A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Shanghai vs. The Hague for Food, Couples, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Shanghai or The Hague?

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 The Hague. 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 food, shopping, and museums.

The Hague

The Hague is a global, international, and bustling 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, live music, and food.

Shanghai and The Hague: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Shanghai or The Hague?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Shanghai than The Hague. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Shanghai is very popular for its museums, food, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while The Hague attracts visitors for its nightlife and music. Shanghai is more touristy than The Hague and is popular for its historical landmarks, local street food, vibrant markets, and waterfront promenade. It is also well known for The Bund. The Hague is famous for its large international population and its roll in international politics and diplomacy.

How is Shanghai different from The Hague?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Shanghai is an amazing port city to visit for its museums and history. However, The Hague does not have museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Shanghai from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

The Hague does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Shanghai is an amazing port city to visit for its restaurants. Also, The Hague is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Shanghai has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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 The Hague. The city has a diverse population and the large number of ethnic restaurants reflects that.

Is Shanghai or The Hague Better for Nightlife?

The Hague 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.

The Hague has plenty to do after the sun goes down. Many of the city's restaurants turn into clubs at night. Head to The Grote Markt for some of the most energetic nightlife.

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 The Hague Better for Music?

The Hague is notable for its live music scene. However, Shanghai is not a live music destination.

If you love music, you'll find something to enjoy in The Hague. There's an active music scene here and the city actually played an active role in the development and popularity of electronic music.

Shanghai is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Shanghai or The Hague?

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

The Hague is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There's a dynamic shopping scene with indoor malls, outdoor markets, and a number of neighborhoods that have shops that sell eclectic items.

Is Shanghai or The Hague Better for Families?

Shanghai is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, The Hague is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in The Hague. This city has a bit more of a family-friendly vibe than nearby Amsterdam. Kids enjoy exploring by bike or heading to the Scheveningen Beach Resort.

Is Shanghai or The Hague Better for Couples?

Shanghai is an amazing port city to visit for romance. Also, The Hague is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Shanghai 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.

The Hague makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples can enjoy the diverse restaurants and the busting atmosphere that the city offers.

Is Shanghai or The Hague Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Shanghai is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, The Hague is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit The Hague. While most backpackers head to the more popular city of Amsterdam, The Hague has a fun atmosphere with a diversity of activities and restaurants.

Is Shanghai or The Hague Better for Students?

The Hague 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.

The Hague is a very popular place to visit for students. This is a very popular study abroad destination so you'll find plenty of international students living here. It's an internationally oriented city so everyone feels right at home.

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 The Hague Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Shanghai and The Hague offer high quality 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 The Hague can get you to most places easily. There are bus and tram lines throughout the city.

Is Shanghai or The Hague a more walkable city?

Shanghai is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. Also, The Hague is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

Shanghai is very walkable. It's possible to explore the major tourist areas on foot but it can be very hot and humid during the summer months.

The Hague is a somewhat walkable place. There are a number of walk tours through the city center.

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

Should I spend more time in The Hague or Shanghai?

How long in Shanghai or The Hague?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Shanghai and The Hague. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Shanghai than in The Hague. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Shanghai, and 1-3 days is enough time in The Hague.

Families should spend more time in Shanghai than The Hague. 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 The Hague. 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 The Hague 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 The Hague?

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 The Hague offers live music and food. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Shanghai or The Hague?

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.

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

Five days in Shanghai or The Hague?

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.

The Hague 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 The Hague?

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.

The Hague 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 Luxury Tours to Netherlands, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Netherlands.

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

Which is Bigger, Shanghai or The Hague?

Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of The Hague. When comparing the sizes of Shanghai and The Hague, 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 The Hague?

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 The Hague in the Summer?

Both The Hague and Shanghai during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Shanghai for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to The Hague in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Shanghai is generally much warmer than The Hague. Daily temperatures in Shanghai average around 28°C (83°F), and The Hague fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In The Hague, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Shanghai. In the summer, Shanghai often gets more sunshine than The Hague. Shanghai gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while The Hague receives 202 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Shanghai. Shanghai usually gets more rain in July than The Hague. Shanghai gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while The Hague receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Shanghai or The Hague in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Shanghai and The Hague. Many visitors come to Shanghai in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to The Hague for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

Shanghai is much warmer than The Hague in the autumn. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 19°C (65°F) in October, and The Hague fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Shanghai usually receives more sunshine than The Hague during autumn. Shanghai gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while The Hague receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Shanghai usually receives less rain than The Hague. Shanghai gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while The Hague receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Shanghai or The Hague in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Shanghai as well as The Hague. Most visitors come to Shanghai for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to The Hague because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

The weather in The Hague can be very cold. Shanghai can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Shanghai is much warmer than The Hague. Typically, the winter temperatures in Shanghai in January average around 4°C (39°F), and The Hague averages at about 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Shanghai often gets more sunshine than The Hague. Shanghai gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while The Hague receives 47 hours of full sun.

Shanghai usually gets less rain in January than The Hague. Shanghai gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while The Hague receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Shanghai or The Hague in the Spring?

Both The Hague and Shanghai are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Shanghai because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to The Hague this time of year.

In April, Shanghai is generally much warmer than The Hague. Daily temperatures in Shanghai average around 15°C (58°F), and The Hague fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Shanghai usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as The Hague during spring. Shanghai gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while The Hague receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Shanghai. In April, Shanghai usually receives more rain than The Hague. Shanghai gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while The Hague receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for The Hague and Shanghai