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

Should you visit Shanghai or Canberra?

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 Canberra. 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 professional, diverse, and bustling port city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Canberra

Canberra is a cultural, diverse, and under-rated 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, hiking, and shopping.

Shanghai and Canberra: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Shanghai or Canberra?

You'll generally find more things to do in Shanghai than Canberra. Shanghai is bigger than Canberra, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Shanghai is better known for its museums, food, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Canberra is more popular for its hiking. Shanghai is more touristy than Canberra and is popular for its historical landmarks, local street food, vibrant markets, and waterfront promenade. Also, Shanghai is famous for The Bund. Canberra is well known for its educational museums and the nearby nature reserves.

How is Shanghai different from Canberra?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

The museums and tourist attractions in Shanghai are world-renowned. 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.

Many visitors head to Canberra specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. As Australia's capital, there are a large number of museums around town that focus on everything from history and culture to science and nature. Some of the most interesting are the Australian War Memorial, the New Parliament House, the Museum of Australian Democracy, the National Gallery of Australia, and the National Science and Technology Centre, but there are many more.

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

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

For foodies, Shanghai is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

Dining out in Canberra is an experience not to be missed. There's a trendy culinary scene as well as nearby vineyards that provide great wine. You'll find everything from family-friendly and casual to upscale and fine dining.

Is Shanghai or Canberra Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are notable in both Shanghai and Canberra.

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 Canberra. There are local pubs and music venues that offer fun entertainment in the evening. You can sip wine or practice your dance moves at one of the city's clubs.

Is Shanghai or Canberra Better for Hiking?

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

Canberra offers some nice hiking trails. There's one national park - Namadgi, as well as green space, rolling hills, and hiking trails just outside of town.

Shanghai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Shanghai or Canberra?

Shanghai is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Shanghai draws large crowds to its stores. 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 visitors go to Canberra to go shopping. Caberra Centre is the city's largest shopping centre and it has all of the usual international brands.

Is Shanghai or Canberra Better for Families?

Both Shanghai and Canberra are superb 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 Canberra. There are interactive museums and science centers such as Questacon, the National Dinosaur Museum, and the National Zoo and Aquarium. There are also cultural and historical museums such as the Australian War Memorial, the Museum of Australian Democracy, and the National Museum of Australia. The city also has plenty of outdoor space and hands on crafts that kids will enjoy.

Is Shanghai or Canberra Better for Couples?

Shanghai is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Shanghai makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Canberra is a good port city for couples to visit. As the city has plenty of date night activities like nice restaurants, interesting shows, and trendy wineries. During the day you can explore the outdoor setting, have a picnic, or visit a vineyard.

Is Shanghai or Canberra Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Shanghai is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Canberra is lacking in options for backpackers.

Many 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.

Canberra is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Despite being the capital city, few backpackers actually spend much time in town. There are some budget-friendly motels if you're stopping by.

Is Shanghai or Canberra Better for Students?

Shanghai and Canberra are both superb 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.

Canberra is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. It's a welcoming city that is a fairly popular study abroad destination. Many students appreciate the friendly atmosphere, safe environment, and great economic setting.

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

Shanghai is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

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

You'll find some public transit in Canberra, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are public buses as well as a light rail system. The Red Explorer Loop bus goes by many of the city's sights.

Is Shanghai or Canberra a more walkable city?

Shanghai is an excellent place to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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.

Canberra is a somewhat walkable port city. There are parts of the city that are walkable and possible to explore on foot, but in general this is a very car-centered city.

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

Should I spend more time in Canberra or Shanghai?

How long in Shanghai or Canberra?

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

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

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 Canberra 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 Canberra?

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.

Canberra 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 Canberra, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Shanghai or Canberra?

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.

Canberra 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 Canberra?

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.

Canberra 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 Walking Tours in Australia, and The Best Eco Tours in Australia.

When comparing the travel costs between Shanghai and Canberra, we can see that Canberra 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 Canberra 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 Canberra Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Shanghai or Canberra?

Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Canberra. When comparing the sizes of Shanghai and Canberra, 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 Canberra?

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

Both Canberra and Shanghai during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Shanghai this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Canberra for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Shanghai is a little warmer than Canberra in the summer. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Canberra fluctuates around 20°C (68°F)in January.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Shanghai. Shanghai usually gets more rain in July than Canberrain January. Shanghai gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Shanghai or Canberra in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Shanghai and Canberra. Many travelers come to Shanghai for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Canberra in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Shanghai is around the same temperature as Canberra. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Shanghai in October average around 19°C (65°F), and Canberra averages at about 17°C (63°F)in April.

Canberra receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Shanghai usually receives less rain than Canberrain April. Shanghai gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Shanghai or Canberra in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Shanghai as well as Canberra. Many visitors come to Shanghai in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Canberra for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Shanghai can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Shanghai is generally much colder than Canberrain July. Daily temperatures in Shanghai average around 4°C (39°F), and Canberra fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Shanghai usually gets less rain in January than Canberrain July. Shanghai gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Shanghai or Canberra in the Spring?

Both Canberra and Shanghai are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Shanghai for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Canberra because of the activities around the city.

Shanghai is around the same temperature as Canberra in the spring. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Canberra fluctuates around 15°C (60°F)in October.

It's quite rainy in Shanghai. In April, Shanghai usually receives more rain than Canberrain October. Shanghai gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Canberra and Shanghai