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

Should you visit Shanghai or Kyoto?

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 Kyoto. 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 trendy, modern, and cosmopolitan 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. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Kyoto

Kyoto is a historic, cultural, and fascinating city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Shanghai and Kyoto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Shanghai or Kyoto?

You'll generally find more things to do in Shanghai than Kyoto. Shanghai is bigger than Kyoto, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Shanghai is better known for its food, shopping, and big city activities, while Kyoto is more popular for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Shanghai is well known for its historical landmarks, local street food, vibrant markets, and waterfront promenade. Also, Shanghai is famous for The Bund. Kyoto is well known for its Buddhist temples, cultural activities, and rich history.

How is Shanghai different from Kyoto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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, Kyoto has many famous sights for visitors. With its long-running history, there are many traditional buildings and temples in town. Nijo Castle is stunning to explore, but also make sure you visit the Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine, the Golden Pavilion, and Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

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

Shanghai is renowned for its restaurant scene. Also, Kyoto is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Kyoto has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The local cuisine is as beautiful as it is delicious. There is a long running history to many of the dishes, and the recipes are expertly prepared by world class chefs at many of the restaurants. You can enjoy everything from a tea ceremony to multi-course meals, referred to as kyo kaiseki.

Is Shanghai or Kyoto Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are notable in both Shanghai and Kyoto.

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 Kyoto. While it isn't known for its wild nightlife scene, there is a relaxed and active energy in the evenings here. You can visit the beautiful Arashiyama Kimono Forest or explore some of the riverfront areas such as Kamo Riverside.

Is Shanghai or Kyoto Better for its Old Town?

Kyoto is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Shanghai does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Kyoto is revered around the world. This is among the most historic cities in Japan and there are many traditional buildings and temples. Higashiyama is filled with interesting districts and it has many UNESCO World Heritage temples.

Shanghai does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Shanghai or Kyoto?

Shanghai is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kyoto is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

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 visitors explore the shopping areas in Kyoto. There's a mix of modern shopping venues and traditional boutiques. Shijo Street is a popular shopping area, as is the area around JR Kyoto Station.

Is Shanghai or Kyoto Better for Families?

Both Shanghai and Kyoto 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 Kyoto. Kids will enjoy exploring Nijo Castle as much as adults. If the weather isn't great, you can head to the Kyoto International Manga Museum which is a bit like a library and is perfect for Manga fans. There are also markets to explore such as the Nishiki Markets, which are lined with shops and restaurants.

Is Shanghai or Kyoto Better for Couples?

Shanghai and Kyoto both fantastic destinations for a couple.

Shanghai is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Kyoto makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. This is one of the most historic cities in Japan, and it has many romantic neighborhoods where you can enjoy the atmosphere. Visit Sanneizaka Slope for its traditional shops and restaurants or take a ride on the Sagano Romantic Train. Other romantic highlights include Kimono Forest, which is an art exhibit, and Suzumushidera Temple.

Is Shanghai or Kyoto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Shanghai and Kyoto are very good 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 Kyoto. It's a popular destination in Japan and there are plenty of hostels and free activities that backpackers can enjoy.

Is Shanghai or Kyoto Better for Students?

Shanghai and Kyoto are both very good 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.

Kyoto is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. It's a great student city with world class universities and a large student population.

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

Both Shanghai and Kyoto 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 Kyoto can get you to most places easily. The city has an extensive system of trains, subways, and buses that make it easy to get around.

Is Shanghai or Kyoto a more walkable city?

Kyoto is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Shanghai is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Kyoto on foot. It's one of the most walkable cities in Japan and there are many sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly areas.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Kyoto or Shanghai?

How long in Shanghai or Kyoto?

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

Families should spend more time in Kyoto than Shanghai. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Kyoto, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

One day in Shanghai or Kyoto?

Each neighborhood in Shanghai has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

The beautiful city of Kyoto offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Kyoto?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Shanghai. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Kyoto 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 visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Kyoto, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Shanghai or Kyoto?

Shanghai is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Shanghai has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Kyoto 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 Kyoto?

You'll find food and shopping around the modern big city of Shanghai. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Kyoto is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Shanghai or Kyoto?

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

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Shanghai or Kyoto in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Shanghai and Kyoto. Most visitors come to Shanghai for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Kyoto because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Shanghai is around the same temperature as Kyoto in the summer. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Kyoto fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

In Shanghai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Shanghai usually receives more sunshine than Kyoto during summer. Shanghai gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Kyoto receives 183 hours of full sun in the summer.

Kyoto receives a lot of rain in the summer. Shanghai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Shanghai usually receives less rain than Kyoto. Shanghai gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Shanghai or Kyoto in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Shanghai as well as Kyoto. 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 city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Kyoto this time of year.

In the autumn, Shanghai is around the same temperature as Kyoto. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Shanghai in October average around 19°C (65°F), and Kyoto averages at about 18°C (64°F).

In the autumn, Shanghai often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kyoto. Shanghai gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kyoto receives 159 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kyoto. Shanghai usually gets less rain in October than Kyoto. Shanghai gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Shanghai or Kyoto in the Winter?

Both Kyoto and Shanghai are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Shanghai this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kyoto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Kyoto. It's quite cold in Shanghai in the winter. In January, Shanghai is generally cooler than Kyoto. Daily temperatures in Shanghai average around 4°C (39°F), and Kyoto fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Shanghai usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kyoto during winter. Shanghai gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Kyoto receives 140 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Shanghai usually receives less rain than Kyoto. Shanghai gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Shanghai or Kyoto in the Spring?

Both Kyoto and Shanghai during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Shanghai for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Kyoto in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Shanghai is around the same temperature as Kyoto in the spring. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Kyoto fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In the spring, Shanghai often gets less sunshine than Kyoto. Shanghai gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kyoto receives 176 hours of full sun.

Kyoto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Shanghai. Shanghai usually gets less rain in April than Kyoto. Shanghai gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kyoto and Shanghai