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

Should you visit Jakarta or Paris?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Jakarta and Paris. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Jakarta

Jakarta is a sprawling, friendly, and diverse city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Jakarta travel costs.

Paris

Paris is a iconic, bustling, and energetic city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Many visitors also come to Paris because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and theater. See Paris travel costs.

Jakarta and Paris: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Big city activities
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Numerous theater shows
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Popular at Christmas
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Eiffel Tower


Is there more to do in Jakarta or Paris?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Paris than Jakarta. While Jakarta is larger than Paris, Paris has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Paris is more touristy than Jakarta and is known for its world-renowned cuisine, iconic landmarks, trendsetting fashion, and dynamic markets. It is also home to The Eiffel Tower. Jakarta is popular for its diversity, culture, cuisine, and mega-malls.

The Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower

How is Jakarta different from Paris?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Jakarta or Paris?

Jakarta
Paris

Paris is terrific for its historical sights. Also, Jakarta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Travelers visit Paris from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

Jakarta offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There's a huge number of museums around town like the National Museum, Museum Layang-Layang, and Museum MACAN. There's also Merdeka Square, which is one of the world's biggest public squares and Istiqlal Mosque, which is the largest mosque in Southeast Asia.


Is Jakarta or Paris Better for Theater?

Jakarta
Paris

Paris is terrific for theatre. However, Jakarta is not a theatre destination.

Paris is considered to be a world-class theater destination. There are world class theaters as well as smaller local venues where you can enjoy a show.

Jakarta is not a theatre destination.

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

Jakarta
Paris

Paris is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Jakarta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Eat your way through Paris, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. There are countless local restaurants, markets, and patisseries to explore. Make sure you try the steak tartare, pate, and macarons.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Jakarta. There are so many different cultures represented in Indonesian cuisine, and you'll find them all in Jakarta. The food stalls, restaurants, and casual eateries all have their own flavor and style, which makes dining in this mega-city a true adventure.

Is Jakarta or Paris Better for Nightlife?

Jakarta
Paris

Paris is terrific for nightlife. Also, Jakarta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Paris is a must-see party destination. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Jakarta. It's a huge city, so there's a very active nightlife scene, but it's mostly focused on locals and not tourists like you'll find elsewhere in Indonesia. For the best nightlife district, head to Kemang, which has many bars and clubs.


Is Jakarta or Paris Better for Music?

Jakarta
Paris

Paris is terrific for live music. However, Jakarta is not a live music destination.

Paris is known as a music capital around the world. 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.

Jakarta is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Jakarta or Paris?

Jakarta
Paris

Paris is terrific for shopping. Also, Jakarta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Paris. 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.

Jakarta is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city is filled with high end luxury malls where you can buy the latest fashions and many international brands. Around town you'll also find everything from local handicrafts to chic boutiques and grand international chains.

Is Jakarta or Paris More Beautiful?

Jakarta
Paris

Paris is terrific for its scenery and beauty. However, Jakarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Paris because of it's amazing beauty. It is famous for it's beautiful buildings, grand avenues, and impressive gardens. Many consider it among the most romantic and beautiful cities in the world.

Jakarta is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Jakarta or Paris Better for Families?

Jakarta
Paris

Paris is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Jakarta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Paris is very family-friendly. 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.

Jakarta is a family-friendly place to visit. Most visitors skip out on this huge city, and it's definitely not the first place that comes to mind when you think about family-friendly destinations, but there's actually a very fascinating culture that kids and adults alike can enjoy. There's the Kota area, which has colonial architecture. There's also a puppet museum and several history museums. But for most kids, the highlight is a visit to the Taman Impian Jaya Ancol area, which has amusement parks and even SeaWorld.

Is Jakarta or Paris Better for Couples?

Jakarta
Paris

Paris is terrific for romance. Also, Jakarta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Paris is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. A city filled with romance, you really can't find a more ideal destination for a European honeymoon or a couple's getaway.

Jakarta makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Most travelers looking for a romantic destination will head to the many famous honeymoon spots in Indonesia. But for those who make their way to Jakarta, there is sure to be a lot of adventure and culture. The city has many great museums as well as nature parks and amusement parks.

Is Jakarta or Paris Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Jakarta
Paris

Paris is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Jakarta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Paris. 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Jakarta. Visitors often have strong feelings about this city, whether they love it or hate it. For those backpackers who spend some time here, they're sure to be treated to a look at true Indonesian culture, which is hard to find in the more touristy areas.


Is Jakarta or Paris Better for Students?

Jakarta
Paris

Paris is terrific for its student-friendly activities. However, Jakarta is not popular with students.

Paris is a very popular place to visit for students. The city is one of the most popular destinations for international and study abroad students.

Jakarta is not popular with students.

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

Jakarta
Paris

Paris is terrific for times when you don't have a car. However, Jakarta is not known for its public transit.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Paris can take you anywhere. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.

Public transit is generally limited in Jakarta. Public transportation has improved a lot recently. There's a commuter line as well as buses. The system can be a bit overwhelming and slow though, so tourists often avoid it.

Is Jakarta or Paris a more walkable city?

Jakarta
Paris

Paris is a great city for its walkability. However, Jakarta is not known for its high level of walkability.

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

Jakarta is generally not very walkable. Central Jakarta is more walkable than most of the city but, in general, the city has a lot of traffic and isn't the best for exploring on foot.


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

Should I spend more time in Paris or Jakarta?

How long in Jakarta or Paris?

Both Jakarta and Paris have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Paris than in Jakarta. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Jakarta, and 3-7 days is enough time in Paris.

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

Couples should spend more time in Paris than Jakarta. 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 Jakarta 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.


  • How many days in Jakarta or Paris? Ideal Length of Stay
    Jakarta 1-3 
    Paris 3-7

One day in Jakarta or Paris?

Each neighborhood in Jakarta has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Paris, you'll find food and shopping. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Jakarta or Paris?

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

In Paris, you'll find shopping and museums. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Jakarta or Paris?

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

Paris is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Paris has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.


A week in Jakarta or Paris?

You'll find food and shopping around the friendly big city of Jakarta. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Paris. In Paris, you'll find theater and nightlife. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.


For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Indonesia, The Best Adventure Tours to Indonesia, The Best Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Paris or Jakarta?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Jakarta is $68, while the average daily cost in Paris is $308. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Jakarta and Paris in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jakarta $30
    Paris $178
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jakarta $60
    Paris $356
Compare Hotels in Jakarta and Paris

Looking for a hotel in Jakarta or Paris? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Jakarta


Hotels in Paris


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Paris Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jakarta $18
    Paris $25
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Jakarta

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Jakarta are as follows:


  • Taxi to Station
    $0.97

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jakarta

Also for Jakarta, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Jakarta Halim Airport (HLP) to Ujung Genteng Sukabumi: $238
  • Private Transfer from Jakarta Airport (CGK) to Ujung Genteng Sukabumi: $224
  • Private Transfer from Sukaresmi Pandeglang Regenc to Jakarta Halim Airport (HLP): $190
  • Private Transfer from Jakarta Halim Airport (HLP) to Sukarasa Kuningan Regency: $190
  • Private Transfer from Jakarta Halim Airport (HLP) to Sukaresmi Pandeglang Regenc: $190
  • Private Transfer from Jakarta Airport (CGK) to Sukaresmi Pandeglang Regency: $179
  • Private Transfer from Jakarta Airport (CGK) to Sukaresmi Garut Regency: $179
  • Private Transfer from Jakarta Airport (CGK) to Sukarasa Kuningan Regency: $179
  • Private Transfer from Sukaresmi Pandeglang Regency to Jakarta Airport (CGK): $178
  • Private Transfer from Jakarta Halim Airport (HLP) to Sukaresmi Bandung: $171
  • Jakarta Airport CGK to Bandung or Lembang Round Trip Transfer: $139
  • Private Transfer from Jakarta Halim Airport (HLP) to Sukatani Purwakarta Regency: $124

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Paris

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Paris are as follows:


  • Metro
    $7.43
  • Train from Airport
    $10
  • Metro tickets
    $7.89
  • Train
    $23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Paris

Also for Paris, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer from Paris to Airport: CDG, Orly, Beauvais: $297
  • Private Transfer from CDG Airport to Paris: $290
  • Private Transfer from Paris to CDG Airport: $290
  • Private Disneyland Return Transfer Up to 6 People: $290
  • Louvre Museum Paris Private Tour with Tickets and Transfers: $289
  • Private transfer from Beauvais airport to Paris or back: $284
  • Private Mercedes luxury transfer from PARIS to => DISNEYLAND Paris with Cab-Bel-Air: $284
  • Panthéon Paris Private Guided Tour with Transfers: $283
  • Paris Two way Private return Transfers to Disneyland: $277
  • Private transfer to Reims or Epernay : one way OR 8 hours tour: $276
  • Private Transfer: Paris Airport CDG to Reims / Champagne by Van: $275
  • Transfer by luxury Mercedes from PARIS AIRPORT to => PARIS with Cab-Bel-Air: $272

Is it cheaper to fly into Jakarta or Paris?

Prices for flights to both Paris and Jakarta change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Jakarta $26
    Paris $84
Typical Food Prices in Jakarta

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Jakarta:


  • Dinner
    $2.45
  • Dinner
    $0.67

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jakarta

For Jakarta, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Fun Food Tour Jakarta: $30
  • Mangga Besar Food Tour: $49
  • Jakarta Night Tour with Dinner at Café or Food street: $50
  • Kota Tua Food Tour: $64
  • Melawai Night Street Food Tour: $67
  • Jakarta Private Cooking Class and Experience Tour: $120

Typical Food Prices in Paris

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Paris:


  • Ice Cream
    $9.28
  • Breakfast
    $8.12
  • Breakfast for 2
    $34
  • Dinner on River Cruise
    $100
  • Dinner
    $66
  • Cheese
    $15

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Paris

For Paris, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Paris Marais Walking Food Tour with Audioguide on Your Smartphone: $12
  • Paris Capitaine Fracasse 3 Course Seine River Dinner Cruise: $66
  • Paris Seine River dinner cruise from Alexandre III bridge: $68
  • Paris Guided Food Tour by Bike - Ile de la Cité and Marais: $73
  • Seine River Cruise and Dinner at Traditional Parisian Restaurant: $74
  • Paris en Scene 3 Course Seine River Dinner Cruise: $75
  • Paris Vegan Street Food Tour: $75
  • Paris Food Tour: $80
  • Seine River Sightseeing Cruise and Dinner at Le Bistro Parisien: $82
  • Paris Theo Boat Seine River Italian Trattoria Style Dinner Cruise: $83
  • Paris Food Tour: Eat Like a Local with Cheeses, Wines & Secrets: $87
  • Notre Dame and Latin Quarter Food Tour with 10 Authentic Tastings: $97

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Jakarta $11
    Paris $88

Tours and Activities in Jakarta

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Jakarta.

  • 1 Day Jakarta Historical Tour: $75
  • 1 Day Motorcycle Adventure Tour West Java: $206
  • 1 Day Motorcycle Tour To Citorek Banten West Of Java: $213
  • 3 Hours Jakarta City Tour (Jakarta's Iconic Places): $45
  • 7 Hours Indonesia Cultural & Heritage Park Tour: $110
  • 8 Hours Jakarta Private City Tour - (All Tourist Attractions): $109
  • Afternoon city tour Jakarta: $82
  • Authentic Full-Day Colonial Jakarta Heritage Trail Tour: $75
  • Bandung City Tour Mountain Volcano and Hotspring ( Start From Jakarta): $154
  • Batik Course & City Tour Jakarta: $60
  • Bogor City Full-Day Private Tour from Jakarta with Pick Up: $160
  • Bogor City Tour Nature waterfall with Local Food ( Start From Jakarta ): $130

Typical Entertainment Prices in Paris

For Paris, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Louvre Entry for Two
    $21
  • Admission to Pantheon
    $5.80
  • Catacombs (2)
    $27

Tours and Activities in Paris

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Paris.

  • Île de la Cité Guided Tour & Audio-Guided Visit of Notre-Dame: $23
  • Île de la Cité Guided Tour & Exterior Notre Dame: $45
  • Île de la Cité Private 2h Tour with Latin Quarter & Seine River: $195
  • Île de la Cité, the Old Town of Paris Private Guided Tour: $211
  • 1 Hour Express Paris Tour with Scenic Stops: $173
  • 1 Hour Paris Illuminated Evening Sightseeing Cruise: $33
  • 1 Hour Private Photo Session experience with the Eiffel Tower: $220
  • 1-Hour Private Tour in Paris, Harley Davidson Sidecar: $184
  • 1-Hour Seine River Cruise Ticket from Eiffel Tower: $20
  • 1.5-hour cruise on the Seine departing at 6:30 PM: $21
  • 1st Day in Paris Discovery Private Tour: 'How-to' Orientation & Sightseeing Fun!: $80
  • 2 Hour Walking Tour Through Treasures of the Marais: $45

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jakarta $3.79
    Paris $28

Typical Alcohol Prices in Paris

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Paris are as follows:


  • Wine
    $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Paris

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Paris:

  • Paris City Center Guided Pub Crawl With Shots & Club Entry: $19
  • The Original Pub Crawl + Free Shots + VIP Club Entry: $23
  • Pub Crawl Experience in Bars with Club Entry: $29
  • Paris Montmartre Cheese Charcuterie Wine Tasting with Audio Tour: $29
  • Paris International Pub Crawl with Free Shots & Fun Games: $29
  • Paris Guided Pub Crawl with Bars Shots and Club Entry: $31
  • Paris Gin Craft Distillery Tour and Tasting: $35
  • Vineyard tour and wine tasting in Davron: $41
  • Guided Tour of Montmartre with Cheese and Wine Tasting: $42
  • Vegan Wine Tasting in Paris right next to Père Lachaise: $52
  • Paris Wine Tasting & French Cheese Pairing with Sommelier: $79
  • Cheese & Wine Tasting in Montmartre with a Local Cheesemonger: $80


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

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


Which is Bigger, Jakarta or Paris?

Jakarta has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Paris. When comparing the sizes of Jakarta 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.