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

Should you visit Shanghai or Wellington?

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 Wellington. 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.

Wellington

Wellington is a compact, laid-back, and funky city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Shanghai and Wellington: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Shanghai or Wellington?

You'll generally find more things to do in Shanghai than Wellington. Shanghai is bigger than Wellington, 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 Wellington is more popular for its nightlife, beaches, and hiking. Shanghai is well known for its historical landmarks, local street food, vibrant markets, and waterfront promenade. Also, Shanghai is famous for The Bund. Wellington is well known for its waterfront promenade, quirky cafe culture, and relaxing beaches.

How is Shanghai different from Wellington?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Shanghai is a must-visit destination for its museums and history. Also, Wellington 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Wellington. As the capital city, you'll find a number of museums and sights around town. Check out the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, the Beehive, the Wellington Museum, and the City Gallery.

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

Shanghai is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Wellington 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 Wellington is an experience not to be missed. There are waterfront restaurants and a vibrant cafe scene around town. You'll also find local markets and many diverse eateries that you can explore.

Is Shanghai or Wellington Better for Nightlife?

Wellington 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.

Wellington has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The best nightlife scene is found along Courtenay Place. There you'll find nightclubs, pubs, and cocktail bars. Cuba Street is another fun area with a bit more of a local vibe, and the waterfront is another great nightlife district in the city.

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 Wellington Better for Beaches?

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

Many people visit Wellington for it's beautiful beaches. There are nice beaches within walking distance of the city center. There are also beaches that are well worth the drive if you're looking to get a bit out of town. In the summer months, there are swimming beaches, and year around they have nice views and a good atmosphere.

Shanghai is not a beach destination.

Is Shanghai or Wellington Better for Hiking?

Wellington is a good destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Shanghai is not a hiking destination.

Wellington offers some nice hiking trails. The area has rolling hills and beautiful coastlines that are filled with walking trails and scenic views. Some of the more popular trails in the area are the Red Rocks walk and the City-to-Sea walk.

Shanghai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Shanghai or Wellington?

Shanghai is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Wellington 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 Wellington. For the city's best shopping, head to the "Golden Mile". This is the area defined by Lambton Quay, Willis Street, Manners Street and Courtenay Place. There are boutique designers and high end fashion outlets throughout the area. The city also has many great markets and local shopping areas.

Is Shanghai or Wellington Better for Families?

Both Shanghai and Wellington 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 Wellington. There's the Wellington Zoo as well as Island Bay Marine Education Centre, both of which are great for animal-lovers. Waitangi Park is a nice park where kids can run around and play, and if you're looking for something indoors, head to the Space Place at Carter Observatory. If everyone needs some down time, there's always the beach with is fun to hang out at.

Is Shanghai or Wellington Better for Couples?

Shanghai is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Wellington 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.

Wellington is a good port city for couples to visit. The botanical gardens are beautiful to explore, and there is also a bird sanctuary in the area as well. Couple's will also enjoy the many nice restaurants and beautiful outdoor space around town.

Is Shanghai or Wellington Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Shanghai and Wellington are superb 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 Wellington. Located on the south side of the North Island, many backpackers use this city as a gateway to the South Island. There are many hostels around town and other fellow backpackers to hang out with.

Is Shanghai or Wellington Better for Students?

Shanghai is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

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.

Wellington is popular with students. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and the atmosphere is a nice setting for students.

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

Both Shanghai and Wellington 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 Wellington can get you to most places easily. There are city buses, trains, and ferries that are popular with tourists and locals alike.

Is Shanghai or Wellington a more walkable city?

Shanghai and Wellington 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.

Wellington is a very walkable destination. This is one of New Zealand's most walkable cities and it has a compact city center.

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

Should I spend more time in Wellington or Shanghai?

How long in Shanghai or Wellington?

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

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

When visiting Shanghai, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The city of Wellington 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 Wellington?

When visiting Shanghai, people usually allow for lots of time. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this port city.

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

Five days in Shanghai or Wellington?

Shanghai, a popular port city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this port city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Wellington 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 Wellington?

Shanghai is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Wellington 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, and The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand.

When comparing the travel costs between Shanghai and Wellington, we can see that Shanghai is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Shanghai is in Asia and Wellington is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Shanghai or Wellington?

Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Wellington. When comparing the sizes of Shanghai and Wellington, 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 Wellington?

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

Both Wellington 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 Wellington for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Shanghai is much warmer than Wellington in the summer. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Wellington fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in January.

In Wellington, 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 Wellingtonin January. Shanghai gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wellington receives 242 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Shanghai. Shanghai usually gets more rain in July than Wellingtonin January. Shanghai gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Shanghai or Wellington in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Shanghai and Wellington. 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 Wellington in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Shanghai is a little warmer than Wellington. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Shanghai in October average around 19°C (65°F), and Wellington averages at about 15°C (58°F)in April.

Shanghai usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Wellington during autumn. Shanghai gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Wellington receives 163 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Shanghai usually receives less rain than Wellingtonin April. Shanghai gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Shanghai or Wellington in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Shanghai as well as Wellington. Many visitors come to Shanghai in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Wellington 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 Wellingtonin July. Daily temperatures in Shanghai average around 4°C (39°F), and Wellington fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

In the winter, Shanghai often gets more sunshine than Wellingtonin July. Shanghai gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wellington receives 122 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Wellington. Shanghai usually gets less rain in January than Wellingtonin July. Shanghai gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Shanghai or Wellington in the Spring?

Both Wellington 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 Wellington because of the beaches.

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

Shanghai usually receives less sunshine than Wellington during spring. Shanghai gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Wellington receives 180 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Shanghai. In April, Shanghai usually receives more rain than Wellingtonin October. Shanghai gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Wellington and Shanghai