A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Shanghai vs. Adelaide for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Shanghai or Adelaide?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Shanghai and Adelaide. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Shanghai

Shanghai is a bustling, trendy, and modern port city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Shanghai is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Shanghai travel costs.

Adelaide

Adelaide is a elegant, welcoming, and friendly city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Adelaide travel costs.

Shanghai and Adelaide: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Shanghai or Adelaide?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Shanghai than Adelaide. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Shanghai is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Adelaide attracts visitors for its beaches and hiking. Shanghai is more touristy than Adelaide and is popular for its historical landmarks, local street food, vibrant markets, and waterfront promenade. It is also well known for The Bund. Adelaide is famous for its wine scene, vibrant festivals, green spaces, and local sporting events.

How is Shanghai different from Adelaide?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Shanghai or Adelaide?

Shanghai is renowned for its museums and history. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Shanghai from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The city's sights mix culture with modern innovation. From the futuristic skyline and the iconic waterfront area known as the Bund, to the classic Yu Garden, there are a diversity of sights around the city. There are also museums like the Shanghai Museum, which educate visitors on Chinese culture.

Adelaide offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are some interesting buildings along North Terrace such as the Parliament House, the State Library of South Australia, and the South Australian Museum. At the Botanic Garden there's the Santos Museum of Economic Botany. Also make sure you check out the Art Gallery of South Australia.

Is the Food Better in Shanghai or Adelaide? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Shanghai is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Many restaurants in Shanghai have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city's cuisine has a long history with many distinct traditional dishes. The foods incorporate a lot of soy sauce and sugar and you'll find most dishes are rice based as opposed to using wheat products. Popular local dishes include the famous Shanghai soup dumplings, steamed crab, and braised pork. The city is also famous for its snacks, which can be purchased at one of the many snack houses or street stalls.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Adelaide. There's great wine, local restaurants, and charming cafes. You'll find local dishes as well as international flavors around town. The local produce is good and the restaurants offer fresh and delicious recipes.

Is Shanghai or Adelaide Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are nice in both Shanghai and Adelaide.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Shanghai. A night out can quickly become very expensive. Many of the venues are spread out so you'll likely spend at least some of the time in a taxi. The Bund is one of the most popular areas for nightlife, but this area also has the most expensive bars and clubs. They often offer impressive views of Pudong and the Huangpu River though.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Adelaide. The nightlife scene is filled with rooftop bars, live music venues, and boutique wine bars. Whether you're looking for trendy and luxury or casual and laid back, there are many places to spend a night out.

Is Shanghai or Adelaide Better for Beaches?

Adelaide is notable for the beach. However, Shanghai is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Adelaide for it's beautiful beaches. Part of what makes the city's beaches so great is how accessible they are. You don't have to go far to be at some of the area's best beaches. Glenelg is a family-friendly beach near town. It's also the most popular and most accessible. Brighton is relaxed with cafes and small restaurants nearby. And for seafood, head to Henley.

Shanghai is not a beach destination.

Is Shanghai or Adelaide Better for Hiking?

Adelaide is a good destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Shanghai is not a hiking destination.

Adelaide offers some nice hiking trails. Outside of town there are national parks and reserves with hiking trails. You don't have to go far to explore the coastline or bushland in the area.

Shanghai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Shanghai or Adelaide?

Shanghai is renowned for shopping. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Shanghai. The city has many large shopping malls with department stores, name brand fashion, and trendy shops. It is also known for its cheap electronics and tailor-made clothes.

Adelaide is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Rundle Mall is the most well known shopping area in town. You'll find boutique shops as well as large department stores. Whether you're looking for international fashion brands or something more local, there are many places to explore.

Is Shanghai or Adelaide More Beautiful?

Shanghai is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Adelaide is not a destination known for its beauty.

Shanghai is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Its distinct, futuristic skyline and scenic waterside strolls make this city a beautiful place to explore.

Adelaide is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Shanghai or Adelaide Better for Families?

Shanghai is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Shanghai is a very family-friendly destination. Of course there's Disneyland, but kids will also enjoy soaking up the city's culture, trying fun new snacks, and exploring the many science and kid-friendly museums. There are also parks and outdoor spaces as well as skyscrapers and towers that offer incredible views of the city.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Adelaide. There are kids museums, water parks, playgrounds, and beaches that are fun to explore with children. The city has a family-friendly vibe with kid-friendly restaurants and a welcoming personality.

Is Shanghai or Adelaide Better for Couples?

Shanghai is renowned for romance. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Shanghai is a great port city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. With its east meets west personality, couples will be able to enjoy an amazing culinary experience, beautiful gardens, and luxury hotels and spas. There are many romantic areas around this bustling city, making it the perfect place for a romantic city getaway.

Adelaide makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. A great date activity is a night at the opera. There are also boat rides, hot air balloon rides, and nice restaurants that make for a fun evening out.

Is Shanghai or Adelaide Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Shanghai is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Shanghai is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The city is expensive, but there are hostels and cheap eateries that make it accessible even for the budget conscious. Business travelers and local workers give the city a more professional vibe during the day, but if you find the right place to stay you'll quickly be able to meet likeminded travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Adelaide. It's not high on the list for many backpackers, but those who venture here will enjoy a great wine scene, beautiful beaches, and lively festivals.

Is Shanghai or Adelaide Better for Students?

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

Students come from all over to stay in Shanghai. The city attracts international and study abroad students who enjoy its long history and fascinating culture. It's a world financial capital with many businesses headquartered here, so employment opportunities are abundant.

Adelaide is popular with students. It's a friendly and affordable city that has a nice student culture. It's very livable and accessible to other interesting places.

Is Shanghai or Adelaide Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Shanghai and Adelaide offer very good public transit options.

Shanghai has some very good public transit options. There is a metro system as well as buses and taxis which are relatively affordable.

The public transit in Adelaide can get you to most places easily. There are bus, trains, and trams throughout the city center.

Is Shanghai or Adelaide a more walkable city?

Shanghai and Adelaide both are very good when exploring on foot.

Shanghai is a very walkable port city. It's possible to explore the major tourist areas on foot but it can be very hot and humid during the summer months.

Adelaide is a very walkable destination. The city is compact and laid out in a grid pattern, so it's easy to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Shanghai Worth Visiting? and Is Adelaide Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Adelaide or Shanghai?

How long in Shanghai or Adelaide?

It's fun to spend time in either Shanghai or Adelaide. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Shanghai due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Shanghai, and 2-4 days is enough time in Adelaide.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Shanghai than Adelaide 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 Shanghai.

One day in Shanghai or Adelaide?

Shanghai is a big city with plenty to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The city of Adelaide offers food and shopping. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Shanghai or Adelaide?

Shanghai is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this port city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Shanghai, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Adelaide is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Adelaide, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Shanghai or Adelaide?

Shanghai is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Shanghai, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Adelaide is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Shanghai or Adelaide?

Shanghai is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This port city offers something for everyone.

Adelaide is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best Adventure Tours to Australia, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Shanghai or Adelaide?

Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Adelaide. When comparing the sizes of Shanghai and Adelaide, 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 Shanghai or Adelaide?

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

Should I visit Shanghai or Adelaide in the Summer?

Both Adelaide and Shanghai during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Shanghai for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Adelaide because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Shanghai is generally a little warmer than Adelaidein January. Daily temperatures in Shanghai average around 28°C (83°F), and Adelaide fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

In Adelaide, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Shanghai. In the summer, Shanghai often gets less sunshine than Adelaidein January. Shanghai gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Adelaide receives 330 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Shanghai. Shanghai usually gets more rain in July than Adelaidein January. Shanghai gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Adelaide receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Shanghai or Adelaide in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Shanghai and Adelaide. The autumn months attract visitors to Shanghai because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Adelaide this time of year.

Shanghai is around the same temperature as Adelaide in the autumn. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 19°C (65°F) in October, and Adelaide fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in April.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Adelaide this time of the year. Shanghai usually receives less sunshine than Adelaide during autumn. Shanghai gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Adelaide receives 215 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Shanghai usually receives more rain than Adelaidein April. Shanghai gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Adelaide receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Shanghai or Adelaide in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Shanghai as well as Adelaide. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Shanghai this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Adelaide for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Shanghai in the winter. In the winter, Shanghai is much colder than Adelaide. Typically, the winter temperatures in Shanghai in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Adelaide averages at about 11°C (52°F)in July.

In the winter, Shanghai often gets less sunshine than Adelaidein July. Shanghai gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Adelaide receives 159 hours of full sun.

Shanghai usually gets less rain in January than Adelaidein July. Shanghai gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Adelaide receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Shanghai or Adelaide in the Spring?

Both Adelaide and Shanghai are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Shanghai for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Adelaide in the spring for the beaches.

In April, Shanghai is generally cooler than Adelaidein October. Daily temperatures in Shanghai average around 15°C (58°F), and Adelaide fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

It's quite sunny in Adelaide. Shanghai usually receives less sunshine than Adelaide during spring. Shanghai gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Adelaide receives 256 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Shanghai. In April, Shanghai usually receives more rain than Adelaidein October. Shanghai gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Adelaide receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Adelaide and Shanghai