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

Should you visit Kyoto or Wellington?

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 Wellington 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 cultural, fascinating, and traditional city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Wellington

Wellington is a compact, laid-back, and funky city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Kyoto and Wellington: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kyoto or Wellington?

You'll generally find more things to do in Kyoto than Wellington. Kyoto is bigger than Wellington, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Kyoto is better known for its museums, historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Wellington is more popular for its nightlife, beaches, and hiking. Kyoto is well known for its Buddhist temples, cultural activities, and rich history. Also, Kyoto is famous for Kinkaku-ji. Wellington is well known for its waterfront promenade, quirky cafe culture, and relaxing beaches.

How is Kyoto different from Wellington?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Wellington 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 Wellington?

Kyoto is a must-visit destination for its museums and history. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Kyoto are world-renowned. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Wellington. As the capital city, you'll find a number of museums and sights around town. Check out the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, the Beehive, the Wellington Museum, and the City Gallery.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at excellent restaurants in both Kyoto and Wellington.

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.

Wellington has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are waterfront restaurants and a vibrant cafe scene around town. You'll also find local markets and many diverse eateries that you can explore.

Is Kyoto or Wellington Better for Nightlife?

Wellington 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 Wellington know how to have a good time. The best nightlife scene is found along Courtenay Place. There you'll find nightclubs, pubs, and cocktail bars. Cuba Street is another fun area with a bit more of a local vibe, and the waterfront is another great nightlife district in the city.

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 Wellington Better for Beaches?

Wellington is a great destination for the beache. However, Kyoto is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Wellington attract visitors from all over. There are nice beaches within walking distance of the city center. There are also beaches that are well worth the drive if you're looking to get a bit out of town. In the summer months, there are swimming beaches, and year around they have nice views and a good atmosphere.

Kyoto is not a beach destination.

Is Kyoto or Wellington Better for its Old Town?

Kyoto is a must-visit destination for its old town. However, Wellington does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Kyoto can be explored in its historical center. 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.

Wellington does not have a historic old town.

Is Kyoto or Wellington Better for Hiking?

Wellington is a city with good options for its hiking experiences. However, Kyoto is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Wellington. The area has rolling hills and beautiful coastlines that are filled with walking trails and scenic views. Some of the more popular trails in the area are the Red Rocks walk and the City-to-Sea walk.

Kyoto is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kyoto or Wellington?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Wellington 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 Wellington. For the city's best shopping, head to the "Golden Mile". This is the area defined by Lambton Quay, Willis Street, Manners Street and Courtenay Place. There are boutique designers and high end fashion outlets throughout the area. The city also has many great markets and local shopping areas.

Is Kyoto or Wellington Better for Families?

Both Kyoto and Wellington are excellent 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 Wellington. There's the Wellington Zoo as well as Island Bay Marine Education Centre, both of which are great for animal-lovers. Waitangi Park is a nice park where kids can run around and play, and if you're looking for something indoors, head to the Space Place at Carter Observatory. If everyone needs some down time, there's always the beach with is fun to hang out at.

Is Kyoto or Wellington Better for Couples?

Kyoto is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Kyoto makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Wellington is a good city for couples to visit. The botanical gardens are beautiful to explore, and there is also a bird sanctuary in the area as well. Couple's will also enjoy the many nice restaurants and beautiful outdoor space around town.

Is Kyoto or Wellington Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kyoto and Wellington are excellent places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Kyoto is a great city to visit for backpackers. It's a popular destination in Japan and there are plenty of hostels and free activities that backpackers can enjoy.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Wellington. Located on the south side of the North Island, many backpackers use this city as a gateway to the South Island. There are many hostels around town and other fellow backpackers to hang out with.

Is Kyoto or Wellington Better for Students?

Kyoto is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Kyoto is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's a great student city with world class universities and a large student population.

Wellington is popular with students. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and the atmosphere is a nice setting for students.

Is Kyoto or Wellington 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 Wellington.

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 Wellington. There are city buses, trains, and ferries that are popular with tourists and locals alike.

Is Kyoto or Wellington a more walkable city?

Kyoto is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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

Wellington is a very walkable destination. This is one of New Zealand's most walkable cities and it has a compact city center.

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

Should I spend more time in Wellington or Kyoto?

How long in Kyoto or Wellington?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Kyoto and Wellington. In our opinion, Kyoto has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Kyoto than Wellington. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Kyoto than Wellington. 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 Wellington. 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 Wellington 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 Wellington?

With museums and nightlife around the fascinating 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.

In Wellington, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this laid-back destination 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 Kyoto or Wellington?

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 Wellington. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Wellington?

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.

Wellington is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Wellington. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Kyoto or Wellington?

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 food and shopping around the laid-back destination of Wellington. Most people come for the beaches. 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, and The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand.

When comparing the travel costs between Kyoto and Wellington, we can see that Wellington 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 Kyoto is in Asia and Wellington 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 Kyoto Expensive? and Is Wellington Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Kyoto or Wellington?

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

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

Should I visit Kyoto or Wellington in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Kyoto as well as Wellington. Many travelers come to Kyoto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Wellington in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Kyoto is much warmer than Wellington in the summer. The daily temperature in Kyoto averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Wellington fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in January.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Wellington. In the summer, Kyoto often gets less sunshine than Wellingtonin January. Kyoto gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wellington receives 242 hours of full sun.

Kyoto receives a lot of rain in the summer. Kyoto usually gets more rain in July than Wellingtonin January. Kyoto gets 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kyoto or Wellington in the Autumn?

Both Wellington and Kyoto are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Kyoto in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Wellington for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Kyoto is a little warmer than Wellington. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kyoto in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Wellington averages at about 15°C (58°F)in April.

Kyoto usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Wellington during autumn. Kyoto gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Wellington receives 163 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Kyoto. In October, Kyoto usually receives more rain than Wellingtonin April. Kyoto gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Kyoto or Wellington in the Winter?

Both Wellington and Kyoto during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Kyoto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Wellington because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Kyoto can be very cold during winter. In January, Kyoto is generally much colder than Wellingtonin July. Daily temperatures in Kyoto average around 5°C (40°F), and Wellington fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

In the winter, Kyoto often gets more sunshine than Wellingtonin July. Kyoto gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wellington receives 122 hours of full sun.

Wellington gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Kyoto usually gets less rain in January than Wellingtonin July. Kyoto gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kyoto or Wellington in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kyoto and Wellington. The spring months attract visitors to Kyoto because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the beaches are the main draw to Wellington this time of year.

Kyoto is a little warmer than Wellington in the spring. The daily temperature in Kyoto averages around 14°C (58°F) in April, and Wellington fluctuates around 13°C (55°F)in October.

Kyoto usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Wellington during spring. Kyoto gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Wellington receives 180 hours of full sun in the spring.

Kyoto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Kyoto usually receives more rain than Wellingtonin October. Kyoto gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Wellington and Kyoto