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

Should you visit Shanghai or Hiroshima?

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 Hiroshima. 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. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Hiroshima

Hiroshima is a memorable, meaningful, and park-filled city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Shanghai and Hiroshima: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Shanghai or Hiroshima?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Shanghai than Hiroshima. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Shanghai is more touristy than Hiroshima and is popular for its historical landmarks, local street food, vibrant markets, and waterfront promenade. It is also well known for The Bund. Hiroshima is famous for being the sight of the world's first atomic bomb detonation.

How is Shanghai different from Hiroshima?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the fantastic sights and museums in both Shanghai and Hiroshima.

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, Hiroshima has many famous sights for visitors. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park was built to commemorate the victims of the world's first nuclear attack. The park also serves as a sight to promote long term peace. In the park you'll find the Peace Memorial Museum, the Memorial Cenotaph, the Atom Bomb Dome, and the Flame of Peace. Other sights in Hiroshima include the Itsukushima shrine, the Hiroshima Castle, and Mitaki-dera Temple.

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

Shanghai is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Hiroshima is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Hiroshima. There are many local dishes that you'll find in restaurants around town. Some of the best dining areas are around Hiroshima Station and in downtown Hiroshima. Make sure you try the Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, the local oysters, and tsukemen.

Is Shanghai or Hiroshima Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are nice in both Shanghai and Hiroshima.

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 Hiroshima. The city has many hidden pubs and traditional Japanese bars. The most vibrant nightlife scene is in the Chugoku-Shikoku district, particularly around Nagarekawa Street.

Is the Shopping Better in Shanghai or Hiroshima?

Shanghai is an unbeatable place for shopping. Also, Hiroshima is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Hiroshima is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are outlet malls as well as morning markets, that make for interesting shopping. Head to old Sanyodo Road to shop where the locals shop and for international brands head to Hondori Central Shopping District.

Is Shanghai or Hiroshima Better for Families?

Shanghai is a great port city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Hiroshima is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Hiroshima is a family-friendly place to visit. Tragedy often comes to mind when you think of this city, as it was the sight of the first atomic bomb detonation. Older kids will learn a lot from a visit, but it may be a bit overwhelming for younger kids. There are still many things to do with kids of all ages in the city though, such as feeding the koi fish at Shukeien Park or visiting the floating Itsukushima shrine.

Is Shanghai or Hiroshima Better for Couples?

Shanghai is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Hiroshima is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Hiroshima makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There is plenty of nature and green space in the city. Couples will enjoy visiting the Hiroshima Castle or wandering through the gardens such as Shukkeien or the Hiroshima Botanical Garden.

Is Shanghai or Hiroshima Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Shanghai is a great port city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Hiroshima is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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 Hiroshima. There are many hostels around town and plenty of things to see an do.

Is Shanghai or Hiroshima Better for Students?

Shanghai is a great port city for its student-friendly activities. However, Hiroshima is not popular with 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.

Hiroshima is not popular with students.

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

Both Shanghai and Hiroshima 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 Hiroshima can get you to most places easily. There's a good tram and streetcar network around town as well as a ferry connecting the city to Miyajima Island. There are also buses around town.

Is Shanghai or Hiroshima a more walkable city?

Shanghai and Hiroshima 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.

Hiroshima is a very walkable destination. If you base yourself in downtown Hiroshima, you can explore many areas on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Hiroshima or Shanghai?

How long in Shanghai or Hiroshima?

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

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

People visit Shanghai because there is so much to do. 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.

The city of Hiroshima 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 Hiroshima?

People visit Shanghai because there is so much to do. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this port city has to offer. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

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

Five days in Shanghai or Hiroshima?

People visit Shanghai because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this port city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this port city has to offer.

Hiroshima is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. 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 Hiroshima?

Shanghai is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Hiroshima is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. 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 Japan, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan.

When comparing the travel costs between Shanghai and Hiroshima, we can see that Shanghai 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. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Shanghai or Hiroshima?

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

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 Hiroshima in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Shanghai as well as Hiroshima. Most visitors come to Shanghai for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Hiroshima because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Shanghai is generally around the same temperature as Hiroshima. Daily temperatures in Shanghai average around 28°C (83°F), and Hiroshima fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Shanghai this time of the year. In the summer, Shanghai often gets more sunshine than Hiroshima. Shanghai gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hiroshima receives 194 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Hiroshima. Shanghai receives a lot of rain in the summer. Shanghai usually gets less rain in July than Hiroshima. Shanghai gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Hiroshima receives 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Shanghai or Hiroshima in the Autumn?

Both Hiroshima and Shanghai are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Hiroshima this time of year.

Shanghai is around the same temperature as Hiroshima in the autumn. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 19°C (65°F) in October, and Hiroshima fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Shanghai usually receives less sunshine than Hiroshima during autumn. Shanghai gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Hiroshima receives 193 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hiroshima. In October, Shanghai usually receives less rain than Hiroshima. Shanghai gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Hiroshima receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Shanghai or Hiroshima in the Winter?

Both Hiroshima and Shanghai during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Shanghai this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Hiroshima for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Hiroshima. It's quite cold in Shanghai in the winter. In the winter, Shanghai is around the same temperature as Hiroshima. Typically, the winter temperatures in Shanghai in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Hiroshima averages at about 4°C (40°F).

In the winter, Shanghai often gets less sunshine than Hiroshima. Shanghai gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hiroshima receives 153 hours of full sun.

Shanghai usually gets less rain in January than Hiroshima. Shanghai gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Hiroshima receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Shanghai or Hiroshima in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Shanghai and Hiroshima. Many travelers come to Shanghai for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Shanghai is generally around the same temperature as Hiroshima. Daily temperatures in Shanghai average around 15°C (58°F), and Hiroshima fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

Shanghai usually receives less sunshine than Hiroshima during spring. Shanghai gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Hiroshima receives 193 hours of full sun in the spring.

Hiroshima receives a lot of rain in the spring. Shanghai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Shanghai usually receives less rain than Hiroshima. Shanghai gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Hiroshima receives 168 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hiroshima and Shanghai