A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kanazawa vs. Surfers Paradise for Nightlife, Families, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Kanazawa or Surfers Paradise?

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 Kanazawa and Surfers Paradise can help you decide which place is right for you.

Kanazawa

Kanazawa is a well-preserved, historic, and cultural city. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise is a ritzy, glamourous, and high energy city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Kanazawa and Surfers Paradise: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kanazawa or Surfers Paradise?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Surfers Paradise than Kanazawa, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Surfers Paradise is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and shopping, while Kanazawa is more popular for its historical sights. Surfers Paradise is more touristy than Kanazawa and is known for its long sandy beaches, glamourous party scene, colorful amusement parks, and active water sports. Also, Surfers Paradise is famous for the SkyPoint Observation Deck. Kanazawa is well known for its history, preserved architecture, and classically landscaped gardens.

How is Kanazawa different from Surfers Paradise?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Kanazawa or Surfers Paradise?

Spend time exploring the excellent sights and museums in either Kanazawa or Surfers Paradise.

Many visitors head to Kanazawa specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is filled with history and you can visit the Kanazawa Castle, the Higashi Chaya Area with preserved Geisha houses, and the Nagamachi Samurai House Area. There are also museums such as the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art and the D.T. Suzuki Museum.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Surfers Paradise can be an interesting and educational experience. For the best views of the coastline head to the SkyPoint Observation Deck at the Q1 Resort and Spa. It's in Australia's tallest residential tower. You can also visit the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, or the Sea World Marine Park, as well as countless other amusement parks or entertainment centers.

Is the Food Better in Kanazawa or Surfers Paradise? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Kanazawa and Surfers Paradise offer excellent local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Kanazawa. There's a long history to the city's cuisine and you'll find many diverse dishes that combine traditional ingredients with international fusion. The cuisine uses a lot of seafood, but you'll also find the one pot meal of Hanton Rice, Oden (hot pot), and Jibu-ni (made with duck and vegetables).

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Surfers Paradise. There's a trendy food scene with a number of award winning restaurants in the area. There are high end seafood restaurants, modern international eateries, and niche food bars that all cater to the tourist crowd.

Is Kanazawa or Surfers Paradise Better for Nightlife?

Surfers Paradise is very popular for nightlife. Also, Kanazawa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Surfers Paradise is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. This high energy area is filled with glitzy nightclubs and trendy cocktail bars. There are parties that last until the early morning hours and you'll find the most active nightlife scene along the famous Surfers Paradise glitter strip.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Kanazawa. The town has everything from international style bars to local theaters that let you experience the traditional Japanese culture.

Is Kanazawa or Surfers Paradise Better for Resorts?

Surfers Paradise is very popular for its luxury resorts. However, Kanazawa is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Surfers Paradise is a perfect choice. The high-rise skyline is filled with luxury resorts and trendy hotels. Fancy pools and rooftop views make this is a glitzy and lively place to stay.

Kanazawa is not a resort destination.

Is Kanazawa or Surfers Paradise Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Surfers Paradise is great for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Kanazawa is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in Surfers Paradise. There's no shortage of scuba diving and snorkeling excursions that leave from the area. You'll see a diversity of marine life and interesting undersea reefs.

Kanazawa is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Kanazawa or Surfers Paradise Better for Beaches?

Surfers Paradise is very popular for its beaches. However, Kanazawa is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Surfers Paradise is a very popular vacation destination. It's at the heart of the Gold Coast, and you'll enjoy two kilometers of golden sand and beautiful surf. The beaches are lined with high rise buildings and there's plenty of energy and amenities for visitors. This is a popular tourist destination and there is no shortage of water sports and other activities along the beaches.

Kanazawa is not a beach destination.

Is Kanazawa or Surfers Paradise Better for its Old Town?

Kanazawa is a nice place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Surfers Paradise does not have a historic old town.

Kanazawa has an old town worth visiting. It's fascinating to visit both the Higashi Chaya Area with preserved Geisha houses and the Nagamachi Samurai House Area which has preserved samurai houses that line two canals. You can enter a few of the houses to see the traditional way of life.

Surfers Paradise does not have a historic old town.

Is Kanazawa or Surfers Paradise Better for Hiking?

Surfers Paradise is very good for hiking. However, Kanazawa is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Surfers Paradise. Outside of town you'll find many coastal hikes and inland trails. You can see waterfalls or breathtaking views of the water.

Kanazawa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kanazawa or Surfers Paradise?

Surfers Paradise is very popular for shopping. Also, Kanazawa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Surfers Paradise. Beachside markets sell local items. There are also large shopping malls that are filled with international fashion brands and boutique shops that sell unique items.

Kanazawa is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has many shopping districts that include department stores, traditional stores, and large markets. This is a great place to do some souvenir shopping.

Is Kanazawa or Surfers Paradise Better for Families?

Surfers Paradise is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Kanazawa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Surfers Paradise is one of the most popular family destinations. It's filled with activities that kids and adults will enjoy. There's everything from sandy beaches to amusement park rides and entertainment centers. Check out Infinity, Ripley's Believe It Or Not, or the view from Q1 SkyPoint. There's also countless minigolf places, kayaking, and other water sports.

Kanazawa is a family-friendly place to visit. Myouryuji Temple is a fun temple for kids where they can play ninja and discover the hidden spaces. When the kids are burned out of history, head to Tedori Fish Land which is a theme park in the area or check out the slides at Kenmin Seaside Park. There's also the Dolls Museum and the beautiful coastline.

Is Kanazawa or Surfers Paradise Better for Couples?

Surfers Paradise is great for romance. Also, Kanazawa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Surfers Paradise is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Walk along the beach or take in the view from Q1 SkyPoint. There are also many fun-filled adventure activities as well as restaurants and a lively party scene.

Kanazawa makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city has markets, museums, and gardens that are fun to explore as a couple. You can visit the Kanazawa Castle or sample one of the many restaurants around town.

Is Kanazawa or Surfers Paradise Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Surfers Paradise is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Kanazawa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Surfers Paradise. Backpackers who want fun entertainment, a lively beach scene, and water sports will find their place here. There are also hostels with reasonable rates and plenty of backpackers to hang out with.

It's common for backpackers to visit Kanazawa. There are a handful of hostels and affordable accommodation options that backpackers can choose from.

Is Kanazawa or Surfers Paradise Better for Students?

Kanazawa is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Surfers Paradise is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Kanazawa. It has a good educational environment with high quality educational institutions that appeal to international students.

Surfers Paradise is not popular with students.

Is Kanazawa or Surfers Paradise Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Kanazawa and Surfers Paradise both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Kanazawa offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are two main buses that tourists use in town. The Kenrokuen Shuttle goes between the Kanazawa Station and Kenrokuen Gardens and the Kanazawa Loop Bus runs from Kanazawa Station via the Teramachi area, the Higashi Chaya District, and Omicho Market.

Surfers Paradise has a few public transit options. Without a car, you can use the shuttle buses, public buses, and light rail to get around.

Is Kanazawa or Surfers Paradise a more walkable city?

Kanazawa is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. Also, Surfers Paradise is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

Kanazawa is a very walkable destination. The city is relatively walkable with some rolling hills. It's possible to walk to Kanazawa Castle from Kanazawa Station in about 35 minutes.

Surfers Paradise is somewhat walkable. There are walking and bike paths around town.

For even more information, also check out Is Kanazawa Worth Visiting? and Is Surfers Paradise Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Surfers Paradise or Kanazawa?

How long in Kanazawa or Surfers Paradise?

Both Kanazawa and Surfers Paradise have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Surfers Paradise than in Kanazawa. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Kanazawa, and 3-7 days is enough time in Surfers Paradise.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Surfers Paradise than Kanazawa 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 Surfers Paradise.

One day in Kanazawa or Surfers Paradise?

You'll find food and shopping around the well-preserved destination of Kanazawa. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

The city of Surfers Paradise offers museums and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Kanazawa or Surfers Paradise?

You'll find shopping and museums around the historic city of Kanazawa. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Surfers Paradise is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Kanazawa or Surfers Paradise?

Kanazawa is a popular choice for travelers. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Surfers Paradise is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Surfers Paradise, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Kanazawa or Surfers Paradise?

Kanazawa is a great place to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Surfers Paradise is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Surfers Paradise has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan, The Best Contiki Tours to Australia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia.

When comparing the travel costs between Kanazawa and Surfers Paradise, we can see that Surfers Paradise 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 Kanazawa is in Asia and Surfers Paradise 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 Kanazawa Expensive? and Is Surfers Paradise Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Kanazawa or Surfers Paradise?

Kanazawa has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Surfers Paradise. When comparing the sizes of Kanazawa and Surfers Paradise, 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 Kanazawa or Surfers Paradise?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Surfers Paradise is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Kanazawa has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Kanazawa or Surfers Paradise in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kanazawa and Surfers Paradise. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kanazawa this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Surfers Paradise for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Kanazawa is generally around the same temperature as Surfers Paradisein January. Daily temperatures in Kanazawa average around 26°C (78°F), and Surfers Paradise fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Surfers Paradise this time of the year. Kanazawa usually receives less sunshine than Surfers Paradise during summer. Kanazawa gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Surfers Paradise receives 256 hours of full sun in the summer.

Surfers Paradise receives a lot of rain in the summer. Kanazawa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Kanazawa usually receives more rain than Surfers Paradisein January. Kanazawa gets 251 mm (9.9 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Kanazawa or Surfers Paradise in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Kanazawa as well as Surfers Paradise. Many travelers come to Kanazawa for the shopping scene. Additionally, many visitors come to Surfers Paradise in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Kanazawa is cooler than Surfers Paradise in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kanazawa averages around 17°C (62°F) in October, and Surfers Paradise fluctuates around 22°C (71°F)in April.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Surfers Paradise. In the autumn, Kanazawa often gets less sunshine than Surfers Paradisein April. Kanazawa gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Surfers Paradise receives 214 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Surfers Paradise. Kanazawa receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Kanazawa usually gets more rain in October than Surfers Paradisein April. Kanazawa gets 203 mm (8 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kanazawa or Surfers Paradise in the Winter?

Both Surfers Paradise and Kanazawa are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Kanazawa in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Surfers Paradise for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Kanazawa can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Kanazawa is much colder than Surfers Paradise. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kanazawa in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Surfers Paradise averages at about 15°C (59°F)in July.

It's quite sunny in Surfers Paradise. Kanazawa usually receives less sunshine than Surfers Paradise during winter. Kanazawa gets 67 hours of sunny skies, while Surfers Paradise receives 226 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Kanazawa. In January, Kanazawa usually receives more rain than Surfers Paradisein July. Kanazawa gets 294 mm (11.6 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kanazawa or Surfers Paradise in the Spring?

Both Surfers Paradise and Kanazawa during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Surfers Paradise because of the beaches.

In April, Kanazawa is generally much colder than Surfers Paradisein October. Daily temperatures in Kanazawa average around 12°C (54°F), and Surfers Paradise fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

In Surfers Paradise, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Kanazawa often gets less sunshine than Surfers Paradisein October. Kanazawa gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Surfers Paradise receives 259 hours of full sun.

Surfers Paradise gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Kanazawa. Kanazawa usually gets more rain in April than Surfers Paradisein October. Kanazawa gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Surfers Paradise and Kanazawa