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

Should you visit Shanghai or Melbourne?

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 Melbourne. 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.

Melbourne

Melbourne is a livable, friendly, and cultural city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and shopping.

Shanghai and Melbourne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Shanghai or Melbourne?

You'll generally find more things to do in Shanghai than Melbourne. Shanghai is bigger than Melbourne, 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 Melbourne is more popular for its nightlife and beaches. Shanghai is more touristy than Melbourne and is popular for its historical landmarks, local street food, vibrant markets, and waterfront promenade. Also, Shanghai is famous for The Bund. Melbourne is well known for its art and cultural scene, its sports history, and its friendly and welcoming population.

How is Shanghai different from Melbourne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Shanghai is very popular for its museums and history. Also, Melbourne 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 Melbourne specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Many of the city's sights center around the art and cultural scene. There's the the National Gallery of Victoria and the Performing Arts Centre Melbourne. There's also Federation Square. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the National Sports Museum and for great views, check out Melbourne Skydeck at Eureka Tower.

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

Shanghai is very popular for its restaurants. Also, Melbourne 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 Melbourne is an experience not to be missed. There's an eclectic mix of international restaurants that offer everything from Szechuan dishes to Spanish tapas. You'll find bistros and bars that have a fun and relaxed vibe and locals and tourists alike enjoy dining out.

Is Shanghai or Melbourne Better for Nightlife?

Melbourne 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.

Melbourne has plenty to do after the sun goes down. There are bars and clubs that have a laid back and relaxed atmosphere as well as more party focused nightclubs that stay open late into the night. Whether you're interested in dancing and listening to live music, or chatting with friends at a local brewery, there really is something for everyone.

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 Melbourne Better for Beaches?

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

Many people visit Melbourne for it's beautiful beaches. There are laid back beaches near town that attract locals and tourists alike. You can enjoy coastal trails and great natural beauty. St Kilda Beach and Elwood Beach are among the most popular beaches near the city. Brighton Beach is known for its colorful bathing boxes and Williamstown Beach is very family-friendly.

Shanghai is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Shanghai or Melbourne?

Shanghai is very popular for its shopping opportunities. Also, Melbourne 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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Melbourne. The city has tons of retail options that range from trendy fashion boutiques to outdoor markets. There are local venders that highlight the city's art and cultural scene, but there are also suburban malls with all of the major brands.

Is Shanghai or Melbourne Better for Families?

Both Shanghai and Melbourne 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 Melbourne. The city has kids museums like the Museum of Play and Art or the Polly Woodside Tall Ship and Museum. There's also the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium and the Scienceworks Museums. If you like quirky, check out the ArtVo 3D Immersive Art Gallery. There's also Legoland, which has a lot for younger children.

Is Shanghai or Melbourne Better for Couples?

Shanghai is very popular for its romantic activities. Also, Melbourne 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.

Melbourne is a good port city for couples to visit. It's a very livable city with romantic viewpoints like SkyHigh Mount Dandenong. There are also nice gardens to explore such as the Carlton Gardens and the Rippon Lea House and Gardens. Or you could go for a ride on the Melbourne Star or dine at one of the many great restaurants.

Is Shanghai or Melbourne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Shanghai is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Melbourne is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Many backpackers breeze through the city, but there is a great music and art scene as well as a number of good restaurants. You'll also find a couple of good hostels in town.

Is Shanghai or Melbourne Better for Students?

Melbourne is a world-class destination for students. Also, Shanghai is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Melbourne is a very popular place to visit for students. Many students think this is among the best student cities in Australia. There's a great creative culture with a good music and art scene. The population is diverse and the restaurants a great.

Shanghai is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. 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.

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

Both Shanghai and Melbourne offer superb 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 Melbourne can get you to most places easily. The public transit system is among the best in Australia. There are public buses, trains, and trams (also called trolleys or streetcars).

Is Shanghai or Melbourne a more walkable city?

Shanghai and Melbourne both are superb 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.

Melbourne is a very walkable destination. The city center is very walkable with a compact and grid-like layout.

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

Should I spend more time in Melbourne or Shanghai?

How long in Shanghai or Melbourne?

In either Shanghai or Melbourne, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Shanghai has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Shanghai than Melbourne. However, 2-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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 Melbourne offers food and shopping. 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 Melbourne?

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.

Melbourne 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. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Melbourne, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Shanghai or Melbourne?

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.

Melbourne is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Melbourne, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Shanghai or Melbourne?

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.

Melbourne 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 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 Water Sports Tour Packages in Australia, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Shanghai or Melbourne?

Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Melbourne. When comparing the sizes of Shanghai and Melbourne, 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 Melbourne?

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

Both Melbourne 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. Furthermore, many travelers come to Melbourne for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

In Melbourne, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Shanghai. In the summer, Shanghai often gets less sunshine than Melbournein January. Shanghai gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Melbourne receives 271 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Shanghai. Shanghai usually gets more rain in July than Melbournein January. Shanghai gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Shanghai or Melbourne in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Shanghai is a little warmer than Melbourne. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Shanghai in October average around 19°C (65°F), and Melbourne averages at about 15°C (60°F)in April.

Shanghai usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Melbourne during autumn. Shanghai gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Melbourne receives 170 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Shanghai usually receives more rain than Melbournein April. Shanghai gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Shanghai or Melbourne in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Shanghai as well as Melbourne. Many visitors come to Shanghai in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Melbourne 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 Melbournein July. Daily temperatures in Shanghai average around 4°C (39°F), and Melbourne fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

In the winter, Shanghai often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Melbournein July. Shanghai gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Melbourne receives 139 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Shanghai or Melbourne in the Spring?

Both Melbourne 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 Melbourne because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

Shanghai is around the same temperature as Melbourne in the spring. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Melbourne fluctuates around 14°C (57°F)in October.

It's quite sunny in Melbourne. Shanghai usually receives less sunshine than Melbourne during spring. Shanghai gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Melbourne receives 216 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Shanghai. In April, Shanghai usually receives more rain than Melbournein October. Shanghai gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Melbourne and Shanghai