubai is a opulent big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Nara is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Nara. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Dubai or Nara?

Dubai is a modern city where you can fill many days. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the historic destination of Nara. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Japan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Japan.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Dubai or Nara?

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

Nara 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 Nara in the Summer?

Both Nara and Dubai during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Dubai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Nara because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Dubai can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Dubai is generally a little warmer than Nara. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 35°C (95°F), and Nara fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

Nara gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Dubai usually gets less rain in July than Nara. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Nara receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain this time of the year. June to August is the dry season in Dubai.

Should I visit Dubai or Nara in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dubai and Nara. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dubai year-round. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Nara this time of year.

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

Nara receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Dubai usually receives less rain than Nara. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Nara receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Dubai or Nara in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Dubai as well as Nara. Dubai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Nara for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Nara. In the winter, Dubai is much warmer than Nara. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dubai in January average around 19°C (66°F), and Nara averages at about 4°C (40°F).

Dubai usually gets less rain in January than Nara. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Nara receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year. January to March in Dubai is the rainy season.

Should I visit Dubai or Nara in the Spring?

Both Nara and Dubai are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dubai throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Nara in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Dubai is generally much warmer than Nara. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 26°C (79°F), and Nara fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nara. In April, Dubai usually receives less rain than Nara. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Nara receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Dubai is June to August.

Typical Weather for Nara and Dubai