A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nara vs. Hobart for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Hiking

Should you visit Nara or Hobart?

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

Should I visit Nara or Hobart? 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.

Nara

Nara is a historic, cultural, and traditional city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Hobart

Hobart is a quaint, historical, and charming city. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Nara and Hobart: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nara or Hobart?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Nara than Hobart, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Nara is better known for its nightlife, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Hobart is more popular for its food. Hobart is more touristy than Nara and is popular for its quaint historical center, fresh seafood, and nearby hiking and biking trails. Nara is well known for its many temples and shrines, its beautiful natural areas, and its free roaming deer. Also, Nara is famous for Nara Park.

How is Nara different from Hobart?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Nara or Hobart?

Plenty of people visit the excellent sights and museums in both Nara and Hobart.

Nara offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is filled with history. There are many ancient temples such as Tōdai-ji Temple, Kofuku-ji Temple, Yakushi-ji Temple, and Tōshōdai-ji Temple. You can also visit the Nara National Museum as well as the many parks and gardens.

Many visitors head to Hobart specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The town has many landmarks and museums such as Port Arthur, the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), Mawson's Huts Replica Museum, and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. A highlight of the city is Battery Point, which is like an open-air museum. Make sure you explore the Battery Point Sculpture Trail.

Is the Food Better in Nara or Hobart? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hobart is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Nara is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Hobart. The town has seen a surge in its culinary scene in recent years. Local chefs like to highlight the regional flavors and ingredients such as octopus, kingfish, abalone, and leatherwood honey.

Nara is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The cuisine is simple and traditional with its roots in the history of the area. Many residents start their morning with a simple rice porridge. The area is also known for its persimmon leaf sushi and miwa somen (a thin, chewy noodle).

Is Nara or Hobart Better for Nightlife?

Nara is great for nightlife and partying. Also, Hobart is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

Many people head to Nara for the nightlife scene. The town offers a serene and relaxed atmosphere at night. There are plenty of bars around town that are known for their friendly bartenders and you'll find many of the bars in Naramachi, which is the old town area.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Hobart. While it's a smaller city, there is still a good mix of local bars, trendy lounges, and elegant wine bars. you'll also find some great venues for live music.

Is Nara or Hobart Better for its Old Town?

Nara is a city with good options for its old town. However, Hobart does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Nara. Naramachi is the old town of Nara. This is the old merchant district and today you'll find several traditional residential buildings and warehouses that are open to the public.

Hobart does not have a historic old town.

Is Nara or Hobart Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Nara and Hobart both have excellent trails.

Nara is a popular spot for hiking. The city is all about its surrounding nature. There are historic pilgrim routes that pass through the hills and mountains, taking you by sacred sights and ancient forests. In the area you'll find some of Japan's most ancient byways.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Hobart. The city is surrounded by bushland reserves as well as nearby Mount Wellington. The area offers many diverse hiking and walking trails and there are a wide range to choose from so whatever your hiking level, you'll find something of interest.

Is the Shopping Better in Nara or Hobart?

Both Nara and Hobart are excellent shopping destinations.

Nara is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Sanjo-dori is the main street through town. This is where you'll find many souvenir shops that sell local items and traditional food. Mochiido Center Town is the oldest shopping arcade in town and it is filled with history.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Hobart. It has some of the best shopping in Tasmania. You'll find a great shopping experience along Elizabeth Street, which is lined with boutiques and quirky shops. The city also has a couple of outdoor flea markets that offers a unique shopping experience.

Is Nara or Hobart Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Nara or Hobart.

Nara is a very kid-friendly city. Head to Nara Park for a bit of nature in the city. Deer roam freely in the park, which is filled with pine trees and beautiful lawns. Kids will also appreciate a visit to Ikomasanjo Amusement Park or the NARAMACHI-KARAKURI Toy Museum. You can also take a ride on the Ikoma Cable Line or spend some time at the Tennenyamato Hot Spring Nara Kenko Land.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Hobart. Kids who love animals will enjoy a visit to the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. There are also fruit farms to visit and vineyards to explore in the area, as well as great hiking. For an interactive museum, head to the Tasmanian Transport Museum and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery has some toddler-friendly displays.

Is Nara or Hobart Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Nara and Hobart make for a excellent place to visit.

Nara is a very popular place to visit for couples. The city is smaller than you might expect, and it's filled with green space and parks. You can wander through Nara Park, see the deer, and soak up the romantic atmosphere. You can also visit one of the beautiful temples such as Todaiji Temple. Many couples also enjoy exploring Yoshikien Garden.

Hobart makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy exploring the waterfront and Sullivans Cove. There are also outdoor markets and breweries around town. Botanical gardens and quaint neighborhoods also make this a lovely town to visit.

Is Nara or Hobart Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Nara and Hobart are notable destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Nara. There are a couple of hostels in the area that cater to backpackers and the budget travel crowd.

Hobart is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a handful of hostels around town and many great hiking trails.

Is Nara or Hobart Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Nara is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Hobart is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Nara has some very good public transit options. There are city buses that will take you through town and to the many tourist spots.

Hobart has a few public transit options. There's a public bus system and many of the buses leave from Elizabeth Street (between Macquarie and Collins Streets) or Franklin Square.

Is Nara or Hobart a more walkable city?

Nara and Hobart both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Nara is a very walkable city. Many of the sights are within walking distance of each other, so many visitors enjoy exploring on foot.

Hobart is a very walkable destination. It has a compact city center that many people enjoy exploring on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Nara Worth Visiting? and Is Hobart Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hobart or Nara?

How long in Nara or Hobart?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nara than Hobart 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 Nara.

One day in Nara or Hobart?

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

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Hobart. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Nara or Hobart?

Nara 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.

Hobart is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Nara or Hobart?

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

You'll find museums and nightlife around the quaint destination of Hobart. This city offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Nara or Hobart?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Nara. This city 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.

The quaint city of Hobart offers nightlife and food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan, The Best Cultural Tours in Japan, The Best Budget Tours to Australia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Australia.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Nara or Hobart?

Nara has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Hobart. When comparing the sizes of Nara and Hobart, 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 Nara or Hobart?

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

Should I visit Nara or Hobart in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nara as well as Hobart. Many visitors come to Nara in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Hobart for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Nara is much warmer than Hobart in the summer. The daily temperature in Nara averages around 27°C (80°F) in July, and Hobart fluctuates around 17°C (63°F)in January.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hobart. In the summer, Nara often gets less sunshine than Hobartin January. Nara gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hobart receives 259 hours of full sun.

Nara receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nara usually gets more rain in July than Hobartin January. Nara gets 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain, while Hobart receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nara or Hobart in the Autumn?

Both Hobart and Nara are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Nara for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Hobart because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Nara is a little warmer than Hobart. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nara in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Hobart averages at about 14°C (57°F)in April.

Nara usually receives less sunshine than Hobart during autumn. Nara gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Hobart receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Nara. In October, Nara usually receives more rain than Hobartin April. Nara gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Hobart receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nara or Hobart in the Winter?

Both Hobart and Nara during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Nara because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hobart this time of year.

The weather in Nara can be very cold. In January, Nara is generally much colder than Hobartin July. Daily temperatures in Nara average around 4°C (40°F), and Hobart fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

In the winter, Nara often gets less sunshine than Hobartin July. Nara gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hobart receives 152 hours of full sun.

Nara usually gets less rain in January than Hobartin July. Nara gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Hobart receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nara or Hobart in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nara and Hobart. The natural beauty are the main draw to Nara this time of year.

Nara is around the same temperature as Hobart in the spring. The daily temperature in Nara averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Hobart fluctuates around 13°C (55°F)in October.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hobart this time of the year. Nara usually receives less sunshine than Hobart during spring. Nara gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Hobart receives 209 hours of full sun in the spring.

Nara gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Nara usually receives more rain than Hobartin October. Nara gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Hobart receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hobart and Nara