A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Singapore vs. Darwin for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Singapore or Darwin?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Singapore or Darwin? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Singapore

Singapore is a modern, global, and diverse city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of Singapore is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Singapore travel costs.

Darwin

Darwin is a tropical, multicultural, and authentic town. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Darwin travel costs.

Singapore and Darwin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Singapore or Darwin?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Singapore than Darwin, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Singapore is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Darwin is known for its hiking. Singapore is more touristy than Darwin and is known for its blend of cultures, its lush gardens, and its clean streets. It is also home to Merlion Park Waterfront. Darwin is popular for its outdoor markets and tropical weather.

How is Singapore different from Darwin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Darwin and Singapore. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Singapore or Darwin?

Singapore is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Darwin is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Singapore can be an interesting and educational experience. The mix of cultures and unique history have led to museums and landmarks that mix historic and modern. The Merlion statue in Merlion Park has become a symbol of the city. For an educational experience, head to the Asian Civilizations Museum, and to see colonial architecture check out Fort Canning Park.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Darwin. You can check out the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, explore the city's Waterfront Precinct, and spend some time at the Darwin Military Museum.

Is the Food Better in Singapore or Darwin? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Singapore is terrific for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Darwin is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Singapore is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. From local dives to five star restaurants, the city's food scene is all about diversity. Make sure you try Hainanese chicken rice, chili crab, and Hokkien prawn mee.

Darwin is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are plenty of local restaurants that serve seafood or local twists on international flavors. Many restaurants offer Barramundi that is prepared in unique ways. You can try the Barramundi Bibimbap or the Crispy Baby Barramundi.

Is Singapore or Darwin Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are good in both Singapore and Darwin.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Singapore. It's all about the glitzy nightclubs and exclusive cocktail bars. Head to Clarke Quay, Marina Bay Sands, or one of the many rooftop bars to experience the best of Singapore's nightlife. Do keep in mind that the city has a high alcohol tax, and strict rules around drinking in public places during certain hours.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Darwin. You'll find the most bars along Mitchell Street or in the Waterfront Precinct area. There are also some popular nightclubs and music venues in town.

Is Singapore or Darwin Better for Music?

Singapore is terrific for its live music scene. However, Darwin is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Singapore As a globalized city, you'll find almost any type of music here. Popular music venues include Timbre, Zouk, and the Crazy Elephant.

Darwin is not a live music destination.

Is Singapore or Darwin Better for Resorts?

Singapore is terrific for its resorts. However, Darwin is not a resort destination.

Singapore offers an unforgettable resort vacation. From sleek high rises with rooftop pools to family-friendly resorts with kid oriented activities, this city has it all. Popular resorts include Oasia Resort Sentosa, Dusit Thani Laguna, and The Ritz-Carlton.

Darwin is not a resort destination.

Is Singapore or Darwin Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Singapore is not a good place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Darwin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Singapore isn't the best spot for snorkeling. The best place to snorkel in the area is Pulau Hantu.

Darwin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Singapore or Darwin Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Singapore and Darwin are good choices.

Singapore is a good option for a beach vacation. You'll find most of the area's best beaches on Sentosa Island. There's a 2 kilometer long artificial beach that is split into Palawan Beach, Siloso Beach, and Tanjong Beach.

Many people head to Darwin to enjoy the beach. Most people don't swim at the beaches because of the saltwater crocodiles and jellyfish. You can hang out in the sand though and Mindil Beach is a favorite spot for locals.

Is Singapore or Darwin Better for Hiking?

Darwin is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Singapore is not a hiking destination.

Darwin is a popular spot for hiking. In addition to city walks, there are many national parks that make great day trips from town. Litchfield National Park has many hikes as does Mary River National Park. The town is also known as the gateway to Kakadu National Park.

Singapore is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Singapore or Darwin?

Singapore is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Darwin is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Singapore make it a world-class shopping destination. You'll find tons of malls along Orchard Road, but for a more eclectic shopping experience head to the Chinatown Street Market.

Darwin has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are shopping malls, art galleries, and trendy boutiques around town.

Is Singapore or Darwin More Beautiful?

Singapore is notable for its scenery and beauty. However, Darwin is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Singapore is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It is a beautiful city with many lights and colorful neighborhoods.

Darwin is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Singapore or Darwin Better for Families?

Singapore is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Darwin is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Singapore is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. With places like Sentosa and Universal Studios, there really is no shortage of activities for kids. There's also a zoo, an aquarium, and bird park, and many kid-friendly museums.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Darwin. Kids will enjoy the many outdoor activities in town and in the surrounding areas. There are wildlife parks and several national parks in the area like Litchfield National Park. For many families, this is a stop off on there way to Kakadu National Park.

Is Singapore or Darwin Better for Couples?

Singapore is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Darwin is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for couples.

Singapore has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The city has stunning hotels, amazing restaurants, and plenty of fun activities that are perfect for couples.

Darwin is a good city for couples to visit. The beautiful weather means that you can spend most of your time outdoors. Sunset picnics are popular, but for many visitors, it's all about the day trips to nearby parks.

Is Singapore or Darwin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Singapore is terrific for backpackers. Also, Darwin is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Singapore. Many backpackers use this city as a starting or ending point for their Southeast Asian backpacking trip. It's modern and glamourous, but still has plenty of backpacker-friendly and budget-friendly options.

Darwin is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a handful of hostels in town that make this an easy place to spend a night or two for backpackers.

Is Singapore or Darwin Better for Students?

Singapore is terrific for students. However, Darwin is not popular with students.

Singapore is a great destination for students. As such a diverse city, you'll find plenty of international students as well as expats to hang out with.

Darwin is not popular with students.

Is Singapore or Darwin Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Singapore is terrific for its public transit. Also, Darwin is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Singapore can take you anywhere. There is the MRT subway system as well as buses that travel all over the city.

Darwin has some public transit options. There are public buses around town. There's also a waterfront shuttle.

Is Singapore or Darwin a more walkable city?

Singapore is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Darwin is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Singapore on foot. It's possible to walk in most areas in the city center. There are also park connectors that are nice for taking a stroll or going for a run.

Darwin is a somewhat walkable city. There are biking and walking paths around town.

For even more information, also check out Is Singapore Worth Visiting? and Is Darwin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Darwin or Singapore?

How long in Singapore or Darwin?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Singapore and Darwin. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Singapore than in Darwin. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Singapore, and 2-3 days is enough time in Darwin.

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

Couples should spend more time in Singapore than Darwin. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Singapore that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Singapore than Darwin 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 Singapore.

One day in Singapore or Darwin?

Singapore is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Darwin. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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.

A weekend in Singapore or Darwin?

Singapore is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the multicultural destination of Darwin. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Singapore or Darwin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Singapore. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the local town of Darwin. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Singapore or Darwin?

Singapore is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Darwin is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Singapore, The Best Tours for Seniors to Singapore, The Best Luxury Tours to Australia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Australia.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Singapore or Darwin?

Singapore has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Darwin. When comparing the sizes of Singapore and Darwin, 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.