A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mount Bromo vs. Napier for Food, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Mount Bromo or Napier?

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

Should I visit Mount Bromo or Napier? 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.

Mount Bromo

Mount Bromo is a scenic, spectacular, and breathtaking volcano. Mount Bromo is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking. See Mount Bromo travel costs.

Napier

Napier is a coastal, relaxed, and character-filled town. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Napier travel costs.

Mount Bromo and Napier: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mount Bromo or Napier?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Napier. Although Mount Bromo and Napier are both popular with visitors, Napier has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Napier is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Mount Bromo is known for its impressive beauty. Mount Bromo is popular for its sunrise views and scenic setting. Napier is popular for its many art deco buildings, its beautiful vineyards, and the area's long sandy beaches. It is also home to the art deco architecture.

How is Mount Bromo different from Napier?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Mount Bromo or Napier?

Napier is a great town for its historical sights. However, Mount Bromo does not have museums and landmarks.

Napier offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Considered an "Art Deco capital", there are many interesting buildings around town and it's worth taking an Art Deco Walk. The National Aquarium of New Zealand is also impressive as is the MTG Hawke's Bay, which is a museum, gallery, and theater in one. For something a little outside the box, you can visit the Napier Prison, which is New Zealand's oldest place of incarceration, dating back to 1862.

Mount Bromo does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Mount Bromo or Napier? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Napier is a great town for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Mount Bromo is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Napier. With its many wineries and big mix of fine dining restaurants, there is plenty for a foodie to enjoy around town. You'll find restaurants that serve up New Zealand favorites as well as those that experiment with modern and trendy recipes.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Mount Bromo. You'll find cheap noodle and rice dishes at the warungs in Cemoro Lawang. Some hotels have breakfast and you should pick up some food and water for the hike at a grocery store in town. There are also some stalls along the route, some that are open even at 3am to accommodate early hikers.

Is Mount Bromo or Napier Better for Nightlife?

Napier is a great town for nightlife. However, Mount Bromo is not known for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Napier has something for everybody. The nightlife scene is diverse and fun. Whether you're looking for a wild party or just want to relax with a drink and some friends, there are plenty of places where you can hang out.

People don't go to Mount Bromo for the nightlife. The stars and the early morning hike are the only nightlife you'll find here.

Is Mount Bromo or Napier Better for Beaches?

Napier is an unbeatable place for its beaches. However, Mount Bromo is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Napier. It's a popular beach destination and you'll find plenty of beaches for swimming, sunbathing, and playing with the kids. You'll want to head out of town to find the best and most beautiful beaches. For hidden beaches and some of the area's best surf, head to Mahia Peninsula. To escape the tourists and hang out with the locals, go to Waipatiki Beach. And for a picnic, Westshore Beach is a favorite. Waimarama Beach is another favorite in the area as well.

Mount Bromo is not a beach destination.

Is Mount Bromo or Napier Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Mount Bromo and Napier both have great trails.

Many visitors go to Mount Bromo for the hiking trails. The setting is beautiful, and best experienced at sunrise, which means most people hike through the night. Some people take horses and most people organized guided tours.

Napier is a popular spot for hiking. Hawke's Bay is filled with wonderful walks and hikes. There are easy coastal paths as well as mult-day treks around Lake Waikaremoana. It's not hard to find somewhere to stretch your legs and explore the scenery.

Is the Shopping Better in Mount Bromo or Napier?

Napier is a popular place for shopping. However, Mount Bromo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Napier. You'll find all of the standard New Zealand retail chains as well antique and boutique shops. With its many Art Deco buildings, the city has character and personality.

Mount Bromo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Mount Bromo or Napier More Beautiful?

Mount Bromo is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Napier is not a destination known for its beauty.

Mount Bromo is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The setting and landscapes are spectacular, particularly at sunrise when most visitors make the trip.

Napier is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Mount Bromo or Napier Better for Families?

Napier is a great town for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Mount Bromo is not as popular, but is still a nice volcano for its family-friendly activities.

Napier is a very family-friendly destination. This coastal city has a waterpark, a waterfall walk, and plenty of beaches where the family can hang out. There's also a waterfront promenade that is filled with water features and playgrounds where the kids can run around. You can also check out Hawke's Bay Farmyard Zoo or on a rainy day head to the Faraday Museum of Technology.

Mount Bromo is a family-friendly place to visit. It really depends on the age of your kids and their personality and adaptability as to whether this is a good trip for them. Many of the tours start in the middle of the night so you can see the spectacular sunrise. The trip can be a bit uncomfortable, but everyone is guaranteed an adventure!

Is Mount Bromo or Napier Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Mount Bromo and Napier make for a great place to visit.

Mount Bromo is a great volcano if you're traveling as a couple. Romantic sunrises and stunning views make this a wonderful destination for couples. The surroundings are surreal and you will long remember the experience.

Napier is a very popular place to visit for couples. Surrounded by vineyards and lined with beaches, this is a great place for a romantic getaway or a honeymoon. Hop on a bike and explore the wineries or enjoy a beautiful hike through nature. There are also adrenaline-filled activities for thrill seekers or fine dining restaurants for the foodies.

Is Mount Bromo or Napier Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Napier is a great town for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Mount Bromo is not as popular, but is still a nice volcano for backpackers.

Napier is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a couple of hostels around town and plenty of fun activities like mountain biking or white water rafting that you can enjoy.

Mount Bromo is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Some backpackers choose to go without a guided tour, and this will let you save money. Cemoro Lawang is the closest town to the volcano.

Is Mount Bromo or Napier Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Mount Bromo and Napier both offer decent public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Mount Bromo. Most people visit with a guided tour because this saves a lot of time and allows you to see the sunrise.

Public transit is generally limited in Napier. Public transit to most of the beaches is limited or nonexistent, so you really need a car if you want to get around and see everything.

Is Mount Bromo or Napier a more walkable city?

Mount Bromo is very good for its walkability. However, Napier is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

Mount Bromo is somewhat walkable. The walk takes you across the sand and up some stairs. It's usually less than an hour.

Napier is generally not very walkable. If you stay in town you can walk to cafes and restaurants, but you really need a car if you're planning to visit beaches or explore the area in depth.

For even more information, also check out Is Mount Bromo Worth Visiting? and Is Napier Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Napier or Mount Bromo?

How long in Mount Bromo or Napier?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Mount Bromo and Napier. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Napier than in Mount Bromo. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Mount Bromo, and 2-3 days is enough time in Napier.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Napier than Mount Bromo 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 Napier.

One day in Mount Bromo or Napier?

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Mount Bromo. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the relaxed town of Napier. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people visit for the beaches. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Mount Bromo or Napier?

Mount Bromo is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the character-filled destination of Napier. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Mount Bromo or Napier?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mount Bromo. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The coastal town of Napier offers shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Mount Bromo or Napier?

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the scenic destination of Mount Bromo. This volcano offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Napier. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people visit for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Indonesia, The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, The Best Contiki Tours to New Zealand, and The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand.

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

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