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

Should you visit Shanghai or Hobart?

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 Hobart. 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 Shanghai is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Shanghai travel costs.

Hobart

Hobart is a quaint, historical, and charming city. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and shopping. See Hobart travel costs.

Shanghai and Hobart: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Shanghai or Hobart?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Shanghai than Hobart, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Shanghai is better known for its museums and attractions, food, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Hobart is more popular for its hiking. Shanghai is well known for its historical landmarks, local street food, vibrant markets, and waterfront promenade. Also, Shanghai is famous for The Bund. Hobart is well known for its quaint historical center, fresh seafood, and nearby hiking and biking trails.

How is Shanghai different from Hobart?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Shanghai is renowned for its historical sights. Also, Hobart is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

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.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Hobart. The town has many landmarks and museums such as Port Arthur, the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), Mawson's Huts Replica Museum, and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. A highlight of the city is Battery Point, which is like an open-air museum. Make sure you explore the Battery Point Sculpture Trail.

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

Shanghai is renowned for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Hobart 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.

Dining out in Hobart is an experience not to be missed. The town has seen a surge in its culinary scene in recent years. Local chefs like to highlight the regional flavors and ingredients such as octopus, kingfish, abalone, and leatherwood honey.

Is Shanghai or Hobart Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are notable in both Shanghai and Hobart.

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 Hobart. While it's a smaller city, there is still a good mix of local bars, trendy lounges, and elegant wine bars. you'll also find some great venues for live music.

Is Shanghai or Hobart Better for Hiking?

Hobart is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Shanghai is not a hiking destination.

Hobart is a popular spot for hiking. The city is surrounded by bushland reserves as well as nearby Mount Wellington. The area offers many diverse hiking and walking trails and there are a wide range to choose from so whatever your hiking level, you'll find something of interest.

Shanghai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Shanghai or Hobart?

Shanghai is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Hobart is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Hobart. It has some of the best shopping in Tasmania. You'll find a great shopping experience along Elizabeth Street, which is lined with boutiques and quirky shops. The city also has a couple of outdoor flea markets that offers a unique shopping experience.

Is Shanghai or Hobart More Beautiful?

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

The beauty of Shanghai is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Its distinct, futuristic skyline and scenic waterside strolls make this city a beautiful place to explore.

Hobart is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Shanghai or Hobart Better for Families?

Both Shanghai and Hobart are very good 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 Hobart. Kids who love animals will enjoy a visit to the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. There are also fruit farms to visit and vineyards to explore in the area, as well as great hiking. For an interactive museum, head to the Tasmanian Transport Museum and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery has some toddler-friendly displays.

Is Shanghai or Hobart Better for Couples?

Shanghai is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Hobart is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

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.

Hobart is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples will enjoy exploring the waterfront and Sullivans Cove. There are also outdoor markets and breweries around town. Botanical gardens and quaint neighborhoods also make this a lovely town to visit.

Is Shanghai or Hobart Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Hobart. There are a handful of hostels around town and many great hiking trails.

Is Shanghai or Hobart Better for Students?

Shanghai is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Hobart 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.

Hobart is not popular with students.

Is Shanghai or Hobart 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, Hobart is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Hobart has a few public transit options. There's a public bus system and many of the buses leave from Elizabeth Street (between Macquarie and Collins Streets) or Franklin Square.

Is Shanghai or Hobart a more walkable city?

Shanghai and Hobart 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.

Hobart is a very walkable destination. It has a compact city center that many people enjoy exploring on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Hobart or Shanghai?

How long in Shanghai or Hobart?

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

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

Shanghai is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The city of Hobart offers food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Hobart?

Shanghai is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Hobart 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. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Hobart, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Shanghai or Hobart?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Shanghai. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Hobart 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 Hobart?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the diverse big city of Shanghai. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Hobart is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, 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 Walking Tours in Australia, and The Best Eco Tours in Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Shanghai or Hobart?

Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 310 times larger than the population of Hobart. When comparing the sizes of Shanghai and Hobart, 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 Hobart?

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

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

Shanghai is much warmer than Hobart in the summer. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Hobart fluctuates around 17°C (63°F)in January.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hobart. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Shanghai this time of the year. In the summer, Shanghai often gets less sunshine than Hobartin January. Shanghai gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hobart receives 259 hours of full sun.

Shanghai receives a lot of rain in the summer. Shanghai usually gets more rain in July than Hobartin January. Shanghai gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Hobart receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Shanghai or Hobart in the Autumn?

Both Hobart 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 hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Hobart this time of year.

In the autumn, Shanghai is a little warmer than Hobart. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Shanghai in October average around 19°C (65°F), and Hobart averages at about 14°C (57°F)in April.

Shanghai usually receives less sunshine than Hobart during autumn. Shanghai gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Hobart receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Shanghai usually receives more rain than Hobartin April. Shanghai gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Hobart receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Shanghai or Hobart in the Winter?

Both Hobart 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. Also, many travelers come to Hobart for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Shanghai in the winter. In January, Shanghai is generally much colder than Hobartin July. Daily temperatures in Shanghai average around 4°C (39°F), and Hobart fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

In the winter, Shanghai often gets less sunshine than Hobartin July. Shanghai gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hobart receives 152 hours of full sun.

Shanghai usually gets less rain in January than Hobartin July. Shanghai gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Hobart receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Shanghai or Hobart in the Spring?

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

Shanghai is a little warmer than Hobart in the spring. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Hobart fluctuates around 13°C (55°F)in October.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hobart this time of the year. Shanghai usually receives less sunshine than Hobart during spring. Shanghai gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Hobart receives 209 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 Hobartin October. Shanghai gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Hobart receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hobart and Shanghai