A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hong Kong vs. Paris for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Hong Kong or Paris?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Hong Kong or Paris, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a cosmopolitan, glamorous, and diverse city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Paris

Paris is a energetic, beautiful, and iconic city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the live music, food, and shopping.

Hong Kong and Paris: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hong Kong or Paris?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Paris than Hong Kong. While Hong Kong is larger than Paris, Paris has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Paris is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, nightlife, and music, while Hong Kong attracts visitors for its beaches and hiking. Paris is more touristy than Hong Kong and is known for its world-renowned cuisine, iconic landmarks, trendsetting fashion, and dynamic markets. It is also well known for The Eiffel Tower. Hong Kong is famous for its modern skyscrapers, colorful waterfront, lush parks, and amazing dim sum.

The Eiffel Tower

How is Hong Kong different from Paris?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hong Kong or Paris?

Paris is an unbeatable place for its museums and history. Also, Hong Kong is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Paris are world-renowned. One of the most world famous landmarks is the Eiffel Tower. The city is also home to the world renowned Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Palais Garnier Opera House. In addition to the many iconic sights, there are beautiful buildings and hidden gems throughout the city.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Hong Kong. The city's skyline is one of the most famous "landmarks", but you'll also want to visit Victoria Peak, the Tian Tan Buddha Statue, Wong Tai Sin Temple, and Avenue of Stars.

Is Hong Kong or Paris Better for Theater?

Paris is an unbeatable place for its theatre productions. However, Hong Kong is not a theatre destination.

Famous for its theaters and plays, you'll find world-renowned shows in Paris. There are world class theaters as well as smaller local venues where you can enjoy a show.

Hong Kong is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Hong Kong or Paris? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Hong Kong and Paris can be an enjoyable experience.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Hong Kong is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The city's population is famous for its frequency of dining out, and the prolific diversity of restaurants is obvious from the moment you arrive. There are street food stalls and night markets, as well as luxury award winning restaurants. The city holds tight to its culinary traditions, but fusion restaurants are creeping in as well. Some of the most famous Hong Kong foods include dim sum, sweet and sour pork, and roast goose.

Many restaurants in Paris have been singled out for their culinary prowess. There are countless local restaurants, markets, and patisseries to explore. Make sure you try the steak tartare, pate, and macarons.

Is Hong Kong or Paris Better for Nightlife?

Paris is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Hong Kong is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Paris is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. Head to Pigalle or the Latin Quarter for some of the city's best nightlife. There are all-night parties, cabarets, and exclusive night clubs that you can experience.

Hong Kong is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city lights up after the sun sets. You'll find a diverse range of activities in the evening with everything from night markets to concerts and parties. There's a wonderful mix of traditional and contemporary activities, particularly around Lan Kwai Fong. Many of the most popular venues are found around Central and, like everything else in Hong Kong, the venues are full of energy.

Is Hong Kong or Paris Better for Music?

Paris is an unbeatable place for its live music scene. However, Hong Kong is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Paris. Some of the most famous music venues include Le Pop In, La Mécanique Ondulatoire, and Les Disquaires. You'll also find many small bars where you can enjoy live music in a quaint setting.

Hong Kong is not a live music destination.

Is Hong Kong or Paris Better for Beaches?

Hong Kong is great for its beaches. However, Paris is not a beach destination.

Hong Kong is considered a top beach destination. You actually don't have to travel far from the city center to find a relatively quiet, sandy beach. The different beaches on Hong Kong Island are relatively close to each other, and each has its own atmosphere. If you need a break from the heat and the crowds, then a beach day is a fun option. Hong Kong's natural coastline give way to popular beaches including Repulse Bay Beach and Shek O Beach. Each offers a number of amenities and dining options.

Paris is not a beach destination.

Is Hong Kong or Paris Better for Hiking?

Hong Kong is great for hiking. However, Paris is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Hong Kong for the hiking trails. The city is surrounded by dramatic mountains and beautiful viewpoints, making it easy to enjoy a day in nature. The hikes will offer impressive views and dramatic rock formations. Popular hikes in the area include The Peak, Dragon's Back, and the Violet Hill and Twin Peak hike.

Paris is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hong Kong or Paris?

Shoppers can find a variety of fantastic stores in both Hong Kong and Paris.

Known for shopping, Hong Kong draws large crowds to its stores. There is a high concentration of shopping malls in the city, and you'll likely find yourself cutting through malls to access different parts of town. The city is arguably one of the best shopping cities in the world. Popular items to purchase in the city include designer clothes, handbags, electronics, jewelry, watches, and tailor-made suits.

Paris is a world class destination for shoppers. Some of the best areas for shopping are Boulevard Haussmann and the Grands Boulevards, the Marais, and Avenue Montaigne and the Champs-Elysées. The city is iconic for its fashion scene and world class shopping venues.

Is Hong Kong or Paris Better for Christmas?

Paris is an unbeatable place for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Hong Kong does not offer Christmas activities.

Paris offers plenty of sights and activities around Christmas. The city of lights really proves itself around the holiday season. In addition to checking out the Christmas lights, it's fun to go window shopping or check out one of the city's Christmas markets.

Hong Kong does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Hong Kong or Paris Better for Families?

Hong Kong and Paris are both fantastic destinations for the whole family.

Hong Kong is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. In addition to its many fascinating cultural experiences like visiting the markets and historical landmarks, this city also has a diversity of kid-friendly entertainment options. The most obvious is Disneyland, but there are also other amusement parks and aquariums like Ocean Park. Make sure you check out the Symphony of Lights in the evening and head to The Peak Tower during the day.

Paris is an extremely popular city to visit for families. Check out Jardin du Luxembourg, or one of the city's many playgrounds. Also grab a treat at one of the city's many patisseries. And of course, there's Disneyland Paris.

Is Hong Kong or Paris Better for Couples?

Hong Kong and Paris are both fantastic to visit as a couple.

Hong Kong has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. This city is filled with luxury hotels, beautiful parks, and impressive restaurants. For a romantic evening, check out the Symphony of Lights over Victoria Harbour after the sun sets.

Paris is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. A city filled with romance, you really can't find a more ideal destination for a European honeymoon or a couple's getaway.

Is Hong Kong or Paris Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paris is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Hong Kong is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Paris is extremely popular for backpackers. It's a big city, so it's easy to get lost in the chaos, but there are many hostels and other backpacker hangouts around town.

Hong Kong is a good city to visit for backpackers. The city is more expensive than many places, but cheap eateries and free activities are abundant. Many backpackers stay in the Tsim Sha Shui area of Kowloon. This is where you'll find the frequently talked about Chungking Mansions. Times are changing though, and you'll find more hostels on Hong Kong Island these days as well.

Is Hong Kong or Paris Better for Students?

Paris is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, Hong Kong is not popular with students.

Paris is a great destination for students. The city is one of the most popular destinations for international and study abroad students.

Hong Kong is not popular with students.

Is Hong Kong or Paris Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find fantastic public transit in both Hong Kong and Paris.

Visitors in Hong Kong can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. Land transportation includes the MTR (Mass Transit Railway), buses, minibuses, and tramways. There are also ferries that connect the different parts of the city.

Paris has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.

Is Hong Kong or Paris a more walkable city?

Hong Kong is terrific for its walkability. Also, Paris is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

Hong Kong is a very easy city to get around on foot. The city has many parks and walking paths that connect different areas.

Paris is a very walkable city. Some streets can feel a bit overwhelming, but there are many parts of the city that are easily explored on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Hong Kong Worth Visiting? and Is Paris Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Paris or Hong Kong?

How long in Hong Kong or Paris?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Paris than Hong Kong 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 Paris.

One day in Hong Kong or Paris?

Each neighborhood in Hong Kong has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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.

You'll find museums and theater around the city of Paris. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Hong Kong or Paris?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hong Kong. 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.

You'll find theater and nightlife around the bustling big city of Paris. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Hong Kong or Paris?

Hong Kong is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Hong Kong has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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.

You'll find nightlife and live music around the iconic city of Paris. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Hong Kong or Paris?

Each neighborhood in Hong Kong has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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.

Paris is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Paris, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Hong Kong or Paris?

Hong Kong has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Paris. When comparing the sizes of Hong Kong and Paris, 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.