A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kyoto vs. Manchester for Attractions, Couples, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Kyoto or Manchester?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Kyoto and Manchester can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Kyoto

Kyoto is a traditional, historic, and cultural city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Manchester

Manchester is a cultural, vibrant, and dynamic city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and food.

Kyoto and Manchester: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kyoto or Manchester?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Manchester than Kyoto. While Kyoto is larger than Manchester, Manchester has more sights and attractions for tourists. Manchester is very popular for its nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Kyoto attracts visitors for its museums, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Kyoto is more touristy than Manchester and is popular for its Buddhist temples, cultural activities, and rich history. Manchester is famous for its strong music culture as well as being home to the world-renowned Manchester United Football Club. It is also well known for The National Football Museum.

How is Kyoto different from Manchester?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Kyoto or Manchester?

Kyoto is very popular for its historical sights. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Travelers visit Kyoto from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. With its long-running history, there are many traditional buildings and temples in town. Nijo Castle is stunning to explore, but also make sure you visit the Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine, the Golden Pavilion, and Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Manchester can be an interesting and educational experience. Head to the Science and Industry Museum, the Imperial War Museum North, Manchester Cathedral, or John Rylands Library & Manchester Central Library to see some of the cities most interesting sights.

Is the Food Better in Kyoto or Manchester? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at superb restaurants in both Kyoto and Manchester.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Kyoto. The local cuisine is as beautiful as it is delicious. There is a long running history to many of the dishes, and the recipes are expertly prepared by world class chefs at many of the restaurants. You can enjoy everything from a tea ceremony to multi-course meals, referred to as kyo kaiseki.

Manchester has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find a great food scene with diverse restaurant options that include international flavors, vegetarian options, and more. There are also many great places to try craft beer.

Is Kyoto or Manchester Better for Nightlife?

Manchester is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Kyoto is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The people in Manchester know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene is diverse and high energy. Head to Deansgate or the Northern Quarter for some of the best nightlife venues. You'll also find a huge rave scene in town.

If you're looking for night time activities Kyoto has a few options to choose from. While it isn't known for its wild nightlife scene, there is a relaxed and active energy in the evenings here. You can visit the beautiful Arashiyama Kimono Forest or explore some of the riverfront areas such as Kamo Riverside.

Is Kyoto or Manchester Better for Music?

Manchester is a great destination for its live music scene. However, Kyoto is not a live music destination.

Manchester has become a hotbed of musicians and artists. There's a long running music reputation here. Some of the iconic bands that began here include Oasis and Stone Roses.

Kyoto is not a live music destination.

Is Kyoto or Manchester Better for its Old Town?

Kyoto is very popular for its historic old town. However, Manchester does not have a historic old town.

Kyoto has a world-famous historical area. This is among the most historic cities in Japan and there are many traditional buildings and temples. Higashiyama is filled with interesting districts and it has many UNESCO World Heritage temples.

Manchester does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Kyoto or Manchester?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Manchester and Kyoto.

Kyoto is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There's a mix of modern shopping venues and traditional boutiques. Shijo Street is a popular shopping area, as is the area around JR Kyoto Station.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Manchester. From jewelry to boutique clothing outlets, there are many places to shop around town. Head to Manchester Arndale, Trafford Centre, or Market Street for some of the best shopping.

Is Kyoto or Manchester Better for Families?

Both Kyoto and Manchester are superb to visit with kids.

Kyoto is a very kid-friendly city. Kids will enjoy exploring Nijo Castle as much as adults. If the weather isn't great, you can head to the Kyoto International Manga Museum which is a bit like a library and is perfect for Manga fans. There are also markets to explore such as the Nishiki Markets, which are lined with shops and restaurants.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Manchester. You'll find a number of kid-friendly activities around town including the popular Legoland Discovery Center. Another fun activity is taking a behind the scenes CBBC interactive tour at MediaCityUK. Animal lovers will enjoy visiting the SeaLife Aquarium or the Chester Zoo and sports enthusiasts will not want to miss a visit to the National Football Museum or doing a tour of Old Trafford where you can also visit the Manchester United Museum.

Is Kyoto or Manchester Better for Couples?

Kyoto is very popular for romance. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Kyoto has plenty to offer. This is one of the most historic cities in Japan, and it has many romantic neighborhoods where you can enjoy the atmosphere. Visit Sanneizaka Slope for its traditional shops and restaurants or take a ride on the Sagano Romantic Train. Other romantic highlights include Kimono Forest, which is an art exhibit, and Suzumushidera Temple.

Manchester is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples can enjoy a visit to a spa, a nice meal out, or simply wandering down the canal. For a unique experience, you can hit to slopes at Chill Factore.

Is Kyoto or Manchester Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kyoto is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Kyoto is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It's a popular destination in Japan and there are plenty of hostels and free activities that backpackers can enjoy.

It's common for backpackers to visit Manchester. You'll find hostels around town and a number of visitors, particularly during the sports season.

Is Kyoto or Manchester Better for Students?

Kyoto and Manchester are superb places to visit for students.

Students come from all over to stay in Kyoto. It's a great student city with world class universities and a large student population.

Many students visit Manchester. There's a large number of students as well as a great music scene and tons of festivals that make this a great city to do your studies.

Is Kyoto or Manchester Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Kyoto and Manchester.

Public transit in Kyoto can get you to some places easily. The city has an extensive system of trains, subways, and buses that make it easy to get around.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Manchester. The city has bus, train, and tram options for travel.

Is Kyoto or Manchester a more walkable city?

Kyoto is very popular for its walkability. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

Kyoto is a very easy city to get around on foot. It's one of the most walkable cities in Japan and there are many sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly areas.

Manchester is a somewhat walkable place. Some neighborhoods are more walkable than others.

For even more information, also check out Is Kyoto Worth Visiting? and Is Manchester Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Manchester or Kyoto?

How long in Kyoto or Manchester?

It's fun to spend time in either Kyoto or Manchester. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Manchester due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Kyoto, and 2-4 days is enough time in Manchester.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kyoto than Manchester 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 Kyoto.

One day in Kyoto or Manchester?

With museums and nightlife around the traditional city of Kyoto, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Each neighborhood in Manchester has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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 Kyoto or Manchester?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Kyoto, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Manchester. 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 Kyoto or Manchester?

Kyoto, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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

A week in Kyoto or Manchester?

Kyoto is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the dynamic big city of Manchester. 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 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Kyoto or Manchester?

Kyoto has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Manchester. When comparing the sizes of Kyoto and Manchester, 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 Kyoto or Manchester?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Kyoto or Manchester in the Summer?

Both Manchester and Kyoto during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Kyoto in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Manchester for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Kyoto is generally much warmer than Manchester. Daily temperatures in Kyoto average around 27°C (81°F), and Manchester fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).

In the summer, Kyoto often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Manchester. Kyoto gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Manchester receives 176 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kyoto. Kyoto usually gets more rain in July than Manchester. Kyoto gets 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Manchester receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kyoto or Manchester in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kyoto and Manchester. Most visitors come to Kyoto for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Manchester because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Kyoto is much warmer than Manchester in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kyoto averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Manchester fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Kyoto usually receives more sunshine than Manchester during autumn. Kyoto gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Manchester receives 97 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Kyoto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Kyoto usually receives more rain than Manchester. Kyoto gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Manchester receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Kyoto or Manchester in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Kyoto as well as Manchester. The winter months attract visitors to Kyoto because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Manchester this time of year.

It's quite cold in Manchester in the winter. The weather in Kyoto can be very cold. In the winter, Kyoto is a little warmer than Manchester. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kyoto in January average around 5°C (40°F), and Manchester averages at about 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Kyoto often gets more sunshine than Manchester. Kyoto gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Manchester receives 53 hours of full sun.

Kyoto usually gets less rain in January than Manchester. Kyoto gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Manchester receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kyoto or Manchester in the Spring?

Both Manchester and Kyoto are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Kyoto this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Manchester for the activities around the city.

In April, Kyoto is generally much warmer than Manchester. Daily temperatures in Kyoto average around 14°C (58°F), and Manchester fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Kyoto usually receives more sunshine than Manchester during spring. Kyoto gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Manchester receives 144 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Kyoto. In April, Kyoto usually receives more rain than Manchester. Kyoto gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Manchester receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Manchester and Kyoto