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

Should you visit Shanghai or Atlanta?

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 Atlanta. 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 modern, cosmopolitan, and professional port city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Atlanta

Atlanta is a sprawling, suburban, and cultural city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Shanghai and Atlanta: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Shanghai or Atlanta?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Shanghai than Atlanta, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Shanghai is more popular for its food, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Atlanta is known for its nightlife. Shanghai is more touristy than Atlanta and is popular for its historical landmarks, local street food, vibrant markets, and waterfront promenade. It is also home to The Bund. Atlanta is popular for its world class aquarium, its role as host of the 1996 Olympic Games, and its influence during the Civil Rights Movement.

How is Shanghai different from Atlanta?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Atlanta 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 Atlanta?

Plenty of people visit the world-class sights and museums in both Shanghai and Atlanta.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Shanghai are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Atlanta has many famous sights for visitors. The museums range in topic from history to science and art. The country's largest aquarium, the Georgia Aquarium, is in Atlanta as well. It's home to whale sharks, stingrays, and a diversity of marine life. Other museums around town include the Atlanta History Center, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, the High Museum of Art, the World of Coca Cola, the David J. Sencer CDC Museum, and the Delta Flight Museum. There are also many monuments and sites including the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site.

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

Shanghai is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Shanghai is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Atlanta makes for a great culinary experience. It's a huge city with a wide selection of restaurants including international, local, and classic southern styles. Fried chicken, biscuits, diner food, and barbecue are all popular. For a classic southern breakfast check out The OK Cafe and for a quintessential Atlanta experience go to The Varsity.

Is Shanghai or Atlanta Better for Nightlife?

Atlanta is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, Shanghai is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its evening party scene.

Atlanta has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The nightlife scene is diverse with trendy bars, dance clubs, and huge music halls. There are a number of neighborhoods that each have their own atmosphere. For some of the best nightlife check out the upscale bars in Buckhead, the music venues in Midtown, the hipster vibe in Edgewood, or the laid-back atmosphere in Virginia Highland.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Shanghai or Atlanta?

Both Shanghai and Atlanta are world-class shopping destinations.

The abundance of shops in Shanghai make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Many people travel to Atlanta specifically to go shopping. There are a number of great shopping districts around town. Atlantic Station is popular with a movie theater and ice skating. Buckhead has boutique and local vendors and Lenox Square has a large shopping mall.

Is Shanghai or Atlanta Better for Families?

Both Shanghai and Atlanta are great family-friendly destinations.

Shanghai is a very kid-friendly port city. 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 family-friendly things to do in Atlanta. There is no shortage of playgrounds around town, but a highlight of any trip is a visit to the Georgia Aquarium. It's the largest aquarium in the United States and its home to whale sharks, hammerheads, dolphin shows, and more. It is so much more than just an aquarium, and it truly is a not to be missed experience. Also worth a visit are Zoo Atlanta, the Center of Puppetry Arts, Stone Mountain, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, and the Lego Discovery Center. If you have the chance to see the Atlanta Braves play, that's also a rewarding experience.

Is Shanghai or Atlanta Better for Couples?

Shanghai is terrific for couples. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Shanghai has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Atlanta is a nice destination for couples. It's a big city, so there are a number of date night activities available such as orchestra concerts, theater shows, and fine dining. The city also has many outdoor areas like Lake Lanier and Piedmont Park. The Georgia Aquarium is world class, and there are other amazing museums around town as well.

Is Shanghai or Atlanta Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Shanghai is a great port city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Shanghai. 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.

Atlanta is a good port city to visit for backpackers. While it's usually overlooked by backpackers, there are actually a couple of hostels around town and a surprising number of activities worth experiencing. The city's large airport make it a convenient entry point for international travelers.

Is Shanghai or Atlanta Better for Students?

Shanghai and Atlanta are both great destinations for students and younger travelers.

Many students visit 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.

Atlanta is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. There are a number of universities in town such as Emory, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, and Morehouse College. The city is sprawling, but it's also full of entertainment and activities that students will enjoy.

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

Shanghai is a great port city for times when you don't have a car. However, Atlanta is not known for its public transit.

Shanghai offers a very effecient public transportation network. There is a metro system as well as buses and taxis which are relatively affordable.

Public transit is generally limited in Atlanta. For such a large city, the public transportation system is very limited. MARTA is the main transit authority and there are a few subway lines that cross the city as well as bus routes running around town.

Is Shanghai or Atlanta a more walkable city?

Shanghai is a great port city for its ease of walking around. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

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

Atlanta is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are walkable, but most of the sights are spread out and require a car to access. Within neighborhoods, there are a few places that are more pedestrian-friendly such as Downtown, Midtown, Virginia Highlands, and Buckhead.

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

Should I spend more time in Atlanta or Shanghai?

How long in Shanghai or Atlanta?

It's fun to spend time in either Shanghai or Atlanta. 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 Atlanta.

Families should spend more time in Shanghai than Atlanta. 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 Atlanta. 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 Atlanta 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 Atlanta?

Because Shanghai is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This port city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The city of Atlanta offers food and shopping. 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 Atlanta?

Because Shanghai is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Shanghai has to offer.

Atlanta 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Atlanta, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Shanghai or Atlanta?

Shanghai is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Shanghai has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Atlanta 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 Atlanta?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Shanghai. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Shanghai. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Atlanta 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 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 Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Shanghai or Atlanta?

Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Atlanta. When comparing the sizes of Shanghai and Atlanta, 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 Atlanta?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Shanghai or Atlanta in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Shanghai as well as Atlanta. Many visitors come to Shanghai in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Atlanta for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Shanghai is around the same temperature as Atlanta. Typically, the summer temperatures in Shanghai in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Atlanta averages at about 82°F (28°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Shanghai this time of the year. In the summer, Shanghai often gets less sunshine than Atlanta. Shanghai gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atlanta receives 271 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Atlanta. Shanghai receives a lot of rain in the summer. Shanghai usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Atlanta. Shanghai gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Atlanta receives 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Shanghai or Atlanta in the Autumn?

Both Atlanta and Shanghai are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Shanghai for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Atlanta because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Shanghai is generally around the same temperature as Atlanta. Daily temperatures in Shanghai average around 19°C (65°F), and Atlanta fluctuates around 66°F (19°C).

It's quite sunny in Atlanta. Shanghai usually receives less sunshine than Atlanta during autumn. Shanghai gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Atlanta receives 222 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Shanghai usually receives less rain than Atlanta. Shanghai gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Atlanta receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Shanghai or Atlanta in the Winter?

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

The weather in Shanghai can be very cold. Shanghai is much colder than Atlanta in the winter. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Atlanta fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

In the winter, Shanghai often gets less sunshine than Atlanta. Shanghai gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atlanta receives 164 hours of full sun.

Atlanta gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Shanghai usually gets less rain in January than Atlanta. Shanghai gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Atlanta receives 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Shanghai or Atlanta in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Shanghai and Atlanta. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Shanghai this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Atlanta for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Shanghai is cooler than Atlanta. Typically, the spring temperatures in Shanghai in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Atlanta averages at about 65°F (18°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Atlanta this time of the year. Shanghai usually receives less sunshine than Atlanta during spring. Shanghai gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Atlanta receives 262 hours of full sun in the spring.

Atlanta receives a lot of rain in the spring. Shanghai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Shanghai usually receives around the same amount of rain as Atlanta. Shanghai gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Atlanta receives 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Atlanta and Shanghai