A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sydney vs. Atlanta for Attractions, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Sydney or Atlanta?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sydney or Atlanta, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Sydney

Sydney is a glamorous , diverse, and energetic city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Atlanta

Atlanta is a cultural, diverse, and sprawling city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Sydney and Atlanta: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sydney or Atlanta?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Sydney than Atlanta. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Sydney is more touristy than Atlanta and is popular for its iconic buildings, world-renowned beaches, colorful nightlife, and cosmopolitan restaurants. It is also well known for the Sydney Opera House. Atlanta is famous for its world class aquarium, its role as host of the 1996 Olympic Games, and its influence during the Civil Rights Movement.

How is Sydney different from Atlanta?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Sydney or Atlanta?

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Sydney or Atlanta.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Sydney on the map. The city is filled with iconic and world famous landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. There's also the famous Royal Botanic Garden and the Sydney Tower Eye.

Travelers visit Atlanta from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The museums range in topic from history to science and art. The country's largest aquarium, the Georgia Aquarium, is in Atlanta as well. It's home to whale sharks, stingrays, and a diversity of marine life. Other museums around town include the Atlanta History Center, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, the High Museum of Art, the World of Coca Cola, the David J. Sencer CDC Museum, and the Delta Flight Museum. There are also many monuments and sites including the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site.

Is the Food Better in Sydney or Atlanta? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Sydney and Atlanta can be an enjoyable experience.

Dining out in Sydney is an experience not to be missed. There are international restaurants offering impressive dishes from around the world. You'll also find some local Australian favorites around town. Seafood is abundant, as are a number of Asian cuisines. Barramundi is a local fish that you'll find on many menus. Oysters, prawns, and John Dory (a local fish) are also popular.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Atlanta. It's a huge city with a wide selection of restaurants including international, local, and classic southern styles. Fried chicken, biscuits, diner food, and barbecue are all popular. For a classic southern breakfast check out The OK Cafe and for a quintessential Atlanta experience go to The Varsity.

Is Sydney or Atlanta Better for Nightlife?

Sydney is terrific for its evening party scene. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

Sydney is a must-see party destination. The city is filled with nightclubs and DJ hosted dance parties. There's a huge young crowd that brings together residents, students, and backpackers in a vibrant nightlife scene. Some of the best areas for nightlife are Kings Cross, Oxford Street, Surry Hills or Darling Harbour.

Atlanta offers plenty to do in the evening. The nightlife scene is diverse with trendy bars, dance clubs, and huge music halls. There are a number of neighborhoods that each have their own atmosphere. For some of the best nightlife check out the upscale bars in Buckhead, the music venues in Midtown, the hipster vibe in Edgewood, or the laid-back atmosphere in Virginia Highland.

Is Sydney or Atlanta Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Sydney is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Atlanta is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Sydney has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There's some good snorkeling and diving nearby with a diversity of marine life and interesting ecosystems. Some of the best snorkeling spots are at Palm Beach, Shelly Beach, and Clifton Gardens.

Atlanta is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Sydney or Atlanta Better for Beaches?

Sydney is terrific for the beach. However, Atlanta is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Sydney are among the best in the world. There are more than 100 beaches near the city with everything from hidden coves to world famous destinations. Bondi Beach is the most famous beach in town and it has all of the tourist sights and activities that you could need. Surfers often head to Bronte Beach, which isn't too far away. Divers and snorkelers love Gordons Bay. Manly is also a nearby suburb with family-friendly beaches that can be reached by ferry.

Atlanta is not a beach destination.

Is Sydney or Atlanta Better for Hiking?

Sydney is a great city for hiking. However, Atlanta is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Sydney for the hiking trails. The city offers a number of coastal and inland trails that are easily accessible from town. There are short paths as well as multi-day routes not far and pass by stunning landscapes and viewpoints.

Atlanta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sydney or Atlanta?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Atlanta and Sydney.

Sydney is a world class destination for shoppers. There's a wonderful mix of shopping streets, modern malls, and boutique vendors who sell local fashions. For souvenirs or local art, go to The Rocks, which is not far from Sydney Opera House. The Queen Victoria Building and Strand Arcade are also popular shopping areas.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Atlanta. There are a number of great shopping districts around town. Atlantic Station is popular with a movie theater and ice skating. Buckhead has boutique and local vendors and Lenox Square has a large shopping mall.

Is Sydney or Atlanta Better for Families?

Sydney is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Sydney is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. The city has great beaches where kids can learn to surf, zoos and aquariums with local wildlife, and outdoor activities that take advantage of the city's waterfront location. There's everything from whale watching to visiting the Olympic Park, all of which will fascinate kids of all ages.

Atlanta is a very family-friendly place to visit. There is no shortage of playgrounds around town, but a highlight of any trip is a visit to the Georgia Aquarium. It's the largest aquarium in the United States and its home to whale sharks, hammerheads, dolphin shows, and more. It is so much more than just an aquarium, and it truly is a not to be missed experience. Also worth a visit are Zoo Atlanta, the Center of Puppetry Arts, Stone Mountain, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, and the Lego Discovery Center. If you have the chance to see the Atlanta Braves play, that's also a rewarding experience.

Is Sydney or Atlanta Better for Couples?

Sydney is terrific for couples. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Sydney has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It's a romantic city that's filled with iconic landmarks like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. There are also award winning restaurants and world class beaches. Wander around the botanical gardens or take a sailing cruise on the harbor. There is an endless supply of romantic activities to choose from.

Atlanta is a nice destination for couples. It's a big city, so there are a number of date night activities available such as orchestra concerts, theater shows, and fine dining. The city also has many outdoor areas like Lake Lanier and Piedmont Park. The Georgia Aquarium is world class, and there are other amazing museums around town as well.

Is Sydney or Atlanta Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sydney is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Sydney, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. It's popular for its adventure sports, active beaches, and vibrant nightlife. While it's not a particularly cheap city to visit, there are plenty of hostels around town and no shortage of backpackers to hang out with.

Atlanta is a good city to visit for backpackers. While it's usually overlooked by backpackers, there are actually a couple of hostels around town and a surprising number of activities worth experiencing. The city's large airport make it a convenient entry point for international travelers.

Is Sydney or Atlanta Better for Students?

Sydney is terrific for its student-friendly activities. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Sydney is a great destination for students. Students love the energy and plethora of outdoor activities in this beautiful city. Many international students come not only for the excellent universities but also for the diverse environment and many things to do.

Students come from all over to stay in Atlanta. There are a number of universities in town such as Emory, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, and Morehouse College. The city is sprawling, but it's also full of entertainment and activities that students will enjoy.

Is Sydney or Atlanta Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Sydney is terrific for times when you don't have a car. However, Atlanta is not known for its public transit.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Sydney can take you anywhere. There are a variety of types of public transit in town including buses, trains, ferries and light rail.

Public transit is generally limited in Atlanta. For such a large city, the public transportation system is very limited. MARTA is the main transit authority and there are a few subway lines that cross the city as well as bus routes running around town.

Is Sydney or Atlanta a more walkable city?

Sydney is a great city for its ease of walking around. Also, Atlanta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Sydney is a very walkable destination. The city center and nearby suburbs are relatively easy to walk around. On the western side of the city, the suburbs are much less walkable.

Atlanta is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are walkable, but most of the sights are spread out and require a car to access. Within neighborhoods, there are a few places that are more pedestrian-friendly such as Downtown, Midtown, Virginia Highlands, and Buckhead.

For even more information, also check out Is Sydney Worth Visiting? and Is Atlanta Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Atlanta or Sydney?

How long in Sydney or Atlanta?

It's fun to spend time in either Sydney or Atlanta. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Sydney due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Sydney, and 2-4 days is enough time in Atlanta.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sydney than Atlanta 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 Sydney.

One day in Sydney or Atlanta?

Because Sydney is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the big city destination of Atlanta. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Sydney or Atlanta?

Because Sydney is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Atlanta 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.

Five days in Sydney or Atlanta?

Sydney is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Sydney has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Atlanta. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Sydney or Atlanta?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sydney. Because Sydney is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the sprawling big city of Atlanta. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Australia, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Australia, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Sydney or Atlanta?

Sydney has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Atlanta. When comparing the sizes of Sydney and Atlanta, 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 Sydney or Atlanta?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Sydney is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Atlanta has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Sydney or Atlanta in the Summer?

Both Atlanta and Sydney during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Sydney because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Atlanta this time of year.

Sydney is cooler than Atlanta in the summer. The daily temperature in Sydney averages around 23°C (73°F) in January, and Atlanta fluctuates around 82°F (28°C)in July.

In Atlanta, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Sydney. In the summer, Sydney often gets less sunshine than Atlantain July. Sydney gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atlanta receives 271 hours of full sun.

Atlanta gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Sydney. Sydney usually gets less rain in January than Atlantain July. Sydney gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Atlanta receives 5.2 inches (133 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sydney or Atlanta in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Sydney and Atlanta. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Sydney this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Atlanta for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Sydney is around the same temperature as Atlanta. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sydney in April average around 19°C (65°F), and Atlanta averages at about 66°F (19°C)in October.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Atlanta this time of the year. Sydney usually receives less sunshine than Atlanta during autumn. Sydney gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Atlanta receives 222 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Sydney gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Sydney usually receives more rain than Atlantain October. Sydney gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Atlanta receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Sydney or Atlanta in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Sydney as well as Atlanta. Many travelers come to Sydney for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Atlanta in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In July, Sydney is generally much warmer than Atlantain January. Daily temperatures in Sydney average around 12°C (53°F), and Atlanta fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sydney this time of the year. In the winter, Sydney often gets more sunshine than Atlantain January. Sydney gets 208 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atlanta receives 164 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Atlanta. Sydney usually gets less rain in July than Atlantain January. Sydney gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Atlanta receives 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sydney or Atlanta in the Spring?

Both Atlanta and Sydney are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Sydney in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Atlanta for the activities around the city during these months.

Sydney is around the same temperature as Atlanta in the spring. The daily temperature in Sydney averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Atlanta fluctuates around 65°F (18°C)in April.

It's quite sunny in Atlanta. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sydney. Sydney usually receives less sunshine than Atlanta during spring. Sydney gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Atlanta receives 262 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Atlanta. In October, Sydney usually receives less rain than Atlantain April. Sydney gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Atlanta receives 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Atlanta and Sydney