A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sao Paulo vs. Crete for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Sao Paulo or Crete?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sao Paulo or Crete, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Sao Paulo

Sao Paulo is a vibrant, colorful, and cultural city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Sao Paulo travel costs.

Crete

Crete is a scenic, stunning, and breathtaking island. With stunning beauty, Crete attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Crete travel costs.

Sao Paulo and Crete: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sao Paulo or Crete?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Sao Paulo than Crete. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Sao Paulo is very popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Crete attracts visitors for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Crete is more touristy than Sao Paulo and is popular for its breathtaking beaches, wild nightlife, and impressive archeological ruins. Sao Paulo is famous for its large size, vibrant neighborhoods, and world-class nightlife scene. It is also well known for Ibirapuera Park.

How is Sao Paulo different from Crete?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Sao Paulo or Crete?

Sao Paulo is an amazing city to visit for its museums and landmarks. Also, Crete is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Sao Paulo on the map. While many visitors overlook Sao Paulo for other destinations in Brazil, those that do visit will be rewarded with a large number of museums and sights. It's the largest city in South America, and there's plenty to do. Highlights include Museu de Arte, Museu de Arte, Museu de Arte Contemporânea, and the cathedral

Many visitors head to Crete specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The island is filled with archeological sites including the famous Palace of Knossos. While most people come to Crete for the natural beauty, in the cities you'll find some great museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Sao Paulo or Crete? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Crete is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Sao Paulo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Crete is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Local cuisine is influenced by the island's fertile environment and excellent agriculture. You'll find olive oil in most dishes and seafood is a major staple. You'll also find a lot of stews and recipes that incorporate local ingredients.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Sao Paulo makes for a great culinary experience. The city offers a huge mix of fine dining restaurants, street food vendors, family-friendly restaurants, and large local markets. The cuisine has many influences such as the Portuguese, West Africa, and even the Middle East. Popular dishes include the street food coxinha, feijoada (black bean and beef stew), and cachooro-quente (local hot dogs).

Is Sao Paulo or Crete Better for Nightlife?

Sao Paulo is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Crete is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Sao Paulo has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. As the economic hub for Brazil, you'll find tons of bars, clubs, and venues throughout the city. The best neighborhood for a party is Vila Madalena, which is filled with restaurants and bars. For live music and food trucks, check out Rua Augusta. There are also many different neighborhoods in this megacity, and many have a lively energy and plenty to do at night. Every night you should be able to find something different to do.

Many people head to Crete for the nightlife scene. The island has excellent nightlife with clubs and bars found in Chania, Malia and Stalis to Elounda. The area is popular with British tourists and you'll find many bars open until 2 or 3 in the morning.

Is Sao Paulo or Crete Better for Resorts?

Crete is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Sao Paulo is not a resort destination.

Crete offers an unforgettable resort vacation. The island has world class resorts that include pools and buffet meals. There are many beachfront resorts that range in style from romantic to family-friendly.

Sao Paulo is not a resort destination.

Is Sao Paulo or Crete Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Crete is a great island for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Sao Paulo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to Crete to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. The island is surrounded by clear waters that make for great snorkeling and diving. There's a number of beautiful fish and other sea life that you can see. Be on the lookout for crabs, sea stars, sponges, and even octopi.

Sao Paulo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Sao Paulo or Crete Better for Beaches?

Crete is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Sao Paulo is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Crete are among the best in the world. There are some of the best beaches in the world on Crete. The areas around Chania have some of the island's best beaches, with one of the most beautiful being Balos. On the northern side of the island, be on the lookout for strong winds, particularly in August, which can make for larger waves. The island is large, so you'll find everything from secluded and quiet beaches to more active and lively places.

Sao Paulo is not a beach destination.

Is Sao Paulo or Crete Better for Hiking?

Crete is a great island for hiking. However, Sao Paulo is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Crete for the hiking trails. The island is filled with beautiful hikes that run along the shoreline or head inland through the island's beautiful landscapes. There are hikes for every ability level that offer spectacular views and an incredible experience.

Sao Paulo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sao Paulo or Crete?

Sao Paulo is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Crete is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Sao Paulo is a world class destination for shoppers. The shopping opportunities are diverse, from megamalls to local markets, and international boutiques. There are many great neighborhoods for shopping, like Jardins, where you'll find high end stores. The main shopping street is Rua Oscar Freire. Downtown Sao Paulo has a mix of retail stores and market stalls that sell everything from cheap fashion to inexpensive odds and ins.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Crete. The island has many markets that sell local foods and handicrafts. There are also shops and boutiques where you can buy anything from souvenirs to homemade artwork.

Is Sao Paulo or Crete More Beautiful?

Crete is a great island for its scenery and beauty. However, Sao Paulo is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Crete attracts visitors from all around. The island has some of the world's most beautiful beaches. The blue waters and striking landscapes make this a world class destination.

Sao Paulo is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Sao Paulo or Crete Better for Families?

Crete is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Sao Paulo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Crete is an amazing family-friendly island to visit. The island is large and filled with countless family-friendly activities. You can spend several days at the beach, explore Lake Kournas, visit a water park, or even take a pirate themed boat cruise. There's also the amusement park, ​​Labyrinth Park, aquariums and more.

Sao Paulo is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy a visit to the zoo or one of the kid-friendly museums around town. There are also a number of parks, some kid-friendly restaurants, and even an amusement park.

Is Sao Paulo or Crete Better for Couples?

Crete is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Sao Paulo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Crete has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It's stunning beaches, beautiful landscapes, world renowned restaurants, and amazing resorts make this a top honeymoon spot for international travelers and romance seekers.

Sao Paulo is a nice destination for couples. The city is filled with culture and you'll find many great activities that will make for an exciting couples trip. There are parks and museums, bars and restaurants, and theaters where you can see a show. Many couples enjoy a visit to the Botanical Garden of Sao Paulo or a stroll through Ibirapuera Park. You can watch the sunset with a view of the city from one of the many rooftop bars and then enjoy some samba dancing on the town.

Is Sao Paulo or Crete Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Crete is a great island for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Sao Paulo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Crete. It's a large island with a great social scene and no shortage of hostels for backpackers to choose from.

Sao Paulo is a good city to visit for backpackers. While it's overlooked by many travelers, backpackers who linger for awhile will enjoy the city's authenticity and cultural scene. There are also a number of hostels around town.

Is Sao Paulo or Crete Better for Students?

Crete is a great island for its student-friendly activities. Also, Sao Paulo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Crete is a great island to visit as a student. It's affordability and great coastal activities is a big draw for students in the area.

Sao Paulo is a good city to visit for students. The city is large with a diverse population and plenty to offer students. There are good educational institutions and a great international vibe as well.

Is Sao Paulo or Crete Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Sao Paulo is an amazing city to visit for its public transit. Also, Crete is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Sao Paulo is top-notch. It's a huge city, so you'll likely make use of the metro during your trip. There are six lines to the metro system and they provide convenient access to many of the city's top attractions. The city also has many bus routes as well.

While Crete offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a decent bus system that travels around the island and offers access to many areas.

Is Sao Paulo or Crete a more walkable city?

Sao Paulo is well known for its ease of walking around. However, Crete is not particularly known for its walkability.

Sao Paulo is a very walkable destination. It's a megacity that has a wide range of neighborhoods. The city center is generally very walkable, but because of its size, you'll want to have an itinerary planned out for each day.

Crete is generally not a very walkable city. The island is large and requires a vehicle to get around, but there are short strolls that let you enjoy the stunning landscapes.

For even more information, also check out Is Sao Paulo Worth Visiting? and Is Crete Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Crete or Sao Paulo?

How long in Sao Paulo or Crete?

Both Sao Paulo and Crete have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Crete than in Sao Paulo. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Sao Paulo, and 5-7 days is enough time in Crete.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Crete than Sao Paulo 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 Crete.

One day in Sao Paulo or Crete?

Each neighborhood in Sao Paulo 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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the island of Crete. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Sao Paulo or Crete?

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

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the breathtaking destination of Crete. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Sao Paulo or Crete?

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

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the stunning island of Crete. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this island makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer.

A week in Sao Paulo or Crete?

You'll find food and shopping around the dynamic big city of Sao Paulo. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Crete is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Crete, 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 3-Day Tours from Manaus, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Brazil, The Best Contiki Tours to Greece, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Greece.

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

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

Which has a larger population, Sao Paulo or Crete?

Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Crete. When comparing the sizes of Sao Paulo and Crete, 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.