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

Should you visit Shanghai or Stuttgart?

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 Stuttgart. 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 modern, cosmopolitan, and professional port city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Stuttgart

Stuttgart is a diverse, dynamic, and modern 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 nightlife, food, and shopping.

Shanghai and Stuttgart: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Shanghai or Stuttgart?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Shanghai than Stuttgart, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Shanghai is more popular for its museums, food, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Stuttgart is known for its nightlife. Shanghai is more touristy than Stuttgart and is popular for its historical landmarks, local street food, vibrant markets, and waterfront promenade. It is also home to The Bund. Stuttgart is popular for its many automobile museums including the Mercedes-Benz Museum and the Porsche Museum.

How is Shanghai different from Stuttgart?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Shanghai is an amazing port city to visit for its museums and history. Also, Stuttgart is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Shanghai has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Stuttgart is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The city's influence over the car industry is reflected in the museums in town. You can visit both the Mercedes-Benz Museum and the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart. Also check out Schlossplatz, the Ludwigsburg Palace, and Altes Schloss and Landesmuseum while you're in town.

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

Shanghai is an amazing port city to visit for its restaurants. Also, Stuttgart 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Stuttgart makes for a great culinary experience. The city blends traditional German flavors with modern twists. You'll find much more than the standard bratworsts that so many people associate with German cuisine. One favorite dish is maultaschen, which is like a ravioli. Also make sure you try spätzle, zwiebelrostbraten (roast and onions) and flädlesuppe (soup with long pasta).

Is Shanghai or Stuttgart Better for Nightlife?

Stuttgart 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.

Stuttgart has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The nightlife scene stays active late into the evening. You'll find no shortage of clubs, bars, music venues, and beer gardens. You'll meet a combination of locals, tourists, students, and expats at many venues.

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 the Shopping Better in Shanghai or Stuttgart?

Shanghai is an amazing port city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Stuttgart is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Shanghai specifically to go shopping. 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.

Stuttgart is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city is filled with pedestrian shopping streets as well as flea markets and major shopping malls. The main shopping street in town is Koenigstrasse, where you'll find many upscale boutiques. For a local food market head to Markthalle Stuttgart. The flagship store of the Breuninger chain is also found in Stuttgart.

Is Shanghai or Stuttgart Better for Families?

Shanghai is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Stuttgart is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Shanghai. 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 kid-friendly things to do in Stuttgart. Like many German city's, there's a great zoo to explore. There's also some unique museums like the Mercedes-Benz Museum and the Porsche Museum. Kids will also enjoy taking in the view from the top of the Fernsehturm.

Is Shanghai or Stuttgart Better for Couples?

Shanghai is an amazing port city to visit for couples. Also, Stuttgart is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Stuttgart is a nice destination for couples. The city is large enough to have some nice romantic hotels, spas, luxury restaurants, and other activities that make for a great date night.

Is Shanghai or Stuttgart Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers and 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.

Stuttgart is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's not on the backpacker circuit for most people but there are still plenty of hostels and affordable accommodation options. You'll also find plenty of activities and affordable restaurants to choose from.

Is Shanghai or Stuttgart Better for Students?

Shanghai and Stuttgart 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.

Stuttgart is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. It's an international city with great universities and a friendly and central location. There's also a lively nightlife and plenty of things to do.

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

Both Shanghai and Stuttgart 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 Stuttgart can get you to most places easily. The city's transit system includes buses, the U‑Bahn and the S‑Bahn. The U-Bahn is a denser train system in the city center and the S-Bahn covers more distance and reaches into the suburbs with stops that are more spread out.

Is Shanghai or Stuttgart a more walkable city?

Shanghai is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. Also, Stuttgart is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

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.

Stuttgart is somewhat walkable. There are parts of the city that are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Stuttgart or Shanghai?

How long in Shanghai or Stuttgart?

It's fun to spend time in either Shanghai or Stuttgart. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Shanghai due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Shanghai, and 2-4 days is enough time in Stuttgart.

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

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 Stuttgart 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 Stuttgart?

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.

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

Five days in Shanghai or Stuttgart?

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.

Stuttgart 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 Stuttgart?

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.

Stuttgart 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.

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

Which is Bigger, Shanghai or Stuttgart?

Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Stuttgart. When comparing the sizes of Shanghai and Stuttgart, 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 Stuttgart?

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 Stuttgart in the Summer?

Both Stuttgart 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 Stuttgart for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Shanghai is a little warmer than Stuttgart. Typically, the summer temperatures in Shanghai in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Stuttgart averages at about 22°C (71°F).

In Stuttgart, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Shanghai. In the summer, Shanghai often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Stuttgart. Shanghai gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Stuttgart receives 238 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Shanghai. Shanghai usually gets more rain in July than Stuttgart. Shanghai gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Stuttgart receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Shanghai or Stuttgart in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Shanghai and Stuttgart. 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 Stuttgart in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Shanghai is generally a little warmer than Stuttgart. Daily temperatures in Shanghai average around 19°C (65°F), and Stuttgart fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Shanghai usually receives more sunshine than Stuttgart during autumn. Shanghai gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Stuttgart receives 122 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Shanghai usually receives more rain than Stuttgart. Shanghai gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Stuttgart receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Shanghai or Stuttgart in the Winter?

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

Stuttgart can be very cold during winter. Shanghai can get quite cold in the winter. Shanghai is a little warmer than Stuttgart in the winter. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Stuttgart fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Shanghai often gets more sunshine than Stuttgart. Shanghai gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Stuttgart receives 60 hours of full sun.

Shanghai usually gets less rain in January than Stuttgart. Shanghai gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Stuttgart receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Shanghai or Stuttgart in the Spring?

Both Stuttgart 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 Stuttgart because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, Shanghai is a little warmer than Stuttgart. Typically, the spring temperatures in Shanghai in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Stuttgart averages at about 11°C (53°F).

Shanghai usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Stuttgart during spring. Shanghai gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Stuttgart receives 154 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Shanghai. In April, Shanghai usually receives more rain than Stuttgart. Shanghai gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Stuttgart receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Stuttgart and Shanghai