A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tokyo vs. Paris for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Music

Should you visit Tokyo or Paris?

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

Should I visit Tokyo or Paris? 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.

Tokyo

Tokyo is a vibrant, iconic, and eclectic 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 food, shopping, and museums.

Paris

Paris is a iconic, bustling, and energetic city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music.

Tokyo and Paris: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tokyo or Paris?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Paris than Tokyo. While Tokyo is larger than Paris, Paris has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Paris is more touristy than Tokyo and is known for its world-renowned cuisine, iconic landmarks, trendsetting fashion, and dynamic markets. Also, Paris is famous for The Eiffel Tower. Tokyo is well known for its ultramodern skyscrapers, neon lights, historic temples, lively karaoke bars, and peaceful parks.

The Eiffel Tower

How is Tokyo different from Paris?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Tokyo or Paris?

You'll find a number of first-rate museums and attractions in both Paris and Tokyo.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Tokyo has many famous sights for visitors. This iconic city is filled with recognizable landmarks and world class museums including the Meiji Shrine, the Sensō-ji Temple, and the Tokyo Skytree.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Paris that are not to be missed. One of the most world famous landmarks is the Eiffel Tower. The city is also home to the world renowned Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Palais Garnier Opera House. In addition to the many iconic sights, there are beautiful buildings and hidden gems throughout the city.

Is Tokyo or Paris Better for Theater?

Paris is renowned for its shows and theatre. However, Tokyo is not a theatre destination.

The theater and performance venues in Paris draw crowds from around the world. There are world class theaters as well as smaller local venues where you can enjoy a show.

Tokyo is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Tokyo or Paris? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at first-rate restaurants in both Tokyo and Paris.

For foodies, Tokyo is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. With an astonishing number of Michelin star restaurants, this is one of the most interesting and impressive food destinations in the world. Not all restaurants are high end though. You'll find plenty of cheap eateries that offer their own rewarding culinary experience. Must try local dishes include okonomiyaki, ramen, and of course, sushi.

Paris has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. There are countless local restaurants, markets, and patisseries to explore. Make sure you try the steak tartare, pate, and macarons.

Is Tokyo or Paris Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is first-rate in both Tokyo and Paris.

Tokyo is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The professional urgency that you feel during the day morphs into a vibrant, laid back city at night. The neon lights turn on and locals head out to destress. There are karaoke bars, casual pubs, high energy nightclubs, and more. Popular areas for nightlife include Roppongi, Shibuya and Shinjuku.

Paris has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. Head to Pigalle or the Latin Quarter for some of the city's best nightlife. There are all-night parties, cabarets, and exclusive night clubs that you can experience.

Is Tokyo or Paris Better for Music?

Tokyo and Paris are both destinations where visitors can find first-rate live music.

Tokyo has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The music scene features both national and international artists and the music style is as eclectic as the city itself. You'll find many underground venues, vintage record stores, and local bars that have each created their own niche.

Paris is a world class music destination. Some of the most famous music venues include Le Pop In, La Mécanique Ondulatoire, and Les Disquaires. You'll also find many small bars where you can enjoy live music in a quaint setting.

Is the Shopping Better in Tokyo or Paris?

If you're looking to go shopping, Tokyo and Paris both offer plenty of first-rate spots.

Many people travel to Tokyo specifically to go shopping. The city is known for its electronics, anime products, and trendy fashion brands. Many neighborhoods are also shopping districts with malls or markets throughout. Prices can be steep, but products are generally high quality. For some of the city's best shopping, head to Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Ginza.

Paris is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Some of the best areas for shopping are Boulevard Haussmann and the Grands Boulevards, the Marais, and Avenue Montaigne and the Champs-Elysées. The city is iconic for its fashion scene and world class shopping venues.

Is Tokyo or Paris Better for Christmas?

Paris is renowned for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Tokyo does not offer Christmas activities.

With so many activities, Paris is a top place to visit during Christmas. The city of lights really proves itself around the holiday season. In addition to checking out the Christmas lights, it's fun to go window shopping or check out one of the city's Christmas markets.

Tokyo does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Tokyo or Paris Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Tokyo or Paris.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Tokyo is a very family-friendly destination. This is an incredibly kid-friendly city. There's Disneyland, but there are also many other entertainment centers, amusement areas, a zoo, aquarium, and more. Kids will also enjoy experiencing the city's fascinating culture. They can visit temples, museums, and the Tokyo Tower. Another fun local experience is to go to a baseball game.

Paris is one of the most popular family destinations. Check out Jardin du Luxembourg, or one of the city's many playgrounds. Also grab a treat at one of the city's many patisseries. And of course, there's Disneyland Paris.

Is Tokyo or Paris Better for Couples?

Paris is renowned for couples. Also, Tokyo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Paris makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. A city filled with romance, you really can't find a more ideal destination for a European honeymoon or a couple's getaway.

Tokyo is a very popular place to visit for couples. This high tech city offers luxury hotels and spas, award winning restaurants, and unique date night opportunities like karaoke or sushi making classes. The city has many parks and gardens as well as malls, dynamic neighborhoods, and interesting museums.

Is Tokyo or Paris Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paris is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Tokyo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Paris, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. It's a big city, so it's easy to get lost in the chaos, but there are many hostels and other backpacker hangouts around town.

Tokyo is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Known for it's high prices, it can be a bit difficult to visit this city on a budget. There are dorm rooms available but they still come with a high price tag. Food is a bit easier as the eateries are diverse with many options on the cheaper side.

Is Tokyo or Paris Better for Students?

For students, both Tokyo and Paris are first-rate places to visit.

Many students frequent Tokyo. The city attracts many international students and there are a number of prestigious universities to choose from. Perhaps the biggest challenge is navigating the language difference, but that is all part of the experience when studying abroad.

Students come from all over the world to visit Paris. The city is one of the most popular destinations for international and study abroad students.

Is Tokyo or Paris Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Tokyo and Paris both offer first-rate public transit to get you around.

Tokyo has a great public transit system. Trains, subways, and buses make up the complex transportation system and, while it may seem overwhelming at first, the system is actually very clean, efficient, and reliable.

Public transit in Paris is top-notch. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.

Is Tokyo or Paris a more walkable city?

Tokyo is terrific for its walkability. Also, Paris is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

Tokyo is a very easy city to get around on foot. Many neighborhoods are very easy to explore on foot, so it's fun to just wander without a plan, seeing where you end up.

Paris is a very walkable city. Some streets can feel a bit overwhelming, but there are many parts of the city that are easily explored on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Tokyo Worth Visiting? and Is Paris Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Paris or Tokyo?

How long in Tokyo or Paris?

Both Tokyo and Paris have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Paris has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Paris than Tokyo. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Paris than Tokyo 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 Paris.

One day in Tokyo or Paris?

Each neighborhood in Tokyo has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Paris, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this iconic big city offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Tokyo or Paris?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tokyo. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Paris. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Tokyo or Paris?

Tokyo is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Tokyo has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Paris is a fun place to experience. In Paris, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this big city destination offers. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Tokyo or Paris?

Each neighborhood in Tokyo has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

In Paris, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this bustling big city offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan, The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan, The Best Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Tokyo or Paris?

Tokyo has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Paris. When comparing the sizes of Tokyo and Paris, 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 Tokyo or Paris?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Tokyo or Paris in the Summer?

Both Paris and Tokyo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Tokyo because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Paris this time of year.

In the summer, Tokyo is a little warmer than Paris. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tokyo in July average around 26°C (78°F), and Paris averages at about 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Paris. Tokyo usually receives less sunshine than Paris during summer. Tokyo gets 137 hours of sunny skies, while Paris receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Tokyo. In July, Tokyo usually receives more rain than Paris. Tokyo gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Paris receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tokyo or Paris in the Autumn?

Both Paris and Tokyo during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Tokyo this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Paris for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Tokyo is generally a little warmer than Paris. Daily temperatures in Tokyo average around 18°C (64°F), and Paris fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Tokyo often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Paris. Tokyo gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Paris receives 127 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tokyo. Tokyo usually gets more rain in October than Paris. Tokyo gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Paris receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tokyo or Paris in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tokyo and Paris. Many travelers come to Tokyo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Paris in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Paris can get quite cold in the winter. Tokyo is a little warmer than Paris in the winter. The daily temperature in Tokyo averages around 5°C (42°F) in January, and Paris fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Tokyo usually receives more sunshine than Paris during winter. Tokyo gets 175 hours of sunny skies, while Paris receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tokyo usually receives less rain than Paris. Tokyo gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Paris receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tokyo or Paris in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tokyo as well as Paris. Many visitors come to Tokyo in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Paris for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Tokyo is a little warmer than Paris. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tokyo in April average around 14°C (58°F), and Paris averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Tokyo often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Paris. Tokyo gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Paris receives 172 hours of full sun.

Tokyo receives a lot of rain in the spring. Tokyo usually gets more rain in April than Paris. Tokyo gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Paris receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Paris and Tokyo