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

Should you visit Singapore or Napier?

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

Should I visit Singapore or Napier? 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 glitzy, modern, and global 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 beaches, shopping, and museums.

Napier

Napier is a character-filled, coastal, and relaxed town. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Singapore and Napier: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Singapore or Napier?

You'll generally find more things to do in Singapore than Napier. Singapore is bigger than Napier, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Singapore is better known for its food, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Napier is more popular for its nightlife, beaches, and hiking. Singapore is well known for its blend of cultures, its lush gardens, and its clean streets. Also, Singapore is famous for Merlion Park Waterfront. Napier is well known for its many art deco buildings, its beautiful vineyards, and the area's long sandy beaches.

How is Singapore different from Napier?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Singapore or Napier.

Singapore offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Many visitors head to Napier specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Considered an "Art Deco capital", there are many interesting buildings around town and it's worth taking an Art Deco Walk. The National Aquarium of New Zealand is also impressive as is the MTG Hawke's Bay, which is a museum, gallery, and theater in one. For something a little outside the box, you can visit the Napier Prison, which is New Zealand's oldest place of incarceration, dating back to 1862.

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

Singapore is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Napier is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Singapore has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Napier. With its many wineries and big mix of fine dining restaurants, there is plenty for a foodie to enjoy around town. You'll find restaurants that serve up New Zealand favorites as well as those that experiment with modern and trendy recipes.

Is Singapore or Napier Better for Nightlife?

Napier is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Singapore is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Napier has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The nightlife scene is diverse and fun. Whether you're looking for a wild party or just want to relax with a drink and some friends, there are plenty of places where you can hang out.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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.

Is Singapore or Napier Better for Music?

Singapore is a must-visit destination for live music. However, Napier is not a live music destination.

Singapore is known as a music capital around the world. As a globalized city, you'll find almost any type of music here. Popular music venues include Timbre, Zouk, and the Crazy Elephant.

Napier is not a live music destination.

Is Singapore or Napier Better for Resorts?

Singapore is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. However, Napier is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Singapore is a perfect choice. 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.

Napier is not a resort destination.

Is Singapore or Napier Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Singapore is not a good area for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Napier is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Most people don't go snorkeling in Singapore. The best place to snorkel in the area is Pulau Hantu.

Napier is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Singapore or Napier Better for Beaches?

Napier is a must-visit destination for the beach. Also, Singapore is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its beaches.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Napier. It's a popular beach destination and you'll find plenty of beaches for swimming, sunbathing, and playing with the kids. You'll want to head out of town to find the best and most beautiful beaches. For hidden beaches and some of the area's best surf, head to Mahia Peninsula. To escape the tourists and hang out with the locals, go to Waipatiki Beach. And for a picnic, Westshore Beach is a favorite. Waimarama Beach is another favorite in the area as well.

Many people head to Singapore to enjoy the beach. 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.

Is Singapore or Napier Better for Hiking?

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

Napier is a popular spot for hiking. Hawke's Bay is filled with wonderful walks and hikes. There are easy coastal paths as well as mult-day treks around Lake Waikaremoana. It's not hard to find somewhere to stretch your legs and explore the scenery.

Singapore is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Singapore or Napier?

Singapore is a must-visit destination for shopping. Also, Napier is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Singapore. You'll find tons of malls along Orchard Road, but for a more eclectic shopping experience head to the Chinatown Street Market.

Napier offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find all of the standard New Zealand retail chains as well antique and boutique shops. With its many Art Deco buildings, the city has character and personality.

Is Singapore or Napier Better for Families?

Singapore is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Napier is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Singapore is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

Napier is a very kid-friendly city. This coastal city has a waterpark, a waterfall walk, and plenty of beaches where the family can hang out. There's also a waterfront promenade that is filled with water features and playgrounds where the kids can run around. You can also check out Hawke's Bay Farmyard Zoo or on a rainy day head to the Faraday Museum of Technology.

Is Singapore or Napier Better for Couples?

Singapore is a must-visit destination for romance. Also, Napier is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Singapore has plenty to offer. The city has stunning hotels, amazing restaurants, and plenty of fun activities that are perfect for couples.

Couples visit Napier frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Surrounded by vineyards and lined with beaches, this is a great place for a romantic getaway or a honeymoon. Hop on a bike and explore the wineries or enjoy a beautiful hike through nature. There are also adrenaline-filled activities for thrill seekers or fine dining restaurants for the foodies.

Is Singapore or Napier Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Singapore is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Napier is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent 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.

Napier is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels around town and plenty of fun activities like mountain biking or white water rafting that you can enjoy.

Is Singapore or Napier Better for Students?

Singapore is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Napier is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Singapore. As such a diverse city, you'll find plenty of international students as well as expats to hang out with.

Napier is not popular with students.

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

Singapore is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Napier is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Singapore has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. There is the MRT subway system as well as buses that travel all over the city.

Public transit is generally limited in Napier. Public transit to most of the beaches is limited or nonexistent, so you really need a car if you want to get around and see everything.

Is Singapore or Napier a more walkable city?

Singapore is a must-visit destination for its walkability. However, Napier is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Singapore. 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.

Napier is generally not very walkable. If you stay in town you can walk to cafes and restaurants, but you really need a car if you're planning to visit beaches or explore the area in depth.

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

Should I spend more time in Napier or Singapore?

How long in Singapore or Napier?

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

Families should spend more time in Singapore than Napier. 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 Napier. 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 Napier 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 Napier?

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 Napier. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Napier?

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 coastal destination of Napier. 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 Napier?

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 coastal town of Napier. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Singapore or Napier?

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.

Napier is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Contiki Tours to New Zealand, and The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand.

When comparing the travel costs between Singapore and Napier, we can see that Napier 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 Singapore is in Asia and Napier 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 Singapore Expensive? and Is Napier Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Singapore or Napier?

Singapore has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Napier. When comparing the sizes of Singapore and Napier, 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.