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

Should you visit Dubai or Sydney?

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 Sydney 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. Other popular activities here include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Sydney

Sydney is a adventurous, glamorous , and diverse 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 food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Dubai and Sydney: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dubai or Sydney?

Both Sydney and Dubai have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Dubai is very popular for its skiing, music, and resorts, while Sydney attracts visitors for its museums, beaches, and hiking. Dubai is famous for its luxury shopping, glamorous resorts, city beaches, and ultramodern development style. Sydney is famous for its iconic buildings, world-renowned beaches, colorful nightlife, and cosmopolitan restaurants.

How is Dubai different from Sydney?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Dubai or Sydney Better for Skiing?

Dubai is a city with a few options for winter skiing. However, Sydney 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.

Sydney is not a skiing destination.

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

Sydney is a world-class destination for its historical sights. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Sydney has many famous sights for visitors. The city is filled with iconic and world famous landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. There's also the famous Royal Botanic Garden and the Sydney Tower Eye.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Dubai can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

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

Foodies will find both Dubai and Sydney both to be excellent 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, Sydney makes for a great culinary experience. There are international restaurants offering impressive dishes from around the world. You'll also find some local Australian favorites around town. Seafood is abundant, as are a number of Asian cuisines. Barramundi is a local fish that you'll find on many menus. Oysters, prawns, and John Dory (a local fish) are also popular.

Is Dubai or Sydney Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find terrific options in both Dubai and Sydney.

People head to Dubai just to party. Frequented by the wealthy and opulent, the city has world class night clubs and DJs that travel from around to world to perform.

The nightlife in Sydney is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The city is filled with nightclubs and DJ hosted dance parties. There's a huge young crowd that brings together residents, students, and backpackers in a vibrant nightlife scene. Some of the best areas for nightlife are Kings Cross, Oxford Street, Surry Hills or Darling Harbour.

Is Dubai or Sydney Better for Music?

Dubai is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Sydney is not a live music destination.

In Dubai you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. The city attracts world famous international DJs and musicians giving it one of the world's best music scenes.

Sydney is not a live music destination.

Is Dubai or Sydney Better for Resorts?

Dubai is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Sydney 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.

Sydney is not a resort destination.

Is Dubai or Sydney Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Dubai and Sydney 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.

Sydney has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There's some good snorkeling and diving nearby with a diversity of marine life and interesting ecosystems. Some of the best snorkeling spots are at Palm Beach, Shelly Beach, and Clifton Gardens.

Is Dubai or Sydney Better for Beaches?

Sydney is a world-class destination for the beach. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its beaches.

With world-famous beaches, Sydney is a very popular vacation destination. There are more than 100 beaches near the city with everything from hidden coves to world famous destinations. Bondi Beach is the most famous beach in town and it has all of the tourist sights and activities that you could need. Surfers often head to Bronte Beach, which isn't too far away. Divers and snorkelers love Gordons Bay. Manly is also a nearby suburb with family-friendly beaches that can be reached by ferry.

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 Sydney Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors go to Sydney for the hiking trails. The city offers a number of coastal and inland trails that are easily accessible from town. There are short paths as well as multi-day routes not far and pass by stunning landscapes and viewpoints.

Dubai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dubai or Sydney?

If you're looking to go shopping, Dubai and Sydney both offer plenty of terrific spots.

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.

Sydney is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. There's a wonderful mix of shopping streets, modern malls, and boutique vendors who sell local fashions. For souvenirs or local art, go to The Rocks, which is not far from Sydney Opera House. The Queen Victoria Building and Strand Arcade are also popular shopping areas.

Is Dubai or Sydney Better for Families?

Sydney is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Sydney is one of the most popular family destinations. The city has great beaches where kids can learn to surf, zoos and aquariums with local wildlife, and outdoor activities that take advantage of the city's waterfront location. There's everything from whale watching to visiting the Olympic Park, all of which will fascinate kids of all ages.

Dubai is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Is Dubai or Sydney Better for Couples?

Sydney is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Sydney has plenty to offer. It's a romantic city that's filled with iconic landmarks like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. There are also award winning restaurants and world class beaches. Wander around the botanical gardens or take a sailing cruise on the harbor. There is an endless supply of romantic activities to choose from.

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 Sydney Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sydney is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Dubai is not known for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Sydney, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. It's popular for its adventure sports, active beaches, and vibrant nightlife. While it's not a particularly cheap city to visit, there are plenty of hostels around town and no shortage of backpackers to hang out with.

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 Sydney Better for Students?

For students, both Dubai and Sydney are terrific places to visit.

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.

Sydney is a great destination for students. Students love the energy and plethora of outdoor activities in this beautiful city. Many international students come not only for the excellent universities but also for the diverse environment and many things to do.

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

Sydney is a world-class destination 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.

With a huge network, the transit system in Sydney can get you around easily. There are a variety of types of public transit in town including buses, trains, ferries and light rail.

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 Sydney a more walkable city?

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

Sydney is a very walkable destination. The city center and nearby suburbs are relatively easy to walk around. On the western side of the city, the suburbs are much less 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 Sydney Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sydney or Dubai?

How long in Dubai or Sydney?

Both Dubai and Sydney have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Sydney has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Sydney than Dubai. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sydney 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 Sydney.

One day in Dubai or Sydney?

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 Sydney, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this glamorous big city offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Sydney?

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 Sydney. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Dubai or Sydney?

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.

Sydney is a fun place to experience. In Sydney, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this big city destination offers. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Dubai or Sydney?

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.

In Sydney, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this adventurous big city offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Australia, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Australia.

When comparing the travel costs between Dubai and Sydney, we can see that Sydney is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Dubai is in Middle East and Sydney is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Dubai or Sydney?

Sydney has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Dubai. When comparing the sizes of Dubai and Sydney, 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 Sydney?

Sydney 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 Sydney in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Dubai as well as Sydney. Dubai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Sydney for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

It's very hot in Dubai this time of the year. Dubai is much warmer than Sydney in the summer. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 35°C (95°F) in July, and Sydney fluctuates around 23°C (73°F)in January.

It's quite rainy in Sydney. Dubai usually gets less rain in July than Sydneyin January. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to August in Dubai is the dry season.

Should I visit Dubai or Sydney in the Autumn?

Both Sydney and Dubai are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dubai throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Sydney in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Dubai is much warmer than Sydney. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dubai in October average around 29°C (84°F), and Sydney averages at about 19°C (65°F)in April.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sydney. In October, Dubai usually receives less rain than Sydneyin April. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Dubai or Sydney in the Winter?

Both Sydney and Dubai during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Dubai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, most visitors come to Sydney for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Dubai is generally much warmer than Sydneyin July. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 19°C (66°F), and Sydney fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Dubai usually gets less rain in January than Sydneyin July. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year. January to March is the rainy season in Dubai.

Should I visit Dubai or Sydney in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Dubai and Sydney. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dubai year-round. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Sydney because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

Dubai is a little warmer than Sydney in the spring. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 26°C (79°F) in April, and Sydney fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in October.

In April, Dubai usually receives less rain than Sydneyin October. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring. June to August in Dubai is the dry season.

Typical Weather for Sydney and Dubai