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

Should you visit Shanghai or Brisbane?

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 Brisbane. 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, Shanghai attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Shanghai travel costs.

Brisbane

Brisbane is a cultural, active, and relaxed coastal city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Brisbane travel costs.

Shanghai and Brisbane: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Shanghai or Brisbane?

Both Brisbane and Shanghai have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Shanghai is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Brisbane is known for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. Shanghai is more touristy than Brisbane and is popular for its historical landmarks, local street food, vibrant markets, and waterfront promenade. Brisbane is popular for its sports culture, beautiful weather, and outdoor areas.

How is Shanghai different from Brisbane?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Shanghai is an amazing port city to visit for its historical sights. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Shanghai has many famous sights for visitors. 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 a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Brisbane can be an interesting and educational experience. The Cultural Centre is where you'll find many of the city's museums. It sits on the banks of the Brisbane River and is home to the State Library of Queensland, the Queensland Museum and Sciencentre, and Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art. This is also where you'll find the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. Also popular is the Brisbane Botanic Gardens and the Wheel of Brisbane.

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

Shanghai is an amazing port city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Shanghai has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

Brisbane offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find all of the standard eateries around town, with casual cafes, family-friendly restaurants, and some fine dining experiences to choose from.

Is Shanghai or Brisbane Better for Nightlife?

Brisbane 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.

Brisbane has plenty to do after the sun goes down. Fortitude Valley is the entertainment district in the city, and it really comes to life at night. There are also many venues that take advantage of the beautiful weather with outdoor and rooftop bars.

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 Shanghai or Brisbane Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Brisbane is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Shanghai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Brisbane. There are some good snorkeling and diving spots near the city. One of the best is the Tangalooma Wrecks off Moreton Island.

Shanghai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Shanghai or Brisbane Better for Beaches?

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

Many people visit Brisbane for it's beautiful beaches. For the best beaches, you'll want to take a day trip out of town, but there are also some nice beaches right by the city. About 30 minutes from town is family-friend Suttons Beach, or you can stay in the city center and check out the man-made Streets Beach. Shorncliffe Beach is another option that's less than a half hour from town.

Shanghai is not a beach destination.

Is Shanghai or Brisbane Better for Hiking?

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

Brisbane offers some nice hiking trails. There are a number of hikes outside of town that you can enjoy as a day trip. Check out the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, Keperra Bushland Reserve, or D'Aguilar National Park to the north of town. To the south is Toohey Forest Park, Springwood Conservation Park , and Venmans Bushland National Park.

Shanghai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Shanghai or Brisbane?

Shanghai is an amazing port city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for shopping.

Many people travel to Shanghai specifically to go shopping. 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.

Brisbane is an extremely popular place for shoppers. It's one of the most popular cities for retail therapy in Queensland. Queen Street Mall is an open air shopping mall and James Street is a favorite shopping street in town.

Is Shanghai or Brisbane More Beautiful?

Shanghai is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Brisbane is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Shanghai attracts visitors from all around. Its distinct, futuristic skyline and scenic waterside strolls make this city a beautiful place to explore.

Brisbane is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Shanghai or Brisbane Better for Families?

Both Shanghai and Brisbane are high quality 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 Brisbane. Kids will love a visit to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary or White Ridge Farm. And, of course, you should take a ride on the iconic Wheel of Brisbane. If you're willing to head out of town you can visit the fun Tangalooma Island Resort. Streets Beach is also fun to visit.

Is Shanghai or Brisbane Better for Couples?

Shanghai is an amazing port city to visit for couples. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Shanghai 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.

Brisbane is a nice destination for couples. The waterfront setting and romantic restaurants offer a nice getaway for couples. There are many outdoor spaces that are fun to explore as well.

Is Shanghai or Brisbane Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Shanghai and Brisbane are high quality destinations for backpackers.

Shanghai is a great port city to visit for backpackers. 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 budget travelers and backpackers visit Brisbane. Many backpackers breeze through Brisbane in favor of other nearby destinations, but there are actually a number of hostels in town and some interesting things to do.

Is Shanghai or Brisbane Better for Students?

Shanghai and Brisbane are both high quality 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.

Brisbane is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. Many students appreciate the local vibe, warm weather, and excellent education opportunities that the city offers.

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

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

The public transit in Shanghai can get you to most places easily. There is a metro system as well as buses and taxis which are relatively affordable.

Brisbane has a few public transit options. There are buses, trains, and ferries around town, but many people prefer to have their own vehicle. Ferries are the most fun and scenic way to get around.

Is Shanghai or Brisbane a more walkable city?

Shanghai and Brisbane both are high quality 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.

Brisbane is a very walkable destination. There's a good network of paths that make parts of the city walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Brisbane or Shanghai?

How long in Shanghai or Brisbane?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Shanghai and Brisbane. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Shanghai than in Brisbane. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Shanghai, and 2-3 days is enough time in Brisbane.

Couples should spend more time in Shanghai than Brisbane. 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.

One day in Shanghai or Brisbane?

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 coastal city of Brisbane offers museums and nightlife. 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 Brisbane?

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.

Brisbane is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this coastal 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 Brisbane, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Shanghai or Brisbane?

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.

Brisbane 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 Brisbane?

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.

Brisbane 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 coastal 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Australia, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Australia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Shanghai and Brisbane, we can see that Brisbane 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 Brisbane 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 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 Brisbane would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Brisbane 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 Brisbane Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Shanghai or Brisbane?

Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Brisbane. When comparing the sizes of Shanghai and Brisbane, 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 Brisbane?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Brisbane 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 Brisbane in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Shanghai as well as Brisbane. Many travelers come to Shanghai for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Brisbane in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Shanghai is a little warmer than Brisbane. Typically, the summer temperatures in Shanghai in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Brisbane averages at about 25°C (77°F)in January.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Brisbane. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Shanghai this time of the year. In the summer, Shanghai often gets less sunshine than Brisbanein January. Shanghai gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brisbane receives 256 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Brisbane. Shanghai receives a lot of rain in the summer. Shanghai usually gets less rain in July than Brisbanein January. Shanghai gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 169 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Shanghai or Brisbane in the Autumn?

Both Brisbane and Shanghai are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Shanghai in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Brisbane for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Shanghai is generally cooler than Brisbanein April. Daily temperatures in Shanghai average around 19°C (65°F), and Brisbane fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

It's quite sunny in Brisbane. Shanghai usually receives less sunshine than Brisbane during autumn. Shanghai gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Brisbane receives 214 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Brisbane. In October, Shanghai usually receives less rain than Brisbanein April. Shanghai gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Shanghai or Brisbane in the Winter?

Both Brisbane and Shanghai during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Shanghai for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Brisbane because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Shanghai can be very cold during winter. Shanghai is much colder than Brisbane in the winter. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Brisbane fluctuates around 15°C (59°F)in July.

In Brisbane, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Shanghai often gets less sunshine than Brisbanein July. Shanghai gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brisbane receives 226 hours of full sun.

Shanghai usually gets less rain in January than Brisbanein July. Shanghai gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Shanghai or Brisbane in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Shanghai and Brisbane. The spring months attract visitors to Shanghai because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Brisbane this time of year.

In the spring, Shanghai is cooler than Brisbane. Typically, the spring temperatures in Shanghai in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Brisbane averages at about 21°C (69°F)in October.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Brisbane this time of the year. Shanghai usually receives less sunshine than Brisbane during spring. Shanghai gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Brisbane receives 259 hours of full sun in the spring.

Shanghai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Shanghai usually receives more rain than Brisbanein October. Shanghai gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Brisbane and Shanghai