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

Should you visit Surabaya or Shanghai?

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

Should I visit Surabaya or Shanghai? 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.

Shanghai

Shanghai is a diverse, bustling, and trendy port city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, Shanghai attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Shanghai travel costs.

Surabaya and Shanghai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Surabaya or Shanghai?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Shanghai than Surabaya, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Shanghai is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Surabaya is known for its beaches. Shanghai is more touristy than Surabaya and is known for its historical landmarks, local street food, vibrant markets, and waterfront promenade. It is also home to The Bund. Surabaya is popular for its role in Indonesia's independence revolution.

How is Surabaya different from Shanghai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Shanghai is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Shanghai on the map. 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.

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 Shanghai? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Shanghai is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Surabaya is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Surabaya. 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.

Is Surabaya or Shanghai Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Surabaya or Shanghai has a better nightlife scene.

Surabaya has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Shanghai has a few options to choose from. 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 Surabaya or Shanghai Better for Beaches?

Surabaya is a good destination for the beach. However, Shanghai is not a beach destination.

Surabaya offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Shanghai is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Surabaya or Shanghai?

Shanghai is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Surabaya is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Shanghai is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Is Surabaya or Shanghai More Beautiful?

Shanghai is a great destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Surabaya is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Shanghai attracts visitors from all around. Its distinct, futuristic skyline and scenic waterside strolls make this city a beautiful place to explore.

Surabaya is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Surabaya or Shanghai Better for Families?

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

Shanghai is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

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 Shanghai Better for Couples?

Shanghai is an unbeatable place for couples. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options for romance.

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.

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 Shanghai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Shanghai is a great destination for backpackers. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Shanghai is a very popular port city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

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 Shanghai Better for Students?

Shanghai is a great destination for students. However, Surabaya is not popular with 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.

Surabaya is not popular with students.

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

Shanghai 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 Shanghai can get you to most places easily. There is a metro system as well as buses and taxis which are relatively affordable.

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 Shanghai a more walkable city?

Surabaya and Shanghai both are superb 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.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Shanghai or Surabaya?

How long in Surabaya or Shanghai?

In either Surabaya or Shanghai, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Shanghai than Surabaya because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Surabaya, and 2-5 days is enough time in Shanghai.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Shanghai 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 Shanghai.

One day in Surabaya or Shanghai?

Surabaya is a big city with plenty to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The beautiful port city of Shanghai offers food and shopping. 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 Surabaya or Shanghai?

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

Shanghai is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this port city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Shanghai, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Surabaya or Shanghai?

Surabaya 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.

Shanghai is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Shanghai, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Surabaya or Shanghai?

Surabaya 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.

Shanghai 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 port 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 2-Week Tours from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.

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

Which is Bigger, Surabaya or Shanghai?

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