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

Should you visit Dubai or Sendai?

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 Sendai 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Sendai

Sendai is a vibrant, cosmopolitan, and lively 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 Sendai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dubai or Sendai?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Dubai. Although Dubai and Sendai are about the same size, Dubai has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Dubai is popular for its luxury shopping, glamorous resorts, city beaches, and ultramodern development style. It is also home to Burj Khalifa. Sendai is popular for the Tanabata Festival, which is the largest of its kind and held every August.

Burj Khalifa

How is Dubai different from Sendai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Dubai or Sendai Better for Skiing?

Dubai is a decent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Sendai 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.

Sendai is not a skiing destination.

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

You'll find a number of excellent museums and attractions in both Sendai 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 Sendai can be an interesting and educational experience. The city grew up as a castle town, and today the castle ruins are a popular tourist destination. A park surrounds the area, Aobayama Park, and while only the stonewalls remain, you can visit the Sendai City Museum in the park as well. Zuihoden Temple is another landmark worth visiting, as is the AER observation terrace.

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

Dubai is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Sendai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Dubai has a huge number of terrific 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Sendai area. There are a number of local specialties in the area and if you're an adventurous eater, then this is your place. Many of the dishes are influenced by the city's proximity to the ocean. Make sure you try the harako-meshi (rice with fish eggs), sea squirts, and sashimi. Another local favorite is beef tongue.

Is Dubai or Sendai Better for Nightlife?

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

Dubai is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. Frequented by the wealthy and opulent, the city has world class night clubs and DJs that travel from around to world to perform.

The people in Sendai know how to have a good time. Head to Kokubuncho for the best nightlife scene in the area. This downtown neighborhood is filled with bars, clubs, and karaoke that come alive in the evening. For live music, check out Rensa, which is one of the city's largest live music venues.

Is Dubai or Sendai Better for Music?

Dubai is renowned for its live music scene. However, Sendai 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.

Sendai is not a live music destination.

Is Dubai or Sendai Better for Resorts?

Dubai is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Sendai is not a resort destination.

Dubai offers an unforgettable resort vacation. Some of the most famous include Atlantis - The Palm, The Four Seasons, and Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.

Sendai is not a resort destination.

Is Dubai or Sendai Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Dubai is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Sendai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Dubai has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. One of the best scuba diving spots is Jumeirah Beach.

Sendai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Dubai or Sendai Better for Beaches?

Dubai and Sendai are good choices for a beach vacation.

Many people head to Dubai to enjoy the beach. 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.

Sendai has a beach worth visiting. There are a number of beaches in the area, but for the best options you'll want to head a bit out of town.

Is the Shopping Better in Dubai or Sendai?

Dubai is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Sendai 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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Sendai. You'll find shopping arcades in the downtown area like Ichibancho, which is one of the most popular shopping districts in the city. If you head out of town towards the suburbs, you'll find malls and other outlet stores.

Is Dubai or Sendai Better for Families?

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Dubai or Sendai.

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.

Sendai is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of green spaces that kids will enjoy including parks and playgrounds. There are also kid-focused museums like the Anpanman Children's Museum and the 3M Sendai City Science Museum. If the young ones really need a break from the history, you can check out Yagiyama Beny Land.

Is Dubai or Sendai Better for Couples?

Both Dubai and Sendai 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.

Sendai is a nice destination for couples. The city boasts beautiful temples as well as nice natural areas, parks, and gardens. If you have time to get out of town, Okama is a volcanic lake that is one of the most beautiful spots in the region, and well worth the excursion.

Is Dubai or Sendai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Sendai is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels around the town and many of the activities are free as they involve strolling through parks or wandering down shopping streets.

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 Sendai Better for Students?

Dubai is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Sendai is not popular with students.

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

Sendai is not popular with students.

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

Sendai 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.

Sendai offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are two subway lines the north-south Namboku Line and the east-west Tozai Line. These lines cross at Sendai Station.

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 Sendai a more walkable city?

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

Sendai is a very walkable destination. There are many parts of the city that are walkable, especially around Sendai Station as well as in the Chuo-dori arcade and the the Kokubuncho neighborhood.

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 Sendai Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sendai or Dubai?

How long in Dubai or Sendai?

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

Families should spend more time in Dubai than Sendai. 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 Sendai. 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 Sendai 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 Sendai?

Dubai is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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 one day exploring.

In Sendai, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this lively 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 Sendai?

Dubai is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sendai. 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 Sendai?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dubai. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

A week in Dubai or Sendai?

Dubai is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

You'll find food and shopping around the lively destination of Sendai. 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 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Dubai or Sendai?

Dubai has a larger population, and is about 10% larger than the population of Sendai. When comparing the sizes of Dubai and Sendai, 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 Sendai?

Sendai 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 Sendai in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dubai and Sendai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dubai year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Sendai for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Dubai can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Dubai is generally much warmer than Sendai. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 35°C (95°F), and Sendai fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Sendai receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Dubai usually receives less rain than Sendai. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the summer. June to August in Dubai is the dry season.

Should I visit Dubai or Sendai in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Dubai as well as Sendai. Dubai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Sendai in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Dubai is much warmer than Sendai in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 29°C (84°F) in October, and Sendai fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

It's quite rainy in Sendai. Dubai usually gets less rain in October than Sendai. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dubai or Sendai in the Winter?

Both Sendai 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, most visitors come to Sendai for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Sendai can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Dubai is much warmer than Sendai. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dubai in January average around 19°C (66°F), and Sendai averages at about 2°C (35°F).

In January, Dubai usually receives less rain than Sendai. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 42 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 Sendai in the Spring?

Both Sendai 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, the spring months attract visitors to Sendai because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Dubai is generally much warmer than Sendai. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 26°C (79°F), and Sendai fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

Dubai usually gets less rain in April than Sendai. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year. June to August is the dry season in Dubai.

Typical Weather for Sendai and Dubai