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

Should you visit Melbourne or Paris?

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

Should I visit Melbourne or Paris? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Melbourne

Melbourne is a progressive, livable, and friendly city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include beaches, 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.

Melbourne and Paris: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Melbourne or Paris?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Paris than Melbourne. While Melbourne is larger than Paris, Paris has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Paris is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Melbourne attracts visitors for its beaches. Paris is more touristy than Melbourne and is known for its world-renowned cuisine, iconic landmarks, trendsetting fashion, and dynamic markets. It is also well known for The Eiffel Tower. Melbourne is famous for its art and cultural scene, its sports history, and its friendly and welcoming population.

The Eiffel Tower

How is Melbourne different from Paris?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Paris is very popular for its museums and history. Also, Melbourne 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.

Many visitors head to Melbourne specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Many of the city's sights center around the art and cultural scene. There's the the National Gallery of Victoria and the Performing Arts Centre Melbourne. There's also Federation Square. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the National Sports Museum and for great views, check out Melbourne Skydeck at Eureka Tower.

Is Melbourne or Paris Better for Theater?

Paris is very popular for its theatre productions. However, Melbourne is not a theatre destination.

The theater and performance venues in Paris draw crowds from around the world. There are world class theaters as well as smaller local venues where you can enjoy a show.

Melbourne is not a theatre destination.

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

Paris is very popular for its restaurants. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Paris is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. There are countless local restaurants, markets, and patisseries to explore. Make sure you try the steak tartare, pate, and macarons.

Dining out in Melbourne is an experience not to be missed. There's an eclectic mix of international restaurants that offer everything from Szechuan dishes to Spanish tapas. You'll find bistros and bars that have a fun and relaxed vibe and locals and tourists alike enjoy dining out.

Is Melbourne or Paris Better for Nightlife?

Paris is very popular for nightlife and partying. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Paris is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

Melbourne is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There are bars and clubs that have a laid back and relaxed atmosphere as well as more party focused nightclubs that stay open late into the night. Whether you're interested in dancing and listening to live music, or chatting with friends at a local brewery, there really is something for everyone.

Is Melbourne or Paris Better for Music?

Paris is very popular for its live music scene. However, Melbourne 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.

Melbourne is not a live music destination.

Is Melbourne or Paris Better for Beaches?

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

Melbourne is considered a top beach destination. There are laid back beaches near town that attract locals and tourists alike. You can enjoy coastal trails and great natural beauty. St Kilda Beach and Elwood Beach are among the most popular beaches near the city. Brighton Beach is known for its colorful bathing boxes and Williamstown Beach is very family-friendly.

Paris is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Melbourne or Paris?

Paris is very popular for its shopping opportunities. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Paris draws large crowds to its stores. 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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Melbourne. The city has tons of retail options that range from trendy fashion boutiques to outdoor markets. There are local venders that highlight the city's art and cultural scene, but there are also suburban malls with all of the major brands.

Is Melbourne or Paris Better for Christmas?

Paris is very popular for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Melbourne 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.

Melbourne does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Melbourne or Paris Better for Families?

Paris is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Paris is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Melbourne is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has kids museums like the Museum of Play and Art or the Polly Woodside Tall Ship and Museum. There's also the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium and the Scienceworks Museums. If you like quirky, check out the ArtVo 3D Immersive Art Gallery. There's also Legoland, which has a lot for younger children.

Is Melbourne or Paris Better for Couples?

Paris is very popular for its romantic activities. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Paris makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. A city filled with romance, you really can't find a more ideal destination for a European honeymoon or a couple's getaway.

Melbourne is a good city for couples to visit. It's a very livable city with romantic viewpoints like SkyHigh Mount Dandenong. There are also nice gardens to explore such as the Carlton Gardens and the Rippon Lea House and Gardens. Or you could go for a ride on the Melbourne Star or dine at one of the many great restaurants.

Is Melbourne or Paris Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paris is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Melbourne 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.

Melbourne is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Many backpackers breeze through the city, but there is a great music and art scene as well as a number of good restaurants. You'll also find a couple of good hostels in town.

Is Melbourne or Paris Better for Students?

Both Melbourne and Paris are first-rate destinations for students.

Many students frequent Melbourne. Many students think this is among the best student cities in Australia. There's a great creative culture with a good music and art scene. The population is diverse and the restaurants a great.

Students come from all over the world to visit Paris. The city is one of the most popular destinations for international and study abroad students.

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

Paris is very popular for times when you don't have a car. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Paris has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Melbourne. The public transit system is among the best in Australia. There are public buses, trains, and trams (also called trolleys or streetcars).

Is Melbourne or Paris a more walkable city?

Melbourne and Paris are high quality when it comes to walkability.

Melbourne is a very walkable city. The city center is very walkable with a compact and grid-like layout.

Paris is a very walkable destination. 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 Melbourne Worth Visiting? and Is Paris Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Paris or Melbourne?

How long in Melbourne or Paris?

Both Melbourne 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 Melbourne. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Melbourne, and 3-7 days is enough time in Paris.

Families should spend more time in Paris than Melbourne. 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 Melbourne. 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 Melbourne 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 Melbourne or Paris?

Each neighborhood in Melbourne 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 Melbourne or Paris?

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

You'll find theater and nightlife around the energetic 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 Melbourne or Paris?

Melbourne is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Melbourne 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 Melbourne or Paris?

You'll find food and shopping around the livable big city of Melbourne. 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.

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 Water Sports Tour Packages in Australia, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Australia, The Best Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Melbourne or Paris?

Melbourne has a larger population, and is about 74% larger than the population of Paris. When comparing the sizes of Melbourne 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.

When is the best time to visit Melbourne or Paris?

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

Should I visit Melbourne or Paris in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Melbourne and Paris. The summer months attract visitors to Melbourne because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Paris this time of year.

In January, Melbourne is generally around the same temperature as Parisin July. Daily temperatures in Melbourne average around 20°C (68°F), and Paris fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Paris this time of the year. In Melbourne, it's very sunny this time of the year. Melbourne usually receives more sunshine than Paris during summer. Melbourne gets 271 hours of sunny skies, while Paris receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In January, Melbourne usually receives less rain than Parisin July. Melbourne gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Paris receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Melbourne or Paris in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Melbourne as well as Paris. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Melbourne this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Paris for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Melbourne is a little warmer than Paris in the autumn. The daily temperature in Melbourne averages around 15°C (60°F) in April, and Paris fluctuates around 13°C (56°F)in October.

In the autumn, Melbourne often gets more sunshine than Parisin October. Melbourne gets 170 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Paris receives 127 hours of full sun.

Melbourne usually gets less rain in April than Parisin October. Melbourne gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Paris receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Melbourne or Paris in the Winter?

Both Paris and Melbourne are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Melbourne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Paris in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Paris can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Melbourne is much warmer than Paris. Typically, the winter temperatures in Melbourne in July average around 9°C (49°F), and Paris averages at about 5°C (40°F)in January.

Melbourne usually receives more sunshine than Paris during winter. Melbourne gets 139 hours of sunny skies, while Paris receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Melbourne usually receives less rain than Parisin January. Melbourne gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Paris receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Melbourne or Paris in the Spring?

Both Paris and Melbourne during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Melbourne in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Furthermore, most visitors come to Paris for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In October, Melbourne is generally a little warmer than Parisin April. Daily temperatures in Melbourne average around 14°C (57°F), and Paris fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

It's quite sunny in Melbourne. In the spring, Melbourne often gets more sunshine than Parisin April. Melbourne gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Paris receives 172 hours of full sun.

Melbourne usually gets more rain in October than Parisin April. Melbourne gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Paris receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Paris and Melbourne