A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Surabaya vs. Nara for Attractions, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Surabaya or Nara?

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

Should I visit Surabaya or Nara? 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.

Surabaya

Surabaya is a local, undiscovered, and authentic 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 beaches. See Surabaya travel costs.

Nara

Nara is a traditional, tranquil, and natural city. Nara offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Nara travel costs.

Surabaya and Nara: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Surabaya or Nara?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Surabaya than Nara, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Surabaya is more popular for its beaches and big city activities, while Nara is known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty. Nara is more touristy than Surabaya and is known for its many temples and shrines, its beautiful natural areas, and its free roaming deer. Surabaya is popular for its role in Indonesia's independence revolution. It is also home to the Submarine Monument.

How is Surabaya different from Nara?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Surabaya or Nara?

Nara is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options for its historical sights.

Nara offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is filled with history. There are many ancient temples such as Tōdai-ji Temple, Kofuku-ji Temple, Yakushi-ji Temple, and Tōshōdai-ji Temple. You can also visit the Nara National Museum as well as the many parks and gardens.

While most people don't head to Surabaya specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. You'll likely pass through town on your way somewhere else, but if you have some time to kill, check out Suramadu Bridge, the House of Sampoerna, Cheng Hoo Mosque, Sanggar Agung Temple, and Ampel Mosque. It's also worth a visit to the Submarine Museum and the Heroes Monument.

Is the Food Better in Surabaya or Nara? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Surabaya and Nara can be an enjoyable experience.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Surabaya area. It's a port city, and the cuisine reflexs this. You'll find a mix of different flavors that combine Javanese, Chinese, Arabic, Dutch, and Indian cuisines. Dishes include a lot of vegetables as well as tofu and tempeh. Many dishes are also sweet in flavor or incredibly spicy.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Nara. The cuisine is simple and traditional with its roots in the history of the area. Many residents start their morning with a simple rice porridge. The area is also known for its persimmon leaf sushi and miwa somen (a thin, chewy noodle).

Is Surabaya or Nara Better for Nightlife?

Nara is a great destination for its evening party scene. Also, Surabaya is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

The people in Nara know how to have a good time. The town offers a serene and relaxed atmosphere at night. There are plenty of bars around town that are known for their friendly bartenders and you'll find many of the bars in Naramachi, which is the old town area.

If you're looking for night time activities Surabaya has a few options to choose from. Like the rest of the city, the nightlife scene has a local vibe. There are night markets, fascinating neighborhoods, and some lively clubs and bars.

Is Surabaya or Nara Better for Beaches?

Surabaya is a popular place for the beach. However, Nara is not a beach destination.

Surabaya is a good option for a beach vacation. You'll find a few beaches within a short drive of the city center. Some of the popular ones include Ria Kenjeran Beach, Bentar Beach, and Delegan Beach.

Nara is not a beach destination.

Is Surabaya or Nara Better for its Old Town?

Nara is a popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Surabaya does not have a historic old town.

Nara offers a nice historic old town area. Naramachi is the old town of Nara. This is the old merchant district and today you'll find several traditional residential buildings and warehouses that are open to the public.

Surabaya does not have a historic old town.

Is Surabaya or Nara Better for Hiking?

Nara is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Surabaya is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Nara. The city is all about its surrounding nature. There are historic pilgrim routes that pass through the hills and mountains, taking you by sacred sights and ancient forests. In the area you'll find some of Japan's most ancient byways.

Surabaya is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Surabaya or Nara?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Nara and Surabaya.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Surabaya. The city has a great mix of air-conditioned mega-malls and colorful street markets. Bratang Market has become a favorite but it's also worth checking out Tugu Pahlawan Market and Ampel Market.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Nara. Sanjo-dori is the main street through town. This is where you'll find many souvenir shops that sell local items and traditional food. Mochiido Center Town is the oldest shopping arcade in town and it is filled with history.

Is Surabaya or Nara More Beautiful?

Nara is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Surabaya is not a destination known for its beauty.

Nara offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The city is filled with green space, parks, and natural areas. You'll find deer roaming freely and tranquil lawns where you can relax.

Surabaya is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Surabaya or Nara Better for Families?

Nara is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

Nara is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Head to Nara Park for a bit of nature in the city. Deer roam freely in the park, which is filled with pine trees and beautiful lawns. Kids will also appreciate a visit to Ikomasanjo Amusement Park or the NARAMACHI-KARAKURI Toy Museum. You can also take a ride on the Ikoma Cable Line or spend some time at the Tennenyamato Hot Spring Nara Kenko Land.

For families, Surabaya is not always the best place to visit. You'll like be passing through this city enroute to somewhere else, but if you have some time to kill, check out the Submarine Museum. You can also wander through the market area of Qubah or explore Chinatown.

Is Surabaya or Nara Better for Couples?

Nara is a great destination for couples. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options for romance.

Couples visit Nara frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The city is smaller than you might expect, and it's filled with green space and parks. You can wander through Nara Park, see the deer, and soak up the romantic atmosphere. You can also visit one of the beautiful temples such as Todaiji Temple. Many couples also enjoy exploring Yoshikien Garden.

Surabaya is not the best destination for a couple to visit. There are some sights an museums that you can visit while you're in town.

Is Surabaya or Nara Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nara is a popular place for backpackers. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Nara. There are a couple of hostels in the area that cater to backpackers and the budget travel crowd.

Surabaya is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels around town but most backpackers don't spend more than a night in town.

Is Surabaya or Nara Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Nara is a great destination for its public transit. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Nara can get you to most places easily. There are city buses that will take you through town and to the many tourist spots.

Public transit is mostly limited in Surabaya. There's a bus system, but it's mostly used by locals. There are two types of buses - normal buses and patas buses, which are express.

Is Surabaya or Nara a more walkable city?

Surabaya and Nara both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Surabaya is a very walkable destination. It's one of the more walkable cities in Indonesia and it has the feel of a bunch of neighborhoods combined together.

Nara is very walkable. Many of the sights are within walking distance of each other, so many visitors enjoy exploring on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Surabaya Worth Visiting? and Is Nara Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nara or Surabaya?

How long in Surabaya or Nara?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Surabaya or Nara to fill your time. In our opinion, Nara has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Nara than Surabaya. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nara than Surabaya 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 Nara.

One day in Surabaya or Nara?

Surabaya is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

The city of Nara offers food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Surabaya or Nara?

Surabaya is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Nara 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. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Nara, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Surabaya or Nara?

You'll find food and shopping around the authentic big city of Surabaya. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Nara 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 Surabaya or Nara?

The authentic city of Surabaya offers shopping and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

Nara is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in Indonesia, The Best 10-Day Tours in Indonesia, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Japan.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Surabaya or Nara?

Surabaya has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Nara. When comparing the sizes of Surabaya and Nara, 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.